WHEN Deebing Heights resident Danielle Stevenson feels a gentle nudge from her Labrador, Nina, she knows something’s wrong – and that her four-legged guardian angel has potentially just saved her life again.
Nina, a highly trained assistance dog, has been named Top Dog with a Job at the 2025 Oz Top Dog Awards for her extraordinary ability to detect oncoming epileptic seizures before they strike.
For Ms Stevenson, the win is more than a title – it’s recognition of the life-changing bond she shares with her loyal companion.
“In just six months, Nina has performed more than 150 seizure alerts, often waking me during the night to prevent serious injury,” Ms Stevenson said.
“She’s my bright shining light. Everyday tasks like cooking, ironing or even walking can be dangerous without Nina by my side. She gives me independence and freedom.”
Nina was trained by the charity Dogs for Life, whose team of trainers, breeders and foster families devote years to preparing assistance dogs to change lives.
“Nina being named Top Dog is really an award for the whole Dogs for Life community,” Ms Stevenson said.
“These incredible dogs give people with disabilities our freedom and confidence back. It takes a village of dedicated people to make that possible.”
She said assistance dogs took one to two years to train before they are placed and matched with their handler.
“Training is for life,” she said.
“Dogs for Life guide and support you through the assistance dog’s entire life. We are constantly training to ensure we meet the high standards.”
Dogs for Life train dogs to assist people with many different disabilities.
A dog is matched based on the job it will be doing, temperament, lifestyle, mobility and traits.”
Now in its fifth year, the Oz Top Dog Awards celebrate the dogs bringing comfort, safety and joy to workplaces and homes across Australia.
This year’s theme, Dogs at Work, recognised the growing number of dogs improving wellbeing, reducing stress and easing isolation in everyday life.
For Ms Stevenson, Nina’s story carries a deeper message – the power of compassion, and the impact a dog can make.
“Foster families play a vital role,” she said. “By raising the next generation of assistance dogs, they’re helping someone regain independence, safety and hope. I truly wouldn’t be here today without Nina – and without the people who made her training possible.”
From alerting to danger in the middle of the night to offering unconditional love every day, Nina’s devotion is a reminder of just how extraordinary our four-legged heroes can be.
