Who We Are
A Small Team with Big Hearts and an Even Bigger Mission
Partner Dogs Canada is a small, passionate organization dedicated to breeding and training dogs, primarily Golden Retrievers and Border Retrievers, who become Service dogs. These Service dogs are then paired with individuals who qualify medically for a Service dog at absolutely no cost to them. We are dog lovers, trainers, healthcare advocates and community builders, united by the belief that every person deserves a partner they can count on.
Our team brings together decades of experience in canine care, behavioral training, and compassionate support. While we may be small in size, our impact is felt across homes, clinics, schools, and care facilities throughout the communities we serve.
Why We Are
Because Dogs Can Change Lives & Everyone Deserves to Live Independent, Accessible Lives
A Service dog can transform people’s lives who can’t cope without them and a therapy dog can bring comfort and support to those struggling a Therapy dog can bring happiness and support to anyone, including those who may be struggling.
There’s something powerful about the calm presence of a well-trained dog. The kind of quiet reassurance from a four-legged friend that helps someone feel safe, understood, and connected is unparalleled. We exist because not everyone has access to that kind of support — and we believe they should. More specifically, we recognize that some individuals have a difficult time with day to day tasks. Our Service dogs are trained to help those who struggle to live an accessible life by learning to recognize, acknowledge and accommodate their needs.
Our Therapy dogs work in various public and private spaces to provide comfort to children, young adults, adults and our wonderful elderly. Whether it be a community in need of some joy, or people struggling significantly with emotional trauma or mental health challenges, our Therapy dogs are trained to assist individuals on their journeys toward healing. They visit hospitals, schools, long-term care homes, shelters for the unhoused and more, to offer companionship and comfort. More than that, they bring hope.
From mental health challenges to emotional trauma, our therapy dogs are trained to assist individuals on their journey toward healing. Whether visiting hospitals, comforting first responders, or offering day-to-day companionship, these dogs bring more than comfort — they bring hope.
What We Do
Training. Placing. Supporting. Together.
Tap into and nurture the unconditional love that dogs carry innately so they may carry it to others
Offer ongoing support and resources to dogs, foster families and eventual lifelong partners
Work with volunteers and foster families to socialize, train and prepare each dog
Match trained Service dogs with medically qualified individuals free of charge and develop and form Therapy dogs to bring love and joy to their community
We also rely on a wonderful network of foster parents, volunteers, and donors to make our work possible — and to create a lasting difference in people’s lives.
Meet Our Team
Nancy Hatch — Founder & Head Trainer
Founder of Partner Dogs Canada and Good As Gold K9 School, Nancy is a compassionate and highly experienced dog trainer dedicated to helping people and dogs build stronger, happier relationships.
Her science-based, positive, and practical approach ensures that every dog thrives in a loving, structured environment.
As someone who is legally blind, Nancy understands firsthand the profound difference a service dog can make. Her lifelong passion for training and breeding Golden Retrievers has evolved into a mission to make life-changing service and therapy dogs accessible to everyone.
Lynn Dionne — Volunteer Coordinator & Therapy Dog Handler
Lynn has been a dedicated volunteer with Partner Dogs Canada for over seven years. Alongside her Golden Retriever, Ben, she visits schools, hospices, nursing homes, and workplaces, offering comfort and companionship to those who need it most.
As the Volunteer Coordinator, Lynn helps train new handlers, coordinate community visits, and guide others to experience the same joy she’s found through therapy dog work.
Dianne Bevand — Trainer & Dog Therapy Volunteer
Dianne joined Good As Gold K9 School with her Sheltie, Teddy, who initially struggled with reactivity. Through patience and positive reinforcement, Teddy blossomed — inspiring Dianne to become part of the training team.
Today, Dianne assists with classes, supports students, and volunteers with her Havanese, bringing smiles to schools and care homes.
Nancy Allen — Agility & Trick Training Coach
With over 30 years of experience as a certified Competition Coach Specialist, Nancy Allen brings unmatched expertise to agility and trick training.
She’s competed at national championships with her dogs and believes in using positive reinforcement to help dogs and owners build connection and confidence.