Beyond standard training services, Tom Savoca is deeply engaged in the therapy dog community, dedicating his time and expertise to bringing comfort and support to those in need. He owns and handles Coco, a remarkable German Shepherd who serves as a therapy dog for the City of Margate. Together, Tom and Coco have participated in numerous community events and crisis response efforts, offering emotional support to individuals navigating difficult circumstances.
Their work extends beyond crisis intervention, as Tom is also an active member of Canines For Christ, a faith-based therapy dog organization. Through this involvement, Tom and Coco regularly visit Calvary Chapel Fort Lauderdale, where they provide companionship and comfort to those attending services and community events.
In addition to their church-based outreach, Tom and Coco make frequent visits to local schools, fostering positive interactions with young students. They have become familiar faces at several elementary schools, including Atlantic West Elementary and North Lauderdale Elementary, where they work to create a calming and supportive environment. These school visits often involve students reading to Coco — a practice proven to boost children’s confidence, improve literacy skills, and ease anxiety.
Whether supporting a community in the wake of tragedy, encouraging a child to find their voice through reading, or providing a moment of peace to someone in need, Tom and Coco’s therapy work exemplifies the incredible power of the human-animal bond. Their dedication not only enhances the lives of those they meet but also highlights the importance of compassionate, well-trained therapy dogs in building stronger, more connected communities.
In addition to crisis response, Tom is a devoted member of Canines For Christ, a faith-based therapy dog organization, where he and Coco regularly visit Calvary Chapel Fort Lauderdale to provide emotional and spiritual support to those in need. Through this ministry, Tom helps bring peace and encouragement to people facing personal struggles, offering them the unconditional love and companionship that only a therapy dog can provide.
Tom and Coco are also actively engaged in school visits, particularly at Atlantic West Elementary and North Lauderdale Elementary, where they work with children to foster a positive and supportive learning environment. Their presence in schools helps students develop confidence, reduces anxiety, and encourages literacy through reading programs where children read aloud to Coco. By participating in these school visits, Tom ensures that students benefit from the calming influence of a therapy dog while also learning the importance of kindness and empathy toward animals.
Through his work in crisis situations, faith-based therapy, and educational outreach, Tom continues to make a lasting impact in the South Florida community, demonstrating the powerful bond between humans and therapy dogs.