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!
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...
Fern and Bellatrix
Meet Fern and Bellatrix Fern and Bella have been a service dog team for 8 years. Fern often tells people about the amazing impact of Bella on her quality of life. Read on to learn more about their remakable partnership and Join us tuesday Dec. 14th at 1:00 PM...
Meet our Newest Staff!
Assistant Trainer | Puppy-Raising Department West Coast Region Chelsea joins our puppy-raising team with a diverse background in animal and human behaviour - she is passionate about learning and in helping people learn and grow. If you were a PADS Dog, what kind of...
Darlene’s Journey
Meet Darlene and her partner Hélène. Darlene is always enthusiastic to help Hélène with anything she needs. Darlene was whelped by Lori Gunson and family, where she learned that while the world may always be changing, she is always safe and cared for. Darlene's whole...
Volunteer & Community Engagement 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...
Holiday Giving | Meet Sgt Tia Froh & Merlot
Give a Gift that Makes a Difference Your gift ensures... ...children that have been victims of crime or trauma have a friend like Merlot when they need it most; ...veterans and first responders have a highly trained dog to help them battle PTSD; ...people with...
Meet the Avengers Litter
Join us Tuesday December 7th at 1:00 PM to meet this litter of sweet and playful pups.
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...
Cindy & Mallee
Meet Mallee and Cindy Cindy and Mallee are one of our graduate Teams of 2021! This dynamic duo will be joining us on December 21st to share about how their partnership is growing every day. “ My life has changed in more ways than I ever could have expected by...
Aries’ Journey
Meet PADS Aries and his new partner Emily! Emily and Aries are an amazing pair who are taking on new adventures in the world side-by-side. Aries came to PADS through the Assistance Dogs International Breeding Cooperative from Dogs with Wings in Edmonton, AB. He...
Volunteers of the year
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...
Fern and Bellatrix
Meet Fern and Bellatrix Fern and Bella have been a service dog team for 8 years. Fern often tells people about the amazing impact of Bella on her quality of life. Read on to learn more about their remakable partnership and Join us tuesday Dec. 14th at 1:00 PM...
Meet our Newest Staff!
Assistant Trainer | Puppy-Raising Department West Coast Region Chelsea joins our puppy-raising team with a diverse background in animal and human behaviour - she is passionate about learning and in helping people learn and grow. If you were a PADS Dog, what kind of...
Darlene’s Journey
Meet Darlene and her partner Hélène. Darlene is always enthusiastic to help Hélène with anything she needs. Darlene was whelped by Lori Gunson and family, where she learned that while the world may always be changing, she is always safe and cared for. Darlene's whole...
Volunteer & Community Engagement 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...
Holiday Giving | Meet Sgt Tia Froh & Merlot
Give a Gift that Makes a Difference Your gift ensures... ...children that have been victims of crime or trauma have a friend like Merlot when they need it most; ...veterans and first responders have a highly trained dog to help them battle PTSD; ...people with...
Meet the Avengers Litter
Join us Tuesday December 7th at 1:00 PM to meet this litter of sweet and playful pups.
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...
Cindy & Mallee
Meet Mallee and Cindy Cindy and Mallee are one of our graduate Teams of 2021! This dynamic duo will be joining us on December 21st to share about how their partnership is growing every day. “ My life has changed in more ways than I ever could have expected by...
Aries’ Journey
Meet PADS Aries and his new partner Emily! Emily and Aries are an amazing pair who are taking on new adventures in the world side-by-side. Aries came to PADS through the Assistance Dogs International Breeding Cooperative from Dogs with Wings in Edmonton, AB. He...
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).
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...
Fern and Bellatrix
Meet Fern and Bellatrix Fern and Bella have been a service dog team for 8 years. Fern often tells people about the amazing impact of Bella on her quality of life. Read on to learn more about their remakable partnership and Join us tuesday Dec. 14th at 1:00 PM...
Meet our Newest Staff!
Assistant Trainer | Puppy-Raising Department West Coast Region Chelsea joins our puppy-raising team with a diverse background in animal and human behaviour - she is passionate about learning and in helping people learn and grow. If you were a PADS Dog, what kind of...
Darlene’s Journey
Meet Darlene and her partner Hélène. Darlene is always enthusiastic to help Hélène with anything she needs. Darlene was whelped by Lori Gunson and family, where she learned that while the world may always be changing, she is always safe and cared for. Darlene's whole...
Volunteer & Community Engagement 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...
Holiday Giving | Meet Sgt Tia Froh & Merlot
Give a Gift that Makes a Difference Your gift ensures... ...children that have been victims of crime or trauma have a friend like Merlot when they need it most; ...veterans and first responders have a highly trained dog to help them battle PTSD; ...people with...
Meet the Avengers Litter
Join us Tuesday December 7th at 1:00 PM to meet this litter of sweet and playful pups.
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...
Cindy & Mallee
Meet Mallee and Cindy Cindy and Mallee are one of our graduate Teams of 2021! This dynamic duo will be joining us on December 21st to share about how their partnership is growing every day. “ My life has changed in more ways than I ever could have expected by...
Aries’ Journey
Meet PADS Aries and his new partner Emily! Emily and Aries are an amazing pair who are taking on new adventures in the world side-by-side. Aries came to PADS through the Assistance Dogs International Breeding Cooperative from Dogs with Wings in Edmonton, AB. He...
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.
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...
Fern and Bellatrix
Meet Fern and Bellatrix Fern and Bella have been a service dog team for 8 years. Fern often tells people about the amazing impact of Bella on her quality of life. Read on to learn more about their remakable partnership and Join us tuesday Dec. 14th at 1:00 PM...
Meet our Newest Staff!
Assistant Trainer | Puppy-Raising Department West Coast Region Chelsea joins our puppy-raising team with a diverse background in animal and human behaviour - she is passionate about learning and in helping people learn and grow. If you were a PADS Dog, what kind of...
Darlene’s Journey
Meet Darlene and her partner Hélène. Darlene is always enthusiastic to help Hélène with anything she needs. Darlene was whelped by Lori Gunson and family, where she learned that while the world may always be changing, she is always safe and cared for. Darlene's whole...
Volunteer & Community Engagement 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...
Holiday Giving | Meet Sgt Tia Froh & Merlot
Give a Gift that Makes a Difference Your gift ensures... ...children that have been victims of crime or trauma have a friend like Merlot when they need it most; ...veterans and first responders have a highly trained dog to help them battle PTSD; ...people with...
Meet the Avengers Litter
Join us Tuesday December 7th at 1:00 PM to meet this litter of sweet and playful pups.
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...
Cindy & Mallee
Meet Mallee and Cindy Cindy and Mallee are one of our graduate Teams of 2021! This dynamic duo will be joining us on December 21st to share about how their partnership is growing every day. “ My life has changed in more ways than I ever could have expected by...
Aries’ Journey
Meet PADS Aries and his new partner Emily! Emily and Aries are an amazing pair who are taking on new adventures in the world side-by-side. Aries came to PADS through the Assistance Dogs International Breeding Cooperative from Dogs with Wings in Edmonton, AB. He...
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.
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...
Fern and Bellatrix
Meet Fern and Bellatrix Fern and Bella have been a service dog team for 8 years. Fern often tells people about the amazing impact of Bella on her quality of life. Read on to learn more about their remakable partnership and Join us tuesday Dec. 14th at 1:00 PM...
Meet our Newest Staff!
Assistant Trainer | Puppy-Raising Department West Coast Region Chelsea joins our puppy-raising team with a diverse background in animal and human behaviour - she is passionate about learning and in helping people learn and grow. If you were a PADS Dog, what kind of...
Darlene’s Journey
Meet Darlene and her partner Hélène. Darlene is always enthusiastic to help Hélène with anything she needs. Darlene was whelped by Lori Gunson and family, where she learned that while the world may always be changing, she is always safe and cared for. Darlene's whole...
Volunteer & Community Engagement 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...
Holiday Giving | Meet Sgt Tia Froh & Merlot
Give a Gift that Makes a Difference Your gift ensures... ...children that have been victims of crime or trauma have a friend like Merlot when they need it most; ...veterans and first responders have a highly trained dog to help them battle PTSD; ...people with...
Meet the Avengers Litter
Join us Tuesday December 7th at 1:00 PM to meet this litter of sweet and playful pups.
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...
Cindy & Mallee
Meet Mallee and Cindy Cindy and Mallee are one of our graduate Teams of 2021! This dynamic duo will be joining us on December 21st to share about how their partnership is growing every day. “ My life has changed in more ways than I ever could have expected by...
Aries’ Journey
Meet PADS Aries and his new partner Emily! Emily and Aries are an amazing pair who are taking on new adventures in the world side-by-side. Aries came to PADS through the Assistance Dogs International Breeding Cooperative from Dogs with Wings in Edmonton, AB. He...