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!

Meredith & Henrik

Click the link below to hear from Puppy Raisers Meredith and Henrik. Together this dynamic duo has raised a total of 9 pups, often welcoming two pups into their home at a time. Tune in to learn more about their PADS Puppy-Raising journey and to find out what it's like...

Tonya and Kylo

Tonya and Kylo

Click the link below to watch our interview with Tonya and her Service Dog PADS Kylo. Tune in to hear about the work Kylo does and about their amazing partnership.

LEAH & SMOKEY

LEAH & SMOKEY

Click the Video to meet Leah and her AFD Partner Smokey. Leah is a clinical counsellor as well as a school counsellor.  In both her roles Smokey works with her providing love, comfort and support. Leah says that she has noticed that often people will connect first...

Tiff and Mosley

Mosley now lives with her Puppy-Raiser Tiff and released PADS Bonnie. Watch the video below to hear about how PADS Mosley is adjusting to life outside of her whelping home. 

George: “Why I give to PADS”

I first became involved with PADS because I wanted to raise a puppy in my classroom (I think there should be a puppy or dog in every classroom!).  However, before that could happen, I retired.  That was about five years ago now and I’ve been volunteering as a raiser...

Glenora: “Why I give to PADS”

Glenora: “Why I give to PADS”

My connection to PADS goes back about 14 years ago when my dog-loving daughter, Tara, heard about PADS and became a volunteer puppy-raiser. She comes from a family of dog-lovers and grew up with one pet dog after another. Since PADS came into her life, I can’t keep...

Assistant Puppy Trainer | Position Filled

THE POSITION The Assistant Puppy Trainer position is a brand new entry-level position in the Puppy-Raising Program (PRP) with planned advancement through to Puppy Raising Instructor (minimum 4 year process).   The Assistant Puppy Trainer is part of an...

Leahy: 2020 Legends

Leahy: 2020 Legends

Leahy was truly an exceptional PADS Service Dog with a long career helping her partner Anya.

Macbeth: 2020 Legends

Macbeth: 2020 Legends

Macbeth touched thousands of lives and had the longest working career in the history of PADS.

Caber: 2020 Legends

Caber: 2020 Legends

One could write pages about the impact that Caber has had on those affected by trauma.

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.

Meredith & Henrik

Click the link below to hear from Puppy Raisers Meredith and Henrik. Together this dynamic duo has raised a total of 9 pups, often welcoming two pups into their home at a time. Tune in to learn more about their PADS Puppy-Raising journey and to find out what it's like...

Tonya and Kylo

Tonya and Kylo

Click the link below to watch our interview with Tonya and her Service Dog PADS Kylo. Tune in to hear about the work Kylo does and about their amazing partnership.

LEAH & SMOKEY

LEAH & SMOKEY

Click the Video to meet Leah and her AFD Partner Smokey. Leah is a clinical counsellor as well as a school counsellor.  In both her roles Smokey works with her providing love, comfort and support. Leah says that she has noticed that often people will connect first...

Tiff and Mosley

Mosley now lives with her Puppy-Raiser Tiff and released PADS Bonnie. Watch the video below to hear about how PADS Mosley is adjusting to life outside of her whelping home. 

George: “Why I give to PADS”

I first became involved with PADS because I wanted to raise a puppy in my classroom (I think there should be a puppy or dog in every classroom!).  However, before that could happen, I retired.  That was about five years ago now and I’ve been volunteering as a raiser...

Glenora: “Why I give to PADS”

Glenora: “Why I give to PADS”

My connection to PADS goes back about 14 years ago when my dog-loving daughter, Tara, heard about PADS and became a volunteer puppy-raiser. She comes from a family of dog-lovers and grew up with one pet dog after another. Since PADS came into her life, I can’t keep...

Assistant Puppy Trainer | Position Filled

THE POSITION The Assistant Puppy Trainer position is a brand new entry-level position in the Puppy-Raising Program (PRP) with planned advancement through to Puppy Raising Instructor (minimum 4 year process).   The Assistant Puppy Trainer is part of an...

Leahy: 2020 Legends

Leahy: 2020 Legends

Leahy was truly an exceptional PADS Service Dog with a long career helping her partner Anya.

Macbeth: 2020 Legends

Macbeth: 2020 Legends

Macbeth touched thousands of lives and had the longest working career in the history of PADS.

Caber: 2020 Legends

Caber: 2020 Legends

One could write pages about the impact that Caber has had on those affected by trauma.

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).  

Meredith & Henrik

Click the link below to hear from Puppy Raisers Meredith and Henrik. Together this dynamic duo has raised a total of 9 pups, often welcoming two pups into their home at a time. Tune in to learn more about their PADS Puppy-Raising journey and to find out what it's like...

Tonya and Kylo

Tonya and Kylo

Click the link below to watch our interview with Tonya and her Service Dog PADS Kylo. Tune in to hear about the work Kylo does and about their amazing partnership.

LEAH & SMOKEY

LEAH & SMOKEY

Click the Video to meet Leah and her AFD Partner Smokey. Leah is a clinical counsellor as well as a school counsellor.  In both her roles Smokey works with her providing love, comfort and support. Leah says that she has noticed that often people will connect first...

Tiff and Mosley

Mosley now lives with her Puppy-Raiser Tiff and released PADS Bonnie. Watch the video below to hear about how PADS Mosley is adjusting to life outside of her whelping home. 

George: “Why I give to PADS”

I first became involved with PADS because I wanted to raise a puppy in my classroom (I think there should be a puppy or dog in every classroom!).  However, before that could happen, I retired.  That was about five years ago now and I’ve been volunteering as a raiser...

Glenora: “Why I give to PADS”

Glenora: “Why I give to PADS”

My connection to PADS goes back about 14 years ago when my dog-loving daughter, Tara, heard about PADS and became a volunteer puppy-raiser. She comes from a family of dog-lovers and grew up with one pet dog after another. Since PADS came into her life, I can’t keep...

Assistant Puppy Trainer | Position Filled

THE POSITION The Assistant Puppy Trainer position is a brand new entry-level position in the Puppy-Raising Program (PRP) with planned advancement through to Puppy Raising Instructor (minimum 4 year process).   The Assistant Puppy Trainer is part of an...

Leahy: 2020 Legends

Leahy: 2020 Legends

Leahy was truly an exceptional PADS Service Dog with a long career helping her partner Anya.

Macbeth: 2020 Legends

Macbeth: 2020 Legends

Macbeth touched thousands of lives and had the longest working career in the history of PADS.

Caber: 2020 Legends

Caber: 2020 Legends

One could write pages about the impact that Caber has had on those affected by trauma.

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.

Meredith & Henrik

Click the link below to hear from Puppy Raisers Meredith and Henrik. Together this dynamic duo has raised a total of 9 pups, often welcoming two pups into their home at a time. Tune in to learn more about their PADS Puppy-Raising journey and to find out what it's like...

Tonya and Kylo

Tonya and Kylo

Click the link below to watch our interview with Tonya and her Service Dog PADS Kylo. Tune in to hear about the work Kylo does and about their amazing partnership.

LEAH & SMOKEY

LEAH & SMOKEY

Click the Video to meet Leah and her AFD Partner Smokey. Leah is a clinical counsellor as well as a school counsellor.  In both her roles Smokey works with her providing love, comfort and support. Leah says that she has noticed that often people will connect first...

Tiff and Mosley

Mosley now lives with her Puppy-Raiser Tiff and released PADS Bonnie. Watch the video below to hear about how PADS Mosley is adjusting to life outside of her whelping home. 

George: “Why I give to PADS”

I first became involved with PADS because I wanted to raise a puppy in my classroom (I think there should be a puppy or dog in every classroom!).  However, before that could happen, I retired.  That was about five years ago now and I’ve been volunteering as a raiser...

Glenora: “Why I give to PADS”

Glenora: “Why I give to PADS”

My connection to PADS goes back about 14 years ago when my dog-loving daughter, Tara, heard about PADS and became a volunteer puppy-raiser. She comes from a family of dog-lovers and grew up with one pet dog after another. Since PADS came into her life, I can’t keep...

Assistant Puppy Trainer | Position Filled

THE POSITION The Assistant Puppy Trainer position is a brand new entry-level position in the Puppy-Raising Program (PRP) with planned advancement through to Puppy Raising Instructor (minimum 4 year process).   The Assistant Puppy Trainer is part of an...

Leahy: 2020 Legends

Leahy: 2020 Legends

Leahy was truly an exceptional PADS Service Dog with a long career helping her partner Anya.

Macbeth: 2020 Legends

Macbeth: 2020 Legends

Macbeth touched thousands of lives and had the longest working career in the history of PADS.

Caber: 2020 Legends

Caber: 2020 Legends

One could write pages about the impact that Caber has had on those affected by trauma.

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.

Meredith & Henrik

Click the link below to hear from Puppy Raisers Meredith and Henrik. Together this dynamic duo has raised a total of 9 pups, often welcoming two pups into their home at a time. Tune in to learn more about their PADS Puppy-Raising journey and to find out what it's like...

Tonya and Kylo

Tonya and Kylo

Click the link below to watch our interview with Tonya and her Service Dog PADS Kylo. Tune in to hear about the work Kylo does and about their amazing partnership.

LEAH & SMOKEY

LEAH & SMOKEY

Click the Video to meet Leah and her AFD Partner Smokey. Leah is a clinical counsellor as well as a school counsellor.  In both her roles Smokey works with her providing love, comfort and support. Leah says that she has noticed that often people will connect first...

Tiff and Mosley

Mosley now lives with her Puppy-Raiser Tiff and released PADS Bonnie. Watch the video below to hear about how PADS Mosley is adjusting to life outside of her whelping home. 

George: “Why I give to PADS”

I first became involved with PADS because I wanted to raise a puppy in my classroom (I think there should be a puppy or dog in every classroom!).  However, before that could happen, I retired.  That was about five years ago now and I’ve been volunteering as a raiser...

Glenora: “Why I give to PADS”

Glenora: “Why I give to PADS”

My connection to PADS goes back about 14 years ago when my dog-loving daughter, Tara, heard about PADS and became a volunteer puppy-raiser. She comes from a family of dog-lovers and grew up with one pet dog after another. Since PADS came into her life, I can’t keep...

Assistant Puppy Trainer | Position Filled

THE POSITION The Assistant Puppy Trainer position is a brand new entry-level position in the Puppy-Raising Program (PRP) with planned advancement through to Puppy Raising Instructor (minimum 4 year process).   The Assistant Puppy Trainer is part of an...

Leahy: 2020 Legends

Leahy: 2020 Legends

Leahy was truly an exceptional PADS Service Dog with a long career helping her partner Anya.

Macbeth: 2020 Legends

Macbeth: 2020 Legends

Macbeth touched thousands of lives and had the longest working career in the history of PADS.

Caber: 2020 Legends

Caber: 2020 Legends

One could write pages about the impact that Caber has had on those affected by trauma.