A Dog’s Nose Protects a Child from Peanuts

Those with peanut allergies know what a problem it is to avoid the food. It seems to be everywhere. In the case of Riley Mers, like many other people, peanuts are potentially life threatening. Now she has added protection. She has a peanut scenting dog:

“…But the Monument child with the dangerous food allergy now has a new ally that might restore some sense of normalcy to her life: a Portuguese water dog named Rock’O. The dog has been trained to detect the presence of peanuts before she can, potentially saving Riley’s life while allowing her to get out in public. Until now, every encounter with strangers or even friends has been a rare and nerve-racking experience.

“It’s just so life-changing you wouldn’t believe it,” she said, calling the black, curly haired dog her “guardian angel.”"

link: Peanut-sniffing dog is allergic girl’s best friend

Rock’O is a service dog in every sense of the word. His job is protecting Riley from a hazardous substance. Riley’s health depends on one very smart dog’s nose.

Catherine Forsythe