Celebrating Community in the Okanagan: A Heartfelt Journey of Gratitude
by Jane Short, Development Manager
Earlier this month, I had the joy of visiting the beautiful Okanagan region with Trever Broadhead, PADS’ new Executive Director. Our goal was to meet the incredible volunteers and generous donors who form the heart of PADS, to hear their stories, and to thank them for their unwavering support. It was an unforgettable journey, guided by our dedicated Okanagan Volunteer Coordinator, Brian Smith, whose expertise—and the company of the adorable Rooty, a sweet pup from the A&W Litter—made every moment special.
Our adventure kicked off on Monday, October 7th, with a visit to Predator Ridge, where we enjoyed a delicious lunch with Michelle Beaudry, Director of Marketing and Communications, while discussing exciting opportunities for future collaborations – including the possibility of a PADS golf tournament. The sense of shared enthusiasm was palpable, setting the tone for the days ahead.
Predator Ridge
Total Pet Vernon Cheque Presentation
THANK YOU TOTAL PET VERNON
Next, we made our way to Vernon, where we met with Candice, the dedicated store manager at Total Pet. We were genuinely moved by their incredible generosity—a $1,487.44 donation and three big boxes of toys, Kongs, and supplies for our pups in training. Total Pet has long been a champion of PADS, and it was a true pleasure to express our gratitude in person.
DID YOU KNOW
Total Pet in Vernon has sponsored 15 puppies in our Okanagan Region since 2018.
Tuesday, October 8th, began with breakfast with Elaine Mori, a cornerstone of the Okanagan PADS community. For the past eight years, Elaine has raised numerous dogs (8 in total!) and generously supported PADS, helping to shape the program in this region. Spending time with Elaine was a reminder of how dedicated our volunteers are, and I left feeling so grateful for her steadfast commitment.
A Day of Gratitude: Visiting Okanagan Legions
Our next stop was at the West Bank Legion #288, where we had the pleasure of meeting Dennis Bell and his leadership team. It was an honour to present them with a plaque of appreciation for their support, and of course, Rooty captured everyone’s hearts with his puppy charm! Lunch was another highlight, as we connected with Liz McLean, who recently sponsored two puppies from the Disney Rides Litter. Liz’s kindness and enthusiasm were infectious, and I left feeling like I had made a new friend.
Later that afternoon, we visited the Peachland Legion, where we met Jean Saul, President of the Peachland Legion Branch #69, along with their beloved “Sergent in Arms,” Lexi the Dog. It was a lighthearted visit filled with laughter and gratitude. We wrapped up the day back in Kelowna, sharing dinner with our newest board member, Bill Woodly. As three newcomers to the PADS family, Trever, Bill, and I had a lot to talk about, and our conversation was full of excitement for PADS’ future.
Plaque Presentation at Peachland Legion Branch #69
Brain Smith and PADS Rooty
LAKE COUNTRY PUPPY CLASS
Our final day, Wednesday, October 9th, took us to Lake Country, where Brian hosted a wonderful team training session, town hall, and lunch. The energy in the room was electric filled with the sounds of happy pups, excited to learn, and the voices of puppy raisers guiding them. It was inspiring to witness the dedication of our volunteers, who are truly building the future generation of PADS assistance dogs. Meeting Sarah Bourne, our local Client Care Coordinator, Amanda Hicks, the Client Care Assistant, and Tamara Anderson, the Puppy Program Trainer, was another highlight. Their passion and dedication to supporting clients and their dogs emphasized how crucial our volunteers and staff are in turning small, wriggly puppies into life-changing heroes.
HOMEWARD BOUND
Driving back to Vancouver, I was overwhelmed with gratitude for the Okanagan community’s warm welcome, generosity, and dedication. Brian, Rooty, and everyone we met made this trip truly special. I left feeling more connected than ever to our community, energized by their support, and excited about all the future holds for PADS. Together, we’re building a brighter future, one happy puppy at a time. Thank you, Okanagan—you are a vital part of the PADS Family, and we are so grateful for all you do!