Our stories

First-hand accounts of how PADS partnerships change lives.
30 Stories for 30 Years – Nicole & Vespa

30 Stories for 30 Years – Nicole & Vespa

Vespa was a hard worker, and yet so easy going. She enjoyed a night out on the town or an evening in to nap when I wasn’t feeling well. She was quite happy to accompany wherever I went and we were never at any loss for people to talk to. People loved to approach us and ask questions or chat and I certainly didn’t mind chatting with strangers. She was a great conversation starter.

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30 Stories for 30 Years – Meredith

30 Stories for 30 Years – Meredith

About seven years ago we were in a great period of transition; jobs were changing and our hopes of having a family were dashed by illness and long adoption waiting lists. While out walking one day, we spotted a woman walking a yellow lab with a bright yellow cape. We saw the PADS logo and started talking about what it would be like to give back to the community like that.

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30 Stories for 30 Years – Marcia & Marshall

30 Stories for 30 Years – Marcia & Marshall

Marshall alerted me to all the sounds in my environment that I cannot hear – the smoke detector, timer, telephone, alarm clock and people knocking at the door. With his help I was connected to the world of sound around me. He took his job very seriously and I learned to trust him completely, he was never wrong. He worked 24/7. He gave me confidence. He could, by virtue of his smoke detector alerts, even safe my life.

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Saying Goodbye to a Great One

Saying Goodbye to a Great One

Sometimes in this life we meet one of the "great ones" -- this week our community has been hit hard with losses, but this one has left us breathless. For those of you that don't recognize him, this is our client, ambassador, friend, champion, donor, cheerleader and...

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Sara’s Story

Sara’s Story

Gone are the days I can just head out the door on a whim. By the time I’m ready to leave, I’m already mentally and physically drained. I’m happiest when I’m in my manual chair, rather than my cumbersome power chair, but I don’t have the strength except for with short distance on level areas.

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Sif’s Story

Sif’s Story

I confess I have another reason for always scrolling through the PADS photos; my son Riley suffered a traumatic spinal cord injury when he was 17, (about 7 years ago), and is now permanently in a wheelchair. This motivated me even more to want to meet Sif.

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MARY-JO & JOLIE

MARY-JO & JOLIE

β€œThis amazing dog, Jolie, saved me last night. In the world of Quadriplegia is a condition known as β€˜Autonomic Disreflexia’ it is an adaptive warning system for those who cant feel normally, when something is wrong – or the body is trying to get your attention due to pain/discomfort/or a problem.

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DAVE & JASPER

DAVE & JASPER

β€œAround the age of 30 I was diagnosed with an adult onset type of Muscular Dystrophy. This condition eventually led to me needing this power chair I now sit in, as well as increased need for support from friends and family. When I heard about PADS on the news my...

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LOVE ME DO

LOVE ME DO

Early mornings, late nights, excitement mixed with anxiety, lots of cuddling, and unauthorized puppy parties are just some of the things that Jocelyn and Marie experienced during their first 5 months as breeders caretakers for PADS’ Roma and her β€œBeatles Litter”. Their passion for labradors, social work, and their friend’s enthusiasm about the organization made PADS an obvious choice to volunteer for.

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Lisa & Rowan

Lisa & Rowan

"As a PADS Accredited Facility Dog (AFD)Β dog, Rowan’s job is unique and invaluable. Together, Rowan and I work directly with clients of all ages and with various disabilities using Animal Assisted Therapy. Β As a registered nurse, I will plan out the interactions...

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Clayton & Ember

Clayton & Ember

β€œMy PADS’ dog Ember and I were matched as a team in the summer of 2010.Β  Since then she has been a wonderful addition to all aspects of my life, especially with my last year in high school. When I drop an object on the floor or need to open a door, Ember can assist me...

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