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!
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...
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
Meet Queenie, an Accredited Facility Dog (AFD) who uses her natural cuddling talents—and love of bringing people new toys—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
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
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
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! Throughout Puppy-Raising,...
Swell’s Journey
Meet Swell. Earlier this year Swell earned his blue vest in his role as an Accredited Facility Dog. 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
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
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
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...
Volunteers of the year
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...
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
Meet Queenie, an Accredited Facility Dog (AFD) who uses her natural cuddling talents—and love of bringing people new toys—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
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
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
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! Throughout Puppy-Raising,...
Swell’s Journey
Meet Swell. Earlier this year Swell earned his blue vest in his role as an Accredited Facility Dog. 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
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
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
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...
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).
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...
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
Meet Queenie, an Accredited Facility Dog (AFD) who uses her natural cuddling talents—and love of bringing people new toys—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
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
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
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! Throughout Puppy-Raising,...
Swell’s Journey
Meet Swell. Earlier this year Swell earned his blue vest in his role as an Accredited Facility Dog. 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
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
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
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...
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.
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...
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
Meet Queenie, an Accredited Facility Dog (AFD) who uses her natural cuddling talents—and love of bringing people new toys—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
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
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
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! Throughout Puppy-Raising,...
Swell’s Journey
Meet Swell. Earlier this year Swell earned his blue vest in his role as an Accredited Facility Dog. 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
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
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
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...
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.
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...
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
Meet Queenie, an Accredited Facility Dog (AFD) who uses her natural cuddling talents—and love of bringing people new toys—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
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
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
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! Throughout Puppy-Raising,...
Swell’s Journey
Meet Swell. Earlier this year Swell earned his blue vest in his role as an Accredited Facility Dog. 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
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
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
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...