Service dogs providing comfort, companionship to Minnesota veterans
U.S. Army National Guard Veteran Levi Anderson-Knutson doesn't go far without his black lab, Judy. She's his constant companion and trained service dog through America's Vet Dogs.
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U.S. Army National Guard Veteran Levi Anderson-Knutson doesn't go far without his black lab, Judy. She's his constant companion and trained service dog through America's Vet Dogs.
In Minnesota, 3M is helping raise the next generation of service dogs through a partnership with America's Vet Dogs.
Can Do Canines announced a new celebrity partnership Wednesday and showed off their latest certified team.
The nonprofit on Monday announced the Hortman Heroes Fund.
There is a new way to honor the legacy of the fallen Minnesota house speaker, her husband, and their beloved dog. After learning how Melissa and Mark Hortman adopted Gilbert from a group that trains service dogs, donations poured in. Photojournalist Nick Lunemann and Jeff Wagner share how that's changing the lives of those with PTSD.
Since the spring, Helping Paws volunteers have been bringing dogs to the Twin Cities senior care homes once a month.
Helping Paws has been in the spotlight since a moment of tragedy. Late House Speaker Emerita Melissa Hortman fostered for the nonprofit. Volunteering to train these dogs to work with people with disabilities and Veterans with PTSD. New this year, Helping Paws began a partnership with English Rose senior homes. As WCCO's Marielle Mohs shows us, it goes beyond therapy - it's a mutually beneficial relationship.
A dog named Nova is suiting up for a very special purpose: keeping a close eye on her human, University of Minnesota medical student Wesley Flint.
A sign outside the main gate of the Minnesota Correctional Facility in Faribault warns of security dogs, but a special litter of Labrador puppies inside the fences that are providing inmates with a different kind of personal safety.
Some prisons in Wisconsin and Minnesota are welcoming some new Labrador puppies. As Jonah Kaplan reports, the dogs are there to help with a different kind of personal security.
The veterinarian who worked on the Hortmans' dog recalls those moments he was first rushed to the emergency vet.
The Hortmans ended up keeping the last dog they trained, Gilbert, after he flunked out because he was too friendly.
Melissa and Mark Hortman served their community in many ways, including training dogs to be service animals for people in need.
Melissa and Mark Hortman served their community in many ways, including training dogs to be service animals for people in need. WCCO's Marielle Mohs spoke with the volunteer group and a veteran who has benefited from their efforts.
The Minnesota Legislature finalized the next two-year state budget and wrapped up all of its work on Monday in a short special session, after lawmakers failed to make the deadline last month and were forced into overtime.
Gov. Tim Walz Thursday morning signed a bill granting trainers of service dogs the same housing protections as people who rely on the animals to navigate daily life.
Duke, a 2-year-old lab, is a critical incident response dog with the Burnsville Police Department, specially trained to detect cortisol — a stress hormone — in people.
We know dogs can sense our emotions, but did you know they can actually smell it, too? Kirsten Mitchell introduces us to Duke, a first-of-his-kind K-9 in Minnesota, who’s is helping sniff out stress.
A new puppy enrichment center in Eden Prairie is like a preschool for puppies. Designed to promote healthy development, this new facility aims to specifically prepare dogs who hope to one day become service animals. WCCO's Reg Chapman and Adam Del Rosso stopped by to visit some furry friends.
A Minneapolis family fundraising to train an Alert Seizure Dog for toddler reached their goal of $25,000.
Several service dogs went through an intense 12 weeks of training, and are now ready to work in the city of Minneapolis.
It can take two to three years to be paired with a service dog, and Helping Paws is always in need of donations and volunteers to be service dog trainers.
On this Veteran's Day weekend, local nonprofit Helping Paws says it's seeing a growing need for their invaluable support for our service members who struggle with PTSD after they come home.
Shayla Reaves talks with trainer Mike Boehmer and Riley from The Spot in Greenfield, where dog trainers are making sure service dogs are ready for their new important roles.
Barron County announced Thursday that long-standing K-9 service dog, Koda, is retiring.
Cass Lake, Minnesota, officials are investigating after a fire damaged a business on Thursday night.
Saturday will start cool but will warm up throughout the day with the high temperatures hitting in the low to mid 50s.
Loved ones of a 22-year-old University of St. Thomas student killed in a hit-and-run crash in Minneapolis on Sunday said she was known for her kindness, faith and deep love for her family.
The NBA fined Timberwolves big man Naz Reid $50,000 "for questioning the integrity of game officials" in Minnesota's 110-108 victory over the Houston Rockets 110-108 on Wednesday.
A federal judge says Minnesota public universities can keep offering in-state tuition and some scholarships to certain students without legal status.
Saturday will start cool but will warm up throughout the day with the high temperatures hitting in the low to mid 50s.
Loved ones of a 22-year-old University of St. Thomas student killed in a hit-and-run crash in Minneapolis on Sunday said she was known for her kindness, faith and deep love for her family.
A Bloomington, Minnesota, man accused of giving a 15-year-old girl alcohol and having sex with her after meeting her on Snapchat is charged with two counts of criminal sexual conduct, court records filed Wednesday said.
This winter has been especially hard for gas station owners. One Minnesota woman who owns five stations is trying to help commuters by selling gas almost at cost.
A man who pleaded guilty to manslaughter in the shooting death of a teenage girl in Brooklyn Park, Minnesota, was given a sentence of just over 10 years on Thursday, according to court documents.
Cass Lake, Minnesota, officials are investigating after a fire damaged a business on Thursday night.
Saturday will start cool but will warm up throughout the day with the high temperatures hitting in the low to mid 50s.
A young lion cub is now back with his family in Minnesota after being separated for nearly two years.
A DFL senator argues that President Donald Trump's decision to allow prediction market sites in all 50 states means Minnesota should regulate sports betting rather than leave it uncontrolled.
A former teacher at Shattuck St. Mary's in Faribault, Minnesota, is charged with criminal sexual conduct after allegedly sexually assaulting a 14-year-old boy he met on a dating app.
Wisconsin lawmakers are taking a shot at expanding sports betting in the state.
A Wisconsin legislator has pleaded no contest to a misdemeanor count of disorderly conduct in connection with a bitter feud with her caucus over resolutions honoring Hispanics.
As the war in Iran evolves, National Guardsmen from Wisconsin are being recognized for what they are doing in the Middle East.
It's the season for booking those spring break getaways, and if you're looking to skip the airport this year, take a page out of the Condé Nast Traveler.
A judge has sentenced a Wisconsin man who forged threats against President Donald Trump as part of a deportation scheme to 16½ years in prison.
Mackenzie Reed, head custodian at Shakopee East Middle School, has painted large-scale murals throughout the building she once attended as a student, creating a more welcoming space for current students.
Kristi comes to the Salvation Army not only to get food, but to shine her light. She talks with and encourages people waiting in line.
The way Mary Hernandez describes it, the effort to keep families off the street in Shakopee, Minnesota, is like trying to keep your head above water.
Deputy Fire Marshal Shawn Johnson, 61, died March 5 after a two-year battle with job-related cancer, the Minnetonka Fire Department announced.
The Minnesota Department of Corrections says 95% of all incarcerated individuals will eventually be released from prison. The DOC says it does all it can to help people transition back into the community as productive citizens.
Ten U.S. service members were injured in an attack on Prince Sultan Air Base in Saudi Arabia, according to multiple U.S. officials.
Republican Minnesota Rep. Elliott Engen spent Friday morning in jail after being booked on suspicion of driving drunk in White Bear Lake, according to police. Engen says he's sorry for his actions. Caroline Cummings reports from the State Capitol.
Organizers expect more than 100,000 people to flood St. Paul, Minnesota, on Saturday for the No Kings rally — an all-hands-on deck situation for law enforcement and public transit officials.
Delta Air Lines is currently at the center of a growing debate over immigration enforcement.
Vice President JD Vance hosted the first meeting of the Task Force to eliminate fraud Friday morning at the White House.
A DFL senator argues that President Donald Trump's decision to allow prediction market sites in all 50 states means Minnesota should regulate sports betting rather than leave it uncontrolled.
Minnesota lawmakers and grocery store workers are joining forces to push for legislation to tackle surveillance pricing.
The U.S. Department of Homeland Security says more than 3,200 officers with the Transportation Safety Administration missed work on Monday. More than 450 have quit altogether since the government shutdown began.
Minnesota's recent swing from heavy snow to record heat is a recipe for rocky roads.
If you have a newer car, you may be in for some sticker shock when you renew your Minnesota license tabs. That's because the formula for calculating license tab fees has changed because of a 2023 bill.
Loved ones of a 22-year-old University of St. Thomas student killed in a hit-and-run crash in Minneapolis on Sunday said she was known for her kindness, faith and deep love for her family.
A Bloomington, Minnesota, man accused of giving a 15-year-old girl alcohol and having sex with her after meeting her on Snapchat is charged with two counts of criminal sexual conduct, court records filed Wednesday said.
A man who pleaded guilty to manslaughter in the shooting death of a teenage girl in Brooklyn Park, Minnesota, was given a sentence of just over 10 years on Thursday, according to court documents.
A Gustavus Adolphus College professor is facing two charges after being accused of stealing two gun triggers and several boxes of ammunition from Scheels in Eden Prairie, Minnesota, according to court documents.
State GOP Rep. Elliott Engen, who represents Lino Lakes, Minnesota, and is running for State Auditor, was arrested early Friday morning for suspicion of driving while impaired.
The produce section at grocery stores is packed with nutrient-dense foods. Certain fruits and vegetables, in particular, are packed with fiber, and a new diet trend has people "maxxing" out on it.
Deputy Fire Marshal Shawn Johnson, 61, died March 5 after a two-year battle with job-related cancer, the Minnetonka Fire Department announced.
Sacramento-based Sutter Health announced plans to acquire Minneapolis-based Allina Health, promising a $2 billion investment in Minnesota and Wisconsin, but healthcare unions say workers weren't consulted.
Hennepin County lawmakers plan to urge state legislators Wednesday morning to save Hennepin Healthcare, the state's busiest Level 1 trauma center, which officials say could close this year without immediate action.
Hennepin County lawmakers plan to urge state legislators Wednesday morning to save Hennepin Healthcare, the state's busiest Level 1 trauma center, which officials say could close this year without immediate action.
The price hike raises the cost of the standard plan with ads by $1 per month and the cost of the standard and premium plans by $2.
Three of the most iconic '90s music groups are joining forces at this year's Minnesota State Fair.
Afroman spoke to CBS News after he won the case, which tested the limits of parody and the license artists can take in social commentary directed at public figures.
Spring break does not have to mean big travel plans or big spending for families who head to the Walker Art Center in Minneapolis, where a new exhibit invites children to climb, crawl and create as part of the art experience.
Comedian Bert Kreischer is without a tour bus after his caught fire in Minnesota.
The NBA fined Timberwolves big man Naz Reid $50,000 "for questioning the integrity of game officials" in Minnesota's 110-108 victory over the Houston Rockets 110-108 on Wednesday.
Kiki Rice scored 21 points and Lauren Betts added 16 to help No. 1 seed UCLA beat fourth-seeded Minnesota 80-56 in the Sweet 16 of the women's NCAA Tournament.
Nate Heise is normally the first guy off the bench, but the product of Lake City, Minnesota, rose to the occasion, making a bigger impact as the Cyclones advanced to Friday's Sweet 16 game versus Tennessee.
Joel Eriksson Ek scored the winning goal with 4.4 seconds left to lift the Minnesota Wild past the Florida Panthers 3-2.
Trevor Rogers pitched seven shutout innings and Colton Cowser and Blaze Alexander had seventh-inning RBIs to give the Baltimore Orioles a 2-1 win over the Minnesota Twins on opening day Thursday.
A DFL senator argues that President Donald Trump's decision to allow prediction market sites in all 50 states means Minnesota should regulate sports betting rather than leave it uncontrolled.
A DFL senator argues that President Donald Trump's decision to allow prediction market sites in all 50 states means Minnesota should regulate sports betting rather than leave it uncontrolled.
Young mothers working as Minnesota state senators are trying to change a system that was never designed to include them, saying their workplace is not allowing them time and space to breastfeed their infants.
Unlike the Minnesota House, which does allow children on the House floor, the Minnesota Senate bars children from being on the floor.
President Donald Trump has called the bill his number one priority and says it would prevent non-citizens from voting in the 2026 midterm elections.
Opening Day for the Minnesota Twins is almost here. And across town, the St. Paul Saints are getting ready for their season, too, with some added history.
The Nuss Collection is home to a lot of vintage trucks.
Denis Doyle was born in Kilkenny, Ireland. He emigrated to the U.S. and in 1856, Doyle traveled to Le Sueur County. Other Irish immigrants joined Doyle and the town was born.
One of the oldest operating theaters in the Midwest is in danger of closing its doors for good.
In St. Louis Park, Minnesota, there's a place where you can find radio and television technology that's nearly a century old — and it still works.
The produce section at grocery stores is packed with nutrient-dense foods. Certain fruits and vegetables, in particular, are packed with fiber, and a new diet trend has people "maxxing" out on it.
Minnesota's recent swing from heavy snow to record heat is a recipe for rocky roads.
Heavy snow followed by bitter cold hit Minnesotans with a double whammy of winter. The good news is spring-like weather is right around the corner, but its quick arrival could spell trouble for homeowners.
Minnesota lakes remain frozen. The people walking on trails around them remain bundled up. After a warm start to March, the seasonal shift is sputtering as it often tends to do.
Drivers are bracing themselves for higher prices when they pull up to gas stations. But the pump isn't the only place you can expect to pay more in the weeks ahead.
A look back at the esteemed personalities who've left us this year, who'd touched us with their innovation, creativity and humanity.
Minnesotans got a great view of the northern lights Tuesday night.
A look at the newest addition to the polar bear population at St. Paul, Minnesota's Como Zoo.
From food shelves to school programs, our team is proud to serve where it matters most.
The Minnesota State Fair has unveiled its new food, drinks and vendors for 2025.
Saturday will start cool but will warm up throughout the day with the high temperatures hitting in the low to mid 50s.
In Minnesota, weather can be all over the place. Here at WCCO, we want to give you what you need to prepare for what's happening next.
Chris Shaffer shares our future forecast, including just how nice the weekend is going to be.
NEXT Weather meteorologist Chris Shaffer says conditions will be windy and dry in a large portion of Minnesota on Saturday, which will lead to a sharp rise in fire danger across the state.
Windy conditions across much of Minnesota on Saturday has prompted the National Weather Service to issue a red flag warning, according to NEXT Weather meteorologist Chris Shaffer.
Minnesota's International Festival is coming up. Attendees can experience food and culture from around the globe.
Want to try some 19th-century candies? Your Sweet Spot will have them available at the Pond House on Saturday.
Spring break is here for many and the Mall of America has a creative way for families to spend the school holiday. Slime Break! WCCO's Adam Del Rosso and Reg Chapman went to check it out.
WCCO's Reg Chapman updates on the latest news of the day.
She has never played on a basketball team, but this winter she was part of a basketball team. Allie Marsh is 16 years old, lives in Mora and has cerebral palsy. As Mike Max reports, she spent time with the University of Minnesota women’s basketball squad thanks to an organization called Team IMPACT.