Therapy Dog Honored by Rocky River Mayor

CATEGORY: News and Community; Volunteers

​For years, Mojo, a Hospice of the Western Reserve therapy dog, has been making the rounds acknowledging residents of nursing homes and hospice houses. But this year the 10-year-old got his own acknowledgement from an impressive source: Rocky River, Ohio Mayor Pamela Bobst.

Mojo, a rescue dog that claims a Shih Tzu and Lhasa Apso heritage, lives with his owners, Jim and Rosine Tishman, in Fairview Park.

“He’s been doing this for about five years,” Jim Tishman said. “For the first two years he went to nursing homes. We wanted to take it up a notch, so we started visiting Ames (Family Hospice House) in Westlake.”

Read more about Tishman and Mojo’s history here.

Tishman and Mojo are regular fixtures at the house, where they bring joy, comfort and companionship to patients, families and even the staff at the House. They are also present at many Hospice of the Western Reserve events. Mojo is one of approximately 15 therapy dogs who help comfort patients and families throughout the Hospice of the Western Reserve community.

His visits, primarily on Cleveland’s west side, earned the duo a reputation.

“I heard the mayor wanted to meet me,” Tishman said. “She wanted to thank us for all the work we do in the area. We talked for quite a while.”

A spokesperson in Bobst’s office said that Tishman and Mojo came in for “a nice visit” in August and made an impression. Several days later, Tishman received the recognition for Mojo’s work.

Before being accepted into Hospice of the Western Reserve’s Animal Therapy Program canines must be officially trained therapy dogs and their owners have to attend Hospice of the Western Reserve volunteer education as well. Both Mojo and Tim wear volunteer badges when visiting.

Trips to the Hospice houses are a big deal for Mojo who gets excited to see patients.

“He’d rather see patients than other dogs,” Tishman said, adding that the experience for him is as equally rewarding. “Seeing everyone’s smiling face is the best part.”

Mojo is only the second dog to be recognized by the Rocky River Mayor’s Office. A police dog was recognized after it had passed away. Trips to the houses are a big deal for Mojo who gets excited to see patients.

“He’d rather see patients than dogs,” Tishman said, adding that the experience for him is as equally rewarding. “Seeing everyone’s smiling face is the best part.”

Mojo is only the second dog to be recognized by the Rocky River Mayor’s Office. A police dog was recognized after it had passed away.