Sue’s Muse ~ 5.29.17

Graduation

Graduation has always been a time of celebration and hope for a bright future. This joyful atmosphere was no different at the graduation we attended on May 17, 2014, except for the fact that half of the recipients were dogs. Yes, we were attending Gilbert’s graduation at Can Do Canines in the aptly named town of New Hope. Gilbert and Lu were one of 17 teams to officially graduate as a service team.

Can Do Canines, a nonprofit agency, places assistance dogs with type I diabetics, those that need help with mobility, hearing, and seizures, and families with autistic children.

Everyone was dressed in their best finery for the occasion and Gilbert looked resplendent in a red and white polka dot tie and tiny red graduation cap.

After an introduction from Al Peters, the Executive Director of Can Do Canines, Mary Sue Kruger, the president of the board of directors, introduced each of the 17 teams that had passed all of their goals specific to the needs of each team. A large screen projected still pictures and a video of each assistance dog in action, achieving the tasks they had been trained to do. I have to admit to a few tears as assistance dogs showed moments of great friendship, helpful, and sometimes life-saving assistance. The most heart wrenching moments were the stories of two autistic children, and a little girl with cerebral palsy, who’s smile lit up the room. Their dogs provided security and peace of mind to their families. Family members told how their lives were changed for the better forever, and it was obvious the dogs had become best friends with the children. The dogs’ puppy raisers presented the dog to each person and the family, in the case of the children. It was touching, as they gave the dog away, after having formed a close friendship with the canine.

We enjoyed visiting afterwards with Jerry Shendler, Gilbert’s puppy raiser, and hearing stories of Gilbert’s training and intelligence. Jerry then presented us with Gilbert’s baby book, showing endearing pictures of Gilbert as a puppy. Gilbert greeted Jerry and later Dora, one of his trainers at Can Do Canines, excitedly.

There was a ribbon cutting ceremony for Can Do Canines’ new building, as well as a special celebration for their 25th anniversary. Can Do Canines’ impressive new facility was only surpassed by the dedication and friendliness of everyone in the organization. It was rewarding to meet some of the people responsible for raising and training Gilbert. Besides those in attendance, Gilbert was raised by the Inmate Handlers at the Minnesota Correctional Facility at Faribault. During the day, Gilbert showed off his excellent training by alerting Lu six different times, even though he was away from his usual schedule and environment.

At times Gilbert was enthusiastic about seeing old friends at Can Do Canines, yet as the day wore on he started to whine, a behavior totally uncharacteristic for him. Lu speculated that perhaps Gilbert thought we were going to leave him at Can Do Canines. It was a sign that Gilbert had made the transition to thinking of our home as his now, and Lu as his companion for the remainder of his life. Before leaving, we thanked everyone for the gift of Gilbert, not only as Lu’s helpmate and constant companion, but a very valued member of our family as well. Lu was glad we had made the trip to attend Gilbert’s graduation. It was a memorable event; a connection to those who had helped to shape Gilbert, as well as the people whose lives had been immeasurably improved by Can Do Canines’ mission.

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