In 2004, while skiing in the pristine Kootenays, Mary-Jo encountered conditions that would change her life dramatically. After waking up completely paralyzed from the neck down, Mary-Jo knew she would need extraordinary faith, help, and courage. With the incredible support of her daughters, she gradually, patiently works toward more independence and freedom from the limitations and challenges of a “medically incurable” and devastating life situation – quadriplegia.
From the onset, people who knew Mary-Jo encouraged her to look into applying for a service dog, and that has turned out to be a remarkable gift on her journey through the special world of “Different Ability”.
“I met Jolie – my lovely black lab and immediately felt a caring calm and knowing far beyond her youth. My past love and relationships with dogs and horses gave me an appreciation of how impeccable, thorough and lovingly the trainers at PADS handle these amazing dogs.
Jolie has brought such joy, companionship and independence to my life it is impossible to describe. The devotion and commitment to provide and raise these dogs is remarkable and so vital to the well-being of people like me, who with that help, can go on after tragedy to live fulfilling lives with the help of man’s best friend and people like PADS.
Please take a moment to read the quotes from other PADS’ clients who, like me, received a wonderful gift of independence bundled into a 60-lb miracle like Jolie. This is all made possible with the help of volunteers who help raise and socialize the puppies in neighbourhoods throughout BC. It’s likely that there is a PADS’ puppy-in-training or a Service or Assistance Dog working with a client like me somewhere in your neighbourhood.
PADS receives no government funding but it costs up to $30,000 to raise and train these dogs for a life of service. The bulk of financial support for Pacific Assistance Dogs comes from individuals like you. Please consider making a donation and help other people on the waiting list to live more independently and with dignity with a PADS’ Dog at their side.”
– Mary-Jo Fetterly and Jolie