07/09/2025
Raiser of the Month ⭐️
Please join ADS in congratulating the Puppy Raiser of the Month! In July, we are celebrating the hard work and dedication of Kaitlyn and Erika with ADS Eevee! 🐕🦺
Kaitlyn and Erika joined ADS as a first time raisers in 2024 with ADS Eevee.
It is an honour for ADS staff to observe their dedication with ADS Eevee as they make great strides in the Puppy Program!
Read what Kaitlyn had to say about their journey below ⬇️
I initially heard about the Autism Dog Services program through a classmate of mine at University. From the information and detail she provided, I instantly fell in love with the idea of becoming a raiser with ADS! I understood the time commitment and financial responsibilities of a puppy as a full time university student, so I talked to my childhood best-friend about taking on this opportunity together and she was just as much on board as I was!
Erika and I joined the Autism Dog Services program as university students because we were both passionate about making a meaningful difference in the lives of children with autism and their families. With our shared interest in youth and children services and a love for animals, the program offered a unique opportunity to combine compassion, service, and hands-on experience in a way that aligned with both our academic goals and personal values. Being part of this program allowed us to contribute to a cause we deeply care about while learning valuable life skills along the way.
Raising Eevee through the Autism Dog Services program has been one of the most rewarding and transformative experiences for both of us. From the very first day we brought her home, Eevee brought a mix of excitement, responsibility, and joy into our daily lives. As university students, balancing our coursework, social lives, and the commitment of raising a future service dog was a challenge—but one that pushed us to grow in ways we hadn’t anticipated. We quickly learned the importance of consistency, patience, and clear communication, not just with Eevee, but with each other and the program trainers.
We continue to guide Eevee through her basic obedience training, socialization in busy environments like campus buildings and public transit, and exposure to different people, sounds, and routines. It has been incredibly fulfilling to watch her grow in confidence and skill, knowing that every step we take is preparing her to support a child with autism in the future. Through the difficult moments, we developed a deep bond with her and a greater sense of purpose. Raising Eevee wasn’t just about training a dog—it was about being part of a mission larger than ourselves. Knowing that she will go on to bring comfort and companionship to a child and their family makes every early morning walk and late-night training session completely worth it. We would highly recommend this program to anyone who is looking to create a lasting impact within their community!
