Hi, I'm Molly!
Molly is Meraki Early Learning Centre's very own therapy dog. She visits the service most days and she can't wait to meet you!
Molly is a Sheepdog x Standard Poodle and is essentially a giant teddy bear. She recently turned four and is always looking forward to a day of being pampered.
Why a therapy dog at Meraki?
Although there isn't a huge amount of research published on the long-term benefits to children of Animal Assisted Interventions (AAI), it is proven that they have a positive effect on children's wellbeing. You can read more about it in a study completed by Monash University here.
Molly spends time with the children at the service assisting them in many areas such as: regulating their emotions, creating positive relationships towards animals, understanding how to care for animals, and easing the anxiety that can come around drop-off time in the mornings.
Certified and always learning
Lead the Way Institute is where Molly gained her certification and continues her ongoing training. They provide intensive training and offer accreditation to dogs who are suitable to be in high-risk settings.
Molly wears a therapy dog jacket when she is in the service so she is easily identifiable. It also helps her understand when she is at "work" and needs to be on her best behaviour.
At the moment, Molly is training to spend time off her lead roaming around the learning environments. We will build this up over time to ensure the children are comfortable with the transition from lead to no lead.
She loves a pat and a cuddle — please come and say "Hi" when you see her!
Molly and friends
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions families ask about Molly, how she keeps children safe, and what her visits look like at Meraki.
What exactly is a therapy dog?
A therapy dog is a specially selected and trained dog that provides comfort, companionship and emotional support in settings like schools, hospitals and early learning centres. Unlike an assistance dog (which works one-on-one with a person with a disability), a therapy dog visits a wider group of people. Molly's role at Meraki is to help children feel calm, safe and happy.
Is Molly properly trained and certified?
Yes. Molly was certified through Lead the Way Institute, which provides intensive training and accreditation specifically for dogs working in high-risk settings like early learning centres. She continues ongoing training to keep her skills sharp and her temperament reliable around children.
How does Molly help the children?
Molly supports children with emotional regulation (especially during big feelings or separation anxiety at drop-off), helps build positive relationships with animals, teaches them how to care for and respect a pet, and gently boosts confidence in children who may be nervous around dogs.
How do you keep visits safe?
Molly only attends when she's calm and well, is always supervised by a trained handler, and wears her therapy dog jacket when she's 'at work' so she's easily identifiable. We have clear routines for how children approach her, hand-washing afterwards, and Molly always has a quiet space to retreat to if she needs a break.
What if my child is scared of dogs?
That's completely okay — interactions with Molly are always optional. Children who are unsure can simply observe from a distance, and our educators support them at their own pace. Many children who started out hesitant now look forward to Molly's visits.
What if my child has a dog allergy?
Please let us know on enrolment or at any time if your child develops sensitivities. We'll work with you on a plan that may include keeping Molly out of certain rooms during your child's day, hand-washing protocols, and managing where she sits and sleeps. Our priority is keeping every child safe and comfortable.
How often does Molly visit and what does her day look like?
Molly visits the centre most days. Her day is structured around short, positive interactions in different rooms, with plenty of rest breaks in a quiet space. She's never on duty all day — like the children, she needs sleep, food and downtime too.
Is Molly off-lead with the children?
At the moment, Molly is gradually being trained to spend time off her lead in the learning environments. We're building this up slowly to make sure both Molly and the children are completely comfortable with the transition. When she's off-lead, she's still always supervised by her handler.
Who looks after Molly's health and wellbeing?
Molly is up to date with all veterinary checks, vaccinations, parasite prevention and grooming. Her wellbeing is monitored closely — if she's tired, unwell or just having an off day, she stays home so she can rest.
How do you teach children to interact with Molly?
Educators model gentle behaviour: calm voices, slow movements, asking before patting, and respecting Molly's signals. These are wonderful life skills that transfer to how children interact with all animals — and with each other.
Is there research behind animal-assisted interventions in early childhood?
Yes. While research in early childhood specifically is still growing, studies (including work from Monash University, linked on this page) show therapy dogs have a positive effect on children's wellbeing, stress levels and social engagement.
Can families meet Molly before enrolling?
Absolutely — if Molly is in on the day of your tour, we'd love to introduce you. Just let us know in advance if your child is anxious or allergic and we'll plan accordingly.
Have another question? Get in touch with our team.
Come and meet Molly in person
Book a tour of Meraki and you might just bump into our four-legged team member.