Ben Madilynn
EAU CLAIRE, Wis. (WEAU) – Canines and an orchard, a mix not many are used to seeing.
Can Do Canines brought their special fur friends to Leffel Roots Apple Orchard, despite animals typically not allowed on the grounds because of agricultural regulations. Service dogs are the exception.
Erin Whitfield, a volunteer and pack leader with Can Do Canines, explained why this is important if people are concerned with dogs on the grounds.
“A lot of places think oh if we’re a food service we can’t have dogs in, and that is true. But with service dogs it’s a little different. It’s people realizing what service dogs do, and when they see us out they realize oh, don’t touch the dogs they’re working. They’re not just pet dogs.” Whitfield said.
The non-profit organization brought seven volunteers and six dogs to keep them company, and show off their trained skills.
McKenzie Ryan, a volunteer with Can do Canines, says what the dogs help people with.
“This really is going to provide service dogs for people with mobility, hearing, autism, diabetes and seizure assistance. And they’re just really trying to provide dogs to help people live more independent successful lives.” Ryan said.
Ryan also says events like this are beneficial to the Eau Claire community.
“I think it’s good to spread the word to people, one about service dogs and what they do and their purpose and then also like just making it more aware now that we’re seeing more service animals coming about.” Ryan said.
Can Do Canines hopes to continue outreaches like this in the future. Educating people about service animals as much as they can.
“We can help in just a little way by doing a bigger event like this, you know and getting people to understand that’s really a good step.” Whitfield said.
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