Our stories
First-hand accounts of how PADS partnerships change lives.
Samwise the Stouthearted
Named after the iconic character in J. R. R. Tolkien’s The Lord of the Rings, PADS Samwise was always fated to be someone’s loyal companion.
Meet Norquay and Judy at the MVTP
Meet PADS Norquay: Metro Vancouver Transit Police's Newest TEAM MEMBERMetro Vancouver Transit Police has welcomed a PADS Accredited Facility Dog (AFD) named Norquay to its dog team. Unlike the existing seven Transit Police dogs that are trained to detect explosives...
Invisible Disabilities Week
October 16-22 is Invisible Disabilities Week – at PADS we have many clients that fall in this category. We caught up with one that is close to home, our client (and PADS Communications Manager) Tara to share a few thoughts on some of the unique challenges of having an (often) invisible disability.
ADI Accreditation
PADS was presented with our fifth Assistance Dogs International (ADI) accreditation at the #ADITogether conference in Concord, California last week.
In a New Light
We are honoured and overwhelmed to finally get to share this film with our community. It documents the journey of our client Juliet Walden and PADS PTSD Service Dog Stark. This STORYHIVE Documentary was produced by our dear friends, the incredibly talented Mack Stannard and Maddy Chang…
Aries’ Journey
Meet PADS Aries and his new partner Emily!ย Emily and Aries are an amazing pair who are taking on new adventures in the world side-by-side. Aries came to PADS through the Assistance Dogs International Breeding Cooperative from Dogs with Wings in Edmonton, AB. He...
Darlene’s Journey
Meet Darlene and her partner Hรฉlรจne. Darlene is always enthusiastic to help Hรฉlรจne with anything she needs. Darlene was whelped by Lori Gunson and family, where she learned that while the world may always be changing, she is always safe and cared for. Darlene's whole...
Sandy III’s Journey
Meet Sandy III and his new partner Brad! Brad is a third time PADS Client and has welcomed Sandy to his side earlier this year. Sandy has been quite the traveling pup throughout his time in training. Sandy came to PADS through our participation in the Assistance Dog...
Queenie’s Journey
Meet Queenie, an Accredited Facility Dog (AFD) who uses her natural cuddling talentsโand love of bringing people new toysโto spread joy to those who need it most. Queenie came to PADS from Eyes Ears Nose and Paws through our partnership with the Assistance Dogs...
Gatsby’s Journey
Meet Gatsby, a lovely, caring dog who loves to meet new people and greet them with one of his favourite toys. Gatsby's journey brings our expression "It takes a village" to life. Gatsby came to PADS from Southeastern Guide Dogs and landed in our Okanagan Puppy-Raising...
Sadie II’s Journey
Meet Sadie II and her team Christian, Emily and Kathleen. Sadie works to support the Internet Child Exploitation Unit at the Vancouver Police Department and is doing a fantastic job in her role so far. Sadie II came to PADS through our Partnership with the Assistance...
Mudge’s Journey
Meet Mudge, a fun-loving, slightly sassy girl who loves to help her client in any way that they need. Mudge was whelped, raised and trained all in the Lower-Mainland and was even whelped and raised by the same people: Teri & Rory Banks!ย Throughout Puppy-Raising,...
Swell’s Journey
Meet Swell. Earlier this year Swell earned his blue vest in his role as an Accredited Facility Dog.ย Swell was whelped in the Lower Mainland by the Doherty-Dong family where he and his siblings were already being set upon a path to be resilient dogs with a love of...
Meeka’s Journey
Meet Meeka and her client Miles. This dynamic duo are now able to confidently navigate family outings and especially enjoy walking Miles' children to school. Meeka was born at Can Do Canines and came to PADS through our Partnership with ADI Breeding Cooperative (ABC)....
Paxton’s Journey
Meet Paxton and his new partner Nicole. Paxton is the product of the Calgary community! Whelped by long term Breeder-Caretakers Robin and Ty, who gave him and his littermates the best start in life possible. Paxton's Puppy-Raisers Chris & Tracy and Madeline &...
Daegan’s Journey
Meet Daegan and his partner Anya. Together, they completed team training in December of 2020 and are excited to celebrate their accomplishments at our 2021 Graduation ceremony. Daegan came to PADS through our partnership with the Assistance Dog International Breeding...
Vimy’s Journey
Meet Vimy and his partner Anne. Together they completed team training earlier this year and are now a fully certified Service Dog Team. Vimy was whelped in the Lower Mainland by Rory & Teri Banks and stayed in the West Coast region while he completed his...
Mallee’s Journey
Meet Mallee and her client Cindy. Together they take on the world side by side. Mallee was whelped in the Lower Mainland by the Madeo family and then moved Calgary to start her journey with her Puppy-Raiser Ross. Together with the Calgary Puppy-Raising team, Ross...