Waking up early on a Saturday morning is not really my thing but it is something that I have to do to be on time. Getting to the Eagan Community Center and seeing all my fellow ambassadors shining faces makes the start to my day brighter. As I stepped out of the car the wind immediately hit me. After a quick chit chat we are on our way. When we arrive at the Can Do Canine’s building we are greeted with a very warm welcome. Most of us are assigned to help with parking duty. Sarah is assigned to greet the guests. Not even five minutes into directing the cars for parking, we are freezing, especially me because I was wearing my capris. Car after car, the parking lots quickly filled. The graduation was about to start so we all headed in to take our seats. A very nice gentleman from Can Do Canines brought us all some hot cocoa. As the graduation ceremony begins, the stories of each of the people receiving each Can Do Canine were being told. I was so touched by each person’s story and realized how these people would benefit so much by being given this new dog. All these people need is a little help and love from one dog. It is just truly amazing to see how these dogs can sense their new owner’s health issues and help them with their daily lives. I wish I could put all of my feelings into words! After the graduation ceremony was over we all went to have some cake and punch. At our table we met a man named David, or as he liked to be called Navy Davey. David was a handicapped man who could talk but not clearly. He used sign language to talk to us and Ashlyn (our fellow ambassador) was able to translate. While talking with David we all learned how to sign our own names. As I headed to bed last night I was truly thankful for all that I have, especially for my health and physical abilities. After witnessing the courage and determination of all the people that Can Do Canines helps, I prayed for all the people and dogs at the graduation ceremony and all the volunteers that helped train the dogs. Being a part of this special day and ceremony was definitely worth waking up early!
Karina Monson--Eagan Funfest Ambassador 2013-2014
