Paws & Play Doggie Digest 2022 #1

The Child Life and Creative Arts Therapy Department

Issue 1 2022

Paws & Play: A Year in Review!

Happy 4th Birthday Moby!

On December 11th our very own Moby turned 4!

Moby enjoyed his special day with patients and supporting clinical staff in the adult hospital. His day was filled with all of his favorite things, like belly rubs, cheese and cuddle time. Moby was also featured on a special KidZone TV show where patients called in and share their favorite memories with Moby. Moby also did the “ultimate treat challenge on KZTV Live where his #1 favorite treat was chosen. We look forward to many more birthdays to come!

LB 2019

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Patient Spotlight– Professor and Julia Christina Auriemma, art therapist and handler for Professor, provides art therapy and animal assisted therapy (AAT) interventions in the the Pediatric Hematology/Oncology outpatient clinic.

Christina works closely with Julia, 16 years old, who benefits from art making and AAT during her weekly appointments for cancer treatment. Julia shares that she has special nicknames for Professor including “Professy, Fluffy, and Big Paws.” When Julia was not feeling well, Professor lays in her bed and gives the type of cuddles only a dog can provide. Julia and Christina created a scrapbook of photos of the pair documenting Julia’s time at Mount Sinai. Christina, Julia and Professor also created plaster handprints and paw prints for Julia to take with her as she planned to transition to another hospital. This beautiful art piece was created to remind Julia of their strong bond and keep Professor with her throughout her medical journey.

Celebrating the Holiday Season We hope that you had a wonderful holiday season and a happy New Year! Professor, Amos, and Moby enjoyed time off and celebrations with their families during the holidays. Moby worked on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day to help patients and families celebrate with Santa and his helpers by bringing toys to each patient’s room to spread some holiday magic. Moby also worked on New Year’s Day to help patients and families ring in the New Year by accompanying the coffee cart that went room to room for patients and families. Amos, Moby, and Professor are excited to see what 2022 has in store!

We are grateful to our partners!

Paws & Play is generously supported by PetSmart Charities® and The Joy in Childhood Foundation. Paws & Play: Care for Clinical Teams is generously supported by the Gertrude Feil Charitable Trust. and EnCourage Kids Foundation