William Gilbert, DDS, had been thinking about getting a dog when a friend told him about a gentle golden retiever, the brother of their own dog, who needed a home. Born on St. Patrick's Day, McDuff had been the runt of the litter and originally went to a family who wanted a companion for thier child with Downs Syndrome. Though he was everything the family had wanted and more, they had not been able to realize their dream of moving from an apartment to a house and found they just didn't have the room for him.

Dr. Gilbert went to see the dog at the breeder's and fell in love with his temperament. He was relieved when the breeder "okayed me to be the dog's new owner," said Dr. Gilbert. Though he had a home, it wasn't quite perfect for a dog, so Dr. Gilbert had a large dog pen built. While waiting at the breeder's for his new home, McDuff suffered a severe injury to his right rear leg.

Dr. Gilbert picked him up, but found the dog, whom he renamed Chase, limped badly. They saw several vets, who opted to sedate the dog for several weeks to allow the injury to heal. After a month, the vet still did not think Chase would recover and suggested euthanasia. Dr. gilbert would not give up that easily and had him sedated for another four weeks, but Chase still limped.

Already very attached to Chase, Dr. Gilbert did not want to let him go without a fight, plus, he had a hunch. He took the dog along on a make-or-break five-mile run; Chase never limped again. "I thought he might just be babying it," said Dr. Gilbert, delighted that his hunch had paid off.

By this time, Chase was eight months old and about as mellow as a dog can be. There was that beautiful dog pen in the yard, but Dr. Gilbert hated leaving Chase at home. He had his own dental practice in Bellevue, WA; he was the boss-why not bring Chase to work? And that's exactly what he did.

At first, Chase stayed in Dr. Gilbert's office, tied off on a leash-often sleeping under the desk. Chase, however, did not like the hum of the computer so he was moved to the staff lounge. Here, Chase realized he was able to pull the table along behind him to a spot where he could stick his head out the door and look down the hall.

Once patients spotted the beautiful golden dog, they began to ask about him. One thing lead to another, and Chase soon had free run of the waiting area, greeting patients, and basking in their attention.

It just so happened that Dr. Gilbert had Pet Partner trainer Christie Dudzik and Delta's Manager of their National Service Dog Center Susan Duncan as patients. Though both were delighted to have a dog to pet while they waited for dental work, they worried about the liability factor. They suggested that Dr. Gilbert and Chase become a registered Pet Partners team before anyone challenged Chase's right to be in the workplace.

As a Pet Partner Team, Chase would be certified to be in clinical settings and Dr. Gilbert would be apprised of all the information and procedures to prevent zoonotic infection.

Dr. Gilbert took one of Delta's weekend certification courses, and had Chase evaluated by a Delta Animal Evaluator. They both passed with flying colors in November, 1997.

Since that time, Chase has been a constant presence at Dr. Gilbert's office. He greets patients, and comforts those who are nervous about their upcoming procedures. He does his best work with Dr. Gilbert's younger patients; posing for a PolaroidŽ photo with each child who comes in. the pictures are displayed under a banner that says "Chase's Buddies."

When Dr. Gilbert reviewed the responses to a patient questionnaire on his service, he noted that "...there wasn't one negative comment about Chase." He also remarked that the office received numerous positive calls about their Christmas cards which featured a staff photo that included Chase. "Patients who hadn't know Chase was there before now ask to see him." said Dr. Gilbert.

Chase now spends only four days a week at the dental office. On Fridays, he accompanies Dr. Gilbert's wife Megan to her teaching job at Endeavor Elementary School in Issaquah, WA. Chase stays in the principal's office and consoles the students who are there for disciplinary action.

On the weekends, he loves to get out and play-just like anybody. Though he's not a hunter, he does go fishing with Dr. Gilbert, who notes, "My fishing success is pretty low." Chase also loves to swim and take in those five-mile runs. during the rest of his time off, he can also be, as Dr. Gilbert says, "...a total couch potato." But when Monday rolls around, he's eager to get to work-and all that wonderful attention.

Second Pet Partner
In October of 2003, Dr. Gilbert started the training process for a second Pet Partner, Chaz. Due to Chase approaching thirteen years of age, Dr. Gilbert felt it was time for a younger dog to be mentored as a replacement. Chaz will start his in-office training in 2004 with the help of Chase.

About The Doctor

About The Staff

As a Bellevue, WA general dentist I serve the greater Seattle area's dental needs Redmond, Kirkland, Issaquah and Bellevue, WA.