Watch CBS News

'Helping Paws' Provides Paralyzed Athlete With Service Dog

MINNEAPOLIS (WCCO) -- Fifteen service dogs have new homes Saturday night thanks to an organization helping people live more independent lives.

WCCO has been following Tyler Olson's story since he was was paralyzed playing high school football eight years ago.

Shortly after the accident he was teamed up with a service dog, Charlie, to help him do things like pick things up and open doors.

But Charlie died in December from cancer.

Friday night, Olson got a new service dog, Brogan. He was one of 15 service dogs from Helping Paws to graduate Friday night.

The organization helps to train dogs to know 90 different cues over the course of two years.

"Helping Paws is needed. I encourage everybody that doesn't know about it to come and check it out and just get involved," Olson said. "It's an awesome way to give back to the community and help people like me get an angel."

As for Olson, after his accident in high school he went on to graduate from college. He now works full-time for a computer company close to his hometown in northern Iowa.

View CBS News In
CBS News App Open
Chrome Safari Continue
Be the first to know
Get browser notifications for breaking news, live events, and exclusive reporting.