Released Dogs
Released dogs are dogs that are not suitable for our Assistance Dog Program, career change or VIP placements. These dogs do not have any public access or special skills training. They are young adult dogs of known history that we believe will usually make loving pets. Most of the dogs on our released dog list have medical or temperament issues.
Our released dog list is not chronological (not first-come, first-served) as we strive to match the personality, breed, etc of the dog to the preferences and strengths of the applicants. Therefore, the broader you are in your selections, the greater the likelihood that we will be able to find a dog for you. Because all PADS dogs are released for a reason that makes them unsuitable for training as an assistance dog, we will not consider applications where the "Reasons for Release" section is left blank or the applicant indicates they would prefer a dog without problems.
Requirements:
- An adult must be home during the day or the dog must be able to accompany you to work:
While in puppy-raising a PADS puppy is never left alone for more than 4 hours total in a day, therefore they are unaccustomed to spending long, regular periods of time away from their people. Because they are already making a huge adjustment moving from their puppy-raiser's home to a new home it is not fair to put the additional burden on them of also being alone most of the day. If an adult will not be home during the day we will not consider your application.
BREEDS
- Labrador Retrievers ("Labs") currently account for approximately 80% of our dogs in training (predominantly Black or Yellow Labs, with a few Chocolate Labs).
- We have a small number of Golden Retrievers in training (less than 20%).
- Our small breed dogs (potential hearing dogs) tend to vary widely in breed, but include Smooth Fox Terriers, Shetland Sheepdogs ("Shelties") and Schipperkes, as well as various mixed-breed dogs.
THE TOP REASONS WE RELEASE DOGS
- Suspicion/Fear/Confidence-based behaviours
The dog is nervous or fearful in public, often the dog will give low barks or back away when confronted with people, objects or environments they are uncertain of. This behaviour often improves after the dog is released as the dog is no longer under the pressure of having to live in human public places (malls, restaurants, etc) that dogs are not hard wired for. Many of these dogs go on to become VIPs, though some will be released to our Release Dog list. - Hard-to-Handle/Too Much Energy
The dog is too strong and hard to manage for a physically challenged individual to handle. These dogs often go on to do detection work though some will be released to our Release Dog list. - Prey Drive
Likes to chase balls, cats, squirrels, birds, etc. These dogs go often go on to do detection work or to our Release Dog list. While they pose a safety hazard to our clients, they make wonderful pets for someone who wants a dog to play fetch. - Health Issues
Some of our dogs have allergies, hip dysplasia, chronic ear infections or other medical conditions that eliminate them from working careers. Adopters must be willing to manage these conditions.
Please note:
- Released dogs are no longer eligible for access to public places (for instance the mall, restaurants, etc.) Once they are released they are pets only, and the responsibility of the adopter.
- You will need to come to PADS for an in-person interview and meeting with the dog. After this meeting if both parties are willing (PADS and Adopter) the dog may be adopted, often we will also do a home visit prior to placement.
Update
As of March 2010, we are no longer accepting general applications for released dogs. In the future, available dogs will be posted here on the website and you can apply for them on a per dog basis.Watch this space for updates.
Currently there are no dogs available for addoption.