Pavlov has been part of our treatment team for many years but has never gotten a
proper introduction.
Our golden retriever Pavlov was initially adopted by Dr. Hsia when he was a puppy
in 2010 from a deploying Marine at Camp Pendleton. At that time, he was enrolled
at Little Angels Service dogs to be trained as a service animal. After his training, he
joined Dr. Hsia and his wife at their home, and also traveled to Azusa Pacific
University on a regular basis when Dr. Hsia was on faculty there. Pavlov assisted Dr.
Hsia in teaching concepts such as classical conditioning, operant conditioning and
other behavioral concepts. To extend his training and calm demeanor, Pavlov has
been to many places: stores, Disneyland (he’s not a fan of Minnie Mouse), and
crowded venues such as church services.
When Dr. Hsia opened the OC Anxiety Center, Pavlov joined him as his first
employee (happily working for belly rubs and rawhides), working initially with
patients who had a fear of dogs (cynophobia). However it became clear that Pavlov
could serve additional roles, most notably with children. His ability to put kids at
ease in initial sessions, and later when discussing embarrassing issues, anxious
topics or past traumas was most useful. Children often spend the whole session on
the floor petting Pavlov while talking with Dr. Hsia. Oftentimes upon entering the
office, the first question from a patient is “Where’s Pavlov? Is he here today?”.
Pavlov, now nine years old, definitely has his preferences. While he loves all
children, he his tail wags more for women than men, and playing with huskies over
other dogs.
On your next visit to the OC Anxiety Center, you may be greeting by our 65 lb fluffy
employee: he’ll be happy to meet you, and happier to get a belly rub from you.