OUR
NEWS
Meredith & Henrik
Click the link below to hear from Puppy Raisers Meredith and Henrik. Together this dynamic duo has raised a total of 9 pups, often welcoming two pups into their home at a time. Tune in to learn more about their PADS Puppy-Raising journey and to find out what it's like...
Tonya and Kylo
Click the link below to watch our interview with Tonya and her Service Dog PADS Kylo. Tune in to hear about the work Kylo does and about their amazing partnership.
LEAH & SMOKEY
Click the Video to meet Leah and her AFD Partner Smokey. Leah is a clinical counsellor as well as a school counsellor. In both her roles Smokey works with her providing love, comfort and support. Leah says that she has noticed that often people will connect first...
Tiff and Mosley
Mosley now lives with her Puppy-Raiser Tiff and released PADS Bonnie. Watch the video below to hear about how PADS Mosley is adjusting to life outside of her whelping home.
George: “Why I give to PADS”
I first became involved with PADS because I wanted to raise a puppy in my classroom (I think there should be a puppy or dog in every classroom!). However, before that could happen, I retired. That was about five years ago now and I’ve been volunteering as a raiser...
Glenora: “Why I give to PADS”
My connection to PADS goes back about 14 years ago when my dog-loving daughter, Tara, heard about PADS and became a volunteer puppy-raiser. She comes from a family of dog-lovers and grew up with one pet dog after another. Since PADS came into her life, I can’t keep...
Assistant Puppy Trainer – Position Filled
THE POSITION The Assistant Puppy Trainer position is a brand new entry-level position in the Puppy-Raising Program (PRP) with planned advancement through to Puppy Raising Instructor (minimum 4 year process). The Assistant Puppy Trainer is part of an...
Leahy: 2020 Legends
Leahy was truly an exceptional PADS Service Dog with a long career helping her partner Anya.
Macbeth: 2020 Legends
Macbeth touched thousands of lives and had the longest working career in the history of PADS.
Caber: 2020 Legends
One could write pages about the impact that Caber has had on those affected by trauma.
Meet the BC Creeks Litter
Meet the BC Creeks LitterClick on the video below to watch the Pawcast from Tuesday, December 15th at 1:00 PM PST featuring the BC Creeks Litter!
Lore | November 2020
My raisers moved to North Vancouver! Settling into a new place comes with lots of new smells, new changes, new stresses, and new opportunities to grow. Plus... North Van has lots of new trails and outdoor spaces to explore! Extra chew time, extra outside walks and...
Norquay | November 2020
It has been a tough month. Everyday I wake up and get busy with my morning to-do list: bathroom and breakfast. Then I have a my first morning nap by the fireplace. If Mom is home she always turns on the fireplace for me. But usually I am at home with Dad because he...
Breeding Program Technician – Alberta – INTERVIEWING
Qualifications: Registered Veterinary Technician Experience with Microsoft Office (Outlook, Word, Excel, Sharepoint) Ability to learn new computer programs (cloud-based database) Hours of Work: 10 hours per week, flexible hours Some evening and weekend work required...
John & Summer II
Meet John & SummerJoin us Tuesday, November 24th at 1:00 PM PST as we meet John and Accredited Facility Dog Summer II. John and Summer are 2020 graduates and we are excited to hear about their partnership so far!
Lindsay & Hero
Meet Lindsay & Hero Click the video below to watch our conversation with Lindsay and Accredited Facility Dog Hero! Lindsay and Hero are 2020 graduates that work together in a school and we are excited to hear about their partnership so far!
Steve & PADS Winnie
Meet Steve & PADS Winnie Join us as we catch up with Steve and his new service dog Winnie! Winnie is a 2020 PADS grad as we are so excited for the chance to hear how this team is doing!
Hardy II | October 2020
This month has been full of all sorts of new adventures and old skills! I started this month by spending the weekend with a fun sitter who was up for adventures just as much as I am! She took me to a thing called gym, where she jumped around and I settled on my...
The 2021 Calendar Is Here!
meet our feature pups Cover (shown above): PADS Sunshine | Geoff Lister January - Cadet II BIll Ng February - Star Ty Brooks March - Elfin Beth Holbrook April - Marley & Minnie Katelyn Fuchs May - Cannoli Nicole Schnapp June - Tommy Ryleigh Jacobs July - Wilbur...
Ballet Legends Litter
Join us at 1:00 pm pst to meet Krista and the Ballet Legends Litter. Tune in to hear Krista share her experience as a breeder caretaker and to see the Ballet Legends litter's debut performance.
It Takes a Village
It Takes A Village This series is built to show just how many people touch a dog's life as they travel from Whelping box to their client's home. This series will focus on PADS Brite and highlight various aspects of her life at PADS. Click the links below to watch the...
Kim
MEET OUR MOVERS: Kim PADS CABER & PADS Puma How they are Moving for PADS Kim, Caber and Puma have pledged to walk 100KM this month to raise money for PADS Why they are Moving for PADS When asked why she is moving for PADS Kim writes: "Why am I MOVEing? There...
Kevin
MEET OUR MOVERS: Kevin & PADS PUPPY-IN-TRAINING SPARK How they are Moving for PADS Kevin has pledged to climb 112,000 steps at the Wreck Beach Trail #7 at UBC. Each time Kevin visits he does 8 circuits of the stars (350 steps each way). His goal is to do these...
Lindi
MEET OUR MOVERS: FLY BY FLINT Why they are Moving for PADS Lindi is MOVING for PADS because: "The reality is that it doesn’t just take awesome people to breed, raise and train service dogs, it takes a whole whack of money too. I believe that a little can go a very...
Chantelle
MEET OUR MOVERS: TEAM FUELING UP THE MYSTERY THE MACHINE How they are Moving for PADS Scooby and Chantelle are going for bike rides together.... and this is not in the most conventional way. Running beside a bike is hard on pups joints, but pulling a trailer with a...
Dave and Jasper
MEET OUR MOVERS: TEAM JASPER & DAVE When asked what PADS means to him Dave writes: "Jasper and I have been a Certified Assistance PADS Dog Team for over 5 fantastic years now. Our bond and partnership has gone so far beyond any hopes and expectations I had, ...
Diane
MEET OUR MOVERS: TEAM DIANE - GIANTS HEAD CHALLENGE Diane How they are Moving for PADS Diane is a PADS puppy raiser in the Okanagan who is MOVEing for PADS this summer by hiking Giant’s Head (It is a 3 km hike up with elevation of 350 meters) every other day with...
Kerry
MEET OUR MOVERS: TEAM PUSHUPS FOR PUPS How they are Moving for PADS For every dollar donated to her campaign, Kerry will do 1 push up. Kerry says "I chose push-ups because they are hard for me and I thought a challenge would keep me motivated. It also makes me aware...
Dana & Brushy
MEET OUR MOVERS: BRUSHY & DANA How they are Moving for PADS Dana is running 1 KM for every $10 donated to her campaign. She says "I’m just beginning my running journey again so I try to run 3-5km 3-5 days a week. I’ve started to recruit my medium-sized humans and...
Cathy, Shawn & Greco
MEET OUR MOVERS: TEAM Bikes and Beers How they are Moving for PADS When we were deciding how we wanted to MOVE for PADS, we looked at what other people were doing, and it was pretty intimidating how ambitious they are! We aren't exactly spring chickens, so we decided...
Nicole and Walker
MEET OUR MOVERS: TEAM WALKER Why they are Moving for PADS Nicole says she is moving for PADS because "Having a PADS dog has given me the confidence, independence and freedom to live on my own, accomplish my goals and be an active member of the community. My dog Walker...
PADS Supporter Cycles 1000KM through the Rockies!
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE PADS supporter Lauren Calancie has accepted the challenge to MOVE for PADS and is currently pedalling for PADS - all the way from the PADS Burnaby BC Campus to the Calgary Training Centre! Lauren departed the PADS campus on August 15th at 10am....
How Merlot Can You Go
MEET OUR MOVERS: How Merlot Can you GO? How they are Moving for PADS From August 13- September 19th Tia & Merlot along with other members of their team will be MOVING for PADS in a variety of different ways. Each dollar amount donated indicates a different...
Trails with Tails
MEET OUR MOVERS: TEAM Trails with tails How they are Moving for PADS Team Trails with tails is made up of many of our Vancouver Region Volunteers who are each moving in their own way to raise money for PADS. Their Team Captain Suzanne has pledged to MOVE an average...
Charge On with Chai & Emily
MEET OUR MOVERS: Charge On with Chai & Emily How they are Moving for PADS From August 13th - September 19th Emily will walk (with her crutches) or roll (with her wheelchair) for one minute for every dollar donated to her champagne. Why they are Moving for PADS...
2020 Summer Newsletter
Pedalling for PADS
Lauren is expected to arrive at the Calgary training Center Monday, August 24th between 12:45 and 1:00 pm MST. Tune in to our Facebook live stream to watch Lauren finish this incredible ride. MEET OUR MOVERS: TEAM PEDALLING FOR PADS How they are Moving for PADS...
Rose and Elphie
Click the Video below to join us as we host our first hearing dog client Rose and her PADS dog Elphie.
Kristy and Hayward
Join us on August 11th at 1:00 pm to hear how Kristy and her family benefit from having VIP Hayward in their family. Make sure to click the link below to register!
PADS AUDITED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS | 2019
PADS 2019 Financial Statements were audited by Crowe Mackay LLP
ERICA AND DELRAY
Check out the video below to learn more about the important work Erika and AFD Delray do with Alberta EMS providers.
Robin, Ty and Star
Hollywood Dogs
Laura, Pepper & Reese
Ashley & Cello
Kathy and Dorado
Rebekah & Kurtz
Nicole and Walker
Lisa & Cajun
Kim, Puma & Caber
Dave and Jasper
Newton Melissa and Stephen
Vivian and Milan
Dana & Brushy | REGISTER NOW
Carol Ann & Bronx | Register Now
Bonnie & Gucci | July 21
Nathan & Latte | Register Now
Join us July 28 at 1 pm
Meet PADS Service Dog Latte and her Client Nathan.
Public Statement: COVID-19
PUBLIC STATEMENT: COVID-19Last Updated: June 1, 2020 - 8pm The management and leadership of Pacific Assistance Dogs is wanting to share that we are treating COVID-19 pandemic with seriousness, without unduly restricting the important work PADS is doing. As an...
Giving Tuesday Now
It's been a challenging time for so many in our community, but our gratitude overflows at the way our village has pulled together to continue our important work. Some are facing extreme financial challenges, others are saving money by staying at home and not spending...
Bill Brown Turns 60!
Our Dear friend Bill Brown—who many of you will remember as our fabulous auctioneer from our For The Love of Dog Gala—is turning 60 on May first! For his birthday this year, he has graciously offered to help raise matching funds towards the purchase of a fully...
For the Love of Dog Gala Cancelled due to COVID-19 Threat
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: It is with great disappointment we announce the cancellation of this Saturday's For the Love of Dog Gala. Late this afternoon, BC Health Officials encouraged organizers to cancel events over 250 people. The health and well being of our people...
2019 Newsletter
POSITION FILLED: PUPPY PROGRAM TRAINER OKANAGAN
The Organization Pacific Assistance Dogs Society (PADS) breeds, raises and trains fully certified assistance dogs. Our service (mobility & PTSD) and hearing dogs provide life-changing independence to those with physical disabilities other than blindness. Our...
Double Your Donation
It's #GivingTuesday 2020 and thanks to our dear friends at the McGrane-Pearson Endowment Fund*, Pamela Manson Fund* & the Gracie-Waddell Fund* all donations made today will be matched up to $15K. This means that we could raise enough in just one day to train two...
The Dogfather—PADS Caber—Retires
PADS Caber, placed with Kim Gramlich, Coordinator at Delta Police Victim Services in 2010. Since then to say he's had an enormous impact, both in the people he directly serves and the Justice Facility Dog industry in Canada would be an understatement. Today, Caber...
Puppies & Pies 2019
Sunday, September 8th saw a lively crowd gathered for a block party in the parking lot of the renown Gabi & Jules pie shop in Port Moody. The fundraiser was the brainchild of owners Lisa and Patrick Beecroft, who are both committed to giving back to the...
KENNEL ASSISTANT – 10 WEEK SUMMER INTERN
POSITION OVERVIEW The Pacific Assistance Dogs Society (PADS) is changing lives, one dog at a time. We are dedicated to breeding, raising, training and placing assistance dogs for persons with a physical disability or who are deaf or hard-of-hearing, and to supporting...
Service Dog & Hearing Dog Program Manager
PADS is seeking a qualified Service and Hearing Dog Program Manager to fill a permanent, full-time position, based in Burnaby, British Columbia.
POSITION FILLED: Digital Content Specialist (Summer Intern)
PADS is seeking an 8 week summer student (37.5 hrs/week) through the Canada Summer Jobs program, Digital Content Specialist, which is a diverse role designed to effectively support PADS’ growth, mission and endeavors. This role requires a person that is a...
POSITION FILLED: Communications & Event Coordinator
PADS is seeking a full-time (37.5 hrs/week), Communication & Event Coordinator, which is a diverse role designed to effectively support PADS’ growth, mission and endeavors. This role requires a person that is very detail orientated and task driven with experience...
mister Blake 8 Star Promise Pups
After sponsoring the mister Blake 5 Star Litter last year, our dear friend and generous donor mister Blake has done it again!When we shared the news that 8 beautiful labrador puppies were arriving at PADS (from our friends at Guide Dogs for the Blind) and needed...
Position Statement: The Use of Shock Collars
In recent days there has been a great deal of discussion in the media surrounding the BCSPCA's recently launched campaign against the use of shock collars. This is a campaign that PADS supports wholeheartedly, knowing first hand the benefits of using...
WestJet Gift of Flight Raffle
We’re excited that our friends at WestJet are helping us change lives yet again by giving you a chance to go on the trip of your dreams! One lucky raffle winner will win the WestJet Gift of Flight – one return trip for two (2) to any scheduled WestJet destination!
Bell True Patriot Love Fund Awards PADS $25K
The Bell True Patriot Love (TPL) Fund is helping PADS change lives through the training of life-changing dogs. The TPL Fund has awarded $25,000 to pilot a program to serve Veterans living with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), by matching them with PTSD Service...
Spruce Meadows Leg Up Foundation Supports PADS
PADS was pleased to be chosen by the The Spruce Meadows Leg Up Foundation as one of their 2018 recipients. The Spruce Meadows Leg Up Foundation is a proud supporter of various non-profit and community groups assisting them continue their various programs that benefit...
Quarterly – Winter 2018
Telus Cares
We're tremendously grateful to the TELUS Calgary Community Board for recently approving a grant application to sponsor two VIPs to be placed with vulnerable children or youth in the Calgary region in the next year. VIP Dogs (Very Important Pets) are placed with...
2018 Newsletter
Sara Blake 60th Birthday Challenge
Hi everyone, September is my 60th Birthday month! Woot! Woot! It’s a very big deal to me! And here is why: I usually do something major for each decade Birthday. In the past it’s been something physical, challenging and scary that I haven’t done before. For...
Pacific Blue Cross
Pacific Blue Cross has kindly presented PADS with a $10K donation. This generous donation will help fund the program development of our new PTSD Program for first responders and veterans. While our program is still in development, this donation will help...
Telus Gives Our PADS Burnaby Campus a Makeover
We have some big news, our PADS Burnaby campus has gone through a huge makeover all thanks to Telus. Its no secret that we were due for refresh, especially in the training centre where we hold weekly puppy classes, as well as train our advanced dogs each day. The...
PADS Audited Financial Statements | 2018
PADS 2018 Financial Statements were audited by Crowe Mackay LLP
Farewell to an Extraordinary Friend
It's with great sadness that we share that our beloved Juanita Valentine passed away on May 28, 2018. While many of you may not know this dear lady, so many did...and she leaves a void in our hearts and our organization that is impossible to fill. Juanita has been...
What’s Swedish for “Thank You”?!
For years, PADS trainers and volunteers alike have headed to Ikea Coquitlam—just up the road from PADS Burnaby Campus—for field trips, socialization and of course delicious Swedish treats and furniture. But recently they spotted something new in store: Lurvig! This...
Hiring “Canada Summer Jobs” Student!
PADS is hiring a part time summer student to work as a digital media content producer. Apply Now!
Vancouver Whitecaps Fundraiser
PADS Supporters can save off regular price Vancouver Whitecaps tickets and $7 per ticket sold comes back to PADS to support our programs. Ticket quantities at these prices are limited so don’t wait. Purchase your Vancouver Whitecaps tickets today! Vancouver Whitecaps...
Armstrong Co-op
It takes a village! In partnership with the Armstrong Regional Cooperative gas bars today PADS Okanagan received their Patronage Equity Payment. Stopping by the Vernon Gas Bar today were PADS Client Sarah Lapp & PADS Assistance Dog Rico, local radio personality...
2017 Newsletter
PTSD Program Initiative
PADS is excited to soon be launching our first new program in 8 years: Dogs for Veterans and First Responders with Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD).The initial seed money for the program came through a grant from the Alberta Government to support the Veterans and...
30 Stories for 30 Years – Mike
PADS is a family that comes together and accomplishes a common goal, to help people in our community that can benefit from an assistance companion. They are not “just dogs”. Each companion we raise is as unique as each person you know, they communicate differently, they show affection differently, they express sadness differently, but they love unconditionally!
30 Stories for 30 Years – Rebekah
PADS has been the best thing that has happened to me and my family. It has given me a soul-mate that has added a new dimension to my life, and I am eternally grateful to the organization, the training staff, the puppy raisers, the volunteers and the extended family of supporters for all they have done.
30 Stories for 30 Years – Carol
Early in 2016 my husband and I lost our most beloved dog to cancer. He was a beautiful border collie named Ernie and he was the love of our lives. As anyone who has had to say goodbye to a cherished pet will know, we were heartbroken and bereft. After moping around the house for a few months we decided to take our sad selves off to Mexico for a change of scenery. There, we met a couple from Calgary who told us all about the puppies they raised for this amazing charity called PADS!
30 Stories for 30 Years – Anne
My life as a vice- principal and teacher of students with special needs is hectic. I worried that raising a puppy would be problematic. My test was to do a 2 month trial with Amber ll from the yellow litter and see how it went. Without question, a puppy at school works! Enter Peony, a golden retriever puppy from the Bush Litter who joined our staff January 2016.
30 Stories for 30 Years – Anonymous
A few years ago, I was off work for an extended period of time and was fighting my way back to mental health. The most challenging part of the process was leaving the house. What would motivate me? Dogs. Volunteering at the Advanced Kennels was perfect for me.
30 Stories for 30 Years – Mac
What nobody realized yet, was that Mac had already made his choice. He bonded with that volunteer and made it clear over the months of advanced training, that he had chosen her as his person. He did well in class and moved forward in the program, but he was a different, happier dog when the volunteer came to the yellow compound.
30 Stories for 30 Years – Lee
We were so excited and hoped to get a sweet, little 8-week-old yellow lab only to arrive and be presented with a large gangly 6 month old pup named Santini. I must admit, we were both slightly disappointed as we had been dreaming about puppy breath. Within a week, we realized we had hit the jackpot as Santini knew almost every command in the manual PADS had provided to us. In puppy class, Santini was a rock star and always made us look amazing.
30 Stories for 30 Years – Monica
I went for an orientation and in the Spring of 2009 I began working Sunday afternoon in the kennel. I remember being there on the first Father’s Day after loosing my father. There I was, sitting on the floor of the Advanced Kennel with Poppy, now working at Canuck Place, with her head on my lap. It helped ease the pain at the loss of my father.
30 Stories for 30 Years – Mintenkos
A basket of golden retriever puppies on the cover of the Burnaby Now in January 1999 caught Bob’s eye. PADS was looking for puppy raisers for their newest litter (the S litter) – Sarge, Seymour, Strider, Sully, Sadie, Sage, and Sydney. So, we decided to become involved and in late March we got the call that our “baby” had arrived, a chocolate lab named Milhouse.
30 Stories for 30 Years – Liz
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.
30 Stories for 30 Years – Lois
Advanced Kennel volunteer Lois shares how PADS dog Damon helps put her mind and body at ease.