MEET OUR DOGS
At Infinite Abilities Assistance Dogs (IAAD), the theme for our 2024 dog cohort is centred around the letter “N” — a symbolic choice representing New Beginnings. This naming convention reflected the spirit of growth, transformation, and hope that each of our dogs bring into the lives of the individuals they will one day serve. Every name was carefully chosen to evoke strength, guidance, and possibility, aligning with IAAD’s mission to empower people with disabilities through life-changing partnerships.
Meaning…Nova, a celestial burst of light, symbolizes a brilliant new chapter and the spark of potential in every partnership. Navi, meaning “to navigate,” reflects the guiding role our dogs play, offering both direction and emotional grounding. North stands for the North Star — a steady light in darkness, leading the way home. Nessie, playful and strong, represents the quiet mystery and power of resilience. Nori, rooted in nature and meaning “belief” or “law” in various cultures speaks to trust and structure and Nakona; inspired by two beloved dogs from our volunteers, both cherished companions who have since passed. The name carries a deep-rooted connection between past and future, honouring the enduring love and legacy these dogs leave behind. It was a tribute to the bond our dogs share with us—timeless, powerful, and always carried forward.
Together, these names reflected the heart of IAAD: building a future guided by trust, purpose, and the promise of a new beginning as a foundation for IAAD.
2025 was a year of growth, with IAAD welcoming our ‘favourite TV Character’ team of pups - all named by our volunteers (Avery, Blu, Sheldon and Phoebe) as well as our very first IAAD litter - Canadian Wildlife litter (Badger, Raven, Martin, Otter, Griz and Polar); each personality reflected in their names, demonstrating strength and hope for successfully driving our mission.
2026 continues our growth trajectory with new puppies joining the team in the spring - Lucy, Sonny, Franny and Kane. More still joining us from a partnership grown - Nilla and Baker. Hopeful to grow the cornerstone of IAAD’s legacy.
Our puppy training program is purpose-driven, laying a strong foundation for IAAD’s future and mission.
As IAAD’s puppy program evolves, we are committed to building a solid breeding foundation. Our puppies are loving, motivated, and driven—ready to support their future person with heart and dedication.
Current Puppies in Training
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Nova
A Labrador Retriever, Nova was born in February 2024. She is an active pup with a continual drive for anything she comes across, eager to please her person. She’s stealthy in build and energetic. She is fantastic with recall and loves a cuddle. She is our first IAAD momma, bringing 6 puppies into the IAAD family and is currently working with the CBSA, trying her paw at detection.
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North
A Labrador Retriever, North was born in February 2024. Navi and North are siblings. She is an active pup, excited to greet every human she sees with a friendly nudge. Her favourite pastime includes curling up for a nap and cuddling! North has had an exciting journey and she’s currently in advanced training working on her Diabetic Alert skills.
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Avery
Avery is the first of our 2025 IAAD puppies having joined us in June. She is a working Golden Retriever, Labrador X and is the calmest of our crew. Her favourite past time is traveling to Disney with her people and bringing joy to the waiting folks in line for the rides! She is working on building her confidence with new and exciting experiences!
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Sheldon
Little Sheldon is part of our sibling group that joined IAAD in July of 2025. He is a Black Labrador Retriever, born and raised in Calgary. He is spunky, eager to learn and loves his play time with his siblings after training.
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Blu
Blu is part of our sibling group that joined IAAD in July 2025. He is a Black Labrador Retriever, born and raised in Calgary. He is an old soul that enjoys watching the activity around him with calm cool collection. He’s currently building his skillset in Diabetic Alert training!
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Phoebe
Phoebe and her brothers are part of the sibling group that joined IAAD in July 2025. She’s a Black Labrador Retriever being trained in the Okanagan. She loves the water and swimming with her trainer and she’s always on her best behaviour at social events.
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Archie
Archie is our first little Spaniel to join our IAAD family this fall. He is quick and confident and enjoys attending sports activities with his trainer. His small stature is sure to grow to be a huge help to his person in the future.
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Rosie
Rosie is our little fall addition, Labrador Retriever that joined us from PADS. She is currently being trained in BC and her favourite past time is watching the Riders win the cup with her trainer.
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Raven
From IAAD’s very first first litter of Labradors - named after Canadian Wildlife, Raven is a spunky brindle girl. She’s always on the go and ready for action. Raven is currently working on her leash walking, house training and manners.
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Martin
From IAAD’s very first first litter of labradors - named after Canadian Wildlife, Martin is eager to please and excited for his training sessions. He’s currently working on leash walking, house training and manners.
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Badger
From IAAD’s very first first litter of labradors - named after Canadian Wildlife, Badger is the oldest of the pack. He’s a calm and steady man, working hard at leash walking, and manners.
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Lucy
Lucy is a black Labrador Retriever that has joined IAAD from sunny California. She is the first of our 2026 group of pups and we are so excited to see what this girl can do! She’s currently in our Early Puppy Education program learning basic obedience and house manners - rocking it!
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Sonny
Sonny is a black Labrador Retriever that joined IAAD in May of 2026. He is calm, cool and collected, always watchful before joining the fray. He is currently in our Early Puppy Education program, playing name game and learning his house manners.
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Franny
Franny is a beautiful Red Labrador Retriever that joined IAAD in May of 2026. She is spunky and confident and loves to cuddle. She is currently in our Early Puppy Education program learning house manners and recall. She captures hearts everywhere she goes.
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Calgary
Calgary is a National Institute of Canine Services and Training - Dogs for Diabetics puppy from Concord California. Through partnership and trust, the team at NICST has trusted Calgary to IAAD for the next 5 months, in the Early Puppy Education program, where he will learn foundational skills to bring back home to sunny California, to the NICST team.
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Kane
Kane is a yellow Labrador Retriever that joined us from BC. He is currently in the Early Puppy Education program where he’s learning foundational skills to help him along on his journey. He’s a sweetheart and enjoys spending time with his puppy friends and lounging in the yard,
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Nilla
Nilla is a black Labrador Retriever that joined us from our friends at CNIB with her brother Baker. They are in our Early Puppy Education program and are growing their house manners and foundational skills.
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Baker
Baker is a black Labrador Retriever that joined us from our friends at CNIB with his sister, Nilla. They are in our Early Puppy Education program and are growing their house manners and foundational skills.
