Canas suffers from a rare genetic disease called Friedreich’s Ataxia also known as spinocerebellar degeneration. This disease causes difficulty walking, a loss of sensation in the arms and legs, and impaired speech

“For as long as I remember I always ran weird,” Canas stated, “It wasn’t until 2017 when I got the flu and couldn’t walk that I realized something was up.”

According to heathline, Friedreich’s Ataxia affects approximately 1 and 40,000 people. Although there is no cure for this genetic disease, there are several treatments available one being assisted by a service dog.

Canas’ four legged friend Dakota is a two year old black lab hailing from Pennsylvania. She helps Canas to walk and pick up objects.

“I received Dakota from a breeder in Pennsylvania when she was just a pup,” Canas stated.” There were three dogs that were capable of being service dogs but we got lucky enough to get Dakota.”

Getting Dakota was the easy part but training her was a whole different story. Even though Dakota is meaning to be a service dog, it takes time for one to learn all the necessary skills. Canas decided to teach Dakota all the basic obedient commands and was successfully with that. However, she knew that it was going to be hard teaching a young eager pup to be a service dog.

“In November of 2018 we got a trainer to teach Dakota how to exactly be a service dog. They took her away for three weeks and taught her all the skills she would need to help me.”

After the three weeks of training Canas received her dog back and the two got situated with each other. Now the next step would be getting back to school but this time with a dog.

When Canas arrived back at school her junior year many were eager to see her four legged friend Dakota. However, not everyone is happy to have the dog simply because of their allergies. Luckily the staff at Colonia High School were able to make arrangements for the pair. This allows all parties to receive the best education they can.

Although Canas has her dog by her side her day is just like anyone else.

“I wake up to Dakota licking my face then I let her out and get ready for school,” Canas says. “My day is normal like everyone else except I take my dog to school with me.”

Just like any student at Colonia High School, Canas has all four blocks and learns the same way as any other student. Each day at 8:30 Canas heads down to the nurse for a checkup but makes a quick pit stop to the school’s courtyard.

“Each day before I head down to the nurse and at lunch I let Dakota out to use the bathroom,” Canas stated. “If it is nice out that day we will play and quick game of ball then head back to class for the remainder of the block.”

Although Canas is a regular student she sometimes doesn’t feel like it. On many occasions people have stared, tried to pet, and even petted her dog without her permission.

“A lot of times people have came up to me and asked to pet my dog. My response every time is would you want to pet a wheelchair?”

During school, Dakota is Canas personal assistant, but outside of school the two are best friends. The two play games with each other and throw the ball around. The saying “dogs are a man’s best friend” fits these two perfectly.

Overall Canas wants people to know that although Dakota is tempting to touch, you should not pet her.

“I get that it’s hard to see and dog and want to pet it, but please do not pet Dakota unless I give you permission.”