Providing quality service dogs and educational opportunities
Meet The Assistance Service Dog Educational Center (ASDEC)
Volunteer and Community Service Opportunitites
Volunteer and Community Service Opportunitites
Volunteer and Community Service Opportunitites
We offer unique volunteer opportunities to individuals, students, or groups who are interested in participating in dog related activities and workshops. Volunteer hours are Tuesday and Saturdays from 9 am to 11:30 am at our facility in Woodlake, Ca. Please contact us to make an appointment.
Types of Service Dogs We Train
Volunteer and Community Service Opportunitites
Volunteer and Community Service Opportunitites
ASDEC provides mulitiple types of service dogs for individuals with mental, medical, or physical disabilities. We train seizure and diabetic response, hearing alert, mobility assistance, autism support, and PTSD service dogs to clients and veterans.
Community Partnership
Community Partnership
Community Partnership
ASDEC trainers facilitate an after school program with the Woodlake Unified school district and participate in a variety of school and community events with our service dogs. If you are interested in having ASDEC present for your club or event, please contact us.
Puppy Raisers
Community Partnership
Community Partnership
ASDEC relies on local community members to socialize and train our service dogs during their early months of development. If you'd like to give back by giving your home, time ,and love to one of our puppies, please fill out an application or contact us.
Assistance Service Dog Educational Center: History
Welcome to Assistance Service Dog Educational Center!
ASDEC was founded in 2002 by Donna and Gerald Whittaker to keep at risk Woodlake High School students in school by teaching them how to train service dogs for those who need them. We are a nonprofit 501c3 organization dedicated to improving the lives of people in need. ASDEC has placed over 300 service dogs since our inception, and find great joy in being an educator to our community. Whether you're interested in volunteering, donating, or simply learning more about our organization, there are plenty of ways to get involved with the Assistance Service Dog Educational Center.
Donate Today
Your donation can make a real difference in the lives of those we serve. With your help, we can continue to provide vital services to our clients and service dogs. Please consider making a donation today.
Clients And Their Stories
Ollie and Lady
Andrew and Bailey
Andrew and Bailey
Stay tuned.
Andrew and Bailey
Andrew and Bailey
Andrew and Bailey
Stay tuned.
Brian and Moose
Andrew and Bailey
Shannan and Nimh
Stay tuned.
Shannan and Nimh
Andrew and Bailey
Shannan and Nimh
Stay tuned.
ASDEC Board of Directors
Tim McFadden Executive Director
Gerald Whittaker - Veteran Liaison
Gerald Whittaker - Veteran Liaison
I had a dog that changed me. He taught me to look at the world in a new way. He taught me to focus on the moment, for it's all we really have. When the moment came for me to retire after 34 years of teaching high school, I wanted to work with dogs. A neighbor gave me a phone number, I called it, and I visited the Assistance Service Dog Educational Center for the first time. I became a volunteer on my first visit with Gerald. Working and learning from high school students and dogs sounded exciting. I found a purpose in my retirement. Learning to work with dogs has shown me the possibilities of a partnership that can do incredible things. The connection between person and dog is like no other. The payday for the volunteers at ASDEC is when we see the positive changes in our client's lives. It is quite rewarding to train dogs to help people.
Gerald Whittaker - Veteran Liaison
Gerald Whittaker - Veteran Liaison
Gerald Whittaker - Veteran Liaison
Stay tuned.
Suzanne Juarez - Secretary
Gerald Whittaker - Veteran Liaison
Kayla Munoz - Public Relations
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Kayla Munoz - Public Relations
Katie Baker-Parker Head Facilitator
Kayla Munoz - Public Relations
My name is Kayla Munoz, my maiden name was Childress. I was born and raised in the Woodlake area. I attended Woodlake Unon High School which is where I first heard about the Assitance Service Dog Educational Center. I became part of the program my Junior and Senior year as a trainer in the "A" team with my service dog in training named April. April was my best friend and I loved that dog! She helped me through tough times in my last two years of high school and taught me skills that I still use now daily as an adult. After I graduated the Whittaker's helped me find my fist job with Heiskell's Feed Depot. I have worked there for 18 years and am now the General Manager of the store and I have been able to facilitate the donation of dog food for ASDEC through it. I'm happy to be able to support ASDEC as a Board Member.
Vickie Bimat - Director of Finance
Katie Baker-Parker Head Facilitator
Katie Baker-Parker Head Facilitator
Stay tuned.
Katie Baker-Parker Head Facilitator
Katie Baker-Parker Head Facilitator
Katie Baker-Parker Head Facilitator
My name is Katie Baker-Parker and I've been a part of ASDEC for over 19 years. I started as a student in the "D" team when I was a sophomore at Woodlake High School. I fell in love with the program and was enchanted with my service dog in training, who I named Daya. I enjoyed the program so much, it became my goal to continue it after the Whittaker's re-retirement. In 2020 I took over as head facilitator and lead trainer and plan to continue to grow this organization. I believe ASDEC has the power to change so many lives, for it has shaped me into the person I am today and for that, I'll be forever grateful.
Our Partners
