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Staff & Board

Our experienced leadership and passionate staff train exceptional assistance and facility dogs that transform lives. Every person at PAWS shares one mission: to transform lives and strengthen communities through partnerships with custom-trained working dogs.

Person smiling and kneeling beside a happy golden retriever inside a room.
Two women in a radio studio, smiling for a photo. WGVU NPR microphone and equipment visible in the background.

Leadership

Smiling woman in maroon blazer with a cheerful golden retriever wearing a blue harness, gray background.
Michele Suchovsky, JD
(she/her)

Chief Executive Officer

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Teri Crosby smiling holding a golden retriever, gray background.
Teri Crosby

Chief Financial Officer

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Ashley Diersch in blue blazer with happy golden retriever dog on gray background.
Ashley Diersch, CFRE
(she/her)

Chief Advancement Officer

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Becky Canale smiling with black labrador service dog, gray background.
Becky Canale
(she/her)

Chief Programs Officer

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Kelly Jo Crabb with a golden retriever dog on a leash, posing in a studio setting.
Kelly Jo Crabb, SHRM-CP

Director of Human Resources

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Administrative Staff

Kimberly Blozinski holding a fluffy white and orange cat against a neutral background.
Kimberly Blozinski
(she/her)

Shipping & Merchandise Associate

Tony Clementi smiling next to a happy golden retriever against a gray background.
Tony Clementi, M.Ed.

Staff Development and Education Officer

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Andrea Kelly and black labrador dog pose together indoors against gray background.
Andrea Kelly

Executive Assistant

Elderly woman smiling while holding a service dog in Paws With A Cause vest, promoting support for assistance animals.
Donna Venner

Receptionist

Advancement Staff

Sidney Baxter smiling next to a Labrador wearing a blue service vest, seated against a gray background.
Sidney Baxter
(she/her)

Marketing & Communications Manager

Kristy Blackmore with a service dog seated beside her, both posing against a neutral backdrop.
Kristy Blackmore

Donor Relations Specialist

Smiling woman with a happy Golden Retriever in front of a gray backdrop.
Meag Heyboer

Development & Database Coordinator

Teresa A Newmarch poses with a black poodle wearing a red collar against a gray background.
Teresa A. Newmarch, MPA, CFRE, CAP®

Director of Leadership & Legacy Giving

Paula Pasma with a black Labrador wearing a blue harness, posing together against a neutral backdrop.
Paula Pasma

Development Operations Manager

Carina Quirin holding a chocolate Labrador puppy against a gray backdrop.
Carina Quirin
(she/her)

Creative Content Coordinator

Missy Summers with black Labrador retriever in portrait, grey background.
Missy Summers

Major Gifts Officer

Smiling woman holding adorable golden retriever puppy against a gray backdrop.
Hailey VanderWilt

Communications Coordinator

Libby Wahlstrom with a white poodle on a leash against a soft gray background.
Libby Wahlstrom
(she/her)

Annual Fund Director

Programs Staff

Kirstin Allan smiling with arm around a service dog in harness, gray background.
Kirstin Allan, CPDT-KA
(she/her)

Trainer Assistant Program Manager

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Gladiola Alvarado, holding her fluffy black and white dog against a gray backdrop, both looking at the camera.
Gladiola Alvarado

Canine Care Associate

Illustrated golden retriever in blue service vest sitting attentively.
Leo Alvarado

Building Care Associate

Ruby Alvarado embracing a golden retriever against a gray background.
Ruby Alvarado

Canine Care Associate

Yoni Alvarado in black shirt smiling with a Golden Retriever dog, grey background.
Yoni Alvarado

Canine Care Associate

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Mason Benton

Canine Care Associate

Mary Blain smiling next to a golden retriever wearing a vest.
Mary Blain

Volunteer Communications Coordinator

Heather Brower beside a happy black labrador dog in a studio portrait.
Heather Brower
(she/her)

Associate Trainer

Sarah Bryant holding a chocolate Labrador puppy against a gray backdrop.
Sarah Bryant

Trainer Assistant

Michelle Clarke holding happy black and white dog against a gray background.
Michelle Clarke

Whelping Coordinator

Woman in blue shirt smiling with a curly-haired dog, promoting Paws With A Cause assistance program.
Niki Conrad

Canine Care Associate

Smiling person with a black beanie posing with a happy golden retriever against a gray background.
Andrew Cook

Canine Care Associate

Woman with glasses smiling, sitting next to a black Labrador in a red collar, in a studio setting.
Ruthie Cooke

Canine Care Specialist

Smiling woman with brown hair poses with a fluffy poodle wearing a red collar against a gray background.
Kim Dejong

Canine Care Associate

Woman smiling, holding a small dog in a blue vest against a gray background.
Jamie DeVries

Canine Care Associate

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Anna Doorlag

Trainer Assistant

Kilee Fisk with a black Labrador retriever, posing indoors with a gray background.
Kilee Fisk
(she/her)

Breeding Program Manager

Debby Gaylor and a yellow Labrador Retriever posing against a gray background.
Debby Gaylor

Breeding Program Administrative Assistant

Smiling woman with glasses posing joyfully alongside a friendly black Labrador against a gray background.
Mersadi Grinage

Trainer Assistant

Nicole Hall holding a fluffy black and white Papillon dog against a gray background.
Nicole Hall
(she/her)
Veterinary Assistant
Illustrated golden retriever in blue service vest sitting attentively.
Liz Hood
(she/her)

Curriculum Coordinator & Field Representative

Illustrated golden retriever in blue service vest sitting attentively.
Dawn Hunter

Field Representative

Cindy Holmes and black Labrador dog against a gray background, both looking at the camera.
Cindy Holmes

Prison Program Coordinator

Illustrated golden retriever in blue service vest sitting attentively.
Kalee Horton

Canine Care Specialist

Chelsea Hottenstein with a Labrador retriever against a gray background.
Chelsea Hottenstein

Trainer Assistant

Jake Kamphouse smiling with a chocolate Labrador retriever.
Jake Kamphouse

Assistant Property Manager

Amanda Koke smiling while holding a fluffy service dog in training.
Amanda Kokx

PAWS Dog Volunteer Program Manager

Maribeth Laansma in green shirt posing with her black Labrador Retriever against a gray background.
Maribeth Laansma

Client Relations Associate

Woman smiling with a black Labrador Retriever in a blue collar, gray background.
Barb Long

Trainer Assistant

Person smiling with Labrador wearing a blue collar, Paws with a Cause shirt, gray background.
Ellen Martin

Field Representative

Wendy McIntosh posing with a yellow Labrador retriever against a gray background.
Wendy McIntosh
Veterinary Clinic Administrative Assistant
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Julia McKay

Trainer Assistant

Becca Mele smiling while holding a small dog with long ears, both looking at the camera against a gray backdrop.
Becca Mele

Veterinary Clinic Manager

Man smiling with glasses and a Labrador retriever in a studio portrait, both sitting and holding a leash.
Jared Oosse
(he/him)

Trainer Assistant

Megan Ouding with pink hair happily posing with her Golden Retriever against a gray backdrop.
Megan Ouding

Foster Puppy Training Coordinator

Illustrated golden retriever in blue service vest sitting attentively.
Jordyn Pillar

Canine Care Specialist

Rebecca Porter holds a happy golden retriever puppy against a gray background.
Rebecca Porter
(she/her)

Canine Care Specialist

Field representative in blue shirt smiling with a black Labrador, representing Paws With a Cause assistance dogs.
Anna Post

Field Representative

Dr. Liz Ritchie, Veterinarian smiling with a golden retriever, showcasing bond and care in a professional setting.
Dr. Liz Ritchie, DVM
(she/her)

Veterinarian

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Smiling woman with Labrador wearing blue collar, representing animal service organization, Paws With A Cause.
Alaina Rudin

Field Representative

Chris Schwallier with a service dog in a blue vest, smiling for a portrait against a gray backdrop.
Chris Schwallier

Client Services Manager

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Illustrated golden retriever in blue service vest sitting attentively.
Dawn Smith

Canine Care Associate

Smiling woman in blue shirt with a Labrador retriever wearing a blue collar, posing against a gray backdrop.
Crystal Snyder
Assistance Dog Training Manager
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Katelyn Sterk holding a cute black Labrador puppy with a gray backdrop.
Katelyn Sterk
Canine Care Specialist
Jordyn TeHennepe with braided hair and a yellow Lab service dog, both sitting against a gray background.
Jordyn TeHennepe

Trainer Assistant

Jordan Thiede in blue scrubs hugging a black Labrador against gray background.
Jordan Thiede, LVT

Licensed Veterinary Technician

Man with long hair holding an orange and white cat against a gray background.
Kevin Thiel
Property Manager
Eliese Tilmann smiling next to a black Labrador retriever on a gray background.
Eliese Tilmann, RN, BSN

Field Representative

Julie Thorington holding a cute chocolate Labrador puppy with a soft gray background.
Julie Thorington
(she/her)

Volunteer Manager

Melissa Trendt in scrubs smiling with a golden retriever against a neutral background.
Melissa Trendt, LVT
(she/her)

Licensed Veterinary Technician

Rachael Vargo with a golden retriever, both posing against a gray background.
Rachael Vargo

Animal Assisted Services Coordinator

Smiling woman in blue shirt with a black Labrador retriever, gray background.
Elise Vitarelli

Field Representative

Smiling woman with glasses hugging a happy Labrador in a blue collar, both looking at the camera.
Laurie Volpe

Lead Field Trainer & Client Services Representative

Kelly Wass poses with a happy black dog in a harness against a gray backdrop.
Kelly Wass

Director of Animal Assisted Services

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Golden retriever with blue vest sits next to a smiling Tiffany Wass against a gray background.
Tiffany Wass

AAS Associate Trainer & Volunteer Coordinator

Hailey Wilcox in denim jacket with brown poodle wearing pink collar, set against a gray background.
Hailey Wilcox

Dog Groomer

Woman in Paws With a Cause t-shirt smiling with a Golden Retriever assistance dog.
Pam Yano, CPDT-KA
(she/her)

Field Representative Coordinator

Ambassador Dogs

CHEWY - Black assistance dog in a blue vest with Paws With A Cause label, smiling and looking at the camera.
CHEWY
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Golden retriever service dog in a blue vest with Paws with a Cause label, looking attentively forward.
KIRBY
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KOKO - Black Labrador in service vest with pink collar against gray backdrop.
KOKO
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Golden Retriever in blue Paws With a Cause vest, looking attentive, grey background.
SCUBA
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PAWS Board

Executive Committee

Anne Barea

Board Chair

Kyle Pung

Vice Chair

Amanda Boyd

Treasurer

Kevin Hurn

Secretary

Full Board

Anne Barea
Amanda Boyd
Babette Burleigh
Kelsey Gipe
Jamie Hebebrand
Diana Hoekstra
Kevin Hurn
Shelley Irwin
Scott Johnson
Val Lego
Christina Mims
Kyle Pung
Faye Richardson-Green
Adam Russo
Jeff Salowitz
Gina Schremser
Kim Lisa Sobotta
Toyia Turner
Jessica Ann Tyson

Michele Suchovsky, JD
(she/her)
Chief Executive Officer

Michele Suchovsky is the Chief Executive Officer of Paws With A Cause (PAWS), leading the organization since 2018. With over 20 years of nonprofit leadership experience across multiple West Michigan organizations, she has a strong track record of driving impact and innovation.

Under her leadership, PAWS successfully completed a $10 million capital campaign to renovate its campus, expanding its ability to serve clients and communities. She also launched the Animal Assisted Services department, formerly known as Purposeful Placements, developing PAWS Facility Dog and Visiting PAWS programs.

Michele holds a Juris Doctorate from the University of Notre Dame Law School and a Bachelor of Arts from the University of Michigan. She lives in Grand Rapids, Michigan, with her husband, John, and their four beloved dogs: SCUBA, a PAWS Ambassador Dog; MADGE, a retired PAWS Ambassador Dog; HADDIE, a PAWS Breeding Mama; and Freddy, a spirited rescue pug/Chihuahua mix.

Teri Crosby
Chief Financial Officer

Teri Crosby is the Chief Financial Officer at Paws With A Cause (PAWS), bringing over 30 years of financial leadership experience in the nonprofit sector. A graduate of Aquinas College with a degree in Accounting and Finance, she is committed to ensuring the long-term financial health and sustainability of PAWS.

Before joining PAWS, Teri honed her expertise at Beene Garter and Echelbarger, Himebaugh, Tamm & Co., P.C., specializing in financial strategy, compliance, and resource optimization. At PAWS, she leads financial planning, budgeting, and reporting, aligning fiscal strategies with the organization’s mission and vision.

Known for her collaborative and transparent leadership style, Teri works closely with the executive team, board of directors, and stakeholders to drive financial accountability and growth. She resides in West Michigan, where she enjoys spending time with family and staying engaged in her community.

Ashley Diersch, CFRE
(she/her)
Chief Advancement Officer

Ashley Diersch is the Chief Advancement Officer at Paws With A Cause (PAWS), leading fundraising and communications efforts to expand the organization’s reach and impact. She holds a Communications degree from the University of Michigan and advanced degrees in Leadership from Lawrence Technological University and Central Michigan University. In 2023, she earned her CFRE (Certified Fundraising Executive) credential.

Ashley’s nonprofit career began at Special Olympics Michigan, where she specialized in fund development and corporate sponsorships. She later spent nearly a decade at Kids’ Food Basket, ultimately serving as Vice President of Development and leading major campaigns that raised $8.5 million for expansion projects. Prior to joining PAWS, she was Vice President of Community Impact at Meals on Wheels Western Michigan.

Deeply involved in the community, Ashley serves on the board of AFP West Michigan and No Surrender Run Club and volunteers with Girl Scouts Michigan Shore to Shore. She lives in Caledonia with her husband, Carl their golden doodle, Colby Jackson, and PAWS Foster Puppy, DUNCAN.

Becky Canale
(she/her)
Chief Programs Officer

Becky joined Paws With A Cause in 1995 and has held various roles throughout her time with the organization, including three years as a Staff Trainer and three years as a Field Representative. For the rest of her tenure, Becky has focused on Client Services. She holds a Bachelor’s degree in Sociology with an emphasis in Health Care and a minor in Non-Profit Management from Rockhurst University, as well as an Associate’s degree in Child Development from St. Gregory’s University. In her free time, Becky competes in dog sports with her three Labs. She lives in Kentwood and is a founding member of West Michigan Therapy Dogs, though no longer active. Before joining PAWS, Becky taught at Special Care, serving children from six weeks to kindergarten.

Kelly Jo Crabb, SHRM-CP
Director of Human Resources

Kelly Jo is the Director of Human Resources at Paws With A Cause, where she leads efforts to attract, support, and retain talented team members dedicated to the PAWS mission. She is passionate about fostering a positive workplace culture and helping make PAWS a top-choice employer. Kelly Jo holds a Master’s Degree in Social Work from Baylor University and earned her SHRM-CP certification in 2022. Since shifting from the medical field to nonprofit work in 2015, she has also served as a Licensed Mental Health Therapist. Kelly Jo lives in Jenison with her husband, four children, two dogs, and two cats.

Tony Clementi, M.Ed.
Staff Development and Education Officer

Tony is the Staff Development and Education Officer at Paws With A Cause, where he supports staff through continuing education, recognition, and internship program development. Since joining PAWS in 2015, Tony has held several leadership roles, including Client Services Trainer Coordinator and Canine Production Manager. He brings a teaching mindset from his background in education, holding a B.A. and M.Ed. from National Louis University. In 2024, Tony became an Assessor for Assistance Dogs International (ADI). Tony has been involved in ADI Standards Subcommittees for Training and Prison Programs, as well as the ADI Conference 2025 Planning Committee. He lives in West Michigan with his five dogs—C-Ann, Pasha, Kain, Ruby, and Fenn.

Kirstin Allan, CPDT-KA
(she/her)
Trainer Assistant Program Manager

Kirstin joined Paws With A Cause in 2019, bringing nearly a decade of experience in professional dog training and a background as a licensed veterinary technician. She began training dogs in 2010 and now oversees the PAWS Trainer Assistant Program, mentoring future trainers as they develop their skills. Kirstin also leads dog handling classes for staff, helping strengthen the connection between people and the dogs in their care. Outside of PAWS, she shares her life with two Dutch Shepherds, a retired competition dog and her current partner, whom she trains and competes with in IGP (Schutzhund).

Dr. Liz Ritchie, DVM
(she/her)
Veterinarian

Dr. Liz Ritchie joined Paws With A Cause in 2023, bringing experience from small animal private practice and a strong foundation in veterinary medicine. She earned her bachelor’s degree in biology from Grand Valley State University and her Doctor of Veterinary Medicine from Michigan State University. Following vet school, Dr. Ritchie completed a rotating internship at Blue Pearl Veterinary Hospital, where she worked alongside veterinary specialists in a variety of disciplines. Dr. Ritchie has a special interest in radiology and behavioral medicine and is passionate about supporting the health and well-being of PAWS dogs. Outside of work, she enjoys traveling, hiking, backpacking, and curling up with a good book. Her home is shared with a retired racing Greyhound named Cocoa, a cat named Taz, and a Ball Python named Mystique.

Chris Schwallier
Client Relations Manager

Chris joined PAWS’ Client Services team in February 2024 and serves as the Client Relations Manager. He earned his Bachelor of Science from Grand Valley State University and has spent much of his career in consumer products, as well as owning and operating a small business. Passionate about helping others, Chris has volunteered with Meals on Wheels, the Kinzler Foundation, and the Special Olympics. His dedication to supporting people aligns deeply with the PAWS mission and led him to Paws With A Cause. Outside of work, Chris enjoys time with family, friends, and his yellow Labrador retriever, Murphy, attending concerts, and following the Detroit Tigers and Lions.

Crystal Snyder
Assistance Dog Training Manager

Crystal joined Paws With A Cause in 2012 as Kennel Staff and quickly advanced to Trainer Assistant. She entered the PAWS Apprenticeship Program in 2014 and became a Staff Trainer in 2016. Crystal has raised five foster puppies, including one who became a PAWS breeding mom. In 2019, she stepped into the role of Training Manager and helped develop the client-first dog selection and match process used today. She also co-created the PAWS Trainer Assistant Program to mentor future trainers. Outside of work, Crystal enjoys natural horsemanship with her quarter horse, Buck, and camping with her two Labradors and family.

Kelly Wass
Director of Animal Assisted Services

Kelly brings broad professional experience to Paws With A Cause, including leadership, volunteer coordination, operations management, and behavior change coaching. Since joining PAWS, she has helped expand the Facility Dog and Visiting PAWS programs, focusing on client-centered support and service. Kelly is passionate about integrating Animal Assisted Services into PAWS programs and works closely with community partners to reach additional vulnerable populations, including veterans and trauma survivors. Outside of PAWS, she enjoys spending time with her family and exploring the outdoors. You can often find her hiking with her two dogs, KOKO and Yuka.

CHEWY
Ambassador Dog

CHEWY, aka Choo-Choo, CHEW, or Toochie, is a master of wiggle butts and door-opening (seriously, any door—he’s got it covered). Born October 19, 2019, this charming guy loves showing off his signature “High Ten” trick and retrieving anything you ask him to. His favorite toy? A hammerhead stuffed shark that’s probably his best buddy. When it comes to snacks, CHEWY’s down for anything, but Pupperoni reigns supreme in his dog-approved snack kingdom.

This water-loving ambassador has a big personality: he’s not a fan of puppies but adores every dog over 16 weeks old, and his sploot game is top-tier. He’s got a bit of a crush on KOKO in Animal Assisted Services (don’t tell her!), and when he’s not busy charming everyone on campus, he’s been globe-trotting—well, at least across Illinois, Ohio, Pennsylvania, and soon North Carolina. Oh, and did we mention he’s even been to a Broadway play? CHEWY’s life is a perfect mix of adventure, affection, and a little bit of mischief.

KIRBY
Ambassador Dog
Kirbles Dirbles Wirbles. Wirbies. Kirb Dirb. No matter what you call him, KIRBY is pure fun wrapped in golden wiggles. Born on January 23, 2021, this half Golden, half Lab is as fast as lightning when fetching and a pro at the “squish,” a deep-pressure task from his service dog days—though he mostly uses it as an excuse for couch snuggles. His favorite toy is a giant red jolly ball that his parents are pretty sure is bigger than his mouth, and his distinguished palate prefers sharp cheddar cheese and cucumber slices.
 
Quirky, adventurous, and always up for mischief, KIRBY folds himself into pretzel poses, chases flies, kayaks with his family (and has been known to flip his mom right into the water), and happily plays third wheel on date nights. Originally trained as a Service Dog for Children with Autism, he’s now an ambassador dog whose advanced skills make him a great partner for trainer assistants to practice with. Add in his signature happy butt wiggles, and you’ve got one unforgettable PAWS dog.
KOKO
Ambassador Dog

Adventurer, heart-melter, and ambassador extraordinaire, KOKO knows how to work hard and play harder. Born on January 23, 2021, KOKO—also lovingly known as Kokobean or just “sweet girl”—is equal parts sunshine and smarts. Although she proudly identifies as a Golden, KOKO is 50 percent Labrador Retriever and 50 percent Golden Retriever. Her favorite skill to show off is pressing the “get help” button (or any task, really, if there’s a treat involved). Her favorite toy is a blue Kong ring, and the second she spots it, she lights up like a puppy on her first snowy day.

KOKO’s quirks are pure gold: she insists on holding hands, prefers sunbeams over shade, and takes her role as a Visiting PAWS dog very seriously. She’s not just a campus sweetheart—she’s also a seasoned adventurer. When she’s off duty, you’ll find her exploring the trails, splashing through creek beds, or riding shotgun on road trips with her human mom and her best friend, Yuka (her adopted sister and partner in hiking crime).

SCUBA
Ambassador Dog

SCUBA is equal parts ambassador dog and professional cuddle enthusiast. Born June 19, 2023, this 25% Labrador Retriever fully embraces his genetics—if it’s edible, he’s interested. Affectionately known as “Scoobie Snack,” he’s always ready to clock in for treats.

Alerting to a fire alarm is SCUBA’s favorite way to show off his skills. When there’s a job to do, he’s focused and dependable. When the vest comes off? He’s proudly parading around his favorite green puppy stuffie, making sure every new friend gives it the admiration it deserves. Sweet, social, and just a little silly, SCUBA brings heart, humor, and plenty of snuggles to his role as a PAWS ambassador dog.

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MADGE
Ambassador Dog

Meet MADGE, better known to her adoring fans as Madgy Padgy or MADGE. Born on September 23, 2013, MADGE is the most senior working dog on campus and absolutely owns that title. She served as a seizure response dog for two years before trading in her cape for a crown as a PAWS ambassador dog. These days, she spends her time showing off her favorite trick, “Are you cute?” (Spoiler alert: she always is), and expertly demonstrating how to pull an alarm. MADGE is famously stubborn, but there’s one surefire way to win her over: food. Any food. All food. Always. With her OG status and a heart of gold, MADGE continues to charm everyone she meets—especially if they come bearing snacks.

DUNCAN
Ambassador Puppy

DUNCAN is an ambassador puppy and full-time heart-stealer. Born on December 17, 2024, Duncan (or Dunky Punky, Dunk Dunk, Baby Dunks… take your pick!) is still mastering the basics, but he’s already got one thing down: being irresistibly adorable. His favorite trick is “sit,” which he’ll do perfectly for a treat, then immediately forget ever learning. He’s especially fond of anything that squeaks, crinkles, or can be paraded around like a prize, and don’t even think about withholding treats, he’s here for them all. DUNCAN PUNKIN, as he is so lovingly called, has also perfected the “golden grumble,” a signature sound that lets you know he’s got opinions. Every day, he heads to work at Paws With A Cause with his foster puppy raiser mom, Ashley, where he takes his ambassador duties very seriously (by napping through meetings, wagging at everyone, and being the cutest employee on campus). He’s got big paw-steps to fill—and he’s doing it one squeaky toy at a time.