30 Stories for 30 Years – Nola

30 Stories for 30 Years – Nola

One day, on the way to cuddling, I stopped at the hospital to visit my beloved uncle. While I was there, the Doctor advised my uncle that his cancer was terminal. After crying my heart out I continued to puppy cuddle. When I stepped into little Quaker’s kennel he sat there staring intently into my face, then when I sat down with him he licked a tear off my face then pressed hard against my body as he slid into my lap. He continued looking into my eyes and I believe he could feel my pain and was saying “I’m here for you”.

30 Stories for 30 Years – Lindsey & Silky

30 Stories for 30 Years – Lindsey & Silky

At first, I thought I wanted to be an Education Assistant, because of how much I love being in the schools (Silky loves all the attention she gets from the kids, too!) After spending two years back at school myself, as a student, I realized how much more I can do to help other people in wheelchairs now that I have Silky by my side.

30 Stories for 30 Years – Nicole & Vespa

30 Stories for 30 Years – Nicole & Vespa

Vespa was a hard worker, and yet so easy going. She enjoyed a night out on the town or an evening in to nap when I wasn’t feeling well. She was quite happy to accompany wherever I went and we were never at any loss for people to talk to. People loved to approach us and ask questions or chat and I certainly didn’t mind chatting with strangers. She was a great conversation starter.

30 Stories for 30 Years – Meredith

About seven years ago we were in a great period of transition; jobs were changing and our hopes of having a family were dashed by illness and long adoption waiting lists. While out walking one day, we spotted a woman walking a yellow lab with a bright yellow cape. We saw the PADS logo and started talking about what it would be like to give back to the community like that.

30 Stories for 30 Years – Kenn & Riddle

30 Stories for 30 Years – Kenn & Riddle

Riddle can think, and I’d argue he can even reason. Riddle reads how I feel, where I hurt, and when my neural pathways fail me. When the world starts to overwhelm me and my mind and body start to fatigue, Riddle is watching, ready to step forward and nudge me. That is special. That is Riddle.

Vancouver Pet Lover Show to benefit PADS

Vancouver Pet Lover Show to benefit PADS

Join us at the Vancouver Pet Lover Show Come join us this Saturday 27th and Sunday 28th at the Pet Lovers’ show in benefit of PADS! Attend interactive and informative seminars by veterinarians and top professionals. Have your family dog try the Dog Lovers Days agility...
MARY-JO & JOLIE

MARY-JO & JOLIE

“This amazing dog, Jolie, saved me last night. In the world of Quadriplegia is a condition known as ‘Autonomic Disreflexia’ it is an adaptive warning system for those who cant feel normally, when something is wrong – or the body is trying to get your attention due to pain/discomfort/or a problem.

DAVE & JASPER

DAVE & JASPER

DAVE & JASPER “Around the age of 30 I was diagnosed with an adult onset type of Muscular Dystrophy. This condition eventually led to me needing this power chair I now sit in, as well as increased need for support from friends and family. When I heard about PADS on the...
LOVE ME DO

LOVE ME DO

Early mornings, late nights, excitement mixed with anxiety, lots of cuddling, and unauthorized puppy parties are just some of the things that Jocelyn and Marie experienced during their first 5 months as breeders caretakers for PADS’ Roma and her “Beatles Litter”. Their passion for labradors, social work, and their friend’s enthusiasm about the organization made PADS an obvious choice to volunteer for.

A New Paw Forward for BC

A New Paw Forward for BC

It was an amazing day for Assistance Dog users in British Columbia. We gathered along with our partners from BC & Alberta Guide Dog Services in the BC Legislature as the proposed BC Guide and Service Dog Act was introduced by the honourable Suzanne Anton, Minister...
Lisa & Rowan

Lisa & Rowan

“As a PADS Accredited Facility Dog (AFD) dog, Rowan’s job is unique and invaluable. Together, Rowan and I work directly with clients of all ages and with various disabilities using Animal Assisted Therapy.  As a registered nurse, I will plan out the interactions...
Clayton & Ember

Clayton & Ember

“My PADS’ dog Ember and I were matched as a team in the summer of 2010.  Since then she has been a wonderful addition to all aspects of my life, especially with my last year in high school. When I drop an object on the floor or need to open a door, Ember can assist me...
Sare & Fraser

Sare & Fraser

“Fraser has been a member of the Department of Psychology at BC Children’s Hospital for more than two-and-a-half years.  He works with the medical psychologists in the hospital, caring for children with a variety of health issues (mostly children with epilepsy...
Carol Ann & Basil

Carol Ann & Basil

“In 1987, I was on a bus in Toronto.  Looking out the window, I saw a woman in a wheelchair with a black lab.  My first reaction (which was not to be corrected for several years!) was … “Look at that poor woman.  She’s in a wheelchair and blind … but...
Kim & Caber

Kim & Caber

“On September 25th, 2010, Laura Szendrei was brutally attacked in a park in North Delta. Sadly she succumbed to her injuries the next day… the same day as Caber’s graduation from PADS. Therein began 3 days of responding to a school and community in crisis....