Community Partners: A Q&A with Meredith Areskoug PADS

We're featuring the Pacific Assistance Dogs Society (PADS) for our next Community Partners Q&A. This time, we chatted with Meredith Areskoug, Marketing and Media Coordinator of Pacific Assistance Dogs Society (PADS). Read her Q&A below.

In two to three sentences, tell us a bit about your organization.
The Pacific Assistance Dogs Society (PADS) breeds, raises, and trains certified assistance dogs to support people living with physical disabilities and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Our dogs are placed with clients across Western Canada to help them live with greater independence. From puppyhood to placement, PADS dogs are raised with purpose and help change lives.

Tell us why support from organizations such as OpenRoad Foundation is important for charities and non-profits.
Support from organizations like the OpenRoad Foundation is vital in helping us provide highly trained assistance dogs at no cost to the people who need them. As a non-profit, we rely on donations and grants to fund everything from veterinary care to specialized training, ensuring each dog is well-equipped to support their future client.

How did our grant help your organization?
The OpenRoad Foundation grant directly supported the development and care of our PADS puppies-in-training, helping cover essential costs like training equipment, supplies, and veterinary expenses. It also contributed to our community outreach and educational initiatives, allowing us to raise awareness about the transformative impact of assistance dogs.

What's coming up for your organization (or, what's new)?
We’re growing our puppy-raising community and expanding our PTSD and Accredited Facility Dog programs to serve even more clients. We’re also launching new training initiatives and community partnerships aimed at strengthening accessibility, mental health support, and inclusion across the regions we serve.

What's your favourite part of working with PADS?
My favourite part is witnessing the life-changing bond between a person and their PADS dog. Whether it’s a facility dog comforting a trauma survivor or a mobility dog helping someone regain independence, every successful placement is a reminder of the power of partnership, and the compassion at the heart of everything we do.

To learn more about PADS, please visit www.pads.ca