Serving Those
That Served Us
PADS PTSD Program
Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) is a mental health disorder that may occur in people who have experienced or witnessed a traumatic event. According to the Canadian Psychological Association, 9.2% of Canadians live with PTSD (source).
The PADS PTSD program supports First Responders, members of the Military and Veterans, and trains dogs to facilitate wellness and social re-integration in a variety of ways.
Special Dogs for a Special Job
Dogs selected for this program show a natural ability to respond positively to human emotions, such as stress, anxiety and fear, and enjoy working with one person. The dog lives with the client full time and is trained to interrupt physical signs, such as hand fretting, erratic leg movements and other physical symptoms. These symptoms often indicate the onset of panic attacks, flashbacks or nightmares. The dog also learns to ease symptoms of hypervigilance, which is when people become preoccupied by possible threats. For example, the dog will place their body close to the client or apply pressure with their body, while standing beside them in crowds or store line-ups. This allows the client to ground themselves and return to emotional regulation.
Since the program’s inception in 2018, PADS has trained and certified 22 PTSD dogs, the program managers continue to maintain a continual relationship with each team supporting the client and the dog.
Recent feedback from clients shows that interactions with their PTSD Dog mitigates or in some cases eliminates their PTSD symptoms. Our clients have commented that they have fewer depressive symptoms, there is less need for medications, they have better sleep and as an added bonus clients are often able to engage in activities or return to or expand on their past activities.
MEET THE TEAMS
Deb & PADS Vespa II
RCMP
“Vespa is my calming little sass who I can count on to understand my special and genius conversations. She is dependable, unconditional and loveable!”
Jerry & PADS Empress
RCMP
“”Empress is an amazing gift that is making a huge difference in my life. She goes everywhere with me and is so well trained and well mannered.”
Juliet & PADS Stark
RCMP
“Stark makes me feel safe and he is helping me recapture trust. We have learned grounding and breathing techniques that help calm and dissipate my anxiety.”
Tonya & PADS Kylo
PARAMEDIC
“Since Kylo came into my life, the world has opened up. Not only can I leave the house without panic attacks and anxiety, he’s made every part of my life better.”
Willy & PADS Turbo
FIRE FIGHTER
“Turbo brings with him a calming presence and a watchful eye. I know he’s always got my back.”
Matt & PADS Fischer
MILITARY
“Fischer is a wonderful fur-friend and a stalwart and incredibly astute worker, who has had my 6 wherever we go! I appreciate him immensely.”
Richard & PADS Biscuit
VPD
“Biscuit has been a complete game changer in my PTSD journey, and I am very grateful to his team for raising and training such a wonderful life-changing gift!”
PROGRAM UPDATES
The Royal Canadian Legion Foundation
On November 16, 2023 PADS Executive Director Laura Watamanuk and PADS Radar visited the The Royal Canadian Legion Foundation | BC/Yukon Command to receive a $10,000 cheque from Executive Director Amber Stewart representing donations from the following Legion branches:...
North Burnaby Legion
ROYAL CANADIAN LEGION #148We would like to thank the Burnaby Royal Canadian Legion Branch #148 for their generous donation of $6,000 from their Poppy Fund. Our Marketing & Media Coordinator, Meredith Areskoug, with PADS NAME, visited the Burnaby Legion on Sunday,...
South Burnaby Legion
ROYAL CANADIAN LEGION #83We would like to thank the Burnaby Royal Canadian Legion Branch #83 for their generous donation of $2500 from their Poppy Fund. Our Director of Communications, Tara Doherty, with PADS Cadence, visited the Burnaby Legion on BC Day, Sunday,...
Sicamous Legion
ROYAL CANADIAN LEGION #99 We would like to thank the Sicamous Royal Canadian Legion Branch #99 for their generous donation of $10,000 from their Poppy Campaign. Our Executive Director Laura Watamanuk, with PADS Mudge, visited the Sicamous Legion Headquarters on...
Deb & Vespa
MEET OUR MOVERS: Deb and Vespa Why they are Moving for PADS I found accepting my CPTSD diagnosis difficult and continued to take on every task I could to overload myself in lieu of dealing with matters. It wasn’t until I was forced into medical retirement that I found...
Jerry & Empress
PADS Empress walks through life at Jerry’s side, ensuring that she is always there when he needs her. Matched in May of 2022, Jerry shares: “Empress has impacted my life in a tremendously positive manner. Being with me 24/7, she ensures that any onset triggers are identified and dealt with before…
Coquitlam Legion
ROYAL CANADIAN LEGION #263We would like to thank the Coquitlam Royal Canadian Legion Branch #263 for their generous donation of $20,000 from their 2022 fall Poppy Campaign. Our Executive Director Laura Watamanuk, with PADS Mudge, visited the Coquitlam Legion...
Richard & Biscuit
Richard Chalke has been a Police Officer with the Vancouver Police Department since 1997. In 2019 he was diagnosed with complex Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) as a result of the many exposures to traumatic events and scenes over the years serving his community....
In a New Light
We are honoured and overwhelmed to finally get to share this film with our community. It documents the journey of our client Juliet Walden and PADS PTSD Service Dog Stark. This STORYHIVE Documentary was produced by our dear friends, the incredibly talented Mack Stannard and Maddy Chang…
PADS PTSD Program
June is Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) awareness Month. PTSD is a mental health disorder that may occur in people who have experienced or witnessed a traumatic event. It is estimated that 9.2% of Canadians live with PTSD everyday. The PADS PTSD program trains...
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