Life with Service Dogs

Linzi Williamson & Grace Rath
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  • Social Sciences

Life with Service Dogs” is a Canadian-based, limited series podcast that highlights the everyday challenges and triumphs service dogs and their handlers face. This podcast is informed by a research project titled “Supporting Canadian Veterans working with Service Dogs” led by Dr. Linzi Williamson (PhD, Assistant Professor in Psychology & Health Studies at USask) and an Advisory Committee consisting of Canadian Veterans and service dog trainers, providers, and researchers. This research is funded by the Canadian Institutes of Health Research (CIHR) and the Canadian Centre on Substance Use and Addiction (CCSA). 

  1. Jun 30

    Episode 18: Reflecting on service dog research (Finale Episode) - Drs. Colleen Dell, Darlene Chalmers, and Linzi Williamson (Researchers).

    Podcast Description: Life with Service Dogs is a Canadian-based, limited series podcast that highlights the everyday challenges and triumphs service dogs and their handlers face. This podcast is informed  by a research project titled “Supporting Canadian Veterans working with Service Dogs” led by Dr. Linzi Williamson (PhD, Assistant Professor in Psychology & Health Studies at the University of Saskatchewan) and an Advisory Committee consisting of Canadian Veterans and service dog trainers, providers, and researchers. This research is funded by the Canadian Institutes of Health Research (CIHR) and the Canadian Centre on Substance Use and Addiction (CCSA). This podcast is produced by host Dr. Linzi Williamson and Grace Rath (M.A., Service Dog Project Coordinator). Submitted Guest Bio: Dr. Colleen Dell is a distinguished scholar and Professor in Sociology and Centennial Enhancement Chair in One Health and Wellness at the University of Saskatchewan. She is also a public sociologist and critical interdisciplinary researcher with a transdisciplinary research program, renowned for her extensive research and advocacy in Indigenous health, addiction, and community wellness. Her research program is grounded in an empowering, community-based and patient-oriented participatory approach, with both human and non-human animals. Her human research centres on healing from addictions and mental health. In this work she has addressed innovative areas in problematic substance use, ranging from horse assisted therapy for youth in addictions treatment to knowledge translation efforts addressing the role of therapy dogs in hospital emergency departments, prisons, and hospice. Dr. Dell has personally trained three full-service dogs with Audeamus Service Dogs, working closely alongside veterans and first responders to gain firsthand insight into the profound connection and rigorous training required for service dogs to effectively enhance the quality of life for individuals living with traumatic brain injuries and PTSD, and potential substance use challenges. This practical experience enriches Dr. Dell’s research and expertise, elevating her credibility and deepening her understanding of the unique needs and therapeutic benefits that service dogs provide to this population. Her hands-on involvement ensures that her academic work is grounded in real-world application, making her contributions invaluable to advancing veteran and first responder care.   Links for Guest:  Colleendell.com      Servicedogresearch.ca   Pawsitiveconnectionslab.com   Submitted Guest Bio: Dr. Darlene Chalmers is an Associate Professor in the Faculty of Social Work at the University of Regina. She holds certificates in Facilitated Equine Experiential Learning/Psychotherapy for Mental Health Professionals and in Pet Loss and Grief, and has served as a Saint John Ambulance Therapy Dog Program handler since 2014. Since 2008, Dr. Chalmers’ research has focused on human–animal interaction and its relevance to mental health, addiction, and substance use programming. Her work includes research on military veteran health, particularly the role of psychiatric service dogs. Her research and community engagement extend to the role of therapy dogs in provincial and federal correctional institutions and addiction treatment centres, where she has co-developed and co-delivered community-based programming.  As a Therapy Dog Program handler and member of the provincial Emergency Response Unit, Dr. Chalmers has supported communities during evacuations, disasters, and public health crises. She regularly brings her therapy dogs into other community settings, including university student visits, deepening understanding of the interconnectedness of humans, animals, and the environment in promoting health and wellbeing. Dr. Chalmers has also personally trained two full-service dogs with Audeamus Service Dogs, working alongside veterans and first responders. This hands-on experience has given her invaluable insight into the profound bond and specialized training required for service dogs to support individuals living with traumatic brain injuries (TBI), operational stress injuries (OSI), PTSD, and substance use challenges. These practical experiences enrich her academic research and highlight the unique therapeutic role service dogs play in enhancing the mental, emotional, and physical wellbeing of veterans and first responders.   Links for Guest:  https://www.uregina.ca/social-work/directory/faculty/darlene-chalmers.html     Servicedogresearch.ca   Pawsitiveconnectionslab.com   Submitted Guest Bio: Dr. Linzi Williamson (PhD) is an applied social psychologist and anthrozoologist who specializes in studying animal assisted services (e.g., service dogs, therapy dogs). She is an Assistant Professor in Psychology & Health Studies and, alongside Drs. Colleen Dell and Darlene Chalmers, Co-Director of the Pawsitive Connections Lab at the University of Saskatchewan. She is a Credentialed Evaluator (CE) with the Canadian Evaluation Society (CES) and Social Return on Investment Level 1 Practitioner with Social Value International (SVI). Her research program, currently funded by the Canadian Institutes of Health Research (CIHR) and Canadian Centre on Substance Use and Addiction (CCSA), centers community-based and patient-oriented research approaches alongside humans and non-human animals.   Links for Guest:  www.linziwilliamson.com   www.pawsitiveconnectionslab.com  https://surgesk.ca/our-team  Linzi's TedX Talk: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1iqXY-o1atM&t=1s  Episode Summary: In this episode, Linzi, who is normally the host, is on the other side of the mic this time as a guest, and is being interviewed by her podcast producer, Grace. Linzi begins by explaining how she got to where she is today with respect to conducting research alongside veterans and service dogs. Colleen then explains how she and Darlene began conducting community-based and patient-oriented research related to veterans and service dogs. Darlene further adds to this history reflecting on the original intentions of the research and where the team actually ended up. They then share what they believe is one of the most impactful findings from their team's research to date. They reflect on their experiences participating in service dog training alongside veterans, as well as working with therapy dogs in various community settings, and what this has taught them about dogs, veterans, the human-animal bond, and patient-oriented research. Linzi then provides a definition of patient-oriented research. Darlene and Colleen add their own reflections and experiences with community-based and patient-oriented research, including efforts to involve the perspective of dogs. They then share what's next with respect to their research on service dogs and human-animal connections more broadly. They discuss a research grant that they applied for, and not long after the interview was recorded, they actually were awarded it. So, you'll hear them talking about what their hopes are with respect to co-developing a research network focused on human-animal connections. Linzi then share what she hopes to see happen with Canada's service dog industry in the future, and Colleen emphasizes the need to also ensure the perspective of the dogs are captured and prioritized in all research and practice.  Related Resources  Connecting for Veteran Wellness Online Course https://servicedogtoolkit.ca/#4ef40dbd-61ee-43fe-a040-6aa69da1d78f   Animal Awareness for the Substance Use Workforce Online Course https://colleendell.com/animal-awareness-for-suw   Being an Informed Therapy Dog Handler Online Course https://colleendell.com/online-handler-education   Williamson, L., Squair, C., Rath, G., Khalid, A., and Kamal, M. (2025). An Environmental Scan of Service Dog Organizations, Policy, and Legislation in Canada. Available at: https://tinyurl.com/sdscan2025   Punch the monkey: https://www.rd.com/article/everyones-talking-about-punch-the-monkey/  Linzi's Research Lab Website: https://pawsitiveconnectionslab.com/ (The views expressed in this podcast are solely of the guests and/or host.) Music by Evan MacDonald  All interviews featured on the podcast occurred over zoom and because of this, some sound distortions may be heard due to lagging internet connections.

  2. Jun 30

    Episode 17: Service dog retirement and loss (Part 2) - REV. DR. "Sandy" Scott and Rae-Ann Morgan (Veteran/Service Dog Handler; Spouse).

    Podcast Description: Life with Service Dogs is a Canadian-based, limited series podcast that highlights the everyday challenges and triumphs service dogs and their handlers face. This podcast is informed  by a research project titled “Supporting Canadian Veterans working with Service Dogs” led by Dr. Linzi Williamson (PhD, Assistant Professor in Psychology & Health Studies at the University of Saskatchewan) and an Advisory Committee consisting of Canadian Veterans and service dog trainers, providers, and researchers. This research is funded by the Canadian Institutes of Health Research (CIHR) and the Canadian Centre on Substance Use and Addiction (CCSA). This podcast is produced by host Dr. Linzi Williamson and Grace Rath (M.A., Service Dog Project Coordinator). Submitted Guest Bio: Rae-Ann was born and raised in Saskatoon. She attended Rivier Academy in Prince Albert before completing High School. She attended Kelsey Institute, the University of Regina and received a diploma in Human Relations from McMaster University. She spent most of her career working in Calgary in HR for major companies like West Jet, Trans-Canada Pipelines, and the Co-op, among others. Meanwhile, at the same time she was raising three young men and keeping up a household. In 2014 she married Sandy Scott who at the time was working in the Canadian Army as a Chaplain. Her experience raising and training dogs gave her insight into the power of the animal human bond. After Sandy was diagnosed with severe chronic PTSD, his psychotherapist recommended he would benefit from having a service dog she worked tirelessly to find a solution. Rae-Ann made the connection between Sandy, the Canadian Service Dog Unit (CVSDU.ca) and Mandy, his first service dog. Rae-Ann has worked hard to support Sandy in his recovery and has celebrated his bond and work with Mandy and his second service dog Sophie. All the while she has supported Sandy she has worked through her own challenges such as PTSD and breast cancer.  Rae-Ann is a visual artist and enjoys living on a beautiful acreage in the Ottawa valley.   Submitted Guest Bio for REV. DR. RMA “Sandy” Scott MSM CD: Sandy grew up in Saskatoon and Edmonton.  He graduated from the University of Alberta with a BA, and attended Vancouver School of Theology receiving a Master of Divinity Degree and a Doctor of Ministry Degree.  Sandy is an ordained minister if the Presbyterian Church of Canada and has served churches in Ottawa and the valley, and in Prince Albert, SK.  Sandy joined the Canadian Armed Forces in 1979 as a reservist and was medically released in November 2018 after being diagnosed with PTSD and other physical injuries.  He spent most of his career serving as a Reserve Force Chaplain to Army units especially the North Saskatchewan Regiment but also served with Regular Force Units such as 1 PPCLI at the BC Fires, 2 RCHA in Petawawa, 1 Svc Battalion, and Deputy Chaplain 3rd Canadian Division.  Sandy deployed to Afghanistan on TFA 3-09 as chaplain to the Operational and Mentor Liaison Team and the Military Police Company in September 2009.  After his deployment he was awarded the Meritorious Service Medal.  Since he was diagnosed with PTSD in 2016, he has been working with his wife Rae-Ann to find stability, healing and hope and service dogs have helped to make that possible.  Mandy, his first service dog, changed his life and supported him through treatment for his PTSD.  Sophie, who he trained, is his second service dog and is a real blessing. Sandy, Rae-Ann and Sophie live on an acreage in the Ottawa Valley.   Link Submitted by Guests:   The dogs of postwar - Legion Magazine https://share.google/3QIOWmXgsuH1TmM0A  Episode Summary: In this episode, Sandy and Rae-Ann explain what went into the decision to retire Sandy's first service dog, Mandy. They also explain how Mandy helped them train with their service dog prospect Sophie. They note some considerations when having multiple dogs in the home or working with multiple service dogs at one time as one is transitioning out of the role and the other is transitioning into it. Unfortunately, during the early days of training with Sophie, Mandy died from cancer, something Sandy describes as devastating and the worst loss of his life. Sandy and Rae-Ann explain how they experienced and managed the grief of losing Mandy. We discussed the concept of anticipatory grief related to non-human animals in our lives. Sandy and Rae-Ann share their thoughts on what folks might need in terms of support, resources, or information when faced with potentially losing a service dog, whether through retirement or death.  Related Resources  Bussolari, C., Currin-McCulloch, J., Packman, W., Kogan, L. R., and Erdman, P. (2024). The loss of a service dog through death: experiences of partners. Illn. Crisis Loss 32, 80–94. doi: 10.1177/10541373221113336   Gibson, M., Chalmers, D., and Ru, R. (2022). “My lifeline is gone”: an exploration of the experiences of veterans following the loss of their psychiatric service dog(s). Hum. Anim. Interact. Bull. 11, 54-74. doi: 10.1079/hai.2022.0009   Gray, S., Emmerson, D., Thomson, Z., Veggel, N. van, & Engward, H. (2024). Preparing for Assistance Dog Retirement: What do we currently know about the retirement of assistance dogs? SocArXiv. https://doi.org/10.31219/osf.io/6v9gs   Kogan, L. R., Packman, W., Currin-McCulloch, J., Bussolari, C., and Erdman, P. (2023). The loss of a service dog through death or retirement: experiences and impact on partners. Illn. Crisis Loss 31, 244–270. doi: 10.1177/10541373211054168    Salmon, A. J., Harpur, P., & Pachana, N. A. (2025). Attitudes and arrangements: owner predictions of growing older with an assistance dog. Disability & Society, 40(4), 1127–1131. https://doi.org/10.1080/09687599.2024.2373762    Salmon AJ, Pachana NA. Cultivating the Acceptance of Assistance Dogs in Aged Care through Deliberative Democracy. Animals (Basel). 2023 Aug 20;13(16):2680. doi: 10.3390/ani13162680.   van Veggel, N., Emmerson, D., Gray, S., Thomson, Z., & Engward, H. (2024). Preparing for Assistance Dog Retirement - Final project summary (p. 16). Chelmsford: Anglia Ruskin University. https://doi.org/10.6084/m9.figshare.27002770.v1     Linzi's Research Lab Website: https://pawsitiveconnectionslab.com/ (The views expressed in this podcast are solely of the guests and/or host.) Music by Evan MacDonald  All interviews featured on the podcast occurred over zoom and because of this, some sound distortions may be heard due to lagging internet connections.

  3. Jun 30

    Episode 16: Service dog retirement and loss (Part 1) – Dr. Nieky van Veggel (Researcher).

    Podcast Description: Life with Service Dogs is a Canadian-based, limited series podcast that highlights the everyday challenges and triumphs service dogs and their handlers face. This podcast is informed  by a research project titled “Supporting Canadian Veterans working with Service Dogs” led by Dr. Linzi Williamson (PhD, Assistant Professor in Psychology & Health Studies at the University of Saskatchewan) and an Advisory Committee consisting of Canadian Veterans and service dog trainers, providers, and researchers. This research is funded by the Canadian Institutes of Health Research (CIHR) and the Canadian Centre on Substance Use and Addiction (CCSA). This podcast is produced by host Dr. Linzi Williamson and Grace Rath (M.A., Service Dog Project Coordinator). Submitted Guest Bio: Dr. Nieky van Veggel is a senior research fellow and applied social scientist at Anglia Ruskin University. He leads the OneWelfare Research Group and is the Director of the Professional Doctorate in Uniformed Public Services and Research Stage Lead for the Professional Doctorate in Health and Social Care. Nieky’s work focuses on animals as facilitators of social inclusion, and on scholarship of practice by health and social care professionals.   Links Submitted by Guest:   Nieky's website: https://www.niekyvanveggel.com/   https://www.aru.ac.uk/  Episode Summary: In this episode, Nieky begins by sharing what led to him conducting research on service or assistance dogs and focusing on the processes and impact of their retirement, which he and his team recognize as a spectrum. He notes the difficulty with securing funding to conduct research on service dogs and their handlers, given it's considered a niche topic within the domains of disability and health studies. We then discuss the need to further examine the knowledge and practices of health professionals in the domain of service dogs, particularly since they are often relied on to provide letters of support or recommendation indicating that a person with a disability would benefit from working with a service dog. Nieky explains some of the factors that might lead to a handler and service dog no longer working together and potential repercussions of this. He notes that there are many research gaps with respect to our understanding of service dog retirement. He explains some of the factors handlers may need to consider in cases where they have retired a service dog, then begin working with a new one. He also notes some of the difficulty of researching the complexity of service dog retirement. We discuss the concept and experience of grief as it relates to the retirement or loss of a service dog. Nieky describes some potential protective factors for handlers when they experience the loss of their service dog and the ways service dog providers or organizations can support their clients. He shares his hopes and plans for future research and practice related to service dogs. We discuss the importance of having a common language related to service dog terminology and definitions across the globe. Finally, Nieky encourages folks to reach out and share their ideas and experiences related to service dogs.  Related Resources  Bussolari, C., Currin-McCulloch, J., Packman, W., Kogan, L. R., and Erdman, P. (2024). The loss of a service dog through death: experiences of partners. Illn. Crisis Loss 32, 80–94. doi: 10.1177/10541373221113336   Gibson, M., Chalmers, D., and Ru, R. (2022). “My lifeline is gone”: an exploration of the experiences of veterans following the loss of their psychiatric service dog(s). Hum. Anim. Interact. Bull. 11, 54-74. doi: 10.1079/hai.2022.0009   Gray, S., Emmerson, D., Thomson, Z., Veggel, N. van, & Engward, H. (2024). Preparing for Assistance Dog Retirement: What do we currently know about the retirement of assistance dogs? SocArXiv. https://doi.org/10.31219/osf.io/6v9gs   Kogan, L. R., Packman, W., Currin-McCulloch, J., Bussolari, C., and Erdman, P. (2023). The loss of a service dog through death or retirement: experiences and impact on partners. Illn. Crisis Loss 31, 244–270. doi: 10.1177/10541373211054168   Salmon, A. J., Harpur, P., & Pachana, N. A. (2025). Attitudes and arrangements: owner predictions of growing older with an assistance dog. Disability & Society, 40(4), 1127–1131. https://doi.org/10.1080/09687599.2024.2373762    Salmon AJ, Pachana NA. Cultivating the Acceptance of Assistance Dogs in Aged Care through Deliberative Democracy. Animals (Basel). 2023 Aug 20;13(16):2680. doi: 10.3390/ani13162680.   van Veggel, N., Emmerson, D., Gray, S., Thomson, Z., & Engward, H. (2024). Preparing for Assistance Dog Retirement - Final project summary (p. 16). Chelmsford: Anglia Ruskin University. https://doi.org/10.6084/m9.figshare.27002770.v1    Linzi's Research Lab Website: https://pawsitiveconnectionslab.com/ (The views expressed in this podcast are solely of the guests and/or host.) Music by Evan MacDonald  All interviews featured on the podcast occurred over zoom and because of this, some sound distortions may be heard due to lagging internet connections.

  4. Jun 30

    Episode 15: Service dog welfare (Part 2) - Christopher Froess (Service Dog Handler & Trainer).

    Podcast Description: Life with Service Dogs is a Canadian-based, limited series podcast that highlights the everyday challenges and triumphs service dogs and their handlers face. This podcast is informed  by a research project titled “Supporting Canadian Veterans working with Service Dogs” led by Dr. Linzi Williamson (PhD, Assistant Professor in Psychology & Health Studies at the University of Saskatchewan) and an Advisory Committee consisting of Canadian Veterans and service dog trainers, providers, and researchers. This research is funded by the Canadian Institutes of Health Research (CIHR) and the Canadian Centre on Substance Use and Addiction (CCSA). This podcast is produced by host Dr. Linzi Williamson and Grace Rath (M.A., Service Dog Project Coordinator). Submitted Guest Bio: Christopher Froess is the Owner and Head Trainer of Kairo’s K9s Training, where he works with service dog teams and companion dog families across a range of behavioral and developmental needs. His professional background includes experience in large-scale training environments, which informed his transition toward a more individualized and structured training model. Guided by evidence-based methodology and the Least Intrusive, Minimally Aversive (LIMA) framework, Christopher focuses on public access reliability, behavior modification, foundational obedience, and long-term household stability. His approach integrates technical skill development with comprehensive handler education to support sustainable outcomes in both working and pet dog contexts. Christopher personally trained his own medical alert service dog, Kairo CGN, and continues to advocate for clarity, transparency, and functional standards in service dog training and companion animal care.   Links Submitted by Guest:   Christopher's Website: https://www.kairosk9s.ca   Christopher's Booking Page: https://www.kairosk9s.ca/book-a-session   Christopher's Group Classes: https://www.kairosk9s.ca/group-classes   Christopher's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kairosk9s   Christopher's Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/kairosk9s   Episode Summary: In this episode, Christopher begins by sharing what led him to work with service dogs and their handlers. We then discuss some of the differences between handler and program raised and trained service dogs. Christopher explains the concept of animal welfare and some common frameworks for understanding it. He also explains some common service dog welfare considerations and issues, as well as the concept of learned helplessness. He describes the concept of what is called “fake spotting”, and we discuss the varying standards that exist in the service dog world. He explains the concept, process, and potential impact of what is called “washing a dog”, which is another way to say the dog did not work out as a service dog prospect. He describes some of the behavior that suggests that a dog doesn't want to work. I asked Christopher about what he and others call the “Fab Four breeds”. We discuss the concept of between and within dog breed differences and the importance of individual assessments when selecting dogs for service work. I asked Christopher about the concept of “fake” or “fraudulent” service dogs. We discuss the current state of legislation and standards related to service dogs and public access. Christopher shares his thoughts about what he'd like to see happen with Canada's service dog environment. And finally, he provides resource suggestions for folks who want to learn more about dog welfare and enrichment. Related Resources  Cobb, M. L., Otto, C. M., & Fine, A. H. (2021). The animal welfare science of working dogs: Current perspectives from recent advances and future directions. Frontiers in Veterinary Science, 15. doi: 10.3389/fvets.2021.666898   Kiiroja, L., Gadbois, S., & Fenton, A. (2025). PTSD assistance dogs: Concerns for animal well-being, rights, and justice. Frontiers in Veterinary Science, 12. https://doi.org/10.3389/fvets.2025.1658857   Knoll, T. E., Bould, E., Callaway, L., & Iannos, M. (2025). Planning for the retirement or death of an assistance dog: perspectives of staff from assistance animal organisations. Disability and Rehabilitation: Assistive Technology, 1–10. https://doi.org/10.1080/17483107.2025.2580566   Mellor, D. J. (2016). Moving beyond the “Five freedoms” by Updating the “Five Provisions” and Introducing Aligned “Animal Welfare Aims.” Animals, 6(10). doi:10.3390/ani6100059    Mellor, D. J. (2017). Operational details of the five domains model and its key applications to the assessment and management of animal welfare. Animals, 7(8). doi:10.3390/ani7080060    Mellor, D. J., Beausoleil, N. J., Littlewood, K. E., McLean, A. N., McGreevy, P. D., Jones, B., & Wilkins, C. (2020). The 2020 Five Domains Model: Including Human– Animal Interactions in Assessments of Animal Welfare. Animals, 10(10), 1870. doi:10.3390/ani10101870   Salmon, A., Driscoll, C., Paterson, M. B. A., Harpur, P., & Pachana, N. A. (2022). Issues regarding the welfare of assistance dogs. Animals (Baseline), 12(23), 3250. doi: 10.3390/ani12233250   Saskatchewan Human Rights Code: https://saskhrc.ca/education-resources/service-animals-support-animals-questions-answers-for-businesses-and-service-providers/  Linzi's Research Lab Website: https://pawsitiveconnectionslab.com/ (The views expressed in this podcast are solely of the guests and/or host.) Music by Evan MacDonald    All interviews featured on the podcast occurred over zoom and because of this, some sound distortions may be heard due to lagging internet connections.

  5. Jun 30

    Episode 14: Service dog welfare (Part 1) - Dr. Amanda Salmon (Researcher)

    Podcast Description: Life with Service Dogs is a Canadian-based, limited series podcast that highlights the everyday challenges and triumphs service dogs and their handlers face. This podcast is informed  by a research project titled “Supporting Canadian Veterans working with Service Dogs” led by Dr. Linzi Williamson (PhD, Assistant Professor in Psychology & Health Studies at the University of Saskatchewan) and an Advisory Committee consisting of Canadian Veterans and service dog trainers, providers, and researchers. This research is funded by the Canadian Institutes of Health Research (CIHR) and the Canadian Centre on Substance Use and Addiction (CCSA). This podcast is produced by host Dr. Linzi Williamson and Grace Rath (M.A., Service Dog Project Coordinator). Submitted Guest Bio: Dr Amanda Salmon is a postdoctoral researcher at The University of Queensland whose work focuses on assistance animals and healthy ageing. Her research explores how assistance dogs support individuals living with mental health conditions, as well as broader questions around wellbeing, identity, and quality of life in older adulthood. She has a strong interest in health behaviour, examining how psychological factors influence engagement in activities that support individual and community wellbeing. With a background in psychology, Amanda is particularly interested in applied, real-world research that informs practice and improves outcomes for both people and animals. Her work sits at the intersection of human-animal interaction, health behaviour, and ageing, with a focus on translating research into meaningful support for diverse communities.   Links Submitted by Guest:   Amanda's University profile: https://about.uq.edu.au/experts/45067   Amanda's Google Scholar: https://scholar.google.com/citations?user=T31QGrkAAAAJ&hl=en   Amanda's ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-2043-0548   Episode Summary: In this episode, Amanda shares a bit about her background and what led her to conducting research related to service or assistance dogs. She provides an explanation of what is meant by non-human animal welfare and sentience and how these pertain to service dogs. She outlines some important aspects of service dog welfare for individuals who are considering whether a service dog is right for them. Amanda and I discussed the current research evidence base pertaining to service dog welfare. We also discussed some signs that a service dog enjoys their job or not. Amanda shares some of the ways handlers can support their service dogs as they age. She also highlights some of the challenges related to service dog retirement and bringing a new service dog into your home. She shares some of the ways we can support service dogs beyond them just being considered workers. I ask Amanda about how we can help more people understand that dogs are sentient beings. We discuss some of the risks for service dog welfare and handler well-being when they access public spaces together. We also discuss some of the implications related to what are often referred to as “fake” or “fraudulent” service dogs. Finally, Amanda shares what's next for her and her team with respect to service dog research and what she'd like to see happen more broadly within the field. Related Resources  Cobb, M. L., Otto, C. M., & Fine, A. H. (2021). The animal welfare science of working dogs: Current perspectives from recent advances and future directions. Frontiers in Veterinary Science, 15. doi: 10.3389/fvets.2021.666898   Kiiroja, L., Gadbois, S., & Fenton, A. (2025). PTSD assistance dogs: Concerns for animal well-being, rights, and justice. Frontiers in Veterinary Science, 12. https://doi.org/10.3389/fvets.2025.1658857   Knoll, T. E., Bould, E., Callaway, L., & Iannos, M. (2025). Planning for the retirement or death of an assistance dog: perspectives of staff from assistance animal organisations. Disability and Rehabilitation: Assistive Technology, 1–10. https://doi.org/10.1080/17483107.2025.2580566   Mellor, D. J. (2016). Moving beyond the “Five freedoms” by Updating the “Five Provisions” and Introducing Aligned “Animal Welfare Aims.” Animals, 6(10). doi:10.3390/ani6100059    Mellor, D. J. (2017). Operational details of the five domains model and its key applications to the assessment and management of animal welfare. Animals, 7(8). doi:10.3390/ani7080060    Mellor, D. J., Beausoleil, N. J., Littlewood, K. E., McLean, A. N., McGreevy, P. D., Jones, B., & Wilkins, C. (2020). The 2020 Five Domains Model: Including Human– Animal Interactions in Assessments of Animal Welfare. Animals, 10(10), 1870. doi:10.3390/ani10101870   Salmon, A., Driscoll, C., Paterson, M. B. A., Harpur, P., & Pachana, N. A. (2022). Issues regarding the welfare of assistance dogs. Animals (Baseline), 12(23), 3250. doi: 10.3390/ani12233250   Linzi's Research Lab Website: https://pawsitiveconnectionslab.com/ (The views expressed in this podcast are solely of the guests and/or host.) Music by Evan MacDonald  All interviews featured on the podcast occurred over zoom and because of this, some sound distortions may be heard due to lagging internet connections.

  6. Jun 30

    Episode 13: Dealing with stigma when working with a service dog - Drs. Alexandria Pavelich and Maryellen Gibson (Researchers).

    Podcast Description: Life with Service Dogs is a Canadian-based, limited series podcast that highlights the everyday challenges and triumphs service dogs and their handlers face. This podcast is informed  by a research project titled “Supporting Canadian Veterans working with Service Dogs” led by Dr. Linzi Williamson (PhD, Assistant Professor in Psychology & Health Studies at the University of Saskatchewan) and an Advisory Committee consisting of Canadian Veterans and service dog trainers, providers, and researchers. This research is funded by the Canadian Institutes of Health Research (CIHR) and the Canadian Centre on Substance Use and Addiction (CCSA). This podcast is produced by host Dr. Linzi Williamson and Grace Rath (M.A., Service Dog Project Coordinator). Submitted Guest Bio: Maryellen Gibson is a PhD candidate in Sociology at the University of Saskatchewan. Her research focuses on harm reduction, substance use, stigma and health inequities through community-based approaches. She holds a Master of Public Health, graduate certificates in Substance Use Health & Wellbeing and Teaching Preparation, and a bachelor’s degree in International Studies. Her work examines how systemic stigma and policy shape the lives of people who use drugs, with projects on opioid response, supervised consumption sites, cannabis harm reduction and veterans’ health. She advocates for harm reduction, housing-first approaches and equitable care. Beyond academia, Maryellen has served on boards including Quint Development Corporation, Station 20 West, Saskatoon Sexual Health and Yorkton Veterans Foundation. At home, she spends much of her time watching movies and shows with her two catsWaffle and Toffee.   Submitted Guest Bio: Alexandria Pavelich is a suicidologist and PhD candidate in Interdisciplinary Studies at the University of Saskatchewan. Her approach to suicide prevention and pain management bridges health and social sciences via animal-assisted services. Her work leverages the importance of “mattering” and is grounded in a “One Health” lens to emphasize the vital interconnection between humans and the natural world. Her current research role in the PAWSitive Connections Lab situates her as an expert in implementing canine-assisted service programming in institutional settings. Alexandria, alongside her certified therapy dog, Zola, regularly volunteer in community where they work to ensure clients know they “matter”.   Links for Guests:  Alexandria's TedX Talk: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=N54Gu_1GnMc  Maryellen's TedX Talk: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HPOqZu4FvNw  Episode Summary: In this episode, Maryellen and Alexandria begin by explaining what led them to working with the Positive Connections Lab at the University of Saskatchewan and researching veterans and service dogs. Maryellen then explains the concepts of stigma and discrimination related to substances and people who use them and how these topics can relate to veterans. Alexandria provides an overview of the concept of mattering and how it relates to suicide and how these topics can also relate to veterans, service dogs, human relationships with non-human animals, and substance use. We discuss the concepts of connection and disconnection as they relate to substance use and how non-human animals can help people feel connected, supported, and like they matter. We explained some of our team's research findings related to veterans and how working with service dogs led to them decreasing their substance use. We also discuss the idea that non-human animals can act as a form of harm reduction. We also explain what it's been like to work alongside veterans on research projects and even train with service dogs together. Alexandria explained St. John Ambulance Therapy Dogs and how they differ from service dogs. We discuss the concept of the dog-human bond and how it can support service dog and handler training and partnerships. We then discuss the varying standards that exist related to therapy and service dog policies and practices across Canada. Finally, Maryellen and Alexandria share their hopes for future research related to recovery, health, substance use, veterans, human-animal interactions, and health systems and policies. They also share resources to learn more about them, our research team, and some of the topics we discussed in this episode.  Related Resources  Dell, C.,  Arratoon, C., Lapointe M., Lohones, C. "Impact of service dogs for veterans with PTSD and substance use." Canadian Vet. 2017. 12:5, 12.   Dell, C.A., Kosteniuk, B. and Bentley, E. (2022) Benefits and challenges of having a service dog among Veterans in recovery from substance use harms. Anthrzoös, 36.   Gibson, M, Williamson, L., Henwood, G., Chalmers, D., Dell, C. 2021. Perceptions and Use of Alcohol and Medical Cannabis among Canadian Military Veterans Living with PTSD. Journal of Veterans Studies.   7(1), 59–70.   Husband, A., Ahmed, A., Dell, C.  "An exploratory case study of the impact of psychiatric service dogs on problematic substance use among PTSD-diagnosed veterans". Journal of Substance Use. 2020. 25:2, 113-117    Pavelich, A. R., Dell, C. A., & De Groot, P. (2024). Exploring the role of service dogs for Canadian military Veterans experiencing suicidality. Human-Animal Interactions, 12(1). https://doi.org/10.1079/hai.2024.0015   Williamson, L., Dell, C., Osgood, N., Chalmers, D., Lohnes, C., Carleton, R., Asmundson, G.  2021. Examining changes in posttraumatic stress disorder symptoms and substance use among a sample of Canadian veterans working with service dogs: An exploratory longitudinal study. Journal of Veterans Studies. 7(1), pp. 1–13.   Williamson, L., Pelletier, D., de Groot, P., Gibson, M., Moss, J., & Dell, C. A. (2023). Stigma and Stereotyping of Veterans Who May Benefit from a Psychiatric Service Dog: A Test of the Stereotype Content Model and Weiner’s Attribution-Affect-Action Model. Journal of Veterans Studies, 9(2), 41–57. DOI: https://doi.org/10.21061/jvs.v9i2.411  Linzi's Research Lab Website: https://pawsitiveconnectionslab.com/ (The views expressed in this podcast are solely of the guests and/or host.) Music by Evan MacDonald  All interviews featured on the podcast occurred over zoom and because of this, some sound distortions may be heard due to lagging internet connections.

  7. Jun 30

    Episode 12: Being in public with a service dog (Part 2) - Kaylee Kucher (Service Dog Handler & Trainer)

    Podcast Description: Life with Service Dogs is a Canadian-based, limited series podcast that highlights the everyday challenges and triumphs service dogs and their handlers face. This podcast is informed  by a research project titled “Supporting Canadian Veterans working with Service Dogs” led by Dr. Linzi Williamson (PhD, Assistant Professor in Psychology & Health Studies at the University of Saskatchewan) and an Advisory Committee consisting of Canadian Veterans and service dog trainers, providers, and researchers. This research is funded by the Canadian Institutes of Health Research (CIHR) and the Canadian Centre on Substance Use and Addiction (CCSA). This podcast is produced by host Dr. Linzi Williamson and Grace Rath (M.A., Service Dog Project Coordinator). Submitted Guest Bio: Kaylee Kucher is a service dog trainer and emerging industry leader based in Saskatoon, dedicated to advancing professional standards and accessibility within the assistance dog sector in Saskatchewan. In 2025, Kaylee graduated as part of the second graduating class of the Service Dog & Canine Studies Management Program at Medicine Hat College. This specialized program provides comprehensive education in service dog training, canine care, disability awareness, and business management. A defining component of the program is the hands-on experience of raising and training service dogs in real-world settings. Throughout her studies, Kaylee applied classroom theory directly to the development of college puppies in training, preparing them for successful careers as working service dogs before returning them to their respective organizations for placement. Toward the completion of her education, Kaylee had the opportunity to work with Lions Foundation of Canada Dog Guides, one of Canada’s largest and most respected assistance dog schools. There, she further refined her practical skills while gaining valuable insight into the operational and ethical standards upheld by Assistance Dogs International (ADI) and International Guide Dog Federation (IGDF). She trained and supported dogs across multiple programs, including Canine Vision, Facility Support, Autism Assistance, Hearing Alert, Service, Diabetic Alert, and Seizure Response. This experience solidified her commitment to maintaining high standards in training, welfare, and public trust within the assistance dog field. Kaylee’s foundation in the dog world extends beyond service work. For over six years, she has been actively involved in conformation dog shows, dog sports, and breeding, developing a deep understanding of structure, temperament, and purposeful, ethical breeding practices. In 2022, she partnered with her own medical alert service dog, Weston, a Golden Retriever whose impact profoundly shaped her professional direction. Living and working alongside Weston ignited her passion for service dog training and strengthened her commitment to ethical, science-based training practices and client-centered partnerships. Now back home in Saskatchewan, Kaylee is channeling her education, experience, and lifelong passion for dogs into building Saskatchewan’s first dedicated Service Dog School. Alongside program development, she actively collaborates with community members and industry professionals to advocate for accessibility, educate the public, and elevate local standards within the service dog sector. Through her work, Kaylee is committed to fostering professionalism, transparency, and excellence in assistance dog training across the province.   Links Submitted by Guest:    Weston's Public Instagram Account: @service_k9_weston   ADI Website:  Assistance Dogs International   IGDF Website:  Home - International Guide Dog Federation   Episode Summary: In this episode, Kaylee starts by explaining how she got to where she is today with respect to service dogs and talks about her experience with the Medicine Hat College Service Dog and Canine Studies Management Program located in Alberta. She talks about working as a placement student with the Lions Foundation of Canada Dog Guides in Ontario and training with dogs and prospective handlers. She provides an overview of how she understands Canada's service dog industry in terms of how it is currently operating and how it compares to other world regions. We discuss some of the challenges with the industry being largely unregulated, with varying service standards across regions and organizations, and how this can impact service dog teams. She shares her experiences living in different provinces across Canada and accessing public spaces with her service dog. She even shares some examples when she's had to educate folks and advocate for herself and her dog. We discuss how it can be burdensome for handlers to constantly educate the public on service dog team rights, especially when information isn't always accurate or accessible. Finally, Kaylee shares her perspectives on what she'd like to see happen with Canada's service dog industry, as well as some resources she recommends for folks to learn more about service dogs.  Related Resources  Assistance Dogs International (ADI). (2025). ‘Refused, driven away from and almost run over’: assistance dog handlers share everyday experiences of exclusion, discrimination and humiliation. https://assistancedogsinternational.org/clientuploads/Paws_For_Access/Paws4Access_press_release__US_FINAL.pdf   Elliott, D., & Hogle, P. S. (2013). Access rights and access wrongs: Ethical issues and ethical solutions for service dog use. International Journal of Applied Philosophy, 27(1), 1–14. https://doi.org/10. 5840/ijap20132716   Gibson, M., Williamson, L., & Dell, C. A. (2023). Insights into Canadians’ perceptions of service dogs in public spaces. Animals, 13(19), 3091. https://doi.org/10.3390/ani13193091   Howell, T. J., & Bennett, P. C. (2022). Community awareness of assistance dog public access rights among Australian adults. Human-Animal Interaction Bulletin, 10(2), 48-72. https://doi.org/10.1079/hai.2022.0014   McManus, B., Good, G., & Yeung, P. (2021). Interactions between the public and assistance dog handlers and trainers. Animals, 11(12), 3359. https://doi.org/10.3390/ani11123359   Mills, M. L. (2017). Invisible disabilities, visible service dogs: The discrimination of service dog handlers. Disability & Society, 32(5), 635–656. https://doi.org/10.1080/09687599.2017.1307718   Mills, M. L. (2024). ‘Fake dogs hurt real dogs’: Boundary work and discrimination in the service dog community. Disability & Society, 39(10), 2658-2678. https://doi.org/10.1080/09687599.2023.2227336   Robertson, A. D. (2025). Divesting from the “fake service dog” narrative in service of a future that centers care. Review of Disability Studies: An International Journal, 20(2), 1-20. https://rdsjournal.org/index.php/journal/article/view/1383   Williamson, L., Tetreault, C., Rath, G., Chandler, C., & Dell, C. (2025). Development of a Standardized Scale Measuring Public Beliefs and Knowledge About Service Dogs. Anthrozoos.  https://doi.org/10.1080/08927936.2025.2529682  Linzi's Research Lab Website: https://pawsitiveconnectionslab.com/ (The views expressed in this podcast are solely of the guests and/or host.) Music by Evan MacDonald  All interviews featured on the podcast occurred over zoom and because of this, some sound distortions may be heard due to lagging internet connections.

  8. Jun 30

    Episode 11: Being in public with a service dog (Part 1) - Tim Stafford (Guide Dog Trainer & Personnel)

    Podcast Description: Life with Service Dogs is a Canadian-based, limited series podcast that highlights the everyday challenges and triumphs service dogs and their handlers face. This podcast is informed  by a research project titled “Supporting Canadian Veterans working with Service Dogs” led by Dr. Linzi Williamson (PhD, Assistant Professor in Psychology & Health Studies at the University of Saskatchewan) and an Advisory Committee consisting of Canadian Veterans and service dog trainers, providers, and researchers. This research is funded by the Canadian Institutes of Health Research (CIHR) and the Canadian Centre on Substance Use and Addiction (CCSA). This podcast is produced by host Dr. Linzi Williamson and Grace Rath (M.A., Service Dog Project Coordinator). Submitted Guest Bio: Tim Stafford has over 40 years of experience in the guide dog sector, primarily with Guide Dogs (UK), the world’s largest guide dog provider. After qualifying as a guide dog mobility instructor, Tim advanced through several operational management roles before joining the senior leadership team as Director of the Guide Dog Service and Director/Principal Officer of Canine Affairs. Tim holds a BSc (Hons) in Applied Animal Behaviour and an MA in Anthrozoology and is passionate about applying research insights to operational delivery. Tim led the strategic development of the UK guide dog service, embedding modern, ethical and evidence‑based practices into dog welfare, puppy development, dog training, and client services. Tim serves as a Director/Trustee of the International Guide Dog Federation (IGDF), where he chairs the Education Committee, and is the former chair of Assistance Dogs UK (ADUK). Tim also contributes to the European Consortium on European Standards for Assistance Dogs as the convenor of the European working group for client services and as chair of the British Standards Institute committee. Tim now works as an independent consultant, providing expert support to assistance dog organisations in the continuous improvement of their own professional practice. He regularly delivers media interviews and presents to national and international audiences on assistance dog training, welfare, and the human‑dog bond.   Episode Summary: In this episode, Tim begins by providing a summary of his 40-year career with the assistance or service dog industry in the United Kingdom and explains how working with dogs and people with lived experience informed his experiences and practice. We discuss service dog retirement and succession planning, including some of the emotions and challenges that can arise when folks work with a new service dog following retirement of their first. Tim also suggests some strategies for practitioners to help clients during this transition. We discuss the importance of having clear and even standardized terminology related to service or assistance dogs and the various subtypes, as well as other animal-assisted services. We discuss the issues of legislation, regulations, and public access rights for service dog teams. Tim shares some of the ways he has supported prospective service dogs and handlers when preparing for public access. I asked him what's at stake for humans and dogs if service dog teams are not well prepared for being in public. The importance of dog welfare and enrichment for service dogs was also highlighted by Tim. He also notes the importance of handlers building a reciprocal relationship and partnership with their service dog. Tim shares some of the work he's been doing with respect to service dog standards and legislative frameworks across the European Union. We discuss some of the recent common occurrences within service dog industries globally, such as an increase in handler rather than professionally trained service dogs and some implications of this. Finally, for people who are thinking about getting a service dog, Tim shares some points for consideration. Related Resources  Assistance Dogs International (ADI). (2025). ‘Refused, driven away from and almost run over’: assistance dog handlers share everyday experiences of exclusion, discrimination and humiliation. https://assistancedogsinternational.org/clientuploads/Paws_For_Access/Paws4Access_press_release__US_FINAL.pdf   Elliott, D., & Hogle, P. S. (2013). Access rights and access wrongs: Ethical issues and ethical solutions for service dog use. International Journal of Applied Philosophy, 27(1), 1–14. https://doi.org/10. 5840/ijap20132716   Gibson, M., Williamson, L., & Dell, C. A. (2023). Insights into Canadians’ perceptions of service dogs in public spaces. Animals, 13(19), 3091. https://doi.org/10.3390/ani13193091   Howell, T. J., & Bennett, P. C. (2022). Community awareness of assistance dog public access rights among Australian adults. Human-Animal Interaction Bulletin, 10(2), 48-72. https://doi.org/10.1079/hai.2022.0014   McManus, B., Good, G., & Yeung, P. (2021). Interactions between the public and assistance dog handlers and trainers. Animals, 11(12), 3359. https://doi.org/10.3390/ani11123359   Mills, M. L. (2017). Invisible disabilities, visible service dogs: The discrimination of service dog handlers. Disability & Society, 32(5), 635–656. https://doi.org/10.1080/09687599.2017.1307718   Mills, M. L. (2024). ‘Fake dogs hurt real dogs’: Boundary work and discrimination in the service dog community. Disability & Society, 39(10), 2658-2678. https://doi.org/10.1080/09687599.2023.2227336   Robertson, A. D. (2025). Divesting from the “fake service dog” narrative in service of a future that centers care. Review of Disability Studies: An International Journal, 20(2), 1-20. https://rdsjournal.org/index.php/journal/article/view/1383   Williamson, L., Tetreault, C., Rath, G., Chandler, C., & Dell, C. (2025). Development of a Standardized Scale Measuring Public Beliefs and Knowledge About Service Dogs. Anthrozoos.  https://doi.org/10.1080/08927936.2025.2529682  Linzi's Research Lab Website: https://pawsitiveconnectionslab.com/ (The views expressed in this podcast are solely of the guests and/or host.) Music by Evan MacDonald   All interviews featured on the podcast occurred over zoom and because of this, some sound distortions may be heard due to lagging internet connections.

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Life with Service Dogs” is a Canadian-based, limited series podcast that highlights the everyday challenges and triumphs service dogs and their handlers face. This podcast is informed by a research project titled “Supporting Canadian Veterans working with Service Dogs” led by Dr. Linzi Williamson (PhD, Assistant Professor in Psychology & Health Studies at USask) and an Advisory Committee consisting of Canadian Veterans and service dog trainers, providers, and researchers. This research is funded by the Canadian Institutes of Health Research (CIHR) and the Canadian Centre on Substance Use and Addiction (CCSA). 

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  • Creator
    Linzi Williamson & Grace Rath
  • Years Active
    2026
  • Episodes
    19
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © 2026 Life with Service Dogs
  • Show Website
    Life with Service Dogs