To celebrate International Assistance Dog Week (3 to 6 August) the Department of Veterans' Affairs (DVA) sat down with Army veteran Fiona Kuilboer to discover how her golden labrador, Hedwig, had transformed her confidence, independence and quality of life.
After leaving Defence in 2007, Fiona experienced ongoing psychological difficulties resulting in a PTSD diagnosis. She spent years managing her symptoms using therapy, but continued to struggle with anxiety, panic attacks and participation in everyday life.
This changed when her psychologist suggested applying for a psychiatric assistance dog through our Psychiatric Assistance Dog Program.
"That moment shifted everything," Fiona said. After a successful application, Fiona was matched with a dog through Integra Service Dogs.
"Hedwig jumped out of the back of the car and I just cried," she said.
"I didn't know how he was going to change my life, but I knew he was. I was so full of optimism and ready to open my heart for him."
Almost two years later, Fiona describes the impact as life-changing.
“It has profoundly changed how I navigate my community, do things and be a participant in my life where I wasn’t before. I can travel to see my grandkids, I can go to the shops, I can go anywhere I want to go."
Hedwig helps in many ways. For example, he helps Fiona to stay grounded when she feels overwhelmed. When she starts becoming anxious, he leans into her, nudges her, brings toys or presents his lead, helping her focus on him rather than her distress. He also creates personal space in crowded places, encourages her to have routines and participate in the community.
“We try and go out every day and do something every day, whereas I did not do that before Hedwig. I went to my therapies only... Now we can do little bits and pieces that we never did before. Or we can do big things.”
The benefits have improved her family dynamic too.
“My family has gained a lot more by me being more comfortable. I'm more present in our household. I'm more engaged in what's going on with our family…I'm now able to consider others.”
Hedwig’s influence has also inspired Fiona to work in the advocacy space, resulting in two books and an exciting meeting with the Governor-General. Her work focuses on education as a way to remove barriers and improve public access.
“The goal is eventually to have all businesses, and all service providers and vendors know what the legal rights are and adhere to them.
I want to tell people how they make my life harder. I want to tell people how they make my life easier."
Her first book, Hedwig for the Win, outlines her journey with PTSD and aims to educate and reduce stigma around mental health. Fiona takes these aims into the classroom too, through visiting schools and developing teacher resources. Her second book, When you See a Dog in a Vest, teaches children how to interact with handlers respectfully.
She hopes it fosters “disability awareness, social inclusion, manners and etiquette.”
As a final remark, Fiona said her work wouldn’t have been possible without Hedwig and the confidence he’s instilled in her.
"I could not have done this without Hedwig's quiet presence, gentle support and unwavering commitment to just trying to get me through the next wave,” she said.
Learn more about the Psychiatric Assistance Dog Program on our webpage.
