“A Weimaraner puppy named Riley has joined the Museum of Fine Arts, Boston, as a volunteer—a working scent dog in training, providing assistance with pest detection behind the scenes,” an MFA spokesperson explains. “This pilot program will support members of the Conservation and Protective Services departments in their responsibilities of caring for the MFA’s collection. Riley is currently undergoing basic puppy training while adjusting to his unique surroundings and will begin to learn more specialized skills related to identifying pests that may be present in the museum environment over the coming year.”

I’ve reached out to noted Weimaraner and art expert William Wegman for comment. Really. Will update if he responds.

Riley, the Museum of Fine Arts's scent-dog-in-training. (Courtesy of the MFA)
Riley, the Museum of Fine Arts’s scent-dog-in-training. (Courtesy of the MFA)
Riley, the Museum of Fine Arts's scent-dog-in-training. (Courtesy of the MFA)
Riley, the Museum of Fine Arts’s scent-dog-in-training. (Courtesy of the MFA)
Riley, the Museum of Fine Arts's scent-dog-in-training. (Courtesy of the MFA)
Riley, the Museum of Fine Arts’s scent-dog-in-training. (Courtesy of the MFA)
Riley, the Museum of Fine Arts's scent-dog-in-training. (Courtesy of the MFA)
Riley, the Museum of Fine Arts’s scent-dog-in-training. (Courtesy of the MFA)
Riley, the Museum of Fine Arts's scent-dog-in-training. (Courtesy of the MFA)
Riley, the Museum of Fine Arts’s scent-dog-in-training. (Courtesy of the MFA)
Riley, the Museum of Fine Arts's scent-dog-in-training. (Courtesy of the MFA)
Riley, the Museum of Fine Arts’s scent-dog-in-training. (Courtesy of the MFA)
Riley, the Museum of Fine Arts's scent-dog-in-training. (Courtesy of the MFA)
Riley, the Museum of Fine Arts’s scent-dog-in-training. (Courtesy of the MFA)
Riley, the Museum of Fine Arts's scent-dog-in-training. (Courtesy of the MFA)
Riley, the Museum of Fine Arts’s scent-dog-in-training. (Courtesy of the MFA)
Categories: Art