My name is Beka, and I am a volunteer for Pawsitive Squad. I joined Pawsitive Squad in 2020 to train River, my standard poodle, to be my assistance dog and help me with going out more and becoming more confident with her by my side. She helps me with my autism and anxiety by doing certain assistive tasks for me; I put lots of hard work into training her with the help of pawsitive squad and had her fully trained within a year.

I’ve always loved animals and really enjoyed training River and gaining knowledge through learning new techniques. I love training and working with dogs and wanted to help out people going through the same training I have.  When I told Heather I had a Level 3 qualification in animal management at college and work experience with animals & people with additional needs, she kindly let me volunteer to help.

As part of my role, I help with the face-to-face workshops and assessments, demonstrating, assessing, and offering general support. I still struggle in social situations and talking sometimes, but I have become more confident since joining Pawsitive Squad. Most of the time I will have a personal assistant with me to support me and have River to help me out too.

James is a new member of the team whose been involved with Pawsitive through his family for several years. His role includes supporting the team at in person events (including supporting with children of staff) and demonstrating dog handling and activities at in person events with the wonderful, fully trained assistance dog, Levi. 

James is studying microbiology & immunology at University.