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Dr. Scott Moore, M.D. |
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Dr. Scott Moore, M.D. |
Molly is a Portugese Water Dog, who joined the Moore Pediatrics office in March 2009. This breed of dog has hair as opposed to fur, which means she does not shed and won't make people sneeze. Molly is training to be a certified therapy dog, and is here to help kids feel better about coming to the doctor’s office. She can visit with kids in the waiting room and keep them company during their appointments.
Read below for our updates on Molly's training progress and her days here at Moore Pediatrics. Our newest updates will be at the top, and you can scroll down the page for older posts. Click the photo to learn more about Portugese Water Dogs.
Is Moore Pediatrics starting a reading program with Molly?
Yes! Under the supervision of Michelle McCarthy of K-9 Home Schooling, plans are underway to roll out a new program for Molly beginning in 2011. We are looking for volunteers who would like to act as Molly's chaperone in the waiting room. Chaperones will go through a training process and volunteer a few hours each week to work with Molly and facilitate her interactions with the children. This new program will allow us to implement some exciting activities, including reading and pawtograph programs. There will be an orientation for prospective volunteers on January 18th. Please call the office to let us know if you would like to receive more information about becoming a volunteer chaperone.
How is Molly's training going?
Great! Molly continues to enjoy the office environment, which is the most important ingredient for a successful therapy dog experience. She has learned so much in the past few years, and we are very proud of her. We are excited that a volunteer chaperone program will allow us to take Molly's training to the next level and keep her learning new tricks!
Was Molly really featured in a magazine?
Molly and her work at the office was the subject of an article that appeared in the March/April 2010 edition of The Courier, which is the official magazine of the Portuguese Water Dog Club of America. Dr Moore's mother-in-law who breeds and raises Portuguese Water Dogs pitched the article to The Courier and they were excited to hear our story. The article featured the great photographic work of Melanie Reyes and gave us a chance to talk about the important partnership between Moore Pediatrics and Molly's trainer, Michelle McCarthy of K-9 Home Schooling.
Why is Molly sometimes not in the office?
Molly spends time almost everyday in the office but she is not in the office all day anymore. We found out that it is just too much for Molly who can encounter upwards of 70 people on a busy day. So that the job doesn't wear her out, she goes home at lunch or spends the morning at home and comes in to the office for the afternoon. And on Thursday, she has a weekly appointment with Kristy Strahan, her groomer.
What is Molly’s day like?
Molly arrives at the office each morning with Dr Moore. By the time she arrives she has had her breakfast and a chance to play with Henry, the Moore’s lab. Molly visits with children in the waiting room until it is time for her morning nap. Before the afternoon gets going, Molly gets some training and playtime outside with Jacob, a student who works in the office each day. She continues to visit with children in the afternoon until her afternoon nap. She goes home with Dr Moore each evening, has her dinner, plays with Henry again, and unwinds from her workday.
How is Molly’s training going?
Michelle McCarthy from K-9 HomeSchooling has been coming in to the office to work with Molly on some new skills. These skills include tapping a lighted globe on and off and touching with her paw. At this point in her development, it is important that we give Molly time to be a puppy. Just like parents, we are making sure she has a good nap schedule and playdates with other dogs. During her second year, we will be working with her to add some new skills. Soon she will have a pillow and reading basket set up so that children can read to her.
Is Molly a certified therapy dog?
Not yet. Molly is not eligible for official certification until she is 2 years old. She has gone through the first phase of training and is getting lots of practice in the office. We will be working with her to get her ready for the big test in December 2010.
How is Molly’s training going?
Molly finished a 6 week Puppy Class with Michelle McCarthy from K-9 HomeSchooling. Dr. Moore and his son Tobin took Molly to that class. Michelle also dropped in for a few sessions at the office to help the staff learn how to work with Molly. So far, we have been focusing on good manners and toilet training. In June, Molly started her first official Therapy Dog training.
What will Molly do at the office?
Molly is here to help kids feel better about coming to the doctor’s office. Sometimes kids are nervous, and sometimes they just don’t feel well. Molly will visit with kids in the waiting room, keep them company during their appointments, and- eventually- give out stickers.
Can I pet her?
Yes! Molly is fully vaccinated and we don’t have to worry as much if she comes in contact with someone who has an infectious illness. Molly still has a lot to learn about being a therapy dog. She is going to school to become a certified therapy dog. She is practicing by visiting patients in the waiting room and even keeping some kids company during their appointment.
How is Molly working out?
Molly is doing a great job. Like any baby, she is changing all the time. She is sleeping less and wants to play more. She loves the activity of the office and wants to meet all the children.
What kind of dog is Molly?
Molly is a Portuguese Water Dog. Her great-great-great grandparents worked alongside fisherman in Portugal retrieving nets and passing messages between boats. That means Molly will like to play in the water and will want to work hard. Molly is smart and friendly. When Molly grows up she will weigh about 40 pounds. She is a hair dog, which means that she won’t leave hair all over the office and she won’t make people sneeze.
How old is Molly?
Molly was born on December 19, 2008. She was brought back from Columbus, Ohio on Saturday, February 28, 2009 and showed up for her first day at Moore Pediatrics on Monday, March 2, 2009.
Does Molly live here?
Spending time at Moore Pediatrics and getting to know all the kids here is Molly’s job. Molly will be here during the day Monday through Friday. At night and on the weekends, Dr. Moore takes her home to his house.
Can I pet her?
Not yet. Molly is not fully vaccinated and could still get very sick if she comes in contact with someone who has an infectious illness. Also, Molly still has a lot to learn about being a therapy dog. She has to learn the basics of potty training and good puppy manners, and then she will go to school to become a certified therapy dog.