And before entering a patient’s room, she made sure they want- ed to see visitors, and she brought in a fresh towel on which to place Molly. During our visit to ORMC, everyone’s eyes lit up as they
saw Molly prancing down the walkways or hallways — from the security guard to the doctors and nurses. She regaled every- one with her talent for dancing, twirling around on her hind legs and waving. Carol was inspired to pursue Molly's therapy dog training when she noticed how people responded to her in public. “People just gravitated towards her, and she to them,” said Carol. “She instantly put a smile on their faces.” Carol wanted to share Molly so that other people would benefit.“I thought it would be selfish of me not to. I get to keep her to myself all the time,” laughed Carol.“I wanted other people to experience all the good she has to offer.” Molly and Carol also volunteer with READing Paws. For
the last three years they have visited Freedom Elementary School in Deland to read with children, helping them improve their reading skills. Molly recently received the “Best Listener” award for the school year. The dynamic duo are also active with Sophie’s Circle, a
Daytona Beach program dedicated to providing pet food to financially-challenged families. It is an ongoing effort that helps keep pets in their homes, rather than being surrendered to shel- ters.
Quite the celebrity, Molly also appeared on the Daytona Cubs Minor League Baseball team’s website with Cubby the mascot. They are also regulars at dog friendly restaurants like Lulu’s Oceanside Grill in Ormond Beach and Oceanside Beach Bar and Grill on Flagler Beach. They enjoy shopping at The Doggie Door in Winter Park, Silly Willies in New Smyrna and love Hobscot in Mount Dora. Carol admits that she spoils Molly.“But, she deserves it for all the good work she's doing.” U
Steps to becoming a Pet Therapy Team. Orlando Regional Medical Center requires that all pets have a pet therapy registration from one of the fol- lowing organizations:
Y
Intermountain Therapy Animal (ITA) -
www.TherapyAnimals.org Delta Society -
wwwDeltaSociety.org Therapy Dogs Inc. -
www.TherapyDogs.com Therapy Dogs International -
www.TDI-Dog.org Merilee Kelley is an Intermountain Therapy instructor and can be reached at 321.251.6001. Therese Dickinson with Dogs Unlimited provides a Canine Good Citizen advanced course. She can be reached at 407.788.3647.
To learn more about the Pet Therapy Program at Orlando Regional Medical Center, you may call the volunteer office at 321.843.2193, or visit their website at
www.OrlandoHealth.com/Get Involved. To learn more about Sophie’s Circle, visit
www.SophiesCircle.com
www.TheNewBarker.com THE NEW BARKER 77
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