Endeavor Crew Services Coordinator Missy Nervick volunteers to train and raise service dogs through Can Do Canines.

Endeavor Crew Services Coordinator Missy Nervick can often be spotted outside of work with her trusty sidekick – one with four legs, wagging tail and a deep sense of purpose.

Her sidekick is Pixie, a service dog-in-training with Can Do Canines. This nonprofit organization, located in New Hope, Minn., is dedicated to transforming the lives of people with disabilities through service dogs. They train dogs for five different disabilities – diabetic alert, seizure, autism, mobility and hearing.

While Missy’s role at Endeavor involves assisting and supporting crew members, her true passion has paws — with nine years of service.

“I used to drive by the Can Do Canines facility when we lived in Fargo and told my family that I’m going to volunteer there someday,’” Missy said. “Once we moved down to the Twin Cities, I started seeing dogs in the airport wearing Can Do Canines vests and hearing how they had completely changed people’s lives. That was it – I signed up.”

Over the past nine years, she has raised and trained seven litters for the program. This adds up to about 100 puppies, with some being born in her home. After that, they go into a program where they continue their early training.

Missy is quick to point out that Pixie isn’t her pet. Pixie attends training class two to three times a month, and when she has her Can Do Canines cape on in public, she knows she is on-the-job. Volunteers like Missy take dogs into public spaces — stores, restaurants, sporting events — to help them learn the environments they might be at with their future owner. But when she’s at home, she’s just a regular black lab.

In just six days, Pixie will begin advanced training at Can Do Canines to determine which type of assistance role suits her best.

Can Do Canines provides their service dogs at no cost to clients who need them, aside from an application fee. For the volunteers, the medical care, food, and equipment are fully covered by donations and Can Do Canines.

“When I’m out at Target or the mall, people come up to me and say, ‘My daughter has diabetes,’ or ‘My friend has autism,’ and they have no idea this kind of support exists — or that it’s free.”

As Pixie prepares to graduate from Missy’s home to her final training phase, it is a bittersweet time. But she’s a veteran at saying goodbye, and soon she will welcome another furry friend into her home to train.

“These dogs give people independence and dignity,” Missy says. “To play even a small part in that? It’s one of the most rewarding things I’ve ever done.”

For more information on how you can support or volunteer with Can Do Canines, visit www.candocanines.org.