Why “Bright Path”? The name Bright Path represents what we hope to bring to every person and family we work with. Inviting a service dog organization into your life often means sharing some of your most personal challenges, hopes and goals. We recognize the trust that takes. We may not be able to change every challenge along the journey, but we can help light the path forward—providing guidance, partnership and hope for what is possible. That is the heart of Bright Path: walking alongside people and their dogs, helping them build greater independence and creating brighter futures together.
~Meet the heart behind Bright Path~
Nathalie Gillespie, CDPT-KA, SDC
Bright Path Service Dogs is owned and operated by Nathalie Gillespie, CPDT-KA, SDC. Nathalie’s experience with dogs spans more than two decades. As a Labrador Retriever breeder, professional dog trainer, service dog trainer and educator, Nathalie brings together an extensive background in breeding, puppy development, training, assessment and service dog placement.
Nathalie previously worked as a service dog trainer with an accredited organization for several years and later served as an instructor in Medicine Hat College’s Service Dog & Canine Studies program, where she helped educate students preparing for professional careers in the service dog and canine training industry. Her experience has allowed her to work with every part of the service dog journey—from selecting and developing promising puppies to supporting owner-trained teams, mentoring volunteers, educating future trainers, conducting government service dog assessments, and training and placing fully trained service dogs.
Nathalie’s background includes:
- Owner-Trained Service Dog programs
- Training and placement of fully trained Service Dogs
- Government Service Dog assessments
- Volunteer and Puppy Raiser mentorship
- Education and mentorship of future professional dog trainers
- Service dog puppy selection and development
- More than 20 years breeding Labrador Retrievers
- Positive, relationship-focused training
Her breeding experience also provides a unique perspective on what happens long before formal service dog training begins. Through more than 20 years with Labrador Retrievers, Nathalie has developed an understanding of temperament, genetics, health, early development and the qualities that can help a dog succeed in demanding working roles.
For Nathalie, Bright Path is about more than training dogs. Service dog work means being invited into some of the most personal parts of an individual or family’s life—their challenges, goals and hopes for the future. That trust deserves to be met with compassion, honesty, knowledge and respect for both the person and the dog.
Whether you are exploring a service dog for the first time, training your own dog, or looking for experienced professional support, Nathalie’s goal is to ensure you feel heard, informed and supported throughout the journey. The best partnerships aren’t simply trained—they’re built together.
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Emily Davis