The service dog organization, Pacific Assistance Dogs Society (PADS) was eager to show its appreciation for a monetary donation from the Williams Lake legion.
Dave Maitland ia a client of PADS.
He and his mobility service dog, Beans, presented a plaque to Williams Lake Legion Branch 139 president Walt Cobb on Tuesday, Oct. 22 acknowledging the donation.
Maitland and Beans arrived in an accessible van to meet Cobb.
PADS breeds, raises and trains fully-certified assistance dogs.
"Our service - mobility and PTSD - and hearing dogs provide life-changing independence," notes PADS on its website. "Our accredited facility dogs work with community professionals, such as teachers, RCMP and psychologists to help to support healthy communities."
Maitland and Beans were matched in July 2024 through PADS after Dave's first service dog Jasper retired. Dave says he and Jasper were a legendary team, but “even dogs have to retire.” Jasper passed away in June and now sits in an urn near his living room.
It was a love for the outdoors that brought Dave Maitland to the Cariboo, having first moved here from the Lower Mainland in 1980 to fight forest fires in Riske Creek.
With files from Andie Mollins, Local Journalism Initiative reporter
