“I’m Bev Wales, and I’m honoured to serve as an ambassador for the National Foundation for Retired Service Animals (NFRSA). With over 22 years as a prison officer, my entire career has been spent in the long-term high-security estate, working with some of the most challenging and complex individuals in the prison system. For the past eight years, I’ve also served as a dedicated dog handler, partnering with exceptional canine colleagues.

Originally from Northern Ireland, I’ve spent the majority of my life in England, where my passion for service animals has flourished. Throughout my career, I’ve been fortunate to work with two exceptional German Shepherds, and currently, I work with a remarkable Belgian Malinois/German Shepherd cross, continuing the legacy of excellence in service.

The NFRSA has been instrumental in supporting my retired dogs, Kai and Cody, with their medical needs. Kai, who retired at six and enjoyed a long, happy retirement, sadly passed away at the age of 11 but The NFRSA supported him on three separate occasions, including contributions towards his final care. Cody remains a beloved member of our family. My husband, Graeme, and I are deeply committed to the NFRSA’s mission, actively promoting awareness and support for this vital charity.

Our household is a haven for dogs, including Maisie, a partially sighted French Bulldog we adopted from Hungary. We are passionate about providing care and comfort to animals in need, reflecting the NFRSA’s dedication to ensuring retired service animals receive the support they deserve.”

“I’m Amy Deeming, a serving Dog Handler with Warwickshire Police, and I feel very honoured to be an ambassador for the National Foundation for Retired Service Animals. It is a cause incredibly close to my heart!
I joined Warwickshire Police in a police staff role back in 2004, and after helping as a stooge for some passive drugs dog training, and watching some General Purpose police dog training, I was completely sold on what I wanted to do for a career!

I joined as a Police Officer in 2006, and achieved my dream of becoming a dog handler in 2015, when I was partnered with PD Duke, a rather stubborn, unruly dog who was gifted to the Police.

PD Duke served for 6 years as a General Purpose Police Dog and a Firearms Support Dog before retiring due to arthritis. I had always promised him a home for life & he is now ‘working’ as my burglar alarm when I’m at work, in between sun puddling & snoring.

On retirement, Duke’s harness passed on to PD Jinx, who is my current working dog and who I have had since he was an 8-week-old puppy.

I have also been lucky enough to work a fantastic specialist search dog in RPD Rufus & a loony Labrador, RPD Lilly, both of whom are now living their best lives with families as adored pets. They are also, of course, registered with the NFRSA.

Our service animals work tirelessly & fearlessly for their handlers, and I believe passionately that they are owed a happy fulfilling retirement. Knowing the NFRSA are there to help support them when needed, is the ultimate reassurance for their guardians.

I am excited to see what my new role as Service Ambassador brings. My first challenge, as an absolute non-runner (unless it’s after a dog), will be to run the London Marathon for the NFRSA in 2026!”