FOR Deebing Heights resident Danielle Stevenson, dogs are more than companions – they are lifesavers.
Her former assistance dog Baloo and her current Labrador Nina have transformed her life, and now both have been named among Queensland’s finalists in the 2025 OZTOPDOG competition.
Nina, a devoted assistance dog, can detect chemical changes in Ms Stevenson’s body before an epileptic seizure, giving her an early warning with a gentle nudge.
In just six months, Nina has performed more than 150 seizure alerts, often waking in the night to prevent serious injury.
“She is a bright shining light in my life,” Ms Stevenson said.
“Everyday tasks like cooking, ironing or even walking can be dangerous without Nina by my side. She allows me to live a life of independence and freedom.”
Nina stepped into the role after Baloo retired last year. But Baloo hasn’t stopped working – she now serves as a therapy Labrador in Brookwater, where she helps clients in a psychology practice reduce anxiety and feel more at ease.
“Baloo has an incredible sense of knowing when a client is anxious or upset,” Ms Stevenson said.
“She’ll sit by their side, and you can see them begin to relax. She greets everyone with a wagging tail and always puts a smile on faces.”
Ms Stevenson said the recognition of both dogs highlighted the powerful impact assistance and therapy animals could have.
Now in its fifth year, OZTOPDOG is a national competition celebrating the dogs who bring joy, comfort and companionship to workplaces and home offices across Australia.
This year’s theme, Dogs at Work, puts a spotlight on the growing importance of canine colleagues in reducing stress, lifting morale and combating isolation – vital contributions at a time when more than three-quarters of Australians report moderate to very high stress levels.
Research from competition organisers people2people Recruitment shows the value of these companions.
“These findings underscore how much dogs mean to employees’ wellbeing and work satisfaction,” said Mary Savova, Recruitment Manager at people2people.
For Danielle Stevenson, the pawsome pair of Nina and Baloo are already top dogs.
