Our stories
First-hand accounts of how PADS partnerships change lives.
Meet Norquay and Judy at the MVTP
Meet PADS Norquay: Metro Vancouver Transit Police's Newest TEAM MEMBERMetro Vancouver Transit Police has welcomed a PADS Accredited Facility Dog (AFD) named Norquay to its dog team. Unlike the existing seven Transit Police dogs that are trained to detect explosives...
Invisible Disabilities Week
October 16-22 is Invisible Disabilities Week – at PADS we have many clients that fall in this category. We caught up with one that is close to home, our client (and PADS Communications Manager) Tara to share a few thoughts on some of the unique challenges of having an (often) invisible disability.
ADI Accreditation
PADS was presented with our fifth Assistance Dogs International (ADI) accreditation at the #ADITogether conference in Concord, California last week.
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…
Groovy’s Journey
Meet Groovy and his partner Rhonda. Rhonda and Groovy have completed team training earlier this year and are off to a great start in their partnership. Groovy was whelped in our West Coast Region by Marie and Jocelyn and then traveled to Calgary to be raised by...
Tony’s Journey
Meet PADS Tony and his handlers Dannielle and Murray. Together they work in a the Customized Learning Centre in Coquitlam School District. Tony's clients speak very highly of the impact that Tony has on the class saying: "A number of students seek him out when they...
Woodstock’s Journey
Meet Ken and his new partner Woodstock. Together they take on the world one step at a time. Woodstock was whelped in the Lower Mainland by Marie & Jocelyn, and stayed there to be raised by his puppy-raisers Rachel & Mark. Woodstock was known throughout...
Linen’s Journey
Meet Linen and her new partner Carlin. Together they recently passed team training and are busy getting to know each other and laying the ground work for what is sure to be an amazing partnership. Linen was whelped in Calgary by Breeder Caretakers Dorothy & Kevin...
Drift’s Journey
Meet Drift and his partner Corrie. Together they do amazing work with youth and families effected by substance use. Drift was whelped, raised and attended advanced training all in the West Coast region. His village includes his whelping home, the Doherty-Dong family,...
Zen’s Journey
Meet Zen and his partner Cst. Michele McKnight. Together they work at VPD Employee Wellness Unit, supporting the Vancouver Police Department. We are so proud of this placement as we know that police officers are at a higher risk of stress, anxiety and depression due...
Chantilly’s Journey
Meet Chantilly and her partner Ms.Karen. Together they spread Chantilly's magic at an elementary school helping spread calm, love and understanding where ever they go. Chantilly was whelped in the Westcoast Region by Ronnie and Rob and was then raised by a community...
Meet PADS Dorado
Meet PADS DoradoMeet Accredited Facility Dog (AFD) Dorado and his partner Kathy! Together Kathy—a social worker—and Dorado work with children going through challenging times at the Sea Star Child Advocacy Center. When asked about how Dorado affects the mental health...
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...
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...
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!