I started co-raising PADS Cadence in February 2016, I think it was. Since I have been involved in PADS, I have met fantastic new people, participated in new experiences, and watched so many people smile because of the puppy at my side.
Advanced Kennel volunteer Lois shares how PADS dog Damon helps put her mind and body at ease.
PADS helped give me my confidence back. I met people I am still friends with to this day! Most of all, PADS connected me with a very special Golden Retriever – PADS Released Dog Saffron!
Many years ago, 18, I think, our neighbour up the road was a vet for PADS. Meeting them was how it all started for our family. PADS is the best program for anyone to get involved with, it changed our lives forever. Thank you. One day we will be back to volunteer again.
During puppy raising, Koltan had a huge will to please. He loved to work and learn, and showed a great aptitude for receiving and giving affection to others. Koltan has a presence about him that brings calmness and reassurance to those he interacts with. With his gentle, calm and old soul demeanor, all anyone had to do was to meet him once and they fell in love with him. In the end, it was these qualities that helped determine his path to become an Accredited Facility Dog and he was placed at Surrey Memorial Hospital as a Trauma Dog.
Athens was our very first PADS dog and, although we had always raised Goldens for over 30 years, we did not know how much more enriched our lives would become upon his addition to our home. Most dogs like Athens are fortunate to have one demanding career but little did we realize that he was going to add another one to his curriculum vitae.