Aria's Journey

22/07/2025

Otis's first school photo.

17/04/2025

Good Friday Appeal is on today and 12 months ago Aria's story aired fir the 2024 Good Friday Appeal. Aria would not be here today of it wasn't for the amazing teams at the Royal children's hospital.

08/03/2025

Thank you to Albatross Photography and Design for capturing the beautiful bond between my daughter Aria and her Assistance pup Otis. We are so greatful. Your work is amazing and we will cherish these photos forever

Aria and her Super-Dog Otis.

Otis can tell when Aria is going to have a seizure and alerts her so that those around her can make sure she is safe.

What an amazing boy he is, and what an amazing young lady Aria is.

20/02/2025

Otis finished his training with the teachers today and will now go to school with Aria everyday. We are so greatful to Eagle Point Primary School for their incredible support and Smart Pups Assistance Dogs for all their support during training and choosing the perfect pup for Aria. Aria is very excited to have her Best Friend attending school with her ❤
Thank you Eagle point for the beautiful photos

20/12/2024

“Having an assistance dog where you are together 24/7 creates a bond that is immeasurable. You can speak to them, laugh with them, cry with them. They don't judge you; they love you unconditionally – in the good times and bad.”

Their bond is truly beautiful to see.

08/12/2024

As a mother my job is to protect my girls and keep them safe. Being a mother of a child with special needs I'm always on alert if Aria is going to have or has had a seizure. Today we had our first live alert where Otis noticed Aria was going to have a seizure and he alerted me. When I went over to her, her cheeks were red and staring into space. I felt so much relief that he was able to let me know so I could sit with her. Otis then comforted her by laying with her. Straight after her seizures she gets very lethargic and sleeps. He is still sitting with her and sniffing the air to make sure she doesn't have another one in her sleep. Otis you are amazing and I have tears of joy in my eyes knowing you are here to help protect my girl. ❤️🥺❤️

27/11/2024

Congratulations to the new member of our family - Aria' beautiful new best friend Otis for completing his placement, graduating and showing us what a clever boy he is x
We are so grateful 🥰🥰🥰

24/11/2024

After such a hot day in paynesville yesterday and staying inside we took Otis out for some more training with Aria. We went to a coffee shop with Aria's cousin Taylor De Kort and practiced Otis laying under my legs out the way of the other customers. We then walked along the foreshore and along the whalf where Otis got used to seeing all the beautiful Swans.. He is such a clever boy. Aria walked along side him introducing him to all our community 😍🥰 Otis loves all the fresh air.

22/11/2024

What an incredible week it has been after our week of placement welcoming Aria's new best friend into the family. A roller-coaster of emotions for Leigh and I watching the bond between Otis and Aria and watching how attentive he is with her.

Today Aria had an anxiety meltdown in the car and Otis quickly put his head in her lap to calm her, Aria instantly calmed down and my heart was so happy and he watches her every move making sure she isn't having an absent seizure.

We are so grateful and can't wait to watch their bond grow 😁

18/11/2024

Welcome to the family Otis. Aria's seizure assistance pup has arrived.
Day 1 of placement week and Aria ( and family) already love him ♥

01/11/2024

Not long now till Aria meets her new best friend Otis. Her seizure assistance pup will be joining our family on the 18th November. We are so excited to welcome him into our family, he will be one spoilt pup. Thank you for all the support from everyone and can't wait to share Aria and Otis's journey with you all

Photos by Smartpups

03/09/2024

After an almost 3 years wait, we have been advised today that Aria's seizure assistance pup will be joining our family in November. Please meet OTIS who is 15 months old. We are so grateful to everyone who have helped to make this possible by helping with donations, sharing Aria's story and helping us with our silent Auction back in 2022 . Thank you so very much

Otis has been trained in the following tasks to help Aria's Day to day functioning

TASKS:

Autism assist tasks:

Nuzzle/ Lap: Otis displays genuine, caring empathy and will promptly help melt away any negative emotions, leaving you with a big smile. He loves being close to you and truly enjoys completing his lap task, which often provides comfort, instant relief, and a meaningful way to bond.

Lie on: This task, is where the child can lay their head on the dogs body and snuggle in. This will provide comfort for the child and a way for them to bond.

Mobility assist:
Wheelchair assistance: Otis has been trained to walk alongside a wheelchair if required.

Retrieval: Otis has been trained to retrieve most items you ask him to take and bring, as well as knowing the verbal command for "Teddy", "Bottle", and "Pillow" (as per request of client)

Stand/Brace/Backups: These specific tasks will help assist his child in and out of the wheelchair, as well as manoeuvring around with the wheelchair in any direction required.

Open/Close: Otis has been trained to open and close various types of cupboards and doors, if this task is required.

Seizure Response/Alert. Otis has been trained to alert to the scent of a seizure, provided with clients clothing. Otis has also been trained to respond to seizures. He will respond to focal seizures, and absent seizures at times. Keeping in mind that absent seizures are slightly more difficult to respond to, this will improve once Otis and his child have a connection and Otis knows the signs to look out for.

We cannot wait for Otis to join our family and be such an incredible support to Aria. We will share photos once Otis and Aria are together