Meet Albie

Breed: Queenstown

Barking from: Assistance Dog In Training

Job Title: Springer Spaniel X Lab

What's up dog?

TW: Talks of suicide, mental health disorders

This is Albie, my assistance dog in training. He's a 1 1/2-year-old Springer Spaniel x Labrador, specially chosen for me by the head trainer of K9 SEARCH medical detection.
I've been diagnosed with Schizoaffective disorder, severe anxiety, and PTSD. Albie is learning to support me through life's challenges, particularly during severe mood plunges. I face intense and persistent suicidal thoughts, and before stabilizing my medication, I heard severe voices that once led to an ICU stay on life support.

Writing this Today marks 10 months since my last attempt and hospitalisation. Before Albie, I was admitted every 3-4 months for attempts or treatment. With Albie's assistance, learning tasks like deep pressure therapy and self-harm interruption, I'm more confident participating in community activities and living life with less fear. He ensures I attend doctor's appointments, We go out to shops, to the supermarket, on walks through bush, and this was never possible before him, my symptoms were too severe. He helps me by alerting to an alarm to take medications on time. His presence calms my PTSD and improves my sleep by waking me from night terrors and providing a profound sense of security. Establishing a daily routine centered around caring for him gives me purpose each day and strengthens my fight against depression.

Having Albie has positively shifted my family dynamics; they're more relaxed and happier because of my progress. I'm now planning my return to university, a possibility I couldn't have imagined before Albie. Our bond is incredibly strong.

Albie is my reason. My reason to stay and fight. He has truly saved my life along with the loving support of my family and friends and I am forever grateful for him.

2025 NZ Top Dog with a Job Award

Judging and criteria

Purpose

This award recognises a working dog that goes above and beyond to make a positive impact in the lives of others. Whether supporting people or fellow animals, this dog’s daily efforts help improve wellbeing, provide support, or create meaningful change in their community.

Reach

Does your dog make a difference in the life of one individual, or do they support an entire group, workplace, or community? Tell us who they help and how far their support reaches.

Impact

What kind of impact does your dog have in their role? Share how they’ve enhanced wellbeing, supported mental health, or improved the lives of those around them