At PawPADs we’re on a mission:
Facilitating the power of the human–canine bond and enhancing lives through the process of training assistance dogs and the outcome of placing them with people with disabilities.
Our Story
At Pawsitive Perspectives Assistance Dogs (PawPADs), we believe a dog’s presence changes everything.
It’s more than companionship — it’s confidence, independence, and connection. It’s the moment someone realizes they’re not alone, that they have a partner who can make their life easier.
Our vision is simple but powerful: a world where the human–canine bond helps people lead more independent, self-reliant, and fulfilling lives. Every dog we train carries that vision forward, becoming a bridge between limitation and possibility. And along the way, they teach everyone who helps raise or train them — students, volunteers, and trainers — what empathy, teamwork, and trust truly mean.
We’re guided by values that shape every part of what we do:
respect for people and animals, honesty and fairness, accountability and innovation. We believe in doing good work with good energy — balancing professionalism with humor, and transparency with heart. And we know that every voice matters — from our participants and partners to our donors and community supporters.
Together, let's create partnerships that help, heal, teach, and empower.
Your generosity keeps the mission alive.
Every gift — in any amount — helps provide expert training, veterinary care, and the tools needed to prepare these incredible dogs for their life-changing work.
As a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization, your donations are tax deductible to the fullest extent allowed by law.
EIN: 51-0593176
The PawPADs Difference
At PawPADs, every training session is more than a lesson — it’s a moment of connection. When a dog learns to open a door, turn on a light, or pick up a dropped item, it’s also teaching patience, empathy, and trust to the person beside them. Each step forward reflects our belief that growth happens best when both ends of the leash are learning together.
Through hands-on learning and compassionate guidance, our programs help participants develop valuable life skills such as emotional regulation, effective communication, confidence, and advocacy — all while working toward a shared goal: training a dog who will one day change someone’s life.
Behind every success is our unwavering training philosophy: science-based, force-free, positive reinforcement. We celebrate each dog’s individuality and nurture their natural curiosity, building a relationship founded on respect and understanding. It’s this bond — not commands or control — that creates the extraordinary partnerships PawPADs is known for.
At PawPADs, we’re not just shaping great service dogs.
We’re also shaping stronger people, kinder communities, and a more connected world — empowering both people and pups to bring out the best in one another.
Programs and Services (past and on-offer)
- ADEPT™ – Assistance Dog Education Program & Training (College Students)
- Partner Training Camp (Placement)
- Project YES! (Youth Empowerment Services)
- Paw Corps (veterans)
- Prison Road Puppies Program (individuals who are incarcerated)
Responsible Fiscal Accountability and Transparency.
We believe trust is earned—by our dogs and by us. Transparency, accountability, and ethical practices guide every step, from puppy selection to placement. Every donor dollar, every training hour, every wag matters.
That means that if we align with your passions and values, you can give with confidence!
Charity Navigator
Charity Navigator, one of the oldest and most respected charity evaluators, has awarded PawPADs its highest rating of Four Stars in their Four-Star evaluation system. Charity Navigator evaluates charities in a broad range of metrics, including: ✪ What is being spent on programs; ✪ Administrative expenses; ✪ Fundraising costs; and ✪ “Fundraising efficiency” – how much do we spend to bring in a $1 of donation?
Charities Review Council
PawPADs meets all twenty-seven of the Charities Review Council’s Accountability Standards and has been awarded the “Meets Standards” seal. This robust review works to ensure that our operations, structure, and policies meet widely accepted standards for accountability and transparency. The awarded “Meets Standards” seal shows our commitment to accountable and ethical practices. The Charities Review Council vets nonprofit organizations in four areas: ✪ Public Disclosure ✪ Governance ✪ Financial Activity ✪ Fundraising
PawPADs Decoded
✪ PawPADs is an acronym, using the “Paw” from Pawsitive, the “P” from Perspectives, the “A” from Assistance, and the “D” and “s” from Dogs – Pawsitive Perspectives Assistance Dogs! It's intended to be used as one word, PawPADs.
✪ Our brand colors, maroon and gold have symbolized Minnesota since the late 1800’s. From the UMN “Golden Gophers” uniforms to the color of the Minnesota State Patrol cars to Minnesota’s autumn leaves and our service dogs vests, you’ll see our colors throughout the upper midwest!
✪ Our logo is designed to illustrate the amazing assistance our service dogs provide to persons with disabilities, with the sunrise symbolizing our “pawsitive perspective.”
PawPADs Leadership
“Success takes a village. No matter how independent your job may be, you never truly work alone. And your individual commitment is only one part of the equation. Everyone’s work facilitates or disrupts a team’s ability to reach their goals and objectives.”
– Elizabeth Perry, ACC
Key Staff
Linda Ball
Founder and Executive Director
Turning training into transformation — for both ends of the leash. “Working with our service do...Read More
Maddie Jensen
Program Manager
Helping people and dogs discover their potential together. Maddie, a 2017 graduate of the University ...Read More
Randy Patrick
Director of Operations
“Service Is My Heritage – Compassion Is My Compass” – Randy Patrick “I’...Read More
Linda Ball
Founder and Executive Director
Turning training into transformation — for both ends of the leash.
“Working with our service dogs is pure magic — for me, for the trainers, volunteers, and puppy raisers who watch the light bulbs turn on in a puppy’s mind as they learn to open a door, turn on a light, or go get help for their partner. There’s magic, too, in seeing a service dog in training ‘choose’ its person — and witnessing the life-changing difference that bond makes.”
~ Linda Ball
For Linda, every experience is an opportunity to learn, to serve, and to empower others to discover the same.
Linda Ball brings more than 20 years of experience in the assistance dog field, along with a lifelong passion for service, education, and global development. She holds an A.S. in Assistance Dog Education from Bergin University of Canine Studies, a B.A. in Speech Communications from the University of Minnesota, an M.S. in Experiential Education from Minnesota State University, Mankato, and a Mini MBA in Nonprofit Management from the University of St. Thomas.
Her background spans social services, education, and leadership. She developed and lectured at the University of Wisconsin–River Falls ADEPT (Service Dog training program) and continues to maintain active connections across the assistance dog community.
Linda’s commitment to service extends far beyond PawPADs. She served as Country Director for GOAL Ireland, an international aid organization, leading humanitarian projects in Bosnia, Kosovo, and Honduras. She also helped rebuild schools, homes, and community centers in post-war Bosnia and Kosovo, and directed emergency disaster planning and child welfare programs in Honduras and El Salvador. As a Peace Corps volunteer in Mongolia, she helped develop and produce the nation’s first Mongolian Sign Language Dictionary. — continuing her lifelong mission of fostering growth, dignity, and opportunity wherever she serves.
Maddie Jensen
Program Manager
Helping people and dogs discover their potential together.
Maddie, a 2017 graduate of the University of Wisconsin–River Falls with a B.S. in Animal Science, began her journey with PawPADs as a volunteer before becoming an ADEPT™ intern — and later, a full-time team member. As a former ADEPT participant herself, she brings a unique perspective to the program and deep understanding of what it means to grow alongside a service dog in training.
As Program Manager, Maddie oversees the daily operations of the ADEPT program, managing both participants and dogs with professionalism, patience, and heart. She also plays a key role in PawPADs’ outreach through fundraising and social media, helping inspire support and sharing the life-changing stories behind every partnership, reaching the hearts as well as minds of the community.
Her expertise in dog training and instruction makes Maddie an invaluable mentor to ADEPT interns and a driving force behind PawPADs’ success. Her dedication, creativity, and compassion reflect the very best of what the PawPADs mission stands for.
Randy Patrick
Director of Operations
- Group:Key Staff
Randy Patrick
Director of Operations
“Service Is My Heritage – Compassion Is My Compass” – Randy Patrick
“I’m driven by the belief that when people feel supported, they can do extraordinary things. At PawPADs, that means fostering an environment where every staff member, trainer, and volunteer can do their best work — and share in the calm and connection their efforts with the dogs bring to others.”
Randy, a USAF veteran and retired law enforcement officer/detective, oversees PawPADs’ daily operations, helping ensure the organization’s resources, policies, and procedures align with and support its mission, while keeping the behind-the-scenes work running smoothly.
Having been with PawPADs for over 15 years, Randy holds a BA in Business Administration and an AA in Criminal Justice.
His leadership is grounded in a dedication to service and a wealth of professional experience. Randy has lived and worked in Bosnia, Kosovo, Central America, and Afghanistan, giving him a unique global perspective and brings a wealth of knowledge and expertise to his role at PawPADs. He’s dedicated his career to helping people and dogs build partnerships that heal and inspire through the mission of PawPADs.
Connect With Me:
Board of Directors
As volunteers on PawPADs’ Board, we oversee finances and programs, drive fundraising, and provide governance. Our role is to ensure PawPADs thrives through foresight, oversight, and insight. We contribute resources, networking, and expertise, embodying our mission’s passion as stewards, not owners, of the organization’s purpose and assets.
Angie Diehl
Board President and Constituent
I have been blessed to experience firsthand the life-changing impact a PawPADs assistance dog can hav...read more
Abby Peterson
Treasurer/Interim Secretary
I have been in the service dog industry for just over 10 years but PawPADs stood out almost immediate...read more
Dianne Austgen
Director
After a career in management and finance I wanted to give back working with non profits helping peopl...read more
Audrey Bergstrom
Director
I attended a Partner Graduation by invite from PawPADs, witnessing the powerful bond of each dog plac...read more
Karin Gott
Director
I’m a certified PEMF and Red Light Therapy practitioner with a deep love for animals and a life...read more
Linda Ball
Director Emeritus
Facilitating success and life-changing experiences in others, whether they be human or canine, gives ...read more
Angie Diehl
Board President and Constituent
- Website:http://linktr.ee/angieandruby
- Company/Affiliation:Freelance social media and marketing consultant.
- Group:Board Of Directors
Angie Diehl
Board President and Constituent
I have been blessed to experience firsthand the life-changing impact a PawPADs assistance dog can have on a person’s life. My daughter, Ruby, was placed with Charlie in 2020 and their partnership has forever altered her life in the most positive ways. Charlie is Ruby’s faithful companion, always there to lend a helping paw or a gentle hug when she needs it the most. This partnership—and so many others—would not be possible without the amazing leadership, staff, volunteers and student interns at PawPADs. I am beyond proud to be part of an organization with such an incredible mission.”
Ruby is a 19-year-old girl with a rare genetic disorder called Stromme Syndrome, which causes vision impairment, microcephaly, intestinal problems, slowed growth and developmental delays. Doctors said Ruby would not walk, talk or do much of anything at all, but she has proven them all wrong. She can see light and colors but she is not able to navigate in the community without help. Angie is Ruby’s momma and fearless advocate.
Angie and Ruby love recording videos of silly conversations and day-to-day activities. These videos motivate Ruby to try harder and make her laugh when she hears her own voice. Angie decided to start sharing these videos on Instagram, and apparently people really like them! One of Ruby’s videos went viral in May 2017 and has been viewed more than 500k times!
Angie and Ruby were never expecting this sudden attention, but they are excited to share their lives and journey with as many people as possible. They hope that their photos, videos and stories will bring joy to others and spread awareness of all of the special gems there are in this world.
Some of Ruby’s favorite things include Frozen, Frozen Fever, any other Disney movie, Elmo, playing Miracle League baseball, horseback riding, and Charlie (who is commonly featured in her Instagram videos). She also loves learning words in new languages and enjoys listening to Frozen’s Let it Go in 50 different languages! Someday, Ruby hopes to have a job working with animals. She is a self-professed “dog person,” just like her momma!
Connect With Me:
Abby Peterson
Treasurer/Interim Secretary
- Company/Affiliation:IEC Engineer-Project Engineering, Flint Hills Resources-Pine Bend
- Group:Board Of Directors
Abby Peterson
Treasurer/Interim Secretary
I have been in the service dog industry for just over 10 years but PawPADs stood out almost immediately. From the dogs to the staff, PawPADs has been incredible to volunteer and learn with. Working with service dogs has always been my dream and after volunteering with PawPADs, I knew that this was the organization I wanted to give my everything to. The dedication and passion of the staff, volunteers, and directors to the mission is inspiring. Over my time volunteering, I have seen many lives being changed and impacted in the most positive ways. I am beyond honored to be able to be on the Board of Directors and help them achieve their mission.”
Kaye Kath
Director
“I have spent over 30 years in the IT field, but animals have always been a major part of my life. After retiring, I began working with animals daily and love being involved in their care and wellbeing. Teaching my own dogs over the years sparked a real interest in service-dog work and the incredible impact these dogs can have.
When I learned about PawPADs, the mission and the heart behind the organization stood out immediately. The dedication of the staff, volunteers, and directors is truly inspiring. I’m honored to be on the Board of Directors and to support an organization that changes lives in such meaningful ways.”
Dianne Austgen
Director
Audrey Bergstrom
Director
- Company/Affiliation:Senior Operations Lead, R1 RCM Inc.
- Group:Board Of Directors
Audrey Bergstrom
Director
I attended a Partner Graduation by invite from PawPADs, witnessing the powerful bond of each dog placed with their partner was something I will never forget. It had a profound impact on me, and I knew I had found a way to make an impact in helping others. That brought me to volunteer every week for over 5 years before I joined the Board of Directors. It is an honor to have a part, however small, in the incredible journey this organization is on.”
Karin Gott
Director
- Company/Affiliation:Certified Practitioner/Owner, Karing Waves PEMF Therapy
- Group:Board Of Directors
Karin Gott
Director
I’m a certified PEMF and Red Light Therapy practitioner with a deep love for animals and a lifelong passion for natural healing. Whether I’m helping people or pets, my goal is always the same: to bring comfort, balance, and wellness in a compassionate and holistic way.
As a proud member of the Board of Directors for PawPADS (Pawsitive Perspectives Assistance Dogs), I’m honored to support the training and placement of service dogs who make life-changing impacts. Animals have always held a special place in my heart, and it’s a joy to dedicate my work to their care and well-being — alongside the people who love them.
Connect With Me:
Linda Ball
Director Emeritus
- Company/Affiliation:Pawsitive Perspectives Assistance Dogs (PawPADs) Founder and Executive Director
- Group:Board Of Directors
Linda Ball
Director Emeritus
Facilitating success and life-changing experiences in others, whether they be human or canine, gives me the greatest joy. The impact that our dogs have on others is nothing short of magic – and being able to be a part of that, while maintaining the highest degree of ethical consideration for the dogs, is a source of pride.
