Pawfiles

Owners/operators

Kirby Macinnes

Kirby Macinnes is the co-owner/operator of Pawsitive Horizons. Originally from Calgary, Kirby moved to Prince George 5 years ago. Her passion for dogs started at an early age and has continued throughout her life. Kirby is currently pursuing her degree in psychology from the University of Northern British Columbia, which is where the concept of Pawsitive Horizons originated. In 2011 Kirby was the recipient of the Lorne Frasier Scholarship for mental health promotion. Kirby is a canine educator with the Canadian Dog Trainers Association, and a member in good standing with the Canadian Kennel Club. Her focus is to increase access and awareness of canine assisted intervention to the public, as she feels it can be an important and useful tool to aid those who need support the most. Her focus is to explore new and innovative ways to incorporate dogs into therapeutic contexts. Kirby is looking forward to gaining more experience as a dog trainer with the addition of a new puppy in the spring. She hopes to train and compete in Schutzhund with the new addition.

Marcus Jessen Harms-Robinson

Jessen is the research and program developer/administrator of Pawsitive Horizons and holds a B.Sc. Psychology, Honours, with the highest distinction. Jessen is always interested in innovative ways of pushing the field of therapy forward into new and fruitful territory. He is currently focused on program development, maintenance, research, and outreach and expansion.

Handlers

Jason Gillis

Pawsitive Horizons is excited to welcome our newest handler, Jason Gillis, and his canine trainee partner, Sequel. As a RCMP officer, Jason brings a wealth of experience to Pawsitive Horizons. Although he has a history of service across multiple fields, his passion is working with at-risk youth. Jason is a teacher by nature and loves to learn.

As an aboriginal individual, Jason brings a depth of knowledge and understanding that is unique to his culture and a critical asset to the northern communities Pawsitive Horizons serves. Jason has deep ties to his culture. He enjoys participating in sweat lodge and smudging ceremonies and uses the medicine wheel in teaching and life. Jason currently has a sweat lodge for youth.

Jason was diagnosed with PTSD as a result of the tragedies he has witnessed over the course of his career. The choice to come forward publically about his PTSD is not an easy decision to make, but gives courage and hope to those that struggle in silence. We are proud to work with Jason.

Rachel Hume

Rachel graduated from UC Riverside, which she attended on a basketball scholarship, and has been a teacher for ten years. With a passion for teaching youth, she enjoys working with children grades four to seven. Always striving to support her students, Rachel was integral in creating and implementing the canine assisted therapy dog program for the school district in Prince George. The program has demonstrated encouraging successes, from helping students find more confidence to boosting attendance.

Crisis & Intervention Canines

Precocious

Precocious (Cocious) was rescued from a locked bear dumpster where she was abandoned as a pup. Someone heard an odd sound and sensed something was off, so they decided to dig through the dumpster and found a tiny German shepherd. The little girl was turned over to a local animal rescue to get the medical help she needed. At the time, Kirby MacInnes was providing a speaking engagement at a kids camp when she took notice of the small German shepherd in a kennel, named "Precious." Kirby asked the local rescue if she could bring this special pup home and assess if she was up to the task of becoming one of Pawsitive Horizons' working dogs. After fifteen minutes it was apparent that the name Precious didn't exactly fit, and the pup was promptly renamed Precocious. With an incredible drive for work and the ability to sense what people need, Cocious was an obvious fit for Pawsitive Horizons. Her drive for work made sure she was a standout, but her instinct for being able to decide whether physical comfort or personality is required is what makes her truly exceptional.

Grimmus

Grimmus is a eight-year-old king shepherd. He was a shelter dog resued from the Prince George SPCA. Although he is a large dog weighing in at just over 100 pounds he is a true gentle giant. Grimmus has achieved both his level one tracking and his advanced obedience. He has also passed his St. John Ambulance therapy dog certification and is the most experienced of the therapy dogs. Grimmus is a laid back guy who loves nothing more than brining smiles and comfort to those who need it. Grimmus has a strong work drive and lets his opinion be known when he gets too much time off work. His favorite toy is his blue ball and he figures there is a crisis if you misplace it.

fearChara

Fearchara, who goes by “Chara,” is a eight-year-old German shepherd lab cross that was adopted as a rescue after being separated from her mom at an early age. When she came home she was a shy, timid gentle little girl; however, that was soon to change. She achieved her level one tracking when she was only six months old, and is currently working towards achieving her advanced obedience. She is quite the comedian - always able to let her silly side show in order to bring smiles to those around her. Chara’s favorite pastimes include pestering her two older brothers, Grimmus and Loki, chasing rabbits, and tracking, no matter what the weather or conditions. She believes that doggy kisses are free and should be given in abundance at every opportunity. She is vocal in her excitement when she gets to put her training vest on and go to work.

Brignal

Brignal (Briggs) is a cavapouchon born April 2nd, 2018. This little guy thinks he is a German Shepherd and has a huge personality to match. While Briggs is cute and cuddly, he is also fearless. Briggs was selected from his litter of pups based on his audiacious, confident, and curious qualities. Briggs is a pioneer in a new program and will be placed as a disability support canine (DSC). Briggs is quick to learn and highly inquisitive, and loves playing with his new family. This fuzzy little guy is being trained to act as a functional extension of his partner, Toni, a young man with disabilities. Pawsitive Horizons is excited to work with stakeholders to create a novel integration of CAI and technology to support the unique needs of individuals with a disability(s). This unique opportunity to fuse a DSC with technology is truly innovative and holds promise for future modes of support to others in need.

Sampson

Sampson is a four-year-old shepherd mix who came to Pawsitive Horizons from the Prince George Humane Society. Originally Sampson was to participate in the Pats for Paws program, but after a few days at the Pawsitive Horizons’ facility it was apparent that he was a perfect fit. As a highly intelligent, intuitive, and engaging canine, he is a great fit for all ages. Sampson’s dorky personality is only matched by his empathy. His empathetic traits are not restricted to the humans he supports －he’s always up for helping distressed or frustrated dogs, as well. This handsome dog, with large, expressive golden eyes, has his endearing quirks: he loves playing with his ball more than eating treats and compulsively steals it from Pawsitive Horizons’ gear bag (often discovered later when it is needed); he also insists on crawling into kennels with other dogs, literally cramming himself in, much to the other dogs’ dismay (especially Grimmus). Sampson also loves snowmobiling, wresting with his best bud, Sequel, and going to the cabin. He is less enthused about vacuums and when the trainer zips up the gear bag so he can’t steal the ball.

Sandra

Sandra, also known as “Sandy,” became a part of the Pawsitive Horizons team when a family reached upon realizing her drive and talent lent itself to intervention work. Raised by a military family and now living with an associate trainer, Sandy loves working and always wants to train and gain new skills. Sandy loves making people smile and is incredibly confident regardless of her environment. She has a special knack for connecting with at-risk youth and adults that have gone through traumatic events. She has a sweet persistence and endearing habit of always carrying around her toy. Sandy’s favorite activity is to go on car rides. If there is no one driving, she can be found sheepishly hanging out in the back of a truck waiting for her owner to open the door so she can take her place as a co pilot… with her toy of course.

Sequel

Pawsitive Horizons welcomed Sequel to the Pawsitive Horizons roster following a multi-provincial search. Sequel is a one and a half year old lab/boxer mix that came to us from the Cochrane and Area Humane Society. It took some time to find a rescue dog with the specific skill set we were looking for. Pawsitive Horizons was very excited when the staff at the Cochrane and Area Humane Society assessed and put forth this candidate. His love for learning and focus makes him a star student. This energetic pooch weighs in at only 24kg, but his attitude and drive for work make him larger than life! Sequel is extremely fast and never misses out on an opportunity to express his racing prowess. Sequel is sweet by nature and sensitive to those who are in need of comfort. He looks forward to working with at-risk youth and first nations communities. Sequel loves car rides and is looking forward to his trainer, Jason Gillis, making him home made dried salmon treats. Sequel has experienced supporting individuals with PTSD.

Max

Max is a six-year-old golden lab with a mellow personality in the office, but a playful, mischievous streak after hours. He has a good work ethic and looks forward to putting on his vest in the mornings and heading out to work. His days in victim services are spent attending meetings, working with clients or offering his company to anyone who wants to pet him. He is particularly fond of break time because he gets to hang out in Tim Horton's, having coffee and timbits. His favourite toy is a toss up: at work it would be his super strong Kong stuffed with treats, but at home it is definitely his orange Chuck-it ball, which he loves to chase. In his off hours, he enjoys snowshoeing, jogging, barking at cows, swimming and walks to pretty much anywhere. His favourite snack is cheese or pepperoni - preferably at the same time.

We have enjoyed working with Max, and regret to announce his passing. He touched many lives. Prior to Max's passing, the PG RCMP Victim Services dog program went internal, and we wish them the best in their endeavours.

aBBY

When Abby's owners approach us, it was clear that the 10-year-old German Shepherd's mind needed to be as active as her body. After some preliminary training, it became clear that Abby excels at the challenges she is given and possesses an eager and bright mind. She looks forward to learning and basks in the tired bliss of a job well done. On her time off, she loves to play and keep watch, or guard, over “her” three grandchildren. With such a wonderful nature, it is no small wonder that her owners were devastated when she became ill at the age of three. Abby was diagnosed with Exocrine Pancreatic Insufficiency (EPI), a disorder that prevents proper digestion and, if left untreated, is life-threatening. While it is an uncommon disorder, over half the diagnosed cases occur in German Shepherds and other genetically related breeds. A simple blood test and a commitment to managing the condition is all it takes for a long, healthy life. Abby would love it if owners familiarized themselves with Abby’s story and the facts about EPI. Pawsitive Horizons is excited and honoured to welcome Abby to our team as a therapy dog in training.

FReddie

Freddie is a eight-year-old Maltese cross. Freddie was adopted from the Williams Lake SPCA, and the “little pork chop” was an immediate fit with his family, including Abby, another therapy dog in training (see above). A hound for tummy rubs, it is no small wonder his family fell in love with him at first sight. Freddie has a quiet, assertive, kind, and understanding demeanor that has lead Pawsitive Horizons to affectionately refer to him as “coach.” As such, he has supported Abby’s training and looks forward to supporting children in the reading program Pawsitive Horizons is beginning with the Prince George Public Library. For Freddie, it is all about the tummy rubs, cuddles, and the help he can provide to others.

SHARKEY

While Sharkey was originally surrendered in the United States, he found his way not only to Canada, but also to the Prince George Area. This was due to multiple people/rescue groups’ efforts as everyone saw something special in this little guy. Originally nicknamed the “Itty Bitty Pitty” he has grown to a healthy 70 pounds! It became apparent early on that he has an ability to sense what others needed and is especially gifted with youth. He currently works with Youth Custody, Pats for Paws and private clients, as well as working with youth in crisis or those that have experienced trauma. Although Sharkey does not have an affinity for water, he recently came in first place at the BC SPCA Paws for a Cause fundraiser in the hot dog dunking contest. He has become an integral part of the Pawsitive Horizons team and enjoys being an ambassador for his breed. He is also a strong advocate for responsible dog ownership.

Pawsitive Horizons strives to promote responsible ownership and caring. The majority of our therapy dogs are rescued; we believe in second changes. While responsible ownership does not solely involve rescues, Pawsitive Horizons strongly supports giving canines a second chance providing them with the opportunity to realize their full potential.