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 who become service dogs. Our well-developed Golden Retriever breeding program has been 25 years in the making, and we also run a small pilot breeding program for Border Retrievers.
We pair trained service dogs with medically qualified individuals at no cost to the recipient. 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
Service dogs can increase independence for people with disabilities. Therapy dogs provide comfort and connection in community settings. We exist to make both forms of support more accessible.
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 visit hospitals, schools, long-term care homes, shelters for people who are unhoused, and first responders, offering comfort and companionship to children, young adults, adults and seniors. For people facing emotional trauma or mental health challenges, a visit from a therapy dog can be a calm, steady support on the journey toward healing. These dogs bring more than comfort; they bring hope.
What We Do
Training. Placing. Supporting. Together.
Select, socialize and train dogs with the temperament and skills needed for service and therapy work.
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 train and support therapy-dog teams that provide comfort and connection in the 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.