Our Beginnings
Assistance Dogs of
America, Inc. has Joe and Pamela "Sam" Maxwell to thank for its beginning. Sam Maxwell started “
Guide Dogs for the Handicapped” in 1984 by training their dog, Abbey, for her husband, who was a
quadriplegic. Joe also helped train several dogs. Guide Dogs for the Handicapped was created to
"provide specially trained dogs and/or adaptive equipment that aids the handicapped, enabling them
to become more independent." The organization created its first Board of Directors in 1986 and
obtained a 501 c (3) tax exemption status in 1987. Jo Kiser was the first Executive Director. The
group became registered at local, state and federal levels and began to expand its name and message
throughout the country.
In 1989, the name of the organization was changed to Assistance Dogs of America, Inc. (ADAI). In 1989, ADAI moved its training headquarters to two and a half acres in Swanton, Ohio, about 29 miles west of Toledo. The owner of the land, Richard Ranson, donated half of the cost of the property and the Kiwanis of Downtown Toledo paid for the rest. The property includes office facilities, a training building and insulated, heated kennels with 20 indoor-outdoor runs. ADAI dogs have a beautiful, grassy “home” with attentive staff and volunteers.
Happy Endings: Ginger and Fraiser