A unique therapy dog from Manhasset Hills is earning national recognition for her extensive charity work.
Molly Jo is a chocolate lab trained to understand both English and Spanish. She and her trainer, Memo Roa, use their bilingual abilities to comfort homeless children in shelters. Many of those kids speak only Spanish. When they learn they can communicate with Molly in their native language, they light up with some much needed joy. This is an important mission for Roa. He fled Columbia where mafia violence was making life dangerous for a new life in the U.S. He knows how it feels when you are just learning English and trying to adjust to a new culture.
Molly Jo and Roa also comfort adults who have special needs during day programs at YAI on Long Island. These people would never be able to care for a dog on their own so they adore Molly Jo’s visits. A man who usually communicates via a device finds his true voice when she stops by. He can say her name and “come.” Roa sets up the man’s wheelchair so he can walk Molly Jo.
Molly Jo’s unique skills earned her a 2019 Hallmark Hero dog nomination. Her work has been featured in Modern Dog Magazine, NPR, and Telemundo, among others.
Molly Jo and Roa plan to continue their charity efforts and are currently welcoming corporate sponsors. If you’d like to help, call 570-656-3767.
