Emerald Pellot graduated summa cum laude from New York University with a degree in Writing & Popular Culture. She worked as Senior Editor of College Candy for 2 years, covering feminism, popular culture, and college life before joining LittleThings in 2015. Based in New York City, Emerald covers a wide range of topics from human interest pieces to celebrity news.

Who knew a dog named Dopey would be so keen? The golden retriever is best friends with 12-year-old Britton Voss of Clearfield, Utah.


Britton has a rare form of epilepsy and is developmentally delayed.

When service dog Dopey was brought to him three years ago, Britton’s mother, Dawn Ramage-Voss, detected a noticeable change in Britton for the better.

“They are best friends. When we go somewhere, Britton knows that Dopey goes with him,” Dawn told Inside Edition.

Dopey can detect Britton’s seizures before they even happen. When he notices one, he will go and alert Dawn or the nearest adult by nudging their hands.


But that’s not all he can do: aside from providing Britton with love and companionship, Dopey can open doors, retrieve medication, and locate Britton if he goes missing. He also knows when to block Britton from walking downstairs or outside when the boy gets disoriented from a seizure.

“Dopey has become an extra set of eyes for us,” Dawn said.

Dopey isn’t only Britton’s hero, though: he has also alerted Dawn about her low blood sugar and pointed out when two other people have had seizures.

“The students love him and see him as an extension of Britton. They understand that he is working and he can’t be pet,” said Melissa Lovell, Britton’s teacher. “There are a few [students] that find great comfort in simply looking at him. He is a calming source for everyone, including myself.”

See how Dopey has completely changed Britton’s life in the video below, and please SHARE if you think this is one heroic service dog!