Hedwig for the Win! Life with a Psychiatric Assistance Dog
Paperback Edition
AWARD-NOMINATED - ABLE Golden Book Awards 2026
What happens when a golden Labrador becomes a lifeline?
This heartfelt memoir follows Fiona Kuilboer and Hedwig, her Psychiatric Assistance Dog, through the messy, funny, courageous journey of rebuilding life after trauma.
Told with honesty, warmth, and a generous dose of Labrador humour, Hedwig for the Win! Life with a Psychiatric Assistance Dog offers a rare inside look at what it’s really like to live, travel, and heal alongside an Assistance Dog. From navigating public access laws and airline policies to surviving panic attacks and the occasional dog hair explosion, Fiona shares the small victories and the hard days with equal truth.
More than a dog story, this is a book about resilience, dignity, and the quiet bravery it takes to start again. It demystifies Psychiatric Assistance Dogs, explores pathways to accreditation, and offers insight and reassurance to anyone wondering whether a dog might be part of their own healing.
Whether you’re considering a Psychiatric Assistance Dog, supporting someone who has one, or simply love stories of hope and partnership, this memoir will make you laugh, cry, and breathe a little easier.
Hedwig’s recommendation: ‘Best read with snacks, a comfy chair, and a dog curled up nearby.’
Size: 6" x 9" (152mm x 229mm)
Cover Finish: Gloss
Page Count: 192
Hedwig for the Win! Life with a Psychiatric Assistance Dog PAPERBACK
Chapter 1 - Crying in a Ball Gown
Chapter 2 - Furry Friend or Caped Crusader?
Chapter 3 - Earning the Cape: The Public Access Test
Chapter 4 - Planting a Sunflower
Chapter 5 - OMG! The Hair!
Chapter 6 - Can I Pat Your Dog?
Chapter 7 - Turbulence, Tantrums and Tails
Chapter 8 - Barking Rights: The Travel Guide
Chapter 9 - When Needs Collide: Navigating Fur, Fear and Feelings
Chapter 10 - From Possibility to Partnership
