Question 1

What is Hedwig for the Win! Life with a Psychiatric Assistance Dog about?

Accepted Answer

Hedwig for the Win! Life with a Psychiatric Assistance Dog is a lived-experience memoir about life with a Psychiatric Assistance Dog. It shares Fiona’s story — honest, humorous, and hopeful — along with practical insights into training, public access, travel, mental health, and daily life with Hedwig, her golden Labrador.

Question 2

Where can I buy the book?

Accepted Answer

You can purchase the paperback, eBook, and the audiobook directly from this website.

The eBook is expected to be available in February 2026.
The paperback is expected to be available in March 2026, and is currently available for pre-order.
The audiobook is expected to be available May 2026.

A purchase link is available on the Shop page and throughout the site.

Question 3

Is the book suitable for people considering a Psychiatric Assistance Dog?

Accepted Answer

Absolutely. The book is written to help readers understand the realities — both practical and emotional — of working with a Psychiatric Assistance Dog. It may also help you decide whether this path is right for you.

Question 4

Where can I learn more about Psychiatric Assistance Dogs in Australia?

Accepted Answer

You can explore Psychiatric Assistance Dogs through a number of organisations and programs across Australia. Each offers different pathways, models of training and eligibility requirements.

For official information about the Department of Veterans' Affairs (DVA) Psychiatric Assistance Dog Program, visit: Our Psychiatric Assistance Dog Program | Department of Veterans' Affairs

You can also explore organisations that provide training, accreditation or self-training support (in alphabetical order):

- Assistance Dogs Australia
- Defence Community Dogs
- LifeUnleashed by Integra Service Dogs Australia
- Lions Assistance Dogs
- mindDog Australia
- Paws For Assistance Dog Training
- PTSD Dogs

Question 5

What are the public access rights for Psychiatric Assistance Dogs?

Accepted Answer

Public access rights for Psychiatric Assistance Dogs in Australia depend on how the dog is trained and accredited.

If your dog is Guide, Hearing, Assistance Dog (GHAD) accredited, they must pass an annual Public Access Test to remain accredited.  Once accredited, they have full public access rights - meaning they can legally accompany you into most public places, including shops, cafes, public transport, airports and flights.

It's important to note that emotional support animals and unaccredited dogs do not have public access rights, even if they provide comfort. Public access legally applies only to dogs who hold valid accreditation under relevant legislation or programs like DVA's Psychiatric Assistance Dog Program.

For more information about DVA's Psychiatric Assistance Dog Program public access rights click here:
Assistance Dogs and Public Access Rights | Department of Veterans' Affairs

Question 6

Does the book promote any specific organisation?

Accepted Answer

No. While Fiona describes her personal pathway and acknowledges the organisations that contributed information, the book does not promote one provider over another. It aims to give balanced, factual information to help readers make informed decisions.

Question 7

Is this book a substitute for professional clinical or legal advice?

Accepted Answer

No. The book shares lived experience, not professional guidance.
If you are seeking support for your mental health or assistance-dog rights, please speak with a qualified professional or relevant organisation.

Question 8

Do you offer signed copies?

Accepted Answer

Absolutely - Fiona will sign every paperback pre-order.
Hedwig has also offered to add his paw-print signature. To be honest, he's already practising. 🐾

Question 9

When will the audiobook be available?

Accepted Answer

The audiobook will be recorded in February 2026 and released in May 2026 across major audiobook platforms, as well as through this website. 
Fiona will be narrating the audiobook and Hedwig will be in the studio as well.

Question 10

Can I return or refund digital products (eBooks or audiobooks)?

Accepted Answer

Digital products are non-refundable once downloaded.
Please see our Digital Product Policy for full details.

Question 11

Do you ship internationally?

Accepted Answer

Yes. International shipping rates and delivery times vary by destination.
Full details are available in our Shipping Policy.

Question 12

Is Hedwig a real Psychiatric Assistance Dog?

Accepted Answer

Yes! Hedwig is a fully trained, Public Access Test–certified Psychiatric Assistance Dog accredited under the GHAD pathway. He works alongside Fiona every day — and adds his own commentary throughout the book. (There are snacks in that bag - and he is guarding it carefully.)

Question 13

Can I share the book with my support group, organisation, or readers?

Accepted Answer

If you would like to use the book for training, education, or group discussion, please contact Fiona using the Contact page to request permission or bulk-order information.

Question 14

Can I contact Fiona for media, podcasts, or speaking engagements?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Fiona is available for speaking engagements, including keynote talks, panel discussions, workshops and community or organisational events focused on:
Psychiatric Assistance Dogs
Lived experience with PTSD
Disability inclusion and access
Public access rights
Finding courage, humour and hope

And yes - Hedwig attends too.

He takes his role very seriously ...
At the start of Fiona's presentations, Hedwig is likely to 'request snacks' (spoiler: he's actually alerting Fiona to nerves, rising heart rate and anxiety).

Once Fiona settles in and relaxes? 
He may drift into a dignified nap - and yes, the occasional gentle snore during Q&A is part of his charm.

If you would like to enquire about booking Fiona (and Hedwig), please reach out via the contact page.

Question 15

Will there be more books?

Accepted Answer

Yes! A children’s picture-book — When You See a Dog in a Vest — is currently in development. Keep an eye on the website for updates.

FAQ