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ASSISTANCE DOGS NORTHWEST
Unleashing Abilities
Home: Welcome
ASSISTANCE DOGS NORTHWEST AT A GLANCE
Assistance Dogs Northwest is a 501(c)(3) charitable organization that provides children and adults with disabilities professionally trained dogs that will increase their independence and enhance the quality of their lives. We are committed to serving people in Washington, Oregon, and Idaho with other special needs through our Facility Dog and Community Outreach Programs. ADNW is dedicated to developing the potential dogs have to assist people in need. Assistance Dogs and lifetime follow-up support are provided free of charge.
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2022 Program Video (Alt. short version)
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WHAT WE DO
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Whats Happening
Samson in the news!
July 12, 2023
Samson has been a program dog for the past few years, traveling between our Hawaii and Northwest campuses, bringing smiles and snuggles to all he has met along the way. He has now found his calling and has been placed as a full time facility dog at Victory Academy in Sherwood, Oregon. We wish him all the best on his new journey.
Samson has been a program dog for the past few years, traveling between our Hawaii and Northwest campuses, bringing smiles and snuggles to all he has met along the way. He has now found his calling and has been placed as a full time facility dog at Victory Academy in Sherwood, Oregon. We wish him all the best on his new journey.
O'Malley in the news!
July 11, 2023
O'Malley was recently placed as a full time courthouse facility dog at the KIDS Center in Bend Oregon. O'Malley will be comforting children who have been abused during interviews and medical checkups. At 14 months old, O'Malley is already doing great things and he has lots of snuggles to give. Congratulations to O'Malley and the KIDS Center.
O'Malley was recently placed as a full time courthouse facility dog at the KIDS Center in Bend Oregon. O'Malley will be comforting children who have been abused during interviews and medical checkups. At 14 months old, O'Malley is already doing great things and he has lots of snuggles to give. Congratulations to O'Malley and the KIDS Center.
Career Day at John James Audubon Elementary School
June 2023
Beloved Program Dog, Tess, and puppy-in-training, Winslow, recently visited John James Audubon Elementary School for Career Day. ADNW’s Trainer, Sarit, and volunteer, Megan, enjoyed teaching the students about our mission and what is involved in the training of a future Service Dog. The children were attentive, asked great questions, and thoroughly enjoyed the demonstration. Most of all, they loved interacting with these special dogs at the program's conclusion. That may have been Tess and Winslow’s favorite part too!
Beloved Program Dog, Tess, and puppy-in-training, Winslow, recently visited John James Audubon Elementary School for Career Day. ADNW’s Trainer, Sarit, and volunteer, Megan, enjoyed teaching the students about our mission and what is involved in the training of a future Service Dog. The children were attentive, asked great questions, and thoroughly enjoyed the demonstration. Most of all, they loved interacting with these special dogs at the program's conclusion. That may have been Tess and Winslow’s favorite part too!
Team Training Camp for 2 New Teams
June 2023
Team Training Camp was held this month for two exciting new placements in the Northwest! Samson, an affectionate and engaging Golden Retriever, is being placed at Victory Academy in Sherwood, Oregon. This school is dedicated to serving children, teens and adults with autism and related learning differences. O’Malley is a gentle black Labrador Retriever with the ability to bring a sense of calm to everyone he meets. His placement as a Courthouse Facility Dog at Kids Center in Bend, Oregon, will bring courage and comfort to children who are victims of abuse. We wish these winning teams much success!
Team Training Camp was held this month for two exciting new placements in the Northwest! Samson, an affectionate and engaging Golden Retriever, is being placed at Victory Academy in Sherwood, Oregon. This school is dedicated to serving children, teens and adults with autism and related learning differences. O’Malley is a gentle black Labrador Retriever with the ability to bring a sense of calm to everyone he meets. His placement as a Courthouse Facility Dog at Kids Center in Bend, Oregon, will bring courage and comfort to children who are victims of abuse. We wish these winning teams much success!
National Pet Month
May 2023
For National Pet Month, the Bainbridge branch of Kitsap Regional Library invited ADNW to participate in their final Kindness Club program of the year. This program revolves around teens taking part in "kind" activities for the community. On the agenda was making delicious, no-bake dog treats, so Therapy Dogs, Jasper and Griffin, raised their paws to participate! The library staff and readers enjoyed the visit and loved the canine cuddles with Jasper and Griffin.
For National Pet Month, the Bainbridge branch of Kitsap Regional Library invited ADNW to participate in their final Kindness Club program of the year. This program revolves around teens taking part in "kind" activities for the community. On the agenda was making delicious, no-bake dog treats, so Therapy Dogs, Jasper and Griffin, raised their paws to participate! The library staff and readers enjoyed the visit and loved the canine cuddles with Jasper and Griffin.
Welcome Vance and Winslow!
May 7, 2023
We welcomed Vance and Winslow, 2 new puppies-in-training this month! They are male, Golden Labrador Retriever pups and come to us from our friends at Canine Companions for Independence. Both puppies love to meet new people and play with the big dogs on campus. Vance is the more active and adventurous puppy, while Winslow is calmer and more curious. They both love to learn and are doing very well in Kindergarten Training!
We welcomed Vance and Winslow, 2 new puppies-in-training this month! They are male, Golden Labrador Retriever pups and come to us from our friends at Canine Companions for Independence. Both puppies love to meet new people and play with the big dogs on campus. Vance is the more active and adventurous puppy, while Winslow is calmer and more curious. They both love to learn and are doing very well in Kindergarten Training!
New Secondary Handler for Courthouse Dog MacDougal
March 2023
Congratulations to Sami Pine who completed Secondary Handler Training this month. Sami is a Family Support Coordinator and Forensic Interviewer for Juliette's House in McMinnville, Oregon. She will be working with Courthouse Dog MacDougal to provide courage and support to children who are victims of crime. Juliette's House is a child abuse intervention center, dedicated to helping children and families who have been impacted by abuse. Sami joins MacDougal's handlers, Julie Siepmann and Kayla Noffsinger, and will give MacDougal the opportunity to help more children.
Congratulations to Sami Pine who completed Secondary Handler Training this month. Sami is a Family Support Coordinator and Forensic Interviewer for Juliette's House in McMinnville, Oregon. She will be working with Courthouse Dog MacDougal to provide courage and support to children who are victims of crime. Juliette's House is a child abuse intervention center, dedicated to helping children and families who have been impacted by abuse. Sami joins MacDougal's handlers, Julie Siepmann and Kayla Noffsinger, and will give MacDougal the opportunity to help more children.
Our 1st First Responder Dog!
January 2023
Hudson was placed last month as a First Responder Facility Dog for the Poulsbo Fire Department. His handler and partner is Captain Jake Gillanders. This is the first placement of its kind and Hudson's job will be dual purpose. He will not only assist on-duty firefighters and EMS staff, but will also assist those they serve. First responders often experience PTSD or high stress after witnessing traumatic events. Hudson will be on duty every day to lift spirits and provide comfort and support.
Hudson was placed last month as a First Responder Facility Dog for the Poulsbo Fire Department. His handler and partner is Captain Jake Gillanders. This is the first placement of its kind and Hudson's job will be dual purpose. He will not only assist on-duty firefighters and EMS staff, but will also assist those they serve. First responders often experience PTSD or high stress after witnessing traumatic events. Hudson will be on duty every day to lift spirits and provide comfort and support.
New Team: Dr. Wendi Major and Facility Dog Meadow
October 2022
Our newest Facility Dog team, Dr. Wendi Major and Meadow, recently completed Team Training Camp. They will be heading oversees shortly with the goal of working at Landstuhl Regional Medical Center in Germany. Wendi is an experienced dog handler with over 20 years of experience in medical and mental health settings. They hope to help many military service members in their new role!
Our newest Facility Dog team, Dr. Wendi Major and Meadow, recently completed Team Training Camp. They will be heading oversees shortly with the goal of working at Landstuhl Regional Medical Center in Germany. Wendi is an experienced dog handler with over 20 years of experience in medical and mental health settings. They hope to help many military service members in their new role!
ADNW's 1st Annual Benefit Event
September 20, 2022
Assistance Dogs Northwest held their first annual Puppy Love Benefit this month at The Inn at Pleasant Beach on Bainbridge. This sold-out event featured a gourmet dinner, live entertainment, live & silent auctions, and heartwarming stories from some of our graduates. Thanks to our generous donors, the event raised over $200,000 which helps provide many more Assistance Dogs and lifetime follow-up support, free of charge!
Assistance Dogs Northwest held their first annual Puppy Love Benefit this month at The Inn at Pleasant Beach on Bainbridge. This sold-out event featured a gourmet dinner, live entertainment, live & silent auctions, and heartwarming stories from some of our graduates. Thanks to our generous donors, the event raised over $200,000 which helps provide many more Assistance Dogs and lifetime follow-up support, free of charge!
New Team: Safe Passage and Facility Dog Lucy
September 2022
Congratulations to Lucy who was placed this month as a Facility Dog at Safe Passage, a children's advocacy center in Coeur D'Alene, Idaho. Her partners are Scott Coleman, Director, and Taylor De Vore, Therapist. Lucy will give care and comfort to child victims of crime as they go through the legal process. We are so grateful to Guide Dogs for the Blind for donating this amazing dog to us. We know she has truly found her calling.
Congratulations to Lucy who was placed this month as a Facility Dog at Safe Passage, a children's advocacy center in Coeur D'Alene, Idaho. Her partners are Scott Coleman, Director, and Taylor De Vore, Therapist. Lucy will give care and comfort to child victims of crime as they go through the legal process. We are so grateful to Guide Dogs for the Blind for donating this amazing dog to us. We know she has truly found her calling.
Courthouse Team Training Camp
August 8, 2022
Team Training Camp at our Bainbridge Campus for our newest Courthouse Facility Dog teams! Georgia and Lucy (front and back row- middle) will be graduating with their handlers, Nicole and Hillery from Dawson Place and Scott Coleman from Safe Passage.
Team Training Camp at our Bainbridge Campus for our newest Courthouse Facility Dog teams! Georgia and Lucy (front and back row- middle) will be graduating with their handlers, Nicole and Hillery from Dawson Place and Scott Coleman from Safe Passage.
Fun on the 4th!
July 4, 2022
It was a great turnout for the annual Bainbridge Island Chamber of Commerce Grand Old Fourth of July parade! There were lots of spirited staff, graduates and volunteers who came out to walk with the ADNW float and wave flags. Program Dogs, Samson and Sadie, were returning crowd favorites but 8-week old Golden Retriever puppies, Prince and Paddington, stole the show!
It was a great turnout for the annual Bainbridge Island Chamber of Commerce Grand Old Fourth of July parade! There were lots of spirited staff, graduates and volunteers who came out to walk with the ADNW float and wave flags. Program Dogs, Samson and Sadie, were returning crowd favorites but 8-week old Golden Retriever puppies, Prince and Paddington, stole the show!
Prince and Paddington arrive
July 3, 2022
Darling Golden Retriever heroes in-training Prince and Paddington arrived on campus and have won over our hearts already! They have begun training and are learning quickly.
Darling Golden Retriever heroes in-training Prince and Paddington arrived on campus and have won over our hearts already! They have begun training and are learning quickly.
Casey officially on staff at Doernbecher Children's Hospital as their "Chief Cuddling Officer"
June 10, 2022
Casey was welcomed as the newest member of the Hospital Facility Dog Program at OHSU Doernbecher Children's Hospital. She jones Hope and Davis already "on staff" there in different units throughout the hospital. Casey provides love and support to patients and families in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit, Mother-Baby, and Labor and Delivery Units.
Casey was welcomed as the newest member of the Hospital Facility Dog Program at OHSU Doernbecher Children's Hospital. She jones Hope and Davis already "on staff" there in different units throughout the hospital. Casey provides love and support to patients and families in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit, Mother-Baby, and Labor and Delivery Units.
New service team Suamhirs and Gilligan graduate
May 15, 2022
Congratulations to Suamhirs and Gilligan who completed Team Training Camp! Suamhirs is a Licensed Behavioral Health Psychologist and was the 2015-2018 Obama Presidential Appointee to the US Advisory Council on Human Trafficking. Suamhirs resides in West Seattle with his wife and 2-year old son. Gilligan will help Suamhirs with retrieving items, turning on/off lights, and providing companionship. Gilligan will accompany Suamhirs on his daily outings and to his work in King County.
Congratulations to Suamhirs and Gilligan who completed Team Training Camp! Suamhirs is a Licensed Behavioral Health Psychologist and was the 2015-2018 Obama Presidential Appointee to the US Advisory Council on Human Trafficking. Suamhirs resides in West Seattle with his wife and 2-year old son. Gilligan will help Suamhirs with retrieving items, turning on/off lights, and providing companionship. Gilligan will accompany Suamhirs on his daily outings and to his work in King County.
Therapy Dogs Visit Wyatt House
April 28, 2022
ADNW Therapy Dog teams visited the senior residents at Wyatt House this month. Wendi Major, Tom Weed, and Theresa Olson brought Therapy Dogs Meadow, Louis and Piper to offer snuggles and comfort to the residents and staff. One participant shared, "These dogs really warm my heart" and another commented, "Dogs really do know just what you need. They are so smart and loving." Everyone is already looking forward to their next visit!
ADNW Therapy Dog teams visited the senior residents at Wyatt House this month. Wendi Major, Tom Weed, and Theresa Olson brought Therapy Dogs Meadow, Louis and Piper to offer snuggles and comfort to the residents and staff. One participant shared, "These dogs really warm my heart" and another commented, "Dogs really do know just what you need. They are so smart and loving." Everyone is already looking forward to their next visit!
Training at King County District Court
March 2, 2022
Advanced dogs in training Gilligan and Hudson had an opportunity to visit a courtroom this month in Seattle. They were enthusiastically welcomed by the judge and staff! They practiced going through metal detectors and security, riding in elevators, and sitting in the witness stand. Courthouse dogs provides comfort and strength to children who are victims of crime, as well as support through the difficult legal process.
Advanced dogs in training Gilligan and Hudson had an opportunity to visit a courtroom this month in Seattle. They were enthusiastically welcomed by the judge and staff! They practiced going through metal detectors and security, riding in elevators, and sitting in the witness stand. Courthouse dogs provides comfort and strength to children who are victims of crime, as well as support through the difficult legal process.
Introducing Nalu and Nico
February 2, 2022
We welcomed 2 new pups to our training program this month. Nalu and Nico are 12-week-old male Labrador Retrievers, and come to us from our friends at Career Dogs Australia. They have already started their Kindergarten Training and are learning to sit, stay, and walk nicely on a leash. They brought lots of smiles in the Puppy Kissing Booth at our Valentine's Benefit Event!
We welcomed 2 new pups to our training program this month. Nalu and Nico are 12-week-old male Labrador Retrievers, and come to us from our friends at Career Dogs Australia. They have already started their Kindergarten Training and are learning to sit, stay, and walk nicely on a leash. They brought lots of smiles in the Puppy Kissing Booth at our Valentine's Benefit Event!
2020/2021 Graduation Ceremony
December 12, 2021
Due to the pandemic we were unable to do graduation ceremonies in person in 2020 and 2021, so we combined them into a virtual graduation this year to celebrate all of our graduates from the last two years! Congratulations to all of the graduate teams, sponsors, puppy raisers, and trainers on this wonderful achievement!
Due to the pandemic we were unable to do graduation ceremonies in person in 2020 and 2021, so we combined them into a virtual graduation this year to celebrate all of our graduates from the last two years! Congratulations to all of the graduate teams, sponsors, puppy raisers, and trainers on this wonderful achievement!
“There’s always a new opportunity — a new way we can help."
Mo Maurer
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