Meet Bear

Bear is a service dog with a big heart, sharp instincts, and the kind of personality that makes people stop and smile. Since he was just 10 weeks old, he’s been working and training alongside his handler, Leavitt, through Ability Dogs of Arizona. Together, they’ve grown into a skilled and inseparable team—learning, adapting, and building trust every step of the way.

Affectionately compared to Buddy the Elf, Bear has a joyful presence and an open-door policy with everyone he meets. But when it’s time to work, he’s all business—calm, focused, and incredibly intuitive. He’s known to pick up on Leavitt’s needs before she even realizes them.

Leavitt’s work as a photographer and social media manager means no two days are alike. From theaters and trade school campuses to large-scale events, Bear keeps up with every schedule, location, and any last-minute changes.

He’s carried gear up stairs, fetched batteries mid-shoot, and stood quietly off to the side while remaining fully engaged. With nearly 100 flights behind him, Bear handles travel days, security lines, and shifting environments with impressive ease—making him an invaluable part of the team.

Bear’s personality brings humor and light to their work. He grumbles when he stretches, making sounds that always earn a laugh. He once gave a stranger a gentle paw punch for bouncing their leg too much, like he was enforcing the same calm behavior he expects from Leavitt.

Looking ahead, Leavitt plans to continue building on the strong foundation they’ve created, adding new tasks to support their ever-changing routine. But above all, training will remain fun—because Bear doesn’t just love to work, he thrives on it. Whether backstage, at a campus, or navigating a new city, Bear shows up ready to help—and always brings a little extra joy along the way.