Meet Our Support Dogs
Portuguese Water Dog
Max
Max is deeply attentive and tuned in to the people around him. He has a steady presence and a quiet way of bringing comfort wherever he goes.
Sheltie
Storm
Not all storms come to disrupt your path. Some help you grow. Storm carries quiet strength, and like any good rainbow, leaves things a little brighter than before.
Shichon
Luna
When Luna is off duty, her favourite activities include long walks and cozy cuddles on the couch.
Aussie Shepherd
Tango
Tango embodies the art of the chill vibe. Calm, easygoing, and unbothered, she reminds everyone around her to take a breath and relax.
Golden Doodle
Ellie
Ellie sees herself as royalty and fully expects proper belly rubs and excellent butt scratches. She’s all business when she’s working, but off duty, she’s famous for her joyful zoomies in the backyard or along the beach.
Golden Retriever
Vimy
Vimy loves everyone and everything. He is exceptionally calm and relaxed in almost any situation. Fun fact: Vimy follows a vegetarian meal plan.
Toy Poodle
Chloe
When Chloe is off duty, she loves playing fetch, digging in the garden, and taking her two-legged companion on long walks.
Golden Retriever
Maggie
Maggie lives for belly rubs and has a remarkable talent for convincing just about anyone to give her one.
Lab Cross
Nelson
Nelson has a wonderful instinct for how people are feeling and seems to know just how to respond. He’s a calm soul while working, and once he’s off duty, he’s all about a spirited game of frisbee.
Learn About OSDS Support Dogs
Our team of qualified Handlers and Support Dogs have collectively responded to over 500 calls of support from area law enforcement and victim support agencies. Each of our teams has a highly developed skill set they apply to each individual call of support.
Questions
How are dogs selected for OSDS?
Support Dogs possess a unique set of traits that blends a calm, predictable nature with the ability to be present and available as a support for sustained periods of time in a variety of settings.
What training do dogs receive before working in the community?
The temperament and personality of a prospective Support Dog plays the biggest role in their ability to work productively as an advocate for those humans in need. General obedience and the ability to follow their handler’s instructions is an important aspect of their training.
How do you ensure the well-being and safety of the dogs?
The dog’s safety and well-being is the responsibility of each handler. Our dogs are always on a 6 ft leash and are constantly monitored for their state of mind by their handler.