Honoring the Bond

Konrad Lorenz, a zoologist, is known for saying, "The bond with a dog is as lasting as the ties of this earth can ever be." Understanding the power of this bond, Can Do Canines held its second Honoring the Bond event last June.

Supporting Each Stage of the Client Journey

Honoring the Bond originated when program staff saw an opportunity to not only offer support to clients but also to honor their journey with their assistance dog. In December 2023, Can Do Canines piloted the concept with a small audience. Positive feedback from that encouraged staff to move forward with the broader one in June.

This open-house style event was open to all Can Do Canines graduates to support and honor the bond of each team whose assistance dog retired or passed away in the past year. All active teams were also invited to attend and give community support to their peers. Twenty-seven people attended the June event, as well as staff members and a few volunteers to help with food and activity stations. Stories were told, some tears were shed, and laughter over dog antics was shared.

Creating Connections of Care

A legacy slideshow ran on a loop, displaying retirees and the dogs who had passed. Even clients who couldn’t attend sent a picture of their assistance dog to ensure they were honored. Clients whose dogs had passed could celebrate their assistance dog partnership with a framed picture of their dog; they could choose from a choice of poems to add to the frame.

Can Do Canines client Sandra lost her assistance dog, Alea, to advanced age-related causes a year ago. Client Bob lost his assistance dog Sophia in May to a rare, acute-onset autoimmune disease. They connected and shared stories of their dogs, making Sandra and Bob feel a little less alone in their grief and giving them space to celebrate the impact their dogs had on their lives.

Additionally, there were stations for the assistance dogs in attendance to play games, and a paw stencil craft project was available.

Can Do Canines Executive Director, Jeff Johnson, said of the event: “This has been such a beautiful way to support our clients during a really challenging time for them. Having an extended community to surround you when you're struggling means a lot to people.” Can Do Canines hopes to continue offering this very special event in the future.

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Laurie Carlson has been with Can Do Canines for 25 years. During that time she has worn many hats in the organization including general administration, staff trainer, volunteer and event coordinator.

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