In January 2020, the Roosevelt Island NYC Health & Hospitals Coler Hospital community met Momo for the first time.
According to their January 10, 2020 press release:
NYC Health + Hospitals/Coler today announced the arrival of Momo, the health care system’s first in-residence therapy dog that will supplement and support the facility’s residents’ treatment and recovery. Residents and staff hosted a “collar ceremony” to welcome the therapy dog, a yellow Labrador Retriever. Momo comes to NYC Health + Hospitals/Coler as a donation from Healing Pause, a charitable organization that places therapy dogs in facilities that serve people in need, and Angelica Patient Assistance Program, an organization dedicated to improving the quality of life for residents at the facility. Momo will provide therapy support spending time with residents in the dayroom or their rooms, making regular bedside visits and attending the facility’s special events. Animal-assisted therapy has been shown to help promote a patient’s recovery and allow them to better managed their health issues related to trauma.
Sadly, NYC Health & Hospitals Corp reported yesterday that Momo died.
Roosevelt Island resident and Coler Auxiliary Volunteer Judy Berdy remembers Momo:
Momo arrived at Coler Long Term Care & Rebiltation in February, 2020, She was adopted thru a charity as a “healing hound” for Coler residents and staff. She was about 4 years old and a lovely yellow Labrador.
Momo was greeted by a lobby-fuil of staff and residents. She took her fame in her stride, She quickly bonded with her care-givers Therapeutic Recreation Director Jovemay Santos resident Jay Molina amongst staff and residents. Her photo was featured on a fund raising mug for the Coler Auxiliary.
The first occasion Momo officiated at was a Valentine’s Day Party, She had the expression of doubt on her role as a fashion model in a pink tutu.
Momo’s stay was complicated by the Pandemic. She could no longer visit the resident units under quarantine. She spent her days visiting the stafff and guests. She took evening walks around the campus and happily would chase squirrels.
She would happily spend time in Library, and staffs offices, preferring ones that kept treats for her. After a snack and drink of water, she was under the table or desk fast asleep.
The last year has been difficult for Momo, with multiple illnesses. She passed peacefully with Jovemay at her side last week.
Momo will always be remembered as a great hound to have at Coler.
