Providing Hope At Both Ends of The Leash!
Our Teams
The business leaders of today
Dog: Castiel
Breed:
Rescued by:
Puppy Raiser:
Career:
Classification:
Claim to fame:
From his Handler: "I’d just spent the last five years of my life fighting through cancer that had left me paraplegic in a wheelchair and the long recovery process of relearning who and what I was. I was far from my family and struggling to live on my own in a big city and honestly I wasn’t doing well. When I got Cas, life became easier as things that I couldn’t reach before were deposited in my lap with a little bit of dog slobber and a lot of love. It was like something that I’d lost while I was sick had been returned to me in a furry black body and pair of eyebrows. He pushed me to be brave, to tackle things I would never attempt on my own, he kept a spare supply of courage in his fur for me to borrow when I needed it. Cas would give me that look that said “Earn my trust. Earn my love. Earn my respect!”. It was hard, but in a way that fed my soul. He became a piece of me, in perfect step, opening doors and pulling me forward both literally and figuratively. The glimmer in his eye and the excited way he moves when he hands me the wrong thing on purpose, abundantly aware its the wrong thing, is our own little inside joke when I’m down, and it never fails to brighten my day. And when things get serious he never misses a beat. Rock solid and dependable as the rising sun. He may have started out as a little dog on the street, but he was meant for great things.
I love you Cas!" ~ Shantal
Dog: Pedro
Breed: Greyhound/Red Heeler
Rescued By: Shannon Belcan from the streets of Mexico
Puppy Raiser: Danielle Main
Career: Graduated in 2014
Classification: Guide Dog
Claim to fame: Leash of Hope Dog 1.0
From his Handler: “Pedro, more then just a guide dog,
the love of my life, you had my heart the moment you leaned against me and looked up with those woeful eyes. Little did I know the magnitude that you would change my life and others. You softened my pain and taught me to love myself... all of me, blindness and all. You made me free, free to go anywhere, do anything and be the best version of myself that I could be. You taught me what it meant to be joyful for no particular reason. I was lost and reached out to the universe for something to guide me and you gave me your paw. Love you Pedro with all my heart <3” ~ Danielle
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Dog: Dominic
Breed: Lab/Mastiff cross
Rescued By: Wiggle Butts, one of Lily dog’s nine puppies
Puppy Raiser: Crystal Casselman
Career: Graduated in 2018
Classification: Mobility Support Dog
Claim to fame: Will come running at the sound of a zipper to tug off your coat!
From his handler: "Dear Dom, Though I have had the privilege of training and handling many dogs over the years, you might be the dog who’s taught me most. You’ve taught me to let go, when its right and to hold on to the things that really matter. You’ve allowed me the ability to travel independently, always eager (too eager) to help me with taking my coat or gloves off, hit buttons with expert precision and joyously bring me things I’ve dropped. Its always obvious the benefit of a mobility dog but the journey of healing you have started me on was something I knew I needed but couldn't fathom how to get there. And I know it won’t all be completed in your lifetime, but I do know that with you I’ve learned that my trauma and past does not define me and my future is so so bright. It’s about not giving in and giving up. It’s about waking up the next day and trying again. Trying each day to ensure you do better than the last, but to also admit when the fight is too big and to step back and get help, or take a break and try again. You’re there on my good days when I am energized and life is sweet, ready to jump into action. But there are are also days when I fall apart and you are there to lick my hand and give me your paw. Thank you for being super patient or for teaching me to heal."
Dog: Sherlock
Breed:
Rescued by:
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Classification: Autism Service Dog
Claim to fame:
From his Handler: “Sherlock’s been my shining light of hope, without him I wouldn’t be doing any of the things I’m doing now. He’s given me the independence to leave the house, take public transportation, and do public speaking. He always puts a smile on my face, wagging his tail all the time, flying on-top of my lap for deep pressure therapy, and jumping to alert me. He’s my happy little worker! I’m so thankful to have this amazing dog!” ~ Annika
“I am a mom to 4 kids on the autism spectrum. We had introduced a pet dog to our household and were astounded at the difference the pet made. We started pursuing getting a service dog for our daughter, but were met with hurdles and blocks. Then we met Tessa and Danielle at LoH. They truly gave us hope that a service dog, customized to our daughter’s needs, was not just a possibility, but would be a reality. The journey was not without its bumps, but it has been so worth the outcome. Our daughter has gone from being fearful, anxious, and unwilling to engage with the world, to being so well-spoken, emotionally sensitive and wise, and willing to take on things we hadn’t even dreamed would be possible. She has developed socially, emotionally, and personally beyond our wildest dreams. She is truly a delight and blessing to all she engages and interacts with. The transformation we have seen in her as a result of her LoH service dog has been absolutely amazing.” ~ Annika’s mother, Haide
Dog: Zara
Breed:
Rescued By:
Puppy Raiser: Michelle Sipl and Jérémie Bernardin
Career:
Classification: PTSD Service Dog
Claim to fame:
From her Handler: “I was diagnosed with Complex Post Traumatic Stress Disorder. At that time I knew having a dog would improve my life dramatically. I started doing research into different organizations that train
PTSD dogs only to discover almost no services in Canada that train dogs for this purpose if you aren't ex-military/paramilitary. Then I discovered
LoH. AND they were local! About 6 months into the process of receiving a dog from LoH I discovered I am very hearing impaired. I brought this to their
attention, understanding it will make the process harder. When I was introduced to Zara I was mortified. I specifically requested a medium sized
dog because I believed big dog=big exercise and I'm not an energetic person! After being told, "Trust us, if it doesn't work after 2 weeks we'll swap her out." Ok, I'll trust them, they know better than I do about this. Well, I love my 70 lbs. lap monster to bits! My life had improved beyond measure having Zara in my life, I'm much more social and more likely to say Yes! when asked to go out, do things, etc. LoH has been a life saver for me.” ~ Cindy
Dog: Mac
Breed:
Rescued By: Mac was provide to LOH from a busy family in the lower mainland that thought Mac needed more then just being a pet.
Puppy Raiser: N/A
Career:
Classification: Autism Service Dog
Claim to fame:
From his Handler: "Hey all, I’d like to introduce myself. My name is Mac. Well, I believe that my official name is Mac Attack but please, just call me Mac.....or Good Boy.....but Mac works. I’ve been at Ultra Digital since March of 2016. That’s when my dude started working here. I’m pretty sure I’m 8 years old now. I’ve been with my family since December of 2015. I met my guy at an event that he was speaking at and in that moment, I knew that he
was mine. I walked over and laid in his lap and we both felt it. We belonged. I am an autism service dog and my guy has autism. He needed me and I needed him. He uses me kind of like how vets use their services dogs.....to comfort and calm; to provide safety and belonging and most importantly, I let him know when he’s getting stressed because he doesn’t always recognize when he’s getting stressed but I do. I came from @leashofhopedogs and I am so grateful for all their training, love and support." ~ Jeremy
Dog: Winston
Breed:
Rescued By: was acquired by Leann from a breeder with the purpose
of raising and training him to be a service dog. Later it was found
he was one of the infamous “Langley 66” puppies.
Puppy Raiser:
Career:
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Claim to fame:
From His Handler: “Leash of Hope came into my life when I was at my lowest; I couldn't leave the house or go anywhere without a person to come
with me. Not only did they give me my freedom back, but an extended family too. My partner Winston has grown up among some of the best dogs in the program and learned skills and tasks that I didn't even think he would have. Even though we've hit bumps in the road it is so reassuring that Leash of Hope is with us, not only giving me support but support also for Winston. I don't know where I would be right now without Tessa, Danielle, and
the whole LOH community behind us. ❤” ~ Leann
Dog: Olaf
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From His Handler: "Olaf has been a gift to me ever since he came into my life. After losing my first service dog, Winston, it took me a couple of weeks to see it, but Tessa and Danielle helped me see him for the gift he was. Olaf helps me walk around, up and down stairs, and acts as a brace if I’m on the ground and need help getting up. He also does DPT (Deep Pressure Therapy) on my legs while I’m either laying down or sitting to help with knee pain, or if I’m having a panic attack. He also helps give me the confidence to talk to people and brave different situations that would be crippling for me to do by myself. He loves everyone he meets and leaves a lasting impression for how friendly and cuddly he is. I don’t know what I would do if he wasn’t there to help me day to day and am so thankful to Leash of Hope for helping me with my first dog and now with Olaf." ~ Leann
Dog: Bailey
Breed:
Rescued By: was acquired from a reputable local BC breeder by Star with
the purpose of owner training Bailey to be a service dog.
Puppy Raiser: Star
Career:
Classification:
Claim to fame:
From His Handler: “I can remember that day as if it was just yesterday. It was forever a life changing moment. There are no words that best describe the emotion of how deeply honored that LoH was willing to take Bailey and I on as clients. Through their constant support, great trainers and many others
through the Leash of Hope family, I have been able to work on getting back a better quality of life with the support of my service dog, Bailey!
I am forever grateful to the Leash of Hope Assistance Dogs in my journey of future success.” ~ Star
Dog: Billie
Breed: English Bulldog/Lab cross
Rescued by: Leash of Hope from a shelter in California
Puppy Raiser:
Career:
Classification: PTSD Service Dog
Claim to fame:
From her Handler: "Billie has completely changed my life. I had to rely on everyone around me because I was too scared to leave the house on my own. I would get to the front door and immediately go into a panic. Now, with Billie’s help, I’m able to go out and do what I need to! I’m finally able to be independent and live my life. She has made living with PTSD and all the other things that come with it manageable. Deep pressure therapy is definitely her favorite task (and mine too!). She is such a goofy, loveable, loyal, and hard-working companion. I am so grateful to have her by my side!" ~ Sunny
Dog: Luke
Breed:
Rescued By: Rescued with his newborn siblings after being left on the side of a highway in a cardboard box in California.
Puppy Raiser: Raised and trained by Leann Jenks
Career:
Classification: PTSD Service Dog
Claim to fame:
From His Handler: “I was always a person who did whatever I could to not be noticed or engage in any sort of life outside of working out of necessity. My
PTSD made it impossible for me to get close to people or share my thoughts and feelings with others. When I got Lukey Bear, my life did a 180. I was now a part of a Doggy Family who accepted me as I was and wanted to be a part of my life. Luke gave me the confidence to open myself up to friendships and connections, as well as to finish off my schooling. Today I work in
the mental health field, helping others cope with similar lived experiences as myself. I owe my current life to Luke and am beyond grateful to Leash of Hope for bringing him into my life:)” ~ Trevor
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