top of page

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)

2022 Program Video (Alt. short version)

Play Video

Home: Video

WHAT WE DO

SERVICE DOGS

Bringing freedom and confidence

HOSPITAL FACILITY DOGS

Providing companionship to patients

COURTHOUSE FACILITY DOGS

Providing courage

VETERAN'S PROGRAM

Service for those who serve

THERAPY DOG TEAMS

Enhancing emotional wellbeing

WORKPLACE READINESS

One Step at a Time

CRISIS RESPONSE PROGRAM

Supporting our community

Home: What We Do

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.

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!

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.

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!

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!

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.

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!

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!

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:)