history of adw

Since 1995, Assistance Dogs of the West has been training service dogs for people with physical, psychological and emotional challenges. ADW works with elementary, middle and high schools, teaching students to train assistance dogs who are then placed with waiting clients. After school and summer sessions, programs with juvenile detention centers and our work with youth and adult trainers with physical and developmental disabilities, offer more students the opportunity to learn this valuable skill. Jill Felice, Program Founder, began ADW with one dog and one client. She introduced the Assistance Dog Student Trainer Program to Santa Fe Prep in 1996 and it has grown to involve over 18 schools, community agencies, juvenile justice locations and vocational agencies.  The staff has grown from one to over twenty full and part-time employees supported by a volunteer force of over 150. 

Student trainers, staff and dogs

With 15 years of service here in New Mexico communities, ADW has encouraged and helped 1500 student trainers learn the value of building relationships, through creating and giving the invaluable gift of an assistance dog to more than 150 clients.

ADW addresses two problems with our program. The first is to provide support to people with disabilities. National statistics define 15% of any demographic area as disabled. ADW receives 400 calls annually from potential clients, unanimously expressing physical or psychiatric needs as well as some feeling of being marginalized from society. Assistance dogs help overcome many daily obstacles, and act as social bridges, encouraging increased client comfort in and connection to the outside world.  ADW enables clients to become: more independent, more self reliant, equipped with a “tool” for increased personal mobility and environmental safety, and nurtured in their daily lives through the introduction of an unconditional loving relationship.

Second, our program provides student trainers with an experience that teaches responsibility and compassion.  ADW involves students in a meaningful, heartfelt and productive process; positive communication and interaction are keystones to our program.  ADW students are highly likely to develop leadership skills and to remain involved in community service as a result of participation.  Student trainers often remain in the program for years; some join the staff as paid teaching assistants and a committed few become members of the ADW Youth Board.

It goes without saying that some special dogs get the chance to lead very amazing working, loving lives.