Hero dog sniffs peanuts in food and saves child from life-threatening allergic reaction

Often regarded as the most loyal companions, dogs are blessed with an uncanny sixth sense. Their unbelievable ability to foresee any kind of risk approaching their owners is nothing but magical. This profound truth about the canines was unfolded when Natalie Rice revealed how their faithful service dog, Harley (@detectiveharleyfadd), saved her daughter from a life-threatening allergic reaction. The now-viral Instagram video of the dog sniffing out a potential threat during a family holiday dinner has reached 23 million viewers online. 

When Harley detected traces of peanuts in a plate full of vegetables and sweet potatoes, the pooch alerted its human companions about the problem. "POV: Your family's service dog just quietly came out from under the table and saved your kid from anaphylaxis," read the onscreen text as Harley carefully analyzed the food before it reached Rice's daughter. Interestingly, the adorable golden retriever was specially trained to detect peanuts. Moreover, Rice shared that Harley also assists food allergy families in navigating everyday life through allergies. "Harley is also known as Detective Harley, F.A.D.D. Food Allergy Detection Dog. She and her supportive big brother, Joey, are floofy and fun educators and advocates for people with food allergies," Rice revealed in the caption. 

Reacting to the video, @groomingbylori commented, "I must say and I know how much all retrievers value food, this is a most impressive level of self-control a dog of this breed has to do the job at hand." @brettastice wrote, "This is amazing! It caused me to Google a bit and learn there are some dogs for celiacs who can detect gluten down to 1ppm!" @galaxypoodlepups wrote, "As a service dog handler, I respect all service doggos but there is a special extra level of respect for allergen detective dogs! My poodle is obsessed with food and could never lol!" Similarly, @nylarikki also praised Harley and commented, "This is what a service dog does! Love this! Support this! Encourage this! I’m so so tired of seeing “people” misuse the service dog title. This is a good doggo, ugh so proud."

Meanwhile, @marytaylorhuntsman commented, "As someone with several food allergies, I recognize that this Golden is absolutely a lifesaver. Anytime anaphylaxis can be prevented is a blessing; people who aren’t endangered by ordinary foods don’t often understand how serious allergens are." On the other hand, @zoedoodle_servicedog wrote, "I can’t even imagine if you didn’t have Harley and your girl ate it. This is such a scary scenario. Restaurants really need to do better." @nanevawallace-wuest wrote, "They are truly amazing. A canine working is remarkable. Been lucky to observe search and rescue dogs. Humans give up. Dogs do not and I know a little boy that will never forget that. Mad respect always."

Besides, Rice revealed how Harley behaves after detecting a tiny trace of peanuts in food items. She shared with Newsweek, "When Harley detects peanuts, she touches my leg to alert. When she does not detect peanuts, she makes eye contact to let me know it's all clear." Earlier, Rice avoided several food items, fearing they might not be safe for her daughter, even though they seemed fine. "Now Harley can confirm that these foods, she's actually opened up the options for my daughter," Rice added emphasizing how their service dog serves as an extra line of defense. 

You can follow Natalie Rice/Detective Harley(@detectiveharleyfadd) on Instagram for more updates related to the service dog.