The Hazy Boy Open

Written By Ben Pien

A HUGE thank you for all those that came and contributed to the inaugural Hazy Boy Open on August 18th, 2025 at Troy Burne golf course! With the money raised from this successful event, the organization has been able to provide the finances necessary to support two causes that are very dear to our hearts. We were hoping to be able to choose one of the several worthy causes, and because of the generosity of our golfers, volunteers, dinner participants, and our hole sponsors, we were able to deliver on TWO!!!!

Here’s a little look at what we are doing, and more information and pictures will follow as things get underway for 2026.

(1) Providing THREE fully funded scholarships for the nurses on the Cardiovascular Critical Care floor with an all expenses paid training and conference supporting their continuing education with pediatric congenital heart defects.

(2) Lifting up, the CV’s FIRST EVER, Medical “Dog-Tor” Program, which provides critical, long-term support that keeps the program available and accessible to CV patients and their families.

A few things that your generosity stretches to support:

  • Continuing education for the dog selected and its handler

  • Supporting part of the handler’s salary

  • Veterinary costs (for routine check-ups, vaccinations, and any unexpected medical needs)

  • Supplies (replacing worn-out vests for the dog, leashes, toys, and other necessary equipment)

  • Pet food

  • Grooming fees

We are so GRATEFUL for the amazing support to be able to make these donations to Children’s Hospitals of Minnesota - Minneapolis Campus happen! Please stay tuned with what we events, contributions, and volunteer opportunities we will look to target in 2026! We will certainly be RUNNING IT BACK as we make our signature golf tournament an annual event with the date to be determined soon for Summer of 2026!

A quick update from 10/31/25…

  • Children’s Hospitals of MInnesota’s Minneapolis Campus submitted their application for the Dog-Tor program, and it was accepted!

  • They have matched with a dog for the Cardiovascular Floor!!!

  • Primary (Child Life Specialist) & Secondary (Chaplain) handlers for the dog have been identified

  • Can Do Canines will conduct a home visit to the primary hander’s home and a site visit to the hospital in Mid-November. This is to ensure that all spaces are ready and able to support a dog on a full-time basis

  • The handlers have started planning and developing patient and family-centered programming and interventions - building a plan for what this dog will do on a day-to-day basis to support the floor and its brave patients!

  • Can Do Canines has projected that they will like begin handler training in the early part of 2026

Stay Tuned for more.

Ben Pien