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 โ€“ 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 โ€“ many of these individuals took on increased workloads related to COVID-19 and some provided specialized expertise or skills that weโ€™ve never needed before. To each of them we are grateful!

Sandy III’s Journey

Sandy III’s Journey

Meet Sandy III and his new partner Brad! Brad is a third time PADS Client and has welcomed Sandy to his side earlier this year. Sandy has been quite the traveling pup throughout his time in training. Sandy came to PADS through our participation in the Assistance Dog...

Queenie’s Journey

Queenie’s Journey

Meet Queenie, an Accredited Facility Dog (AFD) who uses her natural cuddling talentsโ€”and love of bringing people new toysโ€”to spread joy to those who need it most. Queenie came to PADS from Eyes Ears Nose and Paws through our partnership with the Assistance Dogs...

Gatsby’s Journey

Gatsby’s Journey

Meet Gatsby, a lovely, caring dog who loves to meet new people and greet them with one of his favourite toys. Gatsby's journey brings our expression "It takes a village" to life. Gatsby came to PADS from Southeastern Guide Dogs and landed in our Okanagan Puppy-Raising...

Sadie II’s Journey

Sadie II’s Journey

Meet Sadie II and her team Christian, Emily and Kathleen. Sadie works to support the Internet Child Exploitation Unit at the Vancouver Police Department and is doing a fantastic job in her role so far. Sadie II came to PADS through our Partnership with the Assistance...

Mudge’s Journey

Mudge’s Journey

Meet Mudge, a fun-loving, slightly sassy girl who loves to help her client in any way that they need. Mudge was whelped, raised and trained all in the Lower-Mainland and was even whelped and raised by the same people: Teri & Rory Banks!ย  Throughout Puppy-Raising,...

Swell’s Journey

Swell’s Journey

Meet Swell. Earlier this year Swell earned his blue vest in his role as an Accredited Facility Dog.ย  Swell was whelped in the Lower Mainland by the Doherty-Dong family where he and his siblings were already being set upon a path to be resilient dogs with a love of...

Meeka’s Journey

Meeka’s Journey

Meet Meeka and her client Miles. This dynamic duo are now able to confidently navigate family outings and especially enjoy walking Miles' children to school. Meeka was born at Can Do Canines and came to PADS through our Partnership with ADI Breeding Cooperative (ABC)....

Paxton’s Journey

Paxton’s Journey

Meet Paxton and his new partner Nicole. Paxton is the product of the Calgary community! Whelped by long term Breeder-Caretakers Robin and Ty, who gave him and his littermates the best start in life possible. Paxton's Puppy-Raisers Chris & Tracy and Madeline &...

Daegan’s Journey

Daegan’s Journey

Meet Daegan and his partner Anya. Together, they completed team training in December of 2020 and are excited to celebrate their accomplishments at our 2021 Graduation ceremony. Daegan came to PADS through our partnership with the Assistance Dog International Breeding...

Vimy’s Journey

Vimy’s Journey

Meet Vimy and his partner Anne. Together they completed team training earlier this year and are now a fully certified Service Dog Team. Vimy was whelped in the Lower Mainland by Rory & Teri Banks and stayed in the West Coast region while he completed his...

Volunteers of the year

Each year this award is presented to a volunteer in each region who has shown remarkable commitment to PADS and our organization’s mission.
Sandy III’s Journey

Sandy III’s Journey

Meet Sandy III and his new partner Brad! Brad is a third time PADS Client and has welcomed Sandy to his side earlier this year. Sandy has been quite the traveling pup throughout his time in training. Sandy came to PADS through our participation in the Assistance Dog...

Queenie’s Journey

Queenie’s Journey

Meet Queenie, an Accredited Facility Dog (AFD) who uses her natural cuddling talentsโ€”and love of bringing people new toysโ€”to spread joy to those who need it most. Queenie came to PADS from Eyes Ears Nose and Paws through our partnership with the Assistance Dogs...

Gatsby’s Journey

Gatsby’s Journey

Meet Gatsby, a lovely, caring dog who loves to meet new people and greet them with one of his favourite toys. Gatsby's journey brings our expression "It takes a village" to life. Gatsby came to PADS from Southeastern Guide Dogs and landed in our Okanagan Puppy-Raising...

Sadie II’s Journey

Sadie II’s Journey

Meet Sadie II and her team Christian, Emily and Kathleen. Sadie works to support the Internet Child Exploitation Unit at the Vancouver Police Department and is doing a fantastic job in her role so far. Sadie II came to PADS through our Partnership with the Assistance...

Mudge’s Journey

Mudge’s Journey

Meet Mudge, a fun-loving, slightly sassy girl who loves to help her client in any way that they need. Mudge was whelped, raised and trained all in the Lower-Mainland and was even whelped and raised by the same people: Teri & Rory Banks!ย  Throughout Puppy-Raising,...

Swell’s Journey

Swell’s Journey

Meet Swell. Earlier this year Swell earned his blue vest in his role as an Accredited Facility Dog.ย  Swell was whelped in the Lower Mainland by the Doherty-Dong family where he and his siblings were already being set upon a path to be resilient dogs with a love of...

Meeka’s Journey

Meeka’s Journey

Meet Meeka and her client Miles. This dynamic duo are now able to confidently navigate family outings and especially enjoy walking Miles' children to school. Meeka was born at Can Do Canines and came to PADS through our Partnership with ADI Breeding Cooperative (ABC)....

Paxton’s Journey

Paxton’s Journey

Meet Paxton and his new partner Nicole. Paxton is the product of the Calgary community! Whelped by long term Breeder-Caretakers Robin and Ty, who gave him and his littermates the best start in life possible. Paxton's Puppy-Raisers Chris & Tracy and Madeline &...

Daegan’s Journey

Daegan’s Journey

Meet Daegan and his partner Anya. Together, they completed team training in December of 2020 and are excited to celebrate their accomplishments at our 2021 Graduation ceremony. Daegan came to PADS through our partnership with the Assistance Dog International Breeding...

Vimy’s Journey

Vimy’s Journey

Meet Vimy and his partner Anne. Together they completed team training earlier this year and are now a fully certified Service Dog Team. Vimy was whelped in the Lower Mainland by Rory & Teri Banks and stayed in the West Coast region while he completed his...

Spirit of PADS award

This award is awarded toย  volunteersย that demonstrate extraordinary commitment to PADS andย ourย communityย inย their efforts to support PADSโ€™ย mission and vision and isย  awardedย each year to one or moreย volunteersย (or household).ย ย 

Sandy III’s Journey

Sandy III’s Journey

Meet Sandy III and his new partner Brad! Brad is a third time PADS Client and has welcomed Sandy to his side earlier this year. Sandy has been quite the traveling pup throughout his time in training. Sandy came to PADS through our participation in the Assistance Dog...

Queenie’s Journey

Queenie’s Journey

Meet Queenie, an Accredited Facility Dog (AFD) who uses her natural cuddling talentsโ€”and love of bringing people new toysโ€”to spread joy to those who need it most. Queenie came to PADS from Eyes Ears Nose and Paws through our partnership with the Assistance Dogs...

Gatsby’s Journey

Gatsby’s Journey

Meet Gatsby, a lovely, caring dog who loves to meet new people and greet them with one of his favourite toys. Gatsby's journey brings our expression "It takes a village" to life. Gatsby came to PADS from Southeastern Guide Dogs and landed in our Okanagan Puppy-Raising...

Sadie II’s Journey

Sadie II’s Journey

Meet Sadie II and her team Christian, Emily and Kathleen. Sadie works to support the Internet Child Exploitation Unit at the Vancouver Police Department and is doing a fantastic job in her role so far. Sadie II came to PADS through our Partnership with the Assistance...

Mudge’s Journey

Mudge’s Journey

Meet Mudge, a fun-loving, slightly sassy girl who loves to help her client in any way that they need. Mudge was whelped, raised and trained all in the Lower-Mainland and was even whelped and raised by the same people: Teri & Rory Banks!ย  Throughout Puppy-Raising,...

Swell’s Journey

Swell’s Journey

Meet Swell. Earlier this year Swell earned his blue vest in his role as an Accredited Facility Dog.ย  Swell was whelped in the Lower Mainland by the Doherty-Dong family where he and his siblings were already being set upon a path to be resilient dogs with a love of...

Meeka’s Journey

Meeka’s Journey

Meet Meeka and her client Miles. This dynamic duo are now able to confidently navigate family outings and especially enjoy walking Miles' children to school. Meeka was born at Can Do Canines and came to PADS through our Partnership with ADI Breeding Cooperative (ABC)....

Paxton’s Journey

Paxton’s Journey

Meet Paxton and his new partner Nicole. Paxton is the product of the Calgary community! Whelped by long term Breeder-Caretakers Robin and Ty, who gave him and his littermates the best start in life possible. Paxton's Puppy-Raisers Chris & Tracy and Madeline &...

Daegan’s Journey

Daegan’s Journey

Meet Daegan and his partner Anya. Together, they completed team training in December of 2020 and are excited to celebrate their accomplishments at our 2021 Graduation ceremony. Daegan came to PADS through our partnership with the Assistance Dog International Breeding...

Vimy’s Journey

Vimy’s Journey

Meet Vimy and his partner Anne. Together they completed team training earlier this year and are now a fully certified Service Dog Team. Vimy was whelped in the Lower Mainland by Rory & Teri Banks and stayed in the West Coast region while he completed his...

Verne Trevoy award

Verneย Trevoyย was aย Calgaryย volunteer, aย PADSย client,ย and an extraordinary gentleman.ย  With his partner, PADS Service Dog Charlie,ย 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,ย yet passionate,ย dedication.ย ย 

This award isย presentedย toย a Calgaryย volunteer (or household) when there is a recipientย whoย exemplifiesย Verneโ€™s passion and dedication.

Sandy III’s Journey

Sandy III’s Journey

Meet Sandy III and his new partner Brad! Brad is a third time PADS Client and has welcomed Sandy to his side earlier this year. Sandy has been quite the traveling pup throughout his time in training. Sandy came to PADS through our participation in the Assistance Dog...

Queenie’s Journey

Queenie’s Journey

Meet Queenie, an Accredited Facility Dog (AFD) who uses her natural cuddling talentsโ€”and love of bringing people new toysโ€”to spread joy to those who need it most. Queenie came to PADS from Eyes Ears Nose and Paws through our partnership with the Assistance Dogs...

Gatsby’s Journey

Gatsby’s Journey

Meet Gatsby, a lovely, caring dog who loves to meet new people and greet them with one of his favourite toys. Gatsby's journey brings our expression "It takes a village" to life. Gatsby came to PADS from Southeastern Guide Dogs and landed in our Okanagan Puppy-Raising...

Sadie II’s Journey

Sadie II’s Journey

Meet Sadie II and her team Christian, Emily and Kathleen. Sadie works to support the Internet Child Exploitation Unit at the Vancouver Police Department and is doing a fantastic job in her role so far. Sadie II came to PADS through our Partnership with the Assistance...

Mudge’s Journey

Mudge’s Journey

Meet Mudge, a fun-loving, slightly sassy girl who loves to help her client in any way that they need. Mudge was whelped, raised and trained all in the Lower-Mainland and was even whelped and raised by the same people: Teri & Rory Banks!ย  Throughout Puppy-Raising,...

Swell’s Journey

Swell’s Journey

Meet Swell. Earlier this year Swell earned his blue vest in his role as an Accredited Facility Dog.ย  Swell was whelped in the Lower Mainland by the Doherty-Dong family where he and his siblings were already being set upon a path to be resilient dogs with a love of...

Meeka’s Journey

Meeka’s Journey

Meet Meeka and her client Miles. This dynamic duo are now able to confidently navigate family outings and especially enjoy walking Miles' children to school. Meeka was born at Can Do Canines and came to PADS through our Partnership with ADI Breeding Cooperative (ABC)....

Paxton’s Journey

Paxton’s Journey

Meet Paxton and his new partner Nicole. Paxton is the product of the Calgary community! Whelped by long term Breeder-Caretakers Robin and Ty, who gave him and his littermates the best start in life possible. Paxton's Puppy-Raisers Chris & Tracy and Madeline &...

Daegan’s Journey

Daegan’s Journey

Meet Daegan and his partner Anya. Together, they completed team training in December of 2020 and are excited to celebrate their accomplishments at our 2021 Graduation ceremony. Daegan came to PADS through our partnership with the Assistance Dog International Breeding...

Vimy’s Journey

Vimy’s Journey

Meet Vimy and his partner Anne. Together they completed team training earlier this year and are now a fully certified Service Dog Team. Vimy was whelped in the Lower Mainland by Rory & Teri Banks and stayed in the West Coast region while he completed his...

Juanita Valentine award

ย 

The Juanita Valentine Award is named for thisย fiestyย lady that spent a lifetime supporting PADS with ferocious tenacity,ย perseverance,ย 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.

Sandy III’s Journey

Sandy III’s Journey

Meet Sandy III and his new partner Brad! Brad is a third time PADS Client and has welcomed Sandy to his side earlier this year. Sandy has been quite the traveling pup throughout his time in training. Sandy came to PADS through our participation in the Assistance Dog...

Queenie’s Journey

Queenie’s Journey

Meet Queenie, an Accredited Facility Dog (AFD) who uses her natural cuddling talentsโ€”and love of bringing people new toysโ€”to spread joy to those who need it most. Queenie came to PADS from Eyes Ears Nose and Paws through our partnership with the Assistance Dogs...

Gatsby’s Journey

Gatsby’s Journey

Meet Gatsby, a lovely, caring dog who loves to meet new people and greet them with one of his favourite toys. Gatsby's journey brings our expression "It takes a village" to life. Gatsby came to PADS from Southeastern Guide Dogs and landed in our Okanagan Puppy-Raising...

Sadie II’s Journey

Sadie II’s Journey

Meet Sadie II and her team Christian, Emily and Kathleen. Sadie works to support the Internet Child Exploitation Unit at the Vancouver Police Department and is doing a fantastic job in her role so far. Sadie II came to PADS through our Partnership with the Assistance...

Mudge’s Journey

Mudge’s Journey

Meet Mudge, a fun-loving, slightly sassy girl who loves to help her client in any way that they need. Mudge was whelped, raised and trained all in the Lower-Mainland and was even whelped and raised by the same people: Teri & Rory Banks!ย  Throughout Puppy-Raising,...

Swell’s Journey

Swell’s Journey

Meet Swell. Earlier this year Swell earned his blue vest in his role as an Accredited Facility Dog.ย  Swell was whelped in the Lower Mainland by the Doherty-Dong family where he and his siblings were already being set upon a path to be resilient dogs with a love of...

Meeka’s Journey

Meeka’s Journey

Meet Meeka and her client Miles. This dynamic duo are now able to confidently navigate family outings and especially enjoy walking Miles' children to school. Meeka was born at Can Do Canines and came to PADS through our Partnership with ADI Breeding Cooperative (ABC)....

Paxton’s Journey

Paxton’s Journey

Meet Paxton and his new partner Nicole. Paxton is the product of the Calgary community! Whelped by long term Breeder-Caretakers Robin and Ty, who gave him and his littermates the best start in life possible. Paxton's Puppy-Raisers Chris & Tracy and Madeline &...

Daegan’s Journey

Daegan’s Journey

Meet Daegan and his partner Anya. Together, they completed team training in December of 2020 and are excited to celebrate their accomplishments at our 2021 Graduation ceremony. Daegan came to PADS through our partnership with the Assistance Dog International Breeding...

Vimy’s Journey

Vimy’s Journey

Meet Vimy and his partner Anne. Together they completed team training earlier this year and are now a fully certified Service Dog Team. Vimy was whelped in the Lower Mainland by Rory & Teri Banks and stayed in the West Coast region while he completed his...