No doubt about it, there are teams of incredible heroes working inside The University of New Mexico Children’s Hospital every single day. But there’s one teammate who has become the hands down or perhaps--paws down-- favorite among young patients and staff. Now one of New Mexico’s top teams is honoring the MVP.
Golden Retriever Choco will temporarily trade in her UNM scrubs for a jersey as New Mexico United honors her as an Everyday Hero. She will be recognized during an NM United Game and be part of the kick-off ceremony.
“Choco has the most important job here,” said Anna Duran, MD, associate chief medical officer of the UNM Children’s Hospital. “She takes care of all our children, and she also takes care of our staff. It took us many years to get Choco and she’s the perfect dog for our hospital.”
Choco is New Mexico’s first ever hospital facility dog. She works 40 hours a week Monday through Friday making her rounds at UNM Children’s Hospital to brighten up some of the toughest days for some of the state’s sickest kids.
When Choco walks into a room their faces light up, parents’ faces light up. She's very patient. She's very gentle. She really knows her place is to bring our children comfort, to allow them to pet her and she definitely brings a lot of smiles to everyone’s faces.
“When Choco walks into a room their faces light up, parents’ faces light up,” Duran said. “She's very patient. She's very gentle. She really knows her place is to bring our children comfort, to allow them to pet her and she definitely brings a lot of smiles to everyone’s faces.”
It isn’t easy being a kid inside a hospital. They’re often up against some scary procedures and that’s when Choco comes in to do her job.
“She’s so cute and she makes me happy,” said 12-year-old Robert Chavez. Chavez has spent a lot of time in and out of UNM Children’s Hospital. “I like her because she sits with me during my dressing change, and she watches me play video games.”
Nine-year-old Jackson Trihn agrees. “She makes me forget that I have chemo. She just makes me want to play with her, and pet her, and that makes me very excited.”
It was nearly a year ago when Choco came to UNM Children’s Hospital from Canine Assistance, through a grant from PetSmart Charities. She was trained to be a service dog and because she works well with groups of people, she was chosen to be a hospital facility dog.
UNM Child Life Specialist Amber Sargent and UNM Child Development Specialist Marisol Madera are Choco’s handlers. They both received special training on how to work with Choco. Unlike most dogs who learn through commands, Choco’s training is focused on relationships
“She's trained through bonds,” Sargent said. “By sensing us and what our body language is doing, she knows how she should be reacting and how she should be behaving. So, if we go into a room super excited, she will be super excited and super amped up. Most of the time here at the hospital, we're more subdued, so she is more subdued.”
“She's hope and happiness,” Madera said. “She comes in with her tail wagging, and the kids are so happy to see her. She helps them feel good and helps them get through it; that’s why she’s here and that’s what she’s good at.”
In preparation for her big game, NM United players recently came to UNM Children’s Hospital to play with the kids and, of course, Choco.
“I like to kick a soccer ball around, but these kids are the real brave ones,” said NM United player Justin Portillo. “And Choco might just be the best dog in the world. She’s definitely the life of this area and deserves to be recognized.”
Choco’s patients agree. While sitting in his wheelchair petting Choco, Robert Chavez was asked if he thinks Choco is an everyday hero. He said, “Yes.”
Why?
“Because she is a good dog,” Chavez said.
Yes, she certainly is.
NM United Everyday Heroes Night
Choco will honored as an Everyday Hero on Saturday, September 2nd at 7 p.m. at New Mexico United home game against Charleston Battery. $5 of every ticket purchased through this Facebook link will benefit UNM Hospital.