dogs in training
NSD Isla
Isla is currently with her adult raiser. She has started University and goes to NSD for training 5 days a week. When not at NSD, she learns how to settle, cuddle and continue to be a welcomed member of the community. This training will help prepare her to be matched with her client.
Woof! Woof!
(Hello!)
Breed: Lab x Golden Retriever
Gender: Female
Date of Birth: November 5, 2022
Sire: NSD Echo
Dam: NSD Euchre
Litter: I Litter
Puppy Sponsor: Esther Best
Volunteer Team: Diane Petrella, Mike & Jen Colvin, Clare Higgins, & Aida Martinez
Fund My TrainingSponser Future NSD Puppies
Help Our Service Dogs Change Lives
Donate
At NSD, we do not receive any government funding to support our mission. Instead, we rely entirely on the generous support of individual donors, community partners, corporate sponsors, service clubs, and through annual fundraising events.
Help us empower people to achieve their full potential. Show your support and donate today.
Volunteer
NSD would not exist without the tireless efforts of our dedicated volunteers. Their commitment to our mission and the individuals we serve is truly inspiring, and we are honoured to have them as part of our family.
If you are interested in joining our outstanding team of volunteers, we encourage you to submit an application.
Isla's Updates
February 2023
Isla has settled into her volunteer home quite nicely. Her spunky attitude comes out daily, but overall she has been learning all the fun things coming her way. She is very cuddly, especially as she gets tired. Isla plays hard and sleeps hard.
June 2023
Isla has been doing amazing. She settles really well in busy areas like ice rinks and swimming pools. Her loose leash walking has come a long way in the last little bit and she is quick to come when called.
August 2023
Isla has been doing great, she visited the beach for the first time this week and enjoyed getting her paws wet. We have been working hard on being more calm in the morning out of the kennel and she has been progressing well.
November 2023
Isla is always super cuddly and looking for tummy rubs. She has been working hard on walking on the opposite side and “touch”.
February 2024
Isla has been doing great. She is a ball of energy most mornings but calms down quickly. She made a lot of friends at a hockey tournament this weekend.
April 2024
We are excited to welcome Isla into the Fall 2024 class at NSD University in June!
Everything You Need to Know
Training
Volunteer
Apply
The flow of dogs through NSD’s Programs takes 0-2 years as follows:
- Step 1: Breeding Program
- Step 2: Volunteer Raiser Programs
- Step 3: Behavioural Assessments
- Step 4: University/College
- Step 5: Placement
The tireless efforts of our clients, staff, and volunteers allow our dogs in training to succeed, with social workers and mental health professionals present to ensure our entire process stays people-centric. After about 2 years of training and assessment, our NSD graduates are successfully placed in a client’s home.
Become a Puppy Raiser
Help raise a puppy into a life-changing Service Dog by providing love, training, and socialization until they are 14-16 months old.
Become an Adult Raiser
Help facilitate training and care for a Service Dog until they find their forever family. Polish the dog’s current skills and manners and test their abilities with a new handler as they enter a new environment.
Become a Carpool Driver
Transport Service Dogs with your car to their weekday training sessions. This volunteer role involves picking up NSD University/College dogs from their Adult Raiser’s home and bringing them to training in Kitchener/Cambridge.
Several factors determine the cost of a Service Dog.
Over their eight to ten year working life, Service Dogs are valued up to $50,000. However, each dog is provided free of charge to approved clients. All food and veterinary costs are borne by the client once the dog has been placed.
NSD receives no government funding and relies entirely on donations from the general public, corporate sponsors, fundraising events, and community supporters. We also host third-party fundraisers in support of our working dog teams.
Applications are on a referral basis. Please visit our program pages for more information.