Each year at PADS we gather to celebrate our people and our community. We truly appreciate the sacrifice AND gifts that come from leading a life of service. The sacrifice comes by way of time, energy and resources and generally speaking, it can take you away from things that one sometimes might rather be doing. But our hope for each of our volunteers is that the gifts far outweigh the sacrifice. You tend to say that you love PADS, you love our community, you love the dogs, you love learning and you love being part of such an extraordinary mission.
This page is a collection of the Volunteer Award Winners from 2019 onwards. Please join us in celebrating their accomplishments!
Covid Heroes
The 2020 -2021 year has been an undeniably challenging one – for all of us at PADS. It also has meant that new volunteer roles had to be developed on the fly to support new ways of doing business – many of these individuals took on increased workloads related to COVID-19 and some provided specialized expertise or skills that we’ve never needed before. To each of them we are grateful!
Laurie & Lennon
Lennon and Laurie have been on a wonderful journey for the past 5 years as an Acreddited Facility Dog Team. Lennon has worked at two middle schools and continues to put his cape on every morning with a spring in his step. Laurie and Lennon both enjoy hiking on their...
Digital Engagement & Accessibility Coordinator | Position Filled
Puppy cuddles are one of the job perks. You may not believe us now, but it gets even better. “What is better than puppy cuddles?” you ask?! Changing lives! PADS’ Communications Team is at its core about Community Engagement – we have the privilege of connecting...
2022 Winter Newsletter
Your support drives our mission, helps dogs transform lives, and empowers individuals to have an independent life. Behind each and every success story is a donor who makes this possible.
Meet Campus Canines
Join us as we chat with Alina, PADS Puppy-Raiser and the president of Campus Canines! Alina is a 4th-year student at UBC studying Biology and Puppy-Raiser to 10-month-old PADS Fleetwood. "I've had a passion for dogs for as long as I can remember, as well as a...
Celebrating 35 Years
Tune in on February 22nd at 1:00 PM PST to hear how PADS has grown over the past 35 years and hear where we're headed! We'll be joined by two very special guests: PADS Executive Director Laura Watamanuk and Past Board Chair Marga Vogel. We look forward to hearing...
Murray and Tony
Join us January 25th as we catch up with Murray and Tony! Tony works at the Customized Learning Centre, a small high school alternate program in Coquitlam School District. Tony spends his day with Murray (handler) or Dannielle, Youth Worker (trained co-handler),...
Lindsey & Iroko
Join us on January 11th at 1:00 pm PST as we catch up with Lindsey and her Service Dog Iroko Lindsey describes Iroko as loyal attentive and strong. "He is a high energy dog who pushes me to bring my level to his. He helps me pick up everything I drop and I drop lots!...
Advanced Trainer Miranda
Our Advanced Trainer Miranda is back by popular demand to talk about her work with the Advanced Dogs in Calgary!
Kaden & Cana
Meet Kaden and his new best friend Cana. This amazing pair were matched as part of the PADS VIP program in 2021. Kaden calls Cana his "new best friend forever" and is overjoyed about the new addition to their family. When asked to share about how Cana has affected...
Marketing & Media Coordinator | Position Filled
Puppy cuddles are one of the job perks. You may not believe us now, but it gets even better. “What is better than puppy cuddles?” you ask?! Changing lives! PADS’ Communications Team is at its core about Community Engagement – we have the privilege of connecting...
Volunteers of the year
Laurie & Lennon
Lennon and Laurie have been on a wonderful journey for the past 5 years as an Acreddited Facility Dog Team. Lennon has worked at two middle schools and continues to put his cape on every morning with a spring in his step. Laurie and Lennon both enjoy hiking on their...
Digital Engagement & Accessibility Coordinator | Position Filled
Puppy cuddles are one of the job perks. You may not believe us now, but it gets even better. “What is better than puppy cuddles?” you ask?! Changing lives! PADS’ Communications Team is at its core about Community Engagement – we have the privilege of connecting...
2022 Winter Newsletter
Your support drives our mission, helps dogs transform lives, and empowers individuals to have an independent life. Behind each and every success story is a donor who makes this possible.
Meet Campus Canines
Join us as we chat with Alina, PADS Puppy-Raiser and the president of Campus Canines! Alina is a 4th-year student at UBC studying Biology and Puppy-Raiser to 10-month-old PADS Fleetwood. "I've had a passion for dogs for as long as I can remember, as well as a...
Celebrating 35 Years
Tune in on February 22nd at 1:00 PM PST to hear how PADS has grown over the past 35 years and hear where we're headed! We'll be joined by two very special guests: PADS Executive Director Laura Watamanuk and Past Board Chair Marga Vogel. We look forward to hearing...
Murray and Tony
Join us January 25th as we catch up with Murray and Tony! Tony works at the Customized Learning Centre, a small high school alternate program in Coquitlam School District. Tony spends his day with Murray (handler) or Dannielle, Youth Worker (trained co-handler),...
Lindsey & Iroko
Join us on January 11th at 1:00 pm PST as we catch up with Lindsey and her Service Dog Iroko Lindsey describes Iroko as loyal attentive and strong. "He is a high energy dog who pushes me to bring my level to his. He helps me pick up everything I drop and I drop lots!...
Advanced Trainer Miranda
Our Advanced Trainer Miranda is back by popular demand to talk about her work with the Advanced Dogs in Calgary!
Kaden & Cana
Meet Kaden and his new best friend Cana. This amazing pair were matched as part of the PADS VIP program in 2021. Kaden calls Cana his "new best friend forever" and is overjoyed about the new addition to their family. When asked to share about how Cana has affected...
Marketing & Media Coordinator | Position Filled
Puppy cuddles are one of the job perks. You may not believe us now, but it gets even better. “What is better than puppy cuddles?” you ask?! Changing lives! PADS’ Communications Team is at its core about Community Engagement – we have the privilege of connecting...
Spirit of PADS award
This award is awarded to volunteers that demonstrate extraordinary commitment to PADS and our community in their efforts to support PADS’ mission and vision and is awarded each year to one or more volunteers (or household).
Laurie & Lennon
Lennon and Laurie have been on a wonderful journey for the past 5 years as an Acreddited Facility Dog Team. Lennon has worked at two middle schools and continues to put his cape on every morning with a spring in his step. Laurie and Lennon both enjoy hiking on their...
Digital Engagement & Accessibility Coordinator | Position Filled
Puppy cuddles are one of the job perks. You may not believe us now, but it gets even better. “What is better than puppy cuddles?” you ask?! Changing lives! PADS’ Communications Team is at its core about Community Engagement – we have the privilege of connecting...
2022 Winter Newsletter
Your support drives our mission, helps dogs transform lives, and empowers individuals to have an independent life. Behind each and every success story is a donor who makes this possible.
Meet Campus Canines
Join us as we chat with Alina, PADS Puppy-Raiser and the president of Campus Canines! Alina is a 4th-year student at UBC studying Biology and Puppy-Raiser to 10-month-old PADS Fleetwood. "I've had a passion for dogs for as long as I can remember, as well as a...
Celebrating 35 Years
Tune in on February 22nd at 1:00 PM PST to hear how PADS has grown over the past 35 years and hear where we're headed! We'll be joined by two very special guests: PADS Executive Director Laura Watamanuk and Past Board Chair Marga Vogel. We look forward to hearing...
Murray and Tony
Join us January 25th as we catch up with Murray and Tony! Tony works at the Customized Learning Centre, a small high school alternate program in Coquitlam School District. Tony spends his day with Murray (handler) or Dannielle, Youth Worker (trained co-handler),...
Lindsey & Iroko
Join us on January 11th at 1:00 pm PST as we catch up with Lindsey and her Service Dog Iroko Lindsey describes Iroko as loyal attentive and strong. "He is a high energy dog who pushes me to bring my level to his. He helps me pick up everything I drop and I drop lots!...
Advanced Trainer Miranda
Our Advanced Trainer Miranda is back by popular demand to talk about her work with the Advanced Dogs in Calgary!
Kaden & Cana
Meet Kaden and his new best friend Cana. This amazing pair were matched as part of the PADS VIP program in 2021. Kaden calls Cana his "new best friend forever" and is overjoyed about the new addition to their family. When asked to share about how Cana has affected...
Marketing & Media Coordinator | Position Filled
Puppy cuddles are one of the job perks. You may not believe us now, but it gets even better. “What is better than puppy cuddles?” you ask?! Changing lives! PADS’ Communications Team is at its core about Community Engagement – we have the privilege of connecting...
Verne Trevoy award
Verne Trevoy was a Calgary volunteer, a PADS client, and an extraordinary gentleman. With his partner, PADS Service Dog Charlie, at his side, was the heart and soul of the Calgary program. Verne was single handedly responsible for recruiting countless volunteers, donors and even staff to our cause with his gentle, yet passionate, dedication.
This award is presented to a Calgary volunteer (or household) when there is a recipient who exemplifies Verne’s passion and dedication.
Laurie & Lennon
Lennon and Laurie have been on a wonderful journey for the past 5 years as an Acreddited Facility Dog Team. Lennon has worked at two middle schools and continues to put his cape on every morning with a spring in his step. Laurie and Lennon both enjoy hiking on their...
Digital Engagement & Accessibility Coordinator | Position Filled
Puppy cuddles are one of the job perks. You may not believe us now, but it gets even better. “What is better than puppy cuddles?” you ask?! Changing lives! PADS’ Communications Team is at its core about Community Engagement – we have the privilege of connecting...
2022 Winter Newsletter
Your support drives our mission, helps dogs transform lives, and empowers individuals to have an independent life. Behind each and every success story is a donor who makes this possible.
Meet Campus Canines
Join us as we chat with Alina, PADS Puppy-Raiser and the president of Campus Canines! Alina is a 4th-year student at UBC studying Biology and Puppy-Raiser to 10-month-old PADS Fleetwood. "I've had a passion for dogs for as long as I can remember, as well as a...
Celebrating 35 Years
Tune in on February 22nd at 1:00 PM PST to hear how PADS has grown over the past 35 years and hear where we're headed! We'll be joined by two very special guests: PADS Executive Director Laura Watamanuk and Past Board Chair Marga Vogel. We look forward to hearing...
Murray and Tony
Join us January 25th as we catch up with Murray and Tony! Tony works at the Customized Learning Centre, a small high school alternate program in Coquitlam School District. Tony spends his day with Murray (handler) or Dannielle, Youth Worker (trained co-handler),...
Lindsey & Iroko
Join us on January 11th at 1:00 pm PST as we catch up with Lindsey and her Service Dog Iroko Lindsey describes Iroko as loyal attentive and strong. "He is a high energy dog who pushes me to bring my level to his. He helps me pick up everything I drop and I drop lots!...
Advanced Trainer Miranda
Our Advanced Trainer Miranda is back by popular demand to talk about her work with the Advanced Dogs in Calgary!
Kaden & Cana
Meet Kaden and his new best friend Cana. This amazing pair were matched as part of the PADS VIP program in 2021. Kaden calls Cana his "new best friend forever" and is overjoyed about the new addition to their family. When asked to share about how Cana has affected...
Marketing & Media Coordinator | Position Filled
Puppy cuddles are one of the job perks. You may not believe us now, but it gets even better. “What is better than puppy cuddles?” you ask?! Changing lives! PADS’ Communications Team is at its core about Community Engagement – we have the privilege of connecting...
Juanita Valentine award
The Juanita Valentine Award is named for this fiesty lady that spent a lifetime supporting PADS with ferocious tenacity, perseverance, and love. This award is now presented only when there is a recipient that reflects her remarkable spirit and commitment. May be presented to any volunteer (or household) in British Columbia.
Laurie & Lennon
Lennon and Laurie have been on a wonderful journey for the past 5 years as an Acreddited Facility Dog Team. Lennon has worked at two middle schools and continues to put his cape on every morning with a spring in his step. Laurie and Lennon both enjoy hiking on their...
Digital Engagement & Accessibility Coordinator | Position Filled
Puppy cuddles are one of the job perks. You may not believe us now, but it gets even better. “What is better than puppy cuddles?” you ask?! Changing lives! PADS’ Communications Team is at its core about Community Engagement – we have the privilege of connecting...
2022 Winter Newsletter
Your support drives our mission, helps dogs transform lives, and empowers individuals to have an independent life. Behind each and every success story is a donor who makes this possible.
Meet Campus Canines
Join us as we chat with Alina, PADS Puppy-Raiser and the president of Campus Canines! Alina is a 4th-year student at UBC studying Biology and Puppy-Raiser to 10-month-old PADS Fleetwood. "I've had a passion for dogs for as long as I can remember, as well as a...
Celebrating 35 Years
Tune in on February 22nd at 1:00 PM PST to hear how PADS has grown over the past 35 years and hear where we're headed! We'll be joined by two very special guests: PADS Executive Director Laura Watamanuk and Past Board Chair Marga Vogel. We look forward to hearing...
Murray and Tony
Join us January 25th as we catch up with Murray and Tony! Tony works at the Customized Learning Centre, a small high school alternate program in Coquitlam School District. Tony spends his day with Murray (handler) or Dannielle, Youth Worker (trained co-handler),...
Lindsey & Iroko
Join us on January 11th at 1:00 pm PST as we catch up with Lindsey and her Service Dog Iroko Lindsey describes Iroko as loyal attentive and strong. "He is a high energy dog who pushes me to bring my level to his. He helps me pick up everything I drop and I drop lots!...
Advanced Trainer Miranda
Our Advanced Trainer Miranda is back by popular demand to talk about her work with the Advanced Dogs in Calgary!
Kaden & Cana
Meet Kaden and his new best friend Cana. This amazing pair were matched as part of the PADS VIP program in 2021. Kaden calls Cana his "new best friend forever" and is overjoyed about the new addition to their family. When asked to share about how Cana has affected...
Marketing & Media Coordinator | Position Filled
Puppy cuddles are one of the job perks. You may not believe us now, but it gets even better. “What is better than puppy cuddles?” you ask?! Changing lives! PADS’ Communications Team is at its core about Community Engagement – we have the privilege of connecting...