Alo, Our Mascot!

Liyana, my best human friend, has epilepsy. One day, she was telling her nurses at Boston Children’s Hospital that she was getting a service dog. She had to pick a name and had chosen Alice. But she wasn’t sure what to call me if I was a boy, which I am. One of the nurses joked, “Aloe Vera,” because she was putting that on Liyana’s arm. And Liyana was like, “That’s it!” So now, I’m the only goldendoodle on the planet named Alo Vera (but you can call me Alo for short.

It makes perfect sense that no one would have my name because no dog has a job more important than mine. In addition to being her best dog friend and a rabid (not literally) Patriots fan, I’m Liyana Hunter’s seizure alert dog.

Since I was a puppy, no matter what time of day or night, I’ve always been on the job. I can sense when Liyana will have a seizure one or two minutes before it happens. Even if I’m asleep, my spidey-sense wakes me up and says, “She’s going to have a seizure!”

My bark is the best tool I have to call for help. I make the most obnoxious sound and boy does it carry—best seizure alarm ever. Liyana’s parents come right away and use the rescue medication I carry with me to help her. When we’re at school, barking can be distracting for the other kids. Instead, I press a button on the floor. It alerts Liyana’s teacher and school nurse through special watches they wear.

I’m always on duty. I can’t ever be distracted, not even by annoying birds or other dogs — even the little ones who won’t leave you alone until you say hello. I tell them, “Hey, check out my shirt. I’m this young lady's service dog.”

I'm always ensuring Liyana is safe and I am beyond proud to be her service dog and cuddle buddy ☺