Dozens of dogs in British Columbia have recently graduated as service animals, providing invaluable support and assistance to individuals in need.
The graduation ceremony, held at the Pacific Assistance Dogs Society (PADS) headquarters in Burnaby, celebrated the hard work and dedication of these furry graduates and their trainers.
PADS is a non-profit organization that trains and provides service dogs to individuals with physical disabilities, hearing impairments, and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). These highly trained dogs are able to perform a variety of tasks, such as opening doors, retrieving items, and providing emotional support.
The graduation ceremony was a heartwarming event, with each dog receiving a certificate and a special PADS vest. The dogs were also given a chance to showcase their skills, demonstrating their ability to assist their handlers in everyday tasks.
One of the graduates, a golden retriever named Bella, will be providing support to a young girl with cerebral palsy. Bella’s trainer, Sarah, shared her pride in seeing Bella graduate and knowing that she will make a positive impact in someone’s life.
“It’s amazing to see how much these dogs can change someone’s life,” said Sarah. “Bella has been trained to help with tasks like picking up dropped items and opening doors, but she will also provide emotional support and companionship to her handler.”
PADS relies on the support of volunteers and donations to continue their important work. The organization has been providing service dogs to individuals in need for over 30 years and has graduated over 1,400 dogs.
“We are incredibly proud of our graduates and the impact they will have on their handlers’ lives,” said Laura Watamanuk, PADS’ director of development. “We couldn’t do this without the support of our volunteers and donors, who make it possible for us to train and provide these amazing dogs.”
The graduation ceremony was a reminder of the incredible bond between humans and animals, and the positive impact that service dogs have on individuals with disabilities. Congratulations to all the graduates and their trainers for their hard work and dedication.
