EAU CLAIRE, Wis. - A group of future service dogs from Can Do Canines visited Maple Harvest Apple Orchard for a socialization outing on Saturday. This event was designed to help the dogs transition into everyday life with their future handlers by exposing them to crowds, children, and various smells.
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Can Do Canines, a nonprofit organization based in New Hope, Minnesota, breeds and trains assistance dogs for individuals with disabilities, offering them free of charge. The organization prepares dogs for people with mobility challenges, hearing loss, seizure disorders, Type 1 diabetes, and childhood autism. Although foundational skills are taught in structured environments, including correctional facilities, public outings are crucial for acclimating dogs to unpredictable settings.
Erin Whitfield, a local pack leader for Can Do Canines in Wisconsin, noted that training in correctional facilities is beneficial, but dogs need exposure to public interactions. “An apple orchard is fantastic because who doesn’t love going to an apple orchard, especially in the fall?” she said.
During the outing, five volunteers guided dogs of various ages, including Joey, a 5½-month-old puppy, through the orchard grounds. The event also aligned with the orchard’s focus on accessibility. Meghan Dorn, the orchard owner, designed features for visitors with mobility limitations, such as wide entrance ramps and ADA-accessible picking decks, allowing those in wheelchairs to harvest apples.
Dorn expressed the importance of inclusivity at the orchard, stating, “This is possibly my favorite day of the year because the dogs are just so amazing.” She highlighted the rewarding experience of seeing visitors who have never picked an apple before.
Can Do Canines depends on volunteers for various roles, including puppy raising and event assistance. More information about volunteer opportunities or applying for an assistance dog can be found at CanDoCanines.org.