Harley, a trained service dog, prevented a potentially life-threatening allergic reaction by detecting traces of peanuts on a plate during a family buffet. The incident, captured in a video shared by her owner, Natalie Rice, highlights the critical role Harley plays in managing food allergies.
Harley, a golden retriever allergen alert service dog trained by Kathy Watters at Nosey Dog Detection Partners in Wyoming, was brought into action when Rice’s daughter, who has a severe peanut allergy, was served a buffet plate. The plate, containing sweet potatoes, grilled vegetables, potato pancakes, and applesauce, was not expected to contain peanuts. However, in a buffet setting, where food is handled by various people and not served directly from the kitchen, cross-contamination is possible.
In the video, Harley is seen sniffing the plate and then alerting Rice by lifting her paw toward her leg. This is Harley’s signal that traces of peanuts were detected. When Harley detects peanuts, she touches her owner’s leg, while no alert signifies the plate is safe.
Rice, who has shared many videos of Harley’s incredible detection skills on TikTok (@detectiveharleyfadd), explained that the plate may have had trace amounts of peanuts due to cross-contact, likely from someone handling the plate with peanut residue on their hands. After receiving Harley’s alert, Rice replaced the plate and had Harley recheck it, which confirmed that the new plate was safe.
“The ability to detect cross-contact saved my daughter from a life-threatening allergic reaction called anaphylaxis,” Rice said.
Harley, who is affectionately known as Detective Harley, works to educate the public about the severity of food allergies and to raise awareness on food safety for allergy sufferers. She and her supportive “big brother,” Joey, are not only trained service dogs but also passionate advocates for food allergy awareness.
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