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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.
Home: Who We Are
2022 Program Video (Alt. short version)
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WHAT WE DO
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What's Happening
Riley's New Puppies
July 2024
Riley is a first time mom and welcomed 9 new puppies on July 14th at our Bainbridge campus. This is the “D-litter”, comprised of 5 boys and 4 girls. Eight are yellow pups and there is one black pup! Riley and her pups are all doing well.
Riley is a first time mom and welcomed 9 new puppies on July 14th at our Bainbridge campus. This is the “D-litter”, comprised of 5 boys and 4 girls. Eight are yellow pups and there is one black pup! Riley and her pups are all doing well.
Celebrating Courthouse Dog Astro & his retirement!
April 2024
Astro was the first Courthouse Dog placed in the Pacific Northwest and has been a trailblazer for many more. Thanks to Astro and his partner, Dr. Tambra Donohue, our Courthouse Dog Program has grown over the past 10 years. We now have 15 Courthouse Dogs working throughout Washington, Oregon, and Idaho. During his long career, Astro helped thousands of children who are victims of crime, to find their voice through the legal process. Tambra is the Director of the Monarch Children's Justice Center in Olympia, WA and shares, "Astro is so special to this community. Thousands of people have been touched by him. He has transformed my work and my life. We are so grateful to Assistance Dogs Northwest for bringing him to us."
We thank Astro for his service and wish him all the best in his retired life!
Astro was the first Courthouse Dog placed in the Pacific Northwest and has been a trailblazer for many more. Thanks to Astro and his partner, Dr. Tambra Donohue, our Courthouse Dog Program has grown over the past 10 years. We now have 15 Courthouse Dogs working throughout Washington, Oregon, and Idaho. During his long career, Astro helped thousands of children who are victims of crime, to find their voice through the legal process. Tambra is the Director of the Monarch Children's Justice Center in Olympia, WA and shares, "Astro is so special to this community. Thousands of people have been touched by him. He has transformed my work and my life. We are so grateful to Assistance Dogs Northwest for bringing him to us."
We thank Astro for his service and wish him all the best in his retired life!
ADNW dogs visit local college students
March 2024
During Olympic College’s finals week, we send therapy dog teams to their campuses in Poulsbo and Bremerton to help offer a calming break during “De-Stress Week.” During this week the college provides different activities to help students take a break from the toll that finals can bring. We have been participating in their quarterly program for the past two years, spending time during this stressful week on their campuses with our therapy dogs and puppies in training. Seeing the visible change in the students, their anxiety levels quickly changing around the calming and relaxing presence the dogs bring by lying next to them offering love and affection, is so rewarding.
During Olympic College’s finals week, we send therapy dog teams to their campuses in Poulsbo and Bremerton to help offer a calming break during “De-Stress Week.” During this week the college provides different activities to help students take a break from the toll that finals can bring. We have been participating in their quarterly program for the past two years, spending time during this stressful week on their campuses with our therapy dogs and puppies in training. Seeing the visible change in the students, their anxiety levels quickly changing around the calming and relaxing presence the dogs bring by lying next to them offering love and affection, is so rewarding.
Welcome back Sarit!
February 2024
Welcome back to campus Sarit Brinn! Sarit has moved back to our Bainbridge campus after spending the last six months with her family back home in Israel. She originally started at ADNW as an intern and progressed to Training Apprentice and then Trainer. We are thrilled to announce her new title as Program Manager. In her new role she will be overseeing our Puppy Kindergarten classes, Basic and Advanced Training, Community Outreach, and our Volunteer Program. Her wealth of experience and commitment to the mission of ADNW makes her an invaluable member to our team!
Welcome back to campus Sarit Brinn! Sarit has moved back to our Bainbridge campus after spending the last six months with her family back home in Israel. She originally started at ADNW as an intern and progressed to Training Apprentice and then Trainer. We are thrilled to announce her new title as Program Manager. In her new role she will be overseeing our Puppy Kindergarten classes, Basic and Advanced Training, Community Outreach, and our Volunteer Program. Her wealth of experience and commitment to the mission of ADNW makes her an invaluable member to our team!
Graduate (P)update: MacDougal "Mac"
January 2024
MacDougal, an ADH/ADNW graduate who is currently working as a Courthouse Facility Dog, was recently featured in a McMinnville publication as a "local hero." Mac's handler, Julie Siepmann, is the Clinical Service Director and Lead Forensic Interviewer at Juliette's House, a child abuse prevention facility in McMinnville, Oregon. Mac plays a vital role in providing love and support to children throughout the difficult legal process. Mac's incredible ability to be a calming presence significantly impacts the children he interacts with, helping them find their voice. In the article it is quoted that "Mac is able to make every person he meets feel like they're his favorite person." Congratulations to Mac and Julie for their meaningful work and for being local heroes in their community!
MacDougal, an ADH/ADNW graduate who is currently working as a Courthouse Facility Dog, was recently featured in a McMinnville publication as a "local hero." Mac's handler, Julie Siepmann, is the Clinical Service Director and Lead Forensic Interviewer at Juliette's House, a child abuse prevention facility in McMinnville, Oregon. Mac plays a vital role in providing love and support to children throughout the difficult legal process. Mac's incredible ability to be a calming presence significantly impacts the children he interacts with, helping them find their voice. In the article it is quoted that "Mac is able to make every person he meets feel like they're his favorite person." Congratulations to Mac and Julie for their meaningful work and for being local heroes in their community!
Marshal's Day
December 2023
The Board of County Commissioners proclaimed December 27, 2023, as “Marshal’s Day” in Thurston County, WA. The day is in recognition of the important work of all facility dogs and service dogs. Marshal is a graduate who was assigned to his post at Thurston County’s Prosecuting Office back in December of 2015. He is a Courthouse Facility Dog who comforts victims, witnesses and others involved in the justice system. Marshal has worked with hundreds of children and vulnerable adults over the years, providing them comfort and emotional support. The significance of 12/27/23 was Marshal’s 10th Birthday, and what a way to be honored and celebrated! We are all so proud of the good work he has done and continues to do.
The Board of County Commissioners proclaimed December 27, 2023, as “Marshal’s Day” in Thurston County, WA. The day is in recognition of the important work of all facility dogs and service dogs. Marshal is a graduate who was assigned to his post at Thurston County’s Prosecuting Office back in December of 2015. He is a Courthouse Facility Dog who comforts victims, witnesses and others involved in the justice system. Marshal has worked with hundreds of children and vulnerable adults over the years, providing them comfort and emotional support. The significance of 12/27/23 was Marshal’s 10th Birthday, and what a way to be honored and celebrated! We are all so proud of the good work he has done and continues to do.
Tess had her babies!
NYE / New Year's Day 2024
On New Year’s Eve 2023 and New Year’s Day 2024, Tess welcomed six new puppies into the world. Four were born just before midnight, and two after we rang in the New Year!
Tess traveled out to our Maui campus in December so that she could be comfortable (and warm) for her birth and this special time where she mothers her babies until they are old enough to be placed with their puppy raisers - who will raise and help train these future service companions!
On New Year’s Eve 2023 and New Year’s Day 2024, Tess welcomed six new puppies into the world. Four were born just before midnight, and two after we rang in the New Year!
Tess traveled out to our Maui campus in December so that she could be comfortable (and warm) for her birth and this special time where she mothers her babies until they are old enough to be placed with their puppy raisers - who will raise and help train these future service companions!
New Agility Equipment
December 2023
Thanks to the Rotary Club of Bainbridge Island, Assistance Dogs Northwest was able to purchase much needed agility equipment for our Training Campus here on Bainbridge. This equipment if vital for our Assistance Dog training and preparing the dogs for their jobs as Service Dogs, Hospital Dogs and Courthouse Dogs.
They got to start learning new tricks with the equipment which is stimulating both mentally and physically for them. This has been a fun way to keep their minds and bodies working and entertained especially during these cold wet months here in the Northwest!
Thanks to the Rotary Club of Bainbridge Island, Assistance Dogs Northwest was able to purchase much needed agility equipment for our Training Campus here on Bainbridge. This equipment if vital for our Assistance Dog training and preparing the dogs for their jobs as Service Dogs, Hospital Dogs and Courthouse Dogs.
They got to start learning new tricks with the equipment which is stimulating both mentally and physically for them. This has been a fun way to keep their minds and bodies working and entertained especially during these cold wet months here in the Northwest!
Courthouse Adoption Event
November 17th, 2023
Snohomish County celebrated national adoption day on 11/17 with 12 adoptions of kids ranging from infant to 10 years old. Participants from the community gathered after the adoption to celebrate the kids and their new adopted families. Local companies, organizations, representatives from the city of Everett fire and police and the Snohomish county sheriff were in attendance. Five of our therapy dog teams went to give hugs and kisses to the kids and families celebrating this new chapter:)
Snohomish County celebrated national adoption day on 11/17 with 12 adoptions of kids ranging from infant to 10 years old. Participants from the community gathered after the adoption to celebrate the kids and their new adopted families. Local companies, organizations, representatives from the city of Everett fire and police and the Snohomish county sheriff were in attendance. Five of our therapy dog teams went to give hugs and kisses to the kids and families celebrating this new chapter:)
2023 Puppy Love Gala
September 16th, 2023
Our second annual “Puppy Love” benefit event took place at the beautiful Inn at Pleasant Beach on Bainbridge Island. This fun event helps to fund our program for the year through a silent auction, live auction and puppy sponsor paddle raise! Our puppies in training joined us and attendees could get pets and kisses while taking photos in our puppy kissing booth while enjoying cocktail hour with live music and could have their furry friend painted by an artist who created live watercolor prints for guests! The evening was fun and filled with heartwarming stories of our graduate dogs and the life changing service they are providing to locals in the Northwest!
Our second annual “Puppy Love” benefit event took place at the beautiful Inn at Pleasant Beach on Bainbridge Island. This fun event helps to fund our program for the year through a silent auction, live auction and puppy sponsor paddle raise! Our puppies in training joined us and attendees could get pets and kisses while taking photos in our puppy kissing booth while enjoying cocktail hour with live music and could have their furry friend painted by an artist who created live watercolor prints for guests! The evening was fun and filled with heartwarming stories of our graduate dogs and the life changing service they are providing to locals in the Northwest!
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.
“There’s always a new opportunity — a new way we can help."
Mo Maurer
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