Dog Names that Start with Ay

Aya is a small, scruffy dog who is the 'guard' of the Aya Centre in Accra, Ghana. The center houses a large study abroad program where it takes in international students and teaches them African culture. The Aya center also offers rooms for tourists and travelers. It is, of course, Aya's home.

While it may be Aya's job to act as a guard dog, the tiny, friendly pup doesn't seem to be inclined to do much actual protecting. Aya stays in a cage most of the time (it is a Ghana custom to keeps dogs caged during the day and let them free at night) but when let out, goes crazy with energy, playing with the guests of the Aya Centre as long as they will entertain him. Aya rarely barks and his very small stature is not very intimidating. Not an ideal pick for a guard dog but in this part of the world where most dogs are small, Aya will have to do!

Many of the students who attend the Aya Centre are not comfortable with Aya being in a cage all day in the hot Ghana weather and often slip him treats and water through his cage. Aya definitely has a much more comfortable life than many of the pups in Ghana and is spoiled in a way only Western dogs are accustomed to. While Aya may not be a great guard dog, he definitely enjoys his days at the Aya Centre!

Another dog in pop culture with a name beginning with Ay is a pup named Ayla. Ayla is an owner trained PTSD dog who has been helping her owner cope with a social disability caused by PTSD. Ayla's owner got the idea to train a service dog through a behaviorist who recommended focusing on the training as part of rehabilitation. After several years of working with Ayla, the dog was certified and became a true PTSD service pup. She has helped her owner feel less alone, feel better in social scenarios and also helps fight depression. With Ayla around, her owner always has a reason to get out of bed in the morning. Great job Ayla!