An Alberta-based charitable organization aims to assist veterans suffering from post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) by providing them with service dogs. The Kadence Legacy Fund, founded by retired Afghanistan veteran Tina Gillies in memory of her late daughter Kadence Miller who succumbed to cancer in 2024, focuses on this noble cause.
Following her retirement from the Canadian Armed Forces in 2011, Gillies encountered a significant personal challenge. “My daughter was diagnosed with Stage 4 terminal cancer,” Gillies shared. “That took a toll on me, not just due to my Afghanistan experiences but also because of the trauma of caring for my daughter.”
Shortly after Kadence’s diagnosis, Gillies crossed paths with veteran John Dugas, the owner of Holdfast K9, a facility specialized in training dogs to support individuals dealing with PTSD. “He proposed the idea of getting a service dog, not just to aid me with my PTSD but also to assist my daughter, who was diagnosed at a young age,” Gillies recounted.
Subsequently, the family welcomed Sadie, a golden lab, who formed an instant bond with Kadence. “We see Sadie as her child, despite her being a service dog,” Gillies expressed. “Sadie accompanied her everywhere… providing comfort during hospital visits and treatments.”
After Kadence’s passing, Sadie continued to offer support to Gillies and her family. “Sadie… played a crucial role in helping me navigate through the grief,” Gillies acknowledged. “She was my emotional anchor during those difficult times.”
To further their cause, Gillies and her husband Derek Pimiskern established the Kadence Legacy Fund, which facilitates the pairing of veterans battling PTSD with service dogs through their One Dog One Life initiative.
Training Canines for PTSD Assistance
After serving in the military for three decades, Dugas, a retired veteran grappling with PTSD, was advised by a physician to acquire a service dog. Initially hesitant, Dugas eventually realized the benefits and established Holdfast K9 to provide training for PTSD support dogs, collaborating with the Kadence Legacy Fund for this purpose.
Specializing in breeds he terms the “fab three” – golden retrievers, labs, and poodles – Dugas trains these dogs to cater to various complex needs of their owners. “Dogs serve as a social bridge for individuals in need, particularly veterans uncomfortable in public settings,” Dugas explained.
Moreover, Dugas incorporates self-regulation therapy into his training, enabling dogs to identify PTSD triggers in their owners and provide deep pressure therapy by applying physical pressure when detecting anxiety signs. “My dog entered my life in 2016 and truly saved me,” Dugas emphasized. “My motivation lies in assisting others.”
First Veteran to Receive a Canine Companion
Currently, Dugas is preparing a six-month-old golden retriever puppy named Morgan for veteran Sally Kolumbus, the inaugural beneficiary of the One Dog One Life initiative. Kolumbus, a former military member with deployments in conflict zones, struggles with PTSD and anticipates the dog’s support in her healing journey.</p