Our stories

First-hand accounts of how PADS partnerships change lives.
Tommy’s Journey

Tommy’s Journey

Meet Tommy and his partner Darren. Together they work to make the school day better for everyone they meet. Tommy was whelped in the Lower Mainland by Lori Gunson and family and then traveled to the Okanagan to start his puppy-raising journey with raiser Benoit....

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Cadence’s Journey

Cadence’s Journey

Meet Cadence and her partner Tara. Tara and Cadence successfully passed team training together in December of 2020 and are now taking on the world as a fully certified Service Dog Team.Β  Cadence came to PADS through our partnership in the Assistance Dogs International...

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Iroko’s Journey

Iroko’s Journey

Meet Iroko and his new partner Lindsey. Iroko is Lindsey's 2nd PADS Dog, after the amazing Silky retired, and he's confidently navigating the world with his new partner. Iroko was whelped in the Lower Mainland by the Madeo Family and was then raised by Cathy and...

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Gaia’s Journey

Gaia’s Journey

Meet Gaia, a sweet, loving Acreddited Facility Dog working at the Canuck Place. Gaia was whelped in the Lower Mainland byΒ  Lori & the Gunson family, she then headed to the home of Catherine & Ian where she started her Puppy-Raising journey. When she got a...

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Dodger’s Journey

Meet Dodger, a PADS 2021 Graduate. Dodger spends his days helping his new partner with whatever they need. Dodger was whelped in the Lower Mainland by Marie and Jocelyn and puppy started by Nicole. When he got a little older he headed up to the Okangan to continue his...

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Groovy’s Journey

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 andΒ  Jocelyn and then traveledΒ  to Calgary to be raised by...

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Tony’s Journey

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...

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Woodstock’s Journey

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...

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Linen’s Journey

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...

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Drift’s Journey

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,...

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Zen’s Journey

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...

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Chantilly’s Journey

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...

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Meet PADS Dorado

Meet PADS Dorado

Meet PADS DoradoMeet Accredited Facility Dog (AFD) Dorado and his partner Kathy! Together Kathyβ€”a social workerβ€”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...

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30 Stories for 30 Years – Mike

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 β€œjust 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!

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