In Loving Memory of Coco, Margate’s Pioneering Therapy Dog (2011-2025)
The City of Margate honors the life and service of Coco, a German Shepherd therapy dog cherished by the community for her remarkable compassion, commitment, and courage. Coco served as the official Therapy Dog for the City of Margate, Florida, touching thousands of lives through comfort, support, and healing. She passed away in September 2025, leaving a legacy that will be remembered with gratitude and respect.
Coco was rescued from Miami Animal Control in 2011 when she was approximately three months old. Trained and cared for by her handler, Tom Savoca of Dog Training Does Matter, she demonstrated from her earliest days a gentle, calm demeanor that would carry her into years of dedicated therapy work. She began therapy visits as early as 2013, serving at Adult Day Care centers, nursing homes, and special needs classes through Canine Assisted Therapy (CAT) in Oakland Park. Her service expanded to include Canines for Christ Therapy Dog Ministry, with regular visits at Calvary Chapel Fort Lauderdale and outreach in spiritual, educational, and community settings.
An important facet of Coco’s service was her membership in the Margate Community Emergency Response Team (CERT). She stood among the first therapy dogs in the United States to be integrated into a CERT program. The Margate CERT Program, affiliated with the Margate Fire Department, trained volunteers in disaster preparedness, emergency response, and community safety. Coco’s role within CERT meant she was not only present at public functions, but also activated during times of crisis.
Major Events Coco Served At:
Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School Shooting (Parkland, February 2018): Coco and Tom were part of Margate CERT’s activation. She offered emotional support at the Parkland Rec Center, Westglades Middle School, and to first responders and dispatchers during and after the tragedy. voyagemia.com+1
Surfside Building Collapse (2021): Following the devastating collapse of Champlain Towers South, Coco provided comfort to survivors, first responders, and families affected by the disaster, representing Margate, working with the local police department and other agencies. miamidadefcpo.org
Schools and Community Outreach: Coco was a familiar presence in North Lauderdale Elementary, Atlantic West Elementary, Margate Elementary, Meadowbrook Elementary, and other schools. She participated in literacy programs, read-to-dog sessions, and visits designed to help children manage anxiety and foster compassion. Tom Savoca+2voyagemia.com+2
Margate CERT Events and Public Functions: As part of the Margate CERT team, Coco was one of the first therapy dogs in the country to fulfill duties in the CERT program. She attended events such as the Margate National Night Out and served at public celebrations, parades, concerts, and city-sponsored happenings. Tom Savoca+1
Coco’s service was grounded in genuine care. She comforted people in grief, offered calm presence at chaotic scenes, and stood beside children whose worlds were shaken. Her handler, Tom Savoca, often noted that while the work was challenging, Coco’s presence brought peace, easing pain in ways words sometimes could not.
The City of Margate remembers Coco as “Margate’s original mascot therapy dog,” recognizing her vital role in bringing comfort, healing, and community togetherness. Following her passing, the Margate City Commission has deliberated on creating a permanent memorial in her honor—possibly including a commemorative plaque or memorial tree—to ensure Coco’s contributions are remembered for generations.
Coco’s legacy is one of empathy, bravery, and unwavering service. Her life reminds us of the profound difference one therapy dog can make. The City of Margate extends deepest thanks to Tom Savoca for sharing Coco with our community. The paw prints she left behind will forever mark our hearts.
