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.
The Minnesota Timberwolves were missing five of their top seven players for most of their record-setting overtime rally to beat the Houston Rockets.
Thursday will be cooler in the Twin Cities with scattered showers early in the day.
Hayley Scamurra and Lina Ljungblom each scored their third goal of the season, Ann-Renée Desbiens earned her fifth shutout, and the Montréal Victoire beat the Minnesota Frost 3-0 to sweep the season series.
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.
A bill intended to stop predatory behavior in schools before it becomes a sexual assault is moving on in the Minnesota Senate.
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.
A bill intended to stop predatory behavior in schools before it becomes a sexual assault is moving on in the Minnesota Senate.
The Minnesota Senate on Wednesday approved a new rule allowing members' children to be on the chamber floor with them, which is a first in the institution's nearly 170-year history.
On Wednesday, Minnesota Wild and Frost in-game host Kirsten Krull returned to Grand Casino Arena for the first time, since the death of a friend, who may as well have been family.
Two popular Minneapolis bike trails — Kenilworth and North Cedar Lake — have reopened after being closed for seven years due to construction tied to the Metro Green Line Extension project, marking a major milestone for cyclists and commuters in the region.
The Minnesota Senate on Wednesday approved a new rule allowing members' children to be on the chamber floor with them, which is a first in the institution's nearly 170-year history.
A 45-year-old St. Paul man was convicted Wednesday of killing a man during an Isanti County, Minnesota, robbery that went wrong in December 2023.
Charges say law enforcement was called to St. Cloud State University after a student informed campus public safety that another student made threats to "shoot up a fraternity."
A 33-year-old man accused of shooting a woman in the chest last year pleaded guilty on Friday.
Officials in northern Minnesota say an eroding cemetery along Lake Superior is leaving human remains exposed near a major tourist destination.
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.
A bill intended to stop predatory behavior in schools before it becomes a sexual assault is moving on in the Minnesota Senate.
The Minnesota Senate on Wednesday approved a new rule allowing members' children to be on the chamber floor with them, which is a first in the institution's nearly 170-year history.
Minnesota has formally submitted a bid to host the NFL draft in 2028, organizers announced Wednesday.
History was made Wednesday at the Minnesota Capitol, where a new rule means children are now allowed on the Senate floor.
Minnesota lawmakers and grocery store workers are joining forces to push for legislation to tackle surveillance pricing.
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.
Gas prices have been rising in the weeks since the Iran war started and WCCO has been tracking them since President Trump took office again last year.
A 45-year-old St. Paul man was convicted Wednesday of killing a man during an Isanti County, Minnesota, robbery that went wrong in December 2023.
The mother of the man who orchestrated the 2022 killing of 23-year-old Zaria McKeever in Brooklyn Park, Minnesota, pleaded guilty on Wednesday.
Charges say law enforcement was called to St. Cloud State University after a student informed campus public safety that another student made threats to "shoot up a fraternity."
Proposed legislation to make grooming in schools a crime has passed another hurdle in the Minnesota House Tuesday.
The Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Apprehension has released evidence in connection to the deadly shooting of three Burnsville first responders in 2024, including footage from 12 different body cameras and thousands of photos.
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.
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 film follows CBS News correspondent Steve Hartman and photographer Lou Bopp through their seven-year journey to document the toll of America's school shooting epidemic.
The Minnesota Timberwolves were missing five of their top seven players for most of their record-setting overtime rally to beat the Houston Rockets.
Hayley Scamurra and Lina Ljungblom each scored their third goal of the season, Ann-Renée Desbiens earned her fifth shutout, and the Montréal Victoire beat the Minnesota Frost 3-0 to sweep the season series.
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.
On Wednesday, Minnesota Wild and Frost in-game host Kirsten Krull returned to Grand Casino Arena for the first time, since the death of a friend, who may as well have been family.
Olympic gold medalist Gable Steveson has signed with Real American Freestyle wrestling.
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.
Minnesota Secretary of State Steve Simon says non-citizen voting is extremely rare. He cited a University of St. Thomas study that found only three instances of non-citizens voting in Minnesota between 2014 and 2024.
The U.S. Senate has begun debate on a controversial elections bill that would require voters to show proof of citizenship with a birth certificate or passport. Minnesota Secretary of State Steve Simon says non-citizen voting is extremely rare. He cited a University of St. Thomas study that found only three instances of non-citizens voting in Minnesota between 2014 and 2024.
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.
Thursday will be cooler in the Twin Cities with scattered showers early in the day.
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.
Thursday will be cooler in the Twin Cities with early scattered showers, says NEXT Weather meteorologist Joseph Dames.
We start to cool down overnight. Thursday brings cooler weather and some precipitation. Friday will be in the 30s. Chief Meteorologist Chris Shaffer breaks down the next few days and when we start to warm again.
Wednesday had those summer-like feels, with temperatures hitting the upper 60s. A cold front overnight will make Thursday feel more like spring, with temperatures dropping down to the high 30s and low 40s for the lower part of the state and the teens for northern Minnesota. Chief meteorologist Chris Shaffer breaks all of that down and shares when we start to warm again.
Thursday will be cooler in the Twin Cities with early scattered showers, says NEXT Weather meteorologist Joseph Dames.
We start to cool down overnight. Thursday brings cooler weather and some precipitation. Friday will be in the 30s. Chief Meteorologist Chris Shaffer breaks down the next few days and when we start to warm again.
The St. Paul Saints are getting ready for their season, too, with some added history. John Wenzel gives his history lessons inside the City of Baseball Museum at CHS Field. It details the very first Saints team in the late 1800s, when Charles Comiskey was an owner.
A bill intended to stop predatory behavior in schools before it becomes a sexual assault is moving on in the Senate.
A 'No Kings' rally is expected to take place on Saturday. St. Paul Police are estimating over 100,000 people in attendance. Here's what they want you to know to stay prepared.