Monty the Therapy Dog

Buffalo, New York

In 2006, a friendly English setter named Monty went to work at the Roswell Park Cancer Institute as its first "therapy dog," spending time with patients and their families. Ironically, Monty died of cancer himself at the age of 13 in 2011, but his calming and healing presence hasn't been forgotten.

A larger-than-life bronze sculpture of Monty by Utah artist Lena Toritch was dedicated in 2012 on the plaza next to the hospital. The sculpture is intended to honor all of the dogs that have followed in Monty's path at the institute (therapy dogs are trained for months and certified before getting the job).

The statue is positioned for easy hugging and good luck nose-burnishing.