How workplaces can be made healthier with the addition of service animals: The story of Lieutenant Gough and Riggs

October 31, 2023 - Defence Stories

By: Lieutenant Jenna Andrews, Public Affairs Officer, Canadian Forces Provost Marshal

As the weather grows colder and we settle into our fall routines, we recognize October as Healthy Workplace Month in Canada. Canada’s Healthy Workplace Month (CHWM) highlights the importance of practicing workplace habits that promote a healthy mind, body, and organizational culture.

In recognizing the importance of diversity, physical and mental wellbeing, community, and social wellness, we have the opportunity to reflect on the ways in which our organization supports these factors of workplace health.

Lieutenant (Lt) Andrew Gough and his service dog Riggs work together to maintain and promote workplace health for Lt Gough, as well as others in the Defense community.

Lt Gough, from Burk’s Falls, Ontario, joined the Canadian Armed Forces (CAF) in October 1999 as a Military Police (MP) member. He commissioned from the ranks five years ago as a Sergeant and became a MP Officer. Lt Gough also served as a civilian police Sergeant with the London Police Service; medically retiring in the summer of 2023, after 23 years of service.

Lt Gough was paired with Riggs at the end of November 2017, and they have been inseparable since. Riggs has participated in a plethora of CAF activities, such as joining Lt Gough in the field, on parades, and in the office. Riggs lives with Lt Gough, his wife, and their two children, doubling as a loving family companion during his time off. Riggs is keen to help wherever needed, and finds himself happy to work, so long as Lt Gough is by his side.

“Having [Riggs] has kept me effective,” Lt Gough mentions, referring to his time in the CAF. After developing an Operational Stress Injury (OSI) during his time overseas and as a police officer, Lt Gough has faced many challenges since. The everyday anxieties that were felt by Lt Gough without having Riggs became too heavy to carry; having Riggs by his side to take some of the weight from Lt Gough’s shoulders has given him the lightness that he needs to continue serving.

When Lt Gough commissioned, he was in the middle of a posting to 2 MP Regiment and was acting as the 31 MP Platoon commander. He noted his leadership style was well-received by his troops, with a transparency surrounding his mental health being a priority. “Being open about my mental health and what I was doing to better it was a positive leadership decision, and people came to me with their struggles much more than they normally would have”. With Riggs around, Lt Gough had to be very candid about his struggles, as having a service animal was a very visible indicator of an OSI.

Despite the profound benefits of having Riggs, Lt Gough’s service dog journey has not all been easy. The stigma surrounding members with service animals is still felt deeply by Lt Gough, which has created a burden that he has had to cope with. Having a service animal with him during duty has led to feelings of judgement and alienation, that have greatly impacted the recent years of Lt Gough’s career. The stereotypes that existed many years ago about mental health still exist within our workplaces, and they still hurt those of whom they impact. Opening the dialogue about mental health in the workplace is critical for the development of understanding and empathy within our ranks.

Throughout his journey with Riggs, Lt Gough has grown to deeply understand the challenges faced by members with an OSI, be it from CAF service, or from their time as a first responder. In 2018, Lt Gough founded Veterans and Everyday Heroes (V-EH!) not-for-profit, which collects funds to support members with OSIs from various backgrounds. Their main initiative is to find the acquisition of service dogs for those who need them. To learn more about or support V-EH!, visit https://www.v-eh.ca/about-us.

By encouraging members to do what is best for their health, use the resources available to them to heal and grow, and openly discuss and celebrate the healthy decisions of members, we can aim for a healthier workplace this month, and every month.

If you are a CAF member or know a CAF member who may be in need of a service animal, please inquire through your Chain of Command.