In their own time and space

A strong start with puppy socialisers

‘During Covid, we had our daughter, son-in-law and grandchildren staying with us. With three generations living under one roof everyone could easily have retreated into their own spaces. However, when Reco came to join our extended family in 2023, he became the reason we connected; he grounded us as a family,’ reflects Reco’s puppy socialiser, Sue.

Reco began life with his puppy socialisers, the Lucas family; volunteers who welcomed him into their home to help prepare him for a future role supporting and changing people's lives. Bright, energetic and curious, Reco needed connection, stimulation and purpose. Day-to-day life with him was joyful, demanding and deeply rewarding.

Those early months were all about relationships: learning, trusting and teamwork. Reco bonded differently with each family member, instinctively adapting his energy and affection. Through training walks, everyday routines and shared challenges, he became a powerful connector, strengthening relationships within the household while learning how to build calm, confident connections with the world around him.

From the beginning, Reco wasn't treated as "just a puppy." The whole family understood they were helping prepare him for something bigger than a family pet.

"We didn't want a dog for life – we wanted a dog for good," says Sue. "Reco was being raised not to stay, but to make a difference."

Interestingly, when Reco was being socialised, Sue and family regularly took him to local castles, castles in Northumberland whilst on holiday, and Warwick Castle for day trips. These visits would prove to be very relevant to Reco later in life, with Warwick Castle being a firm favourite with everyone!

Growing confidence with a temporary boarding family

Before being matched with the Cole family, Reco spent time with a temporary boarders; another vital step in preparing him to be a life-changing dog.

And he made quite an impression.

"Reco is a real character – cheeky, funny and always making us laugh," says Liz Cooper, one of our regular temporary boarders.

After his very first day of training "school", he came home so tired that he collapsed beside them on the floor, snoring loudly and contentedly; a sign of both his playful spirit and how much effort he put into learning, which he absolutely loved.

He quickly became part of everyday family life. Reco joined them on holidays, including a glamping stay in a converted bus in Shropshire – where he even visited Shrewsbury Prison – and a seaside break in Norfolk, where he ran across the beach and crashed through the waves with every dog friend he could find. He adored his toy burger so much he earned the nickname ‘best burger boy’.

But beyond the fun memories, boarding played an essential role in his development. Living with different families helped Reco adapt to new environments, routines and people, building the confidence and flexibility he would later need in his working life.

For the Coopers, the experience was deeply rewarding.

"Boarding works perfectly for us. We get the joy of welcoming a dog into our family for a time, even though we both work full-time. They settle in so quickly and become part of daily life bringing comfort, companionship and lots of laughter."

Each dog, they say, has their own personality and getting to know those differences is part of the joy.

"Saying goodbye is bittersweet, but there is also immense pride. It feels special to be part of their journey, watching their confidence grow and knowing they will one day change someone’s life."

Every cuddle, walk and shared routine helps prepare them for that moment.

Ready for his role

Following the successful completion of his training, Reco was matched with the Cole family, who were looking for an autism assistance dog for their son, Jenson.

For puppy socialiser Sue, this moment was emotional but meaningful.

"Of course it's hard. But it's also filled with pride. We knew Reco was ready for his next chapter. And the wonderful thing is we've been able to see first-hand the transformation in Jenson."

In fact, the world has opened up for Jenson in ways that once felt impossible; bringing everything into focus.

A world that once felt overwhelming

Before Reco joined the Cole family, Sarah and Tom were doing everything they could to support their son, Jenson, in a world that often felt overwhelming. Jenson is autistic and happiest in the safety of his own home. New places, unfamiliar situations and sensory overload could be deeply distressing.

"Trains and Warwick Castle are his thing," Sarah says. "Getting him outside that bubble was hard."

During the Covid pandemic, life became especially intense. Jenson was delayed in going to pre-school by a year. Sarah worked full-time while caring for him, often working late into the night once he was asleep. Tom worked unsociable shifts. The family felt exhausted and isolated.

Things slowly began to improve when Jenson started pre-school and the family connected with the Bicester Autism Group. With the help of pre-school manager Jackie, Jenson's key worker Cath, and Bicester Autism Group – the family had found a much-needed network of local support to help them navigate Jenson's needs. Around the same time, Tom discovered Dogs for Good and learned about autism assistance dogs. After careful thought and with support from Sarah's employer, they decided to apply.