Access Credit Union - Our Directors of Greetings (D.O.G.)

Meet Bill!

Bill is a true Canadian D.O.G., through and through. In fact, he was born on Canada Day.

Bill loves being a D.O.G. because he is always meeting new people and exploring Manitoba communities. Here are a few fun facts about Bill:

He thinks he is a lap dog. If you sit on the ground beside him, he will try to sit in your lap.
Bill has over 110 certificates and titles, including Trick Dog Champion Master, Canine Good Neighbour, Therapy Dog, Advanced Rally Obedience and Scent Detection titles and more!
He has relatives in the Beethoven movies.

Tons of good-boy pets, afternoon naps, and a personal groomer? Hey, being a D.O.G. is pretty great. Not to mention all of the adoring fans.

Bill and Nickel start the day with breakfast at home, a quick grooming session, and a run around the yard. Then they get ready to head out for the day – don’t forget the snacks!

Bill and Nickel go on about five to ten visits a week (sometimes they will visit 2 branches a day!), and are only out for two to four hours a day, so they have lots of time to be a regular dogs at home. You may find Bill and/ or Nickel at a branch, community event, or out doing random acts of kindness.

At Access Credit Union, our D.O.G. (Director of Greetings) acts as an ambassador that represents the Credit Union, visiting our branches Monday to Friday and community events throughout the year.

Bill joined Access CU on July 1, 2022, when Sunova CU merged with Access CU.

We introduced Nickel to our membership in 2023. He was a D.O.G in training in 2024 but he's graduated to being a full fledged D.O.G now.

Bill was born on July 1, 2018.

Nickel was born on April 26, 2023.

For the first year, Nickel was able to just enjoy being a puppy, however we are extremely happy to share that Bill and Nickel are now sharing the D.O.G duties. But, Nickel continues with positive, fun training and active socializing.

No, Bill is in great health and loves to go to work. As long as Bill remains happy and physically comfortable, he will continue to visit branches and attend events for years to come. Bill will be doing fewer events so that Nickel can spend some time visiting with members and going to special events.

Nickel has done foundation training and has worked on basic manners and skills. While Nickel will continue to work on behaviours that promote respect and politeness, he is also learning new tricks and other positive dog activities to see what he likes to do the most.

Both Nickel & Bill are trained by Laurie Keith, our D.O.G. Ambassador, who is a CPDT (Certified Professional Dog Trainer).

Bill and Nickel live with our D.O.G. Ambassador Laurie Keith and her husband Pierre.

Yes, Bill is Nickel’s father.

Yes. As Nickel is one of Bill’s puppies, and since coins are smaller than bills, it just fits! (Bill had the final vote on the name!)

With our growing branch network, our D.O.G.s are visiting branches every weekday and do their best to visit each branch at least twice per year. When your local branch is expecting a visit from the D.O.G., they will display a poster in the branch ahead of the visit.

If you are interested in having our D.O.G. attend your event, please contact your local branch. The branch will then complete our D.O.G. request form and submit it for consideration. Please allow 2-3 weeks’ notice to ensure ample time to prepare.

Note: Unfortunately Bill & Nickel are not able to attend all the events they are invited to, and some restrictions may apply.