Pet Therapy Team Named Volunteers of the Year

Stony Brook Medicine is pleased to announce that Pet Therapy Team Doreen Montelone and Molly have been awarded Volunteer of the Year for 2020. Doreen and Molly joined the hospital volunteer program in March of 2019. To date, they have donated more than 100 hours of service.

Doreen and Molly are residents of West Sayville. Molly is a six-year-old Labrador retriever with an impressive resume.  Molly is certified by Therapy Dogs International (TDI) and is recognized by the American Kennel Club (AKC) as a Therapy Dog (THD) for her work over the past two years. Besides her visits to Stony Brook University Hospital, Molly is a reading companion for children at a local library.

Molly is also highly skilled in scent detection. She competes in events that showcase skills similar to bomb or narcotics detection. Through AKC, Molly earned obedience titles Beginner Novice (BN) and Companion Dog (CD); and has one leg on her Companion Dog Excellent (CDX) title. AKC has also awarded her the Trick Dog Advanced (TDA), Canine Good Citizen (CGC) and Farm Dog Certified (FDC) titles.

Pre-COVID, Doreen and Molly engaged in hospital visits primarily involving our geriatric patients. Regular visits were arranged by Carolyn O’Neill, NICHE (Nurses Improving Care for Healthsystem Elders), Elder Life Coordinator/Geriatric Educator. Carolyn has reported countless stories on how a visit from Molly greatly benefited our patients. She has brought good cheer and has touched the hearts of many.

Due to the COVID pandemic, Volunteer Services was suspended, and in-person visits were no longer possible. Pia York, Therapeutic Intervention Coordinator, took the lead to bring virtual Pet Therapy visits to staff. Rounding with an iPad, Pia visited various units, bringing tale wags, virtual kisses and tricks to help relieve the stress.

During these visits, Molly became a celebrity. Her name was mentioned hospital-wide, and requests for visits increased tenfold. In addition to visits, Doreen and Molly creatively used photos to help emphasize the importance of social distancing, proper mask wearing, and hand washing, to name a few. The photos also contained various inspirational messages for the staff.

I was fortunate enough to be able to participate in one of the iPad pet therapy sessions with the Emergency Department staff, so I witnessed firsthand the benefits of pet therapy for our team. Doreen and Molly have been not only been able to seamlessly adapt to the changes necessitated by COVID-19, but they have excelled in these non-traditional roles. Doreen and Molly have made an overwhelmingly positive impact on the entire Stony Brook Medicine community.

Carol