Certified pet therapy dog Pumpkin is having a birthday.

Pumpkin and her owners Alan and Kathy Aler will celebrate her 9th birthday Aug. 31.

The Alers volunteer at Lexington Medical Center campuses around the county.

The covid-19 pandemic has prevented them from visiting patients lately, but that hasn’t stopped Pumpkin from smiling.

Pumpkin served as the official greeter for Mt. Horeb Methodist Church’s Night to Shine event in February.

The Tim Tebow Foundation started Night to Shine as a prom for people with special needs. Nearly 1,200 people enjoyed dinner, dancing, karaoke and limo rides.

Pumpkin and 3 other therapy dogs were there to chaperone.

Emergency gallbladder surgery last summer didn’t slow Pumpkin down.

“Wherever we go, everyone knows Pumpkin. Curbside at the SC Veterinary Specialist, Riley’s Drugs, at the bank, the peach stand by Publix or a visit to Lowe’s,” said owner Alan Aler.

“I have a Suicide Intervention Volunteer Certificate and know the stress that can im pact a person’s daily activities.

“That is one of the reasons we share Pumpkin, to comfort caregivers and family members especially now during covid-19.”