Register TODAY for the meeting.

All registrants will receive an email copy of the meeting materials on the day of the meeting.  We hope to see you there!

The post National Service Dogs – Annual General Meeting appeared first on National Service Dogs.

The post NSD’s Online Store is LIVE! appeared first on National Service Dogs.

At just four months old, Ethan’s puppy raisers noticed he was sweet and highly trainable, but struggled with incontinence. What was expected to be a simple bladder infection resulted in a devastating, potentially terminal diagnosis:  defective kidneys.

“There are no words to describe the heartache of looking at this beautiful little puppy full of promise and preparing for his end-of-life journey,” said NSD Executive Director Danielle Forbes.

By the summer of 2025, Ethan was moved into hospice care at Forbes’ own home to ensure his comfort during what was expected to be his final months. However, as news of Ethan’s condition spread, a “village” of veterinarians and specialists began to consult on his case. After additional diagnostics and a CT scan, a challenging, life-saving decision was made: Ethan would undergo surgery to remove the abnormal kidney.

On December 4, 2025, a dedicated veterinary team undertook the complicated procedure. They discovered the kidney was many times its normal size and septic, but the surgery was a success. Following six weeks of rest and monitoring, tests in February 2026 confirmed that Ethan’s remaining kidney has returned to normal functionality.

While his medical history precludes him from traditional service work, Ethan has been officially adopted by Danielle Forbes and is currently training to become NSD’s permanent “Ambassador Dog,” succeeding the retiring NSD Chartwell.

“Everything NSD does begins and ends with the health and wellbeing of our dogs through every season of their lives,” says Forbes. “We choose this career for them and honour them by ensuring they are able to live full, meaningful, healthy lives”.

Ethan’s journey and recovery is a testament to the dedication of his puppy raisers and the “rockstar” veterinary team that refused to give up on him. He stands today as a symbol of NSD’s unwavering commitment to the animals that will one day change the lives of Canadians across the country.

Special thanks to Dr. Jackie Bowcott and the incredible team at Oxford County Veterinary Clinic
Join the NSD community!  For more information on how to Get Involved or Donate visit https://nsd.on.ca/get-involved/

The post It Took a Village: The Miraculous Journey of a Service Puppy Named Ethan appeared first on National Service Dogs.

“We are here with our dogs to give them an opportunity to see these wonderful people playing at the symphony and to get the dogs accustomed to loud noises and music.  In the future, they are going to be out in public with the people they’re supporting and need to be able to remain calm, relaxed and in tune with their partner.  So these are great practice opportunities for these dogs and we love it. We’re so appreciative to the KW Symphony.”

Donate Here: To lend your support for NSD current class of service dogs in training.
Together we are empowering Canadians with Autism and PTSD to live their best lives.

The post CTV – Pups learn patience at symphony performance. appeared first on National Service Dogs.

Nineteen puppies in the region are about to begin the journey to become life-changing service dogs.

The Cambridge-based organization National Service Dogs is looking for foster families for 19 new puppies as they begin their journey of altering people’s lives across the country.

“We had what we’re affectionately calling puppy palooza,” Meghan Kraehling, volunteer coordinator for NSD, said with a laugh.  “We have five litters of puppies at the moment.”

The foster families are needed by Feb. 27, as that’s when the dogs turn eight weeks old.

LEARN MORE – FULL CAMBRIDGE TODAY STORY

LEARN MORE – FULL CTV NEWS STORY

SIGN UP TO VOLUNTEER TODAY

The post Local puppies ready to take next step in becoming future service dogs! appeared first on National Service Dogs.

Click HERE to read OPS’s inspiring tribute to his unwavering service to the Ottawa community!

The post Hanging Up His Vest: Honouring NSD K9 West’s Service appeared first on National Service Dogs.

National Service Dogs is honoured to be part of the inaugural season of Collar of Duty Kids!  We invite you to tune into the show and share in the journey of two of NSD’s extraordinary teams!

NSD Service Dog Team, Landon and NSD Sandy’s story will air Monday July 14th 8pm EST

Skilled Companion Dog Team, Zoey and NSD Antoine’s (aka Andy) will air Monday July 28th 8pm EST

Dogs are said to be human’s best friend, but what about pigs, horses, turkeys and snakes? Accessible Media Inc. (AMI), in partnership with Summerhill Media Inc. and in association with Fifth Ground Entertainment, is excited to announce the debut of the eight-episode Collar of Duty Kids, Monday, June 23, at 8 p.m. Eastern on AMI-tv and AMI+.  Please visit AMI online to watch these heart-warming stories.

Click here for more information

The post Learn more about the unique relationships between children and service animals on AMI’s Collar of Duty Kids! appeared first on National Service Dogs.

Nelson joins NSD West as the second member of the Victim Services Team at OPS.  In Ontario, victim services facility dogs play a crucial role in supporting individuals affected by crime and trauma. These specially trained canines provide emotional comfort and aid in reducing stress during interactions with police and within the justice system.

Facility dogs like K9 Nelson and West with the Ottawa Police Service offer calming presence during interviews with victims and witnesses, especially in sensitive cases such as child abuse or domestic violence. Their presence helps individuals feel more at ease, facilitating better communication with investigators. (ottawapolice.ca)  Beyond direct victim support, facility dogs serve as ambassadors during community events, helping to build trust between police services and the public.

Please consider making a donation to NSD today in support of our life changing Facility Dogs, like NSD Nelson and West!    Click Here to Give

DYK: Each Facility Dog Team is valued at $50,000. As a registered charity that receives no government funding, NSD relies on community support to partner our life saving dogs at no cost to our clients.  NSD retains ownership of all of our working facility and service dogs until they retire.  Please contact lynne@nsd.on.ca for more ways to support NSD mission.

The post NSD Nelson – Ottawa Police’s newest K9 helps victims of intimate partner violence. appeared first on National Service Dogs.

The post NSD – Notice of Annual General Meeting appeared first on National Service Dogs.

The post Truth & Reconciliation – Land Acknowledgement appeared first on National Service Dogs.