LISA & ROWAN

Back in 2008, I became partners with my first PADS Accredited Facility Dog (AFD), Rowan, a beautiful Golden Retriever. As a Registered Nurse, Rowan and I worked together with clients of all ages through my private practice nursing company, INSPIRE Animal Assisted Therapy. We worked with people with various disabilities and challenges to help them regain, develop, or maintain activities of daily living, help promote fine and gross motor skills, work on memory and cognition, and engage and stimulate social interactions. Rowan was a ROCKSTAR!

Years later, as Rowan was getting close to retirement, Cajun, a very cool, relaxed Yellow Lab, became our newest PADS AFD INSPIRE team member! Now, almost 3 years in, Cajun and I work all over Victoria on Vancouver Island, as Rowan enjoys her life in retirement in our home with her dog stroller and kayak!

PADS not only changed my life personally and professionally, but their dogs have enabled and inspired literally 100s of clients we have worked with. I am living my dream career – helping people become their personal best, despite their disability or condition, with these incredible service dogs. Thank you PADS!