In 2024, service dog Meko met Layla, taking on life-saving responsibilities and big shoes to fill.
“We got Layla’s first service dog, Harry Hay, in September 2021. He was the first blessing to our family and our first experience with the 4 Paws Magic,” Layla’s mom, Larena, says. “We have only had Meko for a month, but she has already helped our family tremendously.”
Meko graduated with the 2024 Chestnut Class to assist Larena and Brandon with their daughter Layla through behavioral disruption and is also trained in search and rescue.
Layla’s parents, Larena and Brandon, say their daughter seeks out Meko when she feels herself getting upset to prevent a much larger behavioral event from occurring.
“When Meko senses that Layla is starting to get upset, she’s right by her side, nudging her to get her attention. Meko just knows her girl and is very attuned to Layla’s needs,” Larena says.
“We are a family of five, and all three of our kiddos have special needs. Everyone at 4 Paws is so understanding and helpful both times we’ve come to them. We absolutely love everything about this organization and how passionate they are about what they do, as well as the families they serve. They have become part of our family, and we want others to experience that as well.”