Puppy love: Momo capturing hearts on weekly visits to Council on Aging

Before many of the seniors have even settled into their morning, a tiny puppy comes trotting through the doors of the Council on Aging. She pauses outside offices for quick greetings, wags her tail at familiar faces, and makes her way toward the lounge, where one question is often heard:

“Is Momo here today?”

The 7-month-old comfort dog, whose full name is Little Miss Mocha, has become one of the COA’s most beloved regulars. Though she’s small, the joy she brings has made a big impact on seniors, staff, and visitors alike.

As soon as Momo arrives, she knows exactly where she’s going. “When we get into the parking lot, she bolts to the front door,” said her owner, COA Outreach Coordinator Valerie Bertsch. “She’s so excited to get here.”

The young shih tzu makes her morning rounds, visiting staff members before spending the day greeting seniors, joining Wednesday lunches, and curling up beside anyone who wants a few quiet moments with her.

For Bertsch, creating those moments was the goal from the start.

“So many of our seniors, due to varying reasons, can’t have pets anymore,” she said. “Whether it’s their mobility issues or the cost of one, it’s such an important opportunity for socializing and comfort.”

Before Momo even came home, Bertsch had already begun working with the town to bring the comfort dog program to the Harvey Wheeler Community Center. She completed formal Animal Assisted Intervention Professional certification, and she and Momo also underwent an in-person veterinary evaluation at the COA.

‘People’s faces light up’

The seniors have responded. 

“It’s pretty incredible to see people’s faces light up,” Bertsch said. “Even just a brief moment of such pure joy interacting with a puppy — it’s beautiful.”

Many stop by her office to see whether Momo is visiting. Others share stories about pets they loved.

“People immediately start reminiscing,” Bertsch said. “They’ll tell me about the dogs they had years ago. … It seems to be really comforting to think about those pets they’ve lost and to have a positive experience with a new puppy.”

She said one senior, Janice Smith, has developed such a close bond with Momo that she now visits several times a week just to spend time with her.

“She comes in just to see if Momo’s here, get a cup of coffee, says hi, and goes about her day,” Bertsch said. “I knew people would enjoy her being here, but to have her become their dog, too, is one of my favorite pieces.”

‘A good presence’

David Viens says having a dog around “adds a good presence to the senior center.”

Another senior, Maria Lamont, said spending time with Momo makes her feel “really relaxed and happy … in love.” Having watched Momo grow from a 3-pound whelp into the energetic pup she is today, she now looks forward to her every visit.

“The days that she’s not here, people come looking for her, and they’re disappointed when she’s not here,” Bertsch said. “When she is here, the general atmosphere and vibe of the whole Council on Aging is really improved.”

The feeling extends beyond the visitors. Staff members look forward to Momo’s visits, too. Employees from other departments often stop by to say hello. Momo has been “a hugely wonderful addition to the atmosphere at the COA,” Bertsch said.

Lamont echoed that notion. 

“Sometimes people come here with a heavy burden,” she said. “Once [you] pet her, you feel different. She takes all your heaviness away.”