Have you ever met a service dog? How about one that became an actor? Meet Molly, the service dog and acting sensation who does it all!
Molly, a senior Labrador Retriever, provides invaluable support to her handler, Sari Gottleib-Sherman. She’s Sari’s service dog, trained to assist her with many daily tasks. But Molly’s talents don’t end there. She’s also a star on the small screen!
Molly’s Journey
Molly’s journey began with Guiding Eyes for the Blind. They trained her to become a service dog through their Prison Pup Program. Molly’s training took 14 long months before ever met her handler. Since then, Molly has spent years helping Sari with daily tasks to help maintain her independence. Molly can fetch Sari’s cane, open doors, pick up dropped items, and more.
Together the service dog team lives at Luther Ridge at Middletown, a nursing home located just south of Hartford, CT. Sari and Molly share their home with many other residents, many of whom adore Molly. Sari says, “She knows everybody. It’s remarkable. They don’t know me, they know Molly.”
The Start of Molly’s Career
Little did the pair know, their meeting was only the start of Molly’s Hollywood career. Bill Berloni, a famous animal trainer, and Sari had been friends for a long time. Berloni thought of Molly immediately when the role came up for a senior dog with great listening and obedience skills. Molly was destined to play Gravey, a retired cadaver dog who helps the main characters of Hulu’s hit show Only Murderers in the Building solve a murder.
Molly’s role on the show earned her plenty of love from fans. But when the cameras stop rolling, she’s back to being the friendly, helpful dog everyone knows at Luther Ridge. Sari describes Molly as a “working girl,” always ready to help and spread joy.
A Star Beyond Only Murderers in the Building
While Molly’s role as Gravey put her in the spotlight, it wasn’t her first acting gig. This senior dog’s impressive resume includes appearances on other beloved shows such as The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel and even an upcoming episode of Sex and the City. Molly also co-starred in an eight-week AppleTV+ show, Little Boy.
Molly’s ability to perform on camera is as sharp as her skills as a service dog. Whether she’s working on commercials or taking roles in popular TV series, Molly’s laid-back yet attentive nature makes her the perfect first for the job. Sari says, “She is so chill.” Her transition from helping her handler and others in her community to acting on set has shown just how versatile and talented this dog really is.
Molly’s life is about more than just her work. In 2022, she had a “wedding” ceremony with another dog, Mr. Pickles. The event, held at Luther Ridge, drew a crowd of 55 residents. Molly even wore a wedding dress! Sari reminisces about that special day with a smile: “Everyone got into it.”
Behind-the-Scenes: What It’s Like Working with Molly
While Molly is a star on screen, a lot of behind-the-scenes care goes into her acting career. Since Sari is disabled, she can’t be on set with Molly. Instead, she relies on Berloni to care for Molly during filming. When Molly is on set, a home health aide helps Sari manage without her for up to 4 days at a time. Berloni makes it clear to the rest of the crew that Molly’s safety and welfare come first. He believes it is his personal responsibility to ensure she’s well cared for while working on set.
At 12 years old, Molly gets tired after about three takes, so the crew makes sure she gets the rest she needs between scenes.
The Power of Service Dogs and Emotional Support Animals
Molly’s story highlights just how much service dogs can improve their handler’s lives. Beyond performing tasks, service dogs like Molly offer emotional support, stability, and companionship. They’re trained to respond to their handler’s needs and help them live as independently as possible.
But service dogs aren’t the only animals making a difference. Emotional support animals (ESAs) provide comfort and companionship to those facing mental health challenges. While they don’t have the same task-specific training as service dogs, ESAs help their owners feel more at ease and offer unconditional love and support.
Final Thoughts
Animals enrich our lives in countless ways. Molly not only helps Sari with daily tasks but also provides emotional comfort to her and the residents at Luther Ridge. Her calming presence and the smiles she brings out of everyone she meets remind us of the incredible bond between humans and animals. The next time you see an animal actor on TV, a service dog doing their important work, or even hug your own pet, remember the power of the unconditional love they provide.