History
Pawsitive Love Foundation was born out of a family's desire to help. Steve Kotowske is the son of a 23-year Veteran. His father served in the United States Coast Guard from the age of 17 until his death at age 40, in 1969. Steve has lived with the loss of his father all of his life; he was just a one-year old when his father died of a massive heart attack. Steve always aspired to serve in the military like his father, but could never get over the loss and the circumstances he was led to believe caused his death. It was only after his own journey to better health began that he learned the truth. He has given his time and his talent to serve our military ever since this knowledge was shared with him. What he didn't do then he is doing now. He has chosen to serve his country by providing the absolute best dogs possible to those who made his freedom of choice possible.
Steve began his journey in the dog training world as a child. He has shown German Shepherd Dogs and has raised many litters of puppies. He is the go-to trainer, in the Florida Panhandle, for problem dogs. His team has successfully trained and rehabilitated hundreds of dogs over the years. Steve has trained to compete nationally in the German SV with his personal dog, SG1 El Divo Zeus. His passion for dog training led him to work with Military Working Dogs and Police K9's at American K9 Interdiction in Carrsville, Virginia. He brought the knowledge of precision training into the world of Service Dogs.
Get in touch
We at Pawsitive Love Foundation know that finding the right Service Dog provider to help your loved is a choice not to be taken lightly. That’s why we offer free consultations to walk you through your needs, the scope of your disability and what to expect as a family.
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Board Members
Executive Director
steve kotowske
Steve began his journey in the dog training world as a child. He has shown German Shepherd Dogs and has raised many litters of puppies of GSD's, Dutch Shepherds, and Labrador Retrievers. He is the go-to trainer, in the Florida Panhandle, for problem dogs. His team has successfully trained and rehabilitated hundreds of dogs over the years. Steve has trained to compete nationally in the German SV with his personal dog, SG1 El Divo Zeus. His passion for dog training led him to work with Military Working Dogs and Police K9's at American K9 Interdiction in Carrsville, Virginia. He brought the knowledge of precision training into the world of Service Dogs and his dogs have been noticed by other trainers
Activities & Affiliations
- Association of Professional Dog Trainers, Professional Member
- Graduate of American K9 Interdiction School
- Training Advisor, Healing Paws for Warriors
- Best in Destin Award Recipient - 2018
Treasurer | director
wendy kotowske
Along with Steve, Wendy has a heart to serve others. Currently, Wendy is the Emerald Coast Area Manager for Prime Lending and is a top producing home loan originator. She has been recognized for her work as a top producer and a leader in the financial market for many years. Her financial knowledge is an asset to the foundation as we build and grow. Wendy is also the mother of four outstanding children, and a beautiful granddaughter.
Activities & Affiliations
- Navarre Area Chamber of Commerce
- Destin Area Chamber of Commerce
- Top 1% Mortgage Industry Magazine
- Best in Destin Award Recipient - 2017
military liaison | director
julius mcmanus
Julius "Jay" is a 21-year Veteran of the United States Navy, serving as a Navy Diver, Submariner, and Military Instructor at the Navy Explosive Ordnance Disposal School. NDC McManus completed three combat deployments to Iraq and two to Afghanistan with Naval Special Warfare, repatriated the remains of eleven WW-II Missing in Action (MIA) Soldiers from B-24 Bomber in Palau, and developed complex Special Warfare training programs in Guantanamo Bay. Jay has completed his B.S. in Education with Southern Illinois University and M.Ed with University of West Florida. Jay is a research specialist and interprets all things military for us.
Activities & Affiliations
- Multiple Medal-Winning Athlete 2018 DoD Warrior Games
- Four Naval Commendation Medals
- Six Naval Achievement Medals
- One Army Achievement Medal
- OIF/OEF Veteran
- ISPI Member