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Follow on Google News | Artist’s rendering of community dog has special meaning to seniorsPainting of loyal pet brings happiness to The Residence at Willow Lane
By: IntegraCare The 5-year-old jet black Labradoodle seems content to interact with the seniors and staff at The Residence at Willow Lane in McKees Rocks. In fact, Bear is such a significant part of the senior living community that his image soon will adorn one of the building’s walls thanks to Pittsburgh artist Casey Jones. “Bear means so much to this community,” said Joshua Hensh, Director of Sales and Marketing at Willow Lane, which is owned by Ohio Valley Hospital and operated by Wexford-based IntegraCare. “All of our residents take great pleasure in showing off Bear to their friends and family. They take ownership of him. It is especially wonderful to see grandchildren and great-grandchildren playing with Bear on the weekends.” John Conte is Director of Community Relations for Family Matters HealthCare with companies ExpressMed Pharmacy, Mother Teresa Hospice, and Progressive Home Health. His job frequently brings him to Willow Lane, where he witnessed the special bond between the senior residents and Bear. “I’ve watched as Bear put smiles on the faces of residents, family, visitors and staff at The Willows for the past five years,” he said. “Bear truly touches the lives of those who live and work at Willow Lane.” Jones previously had painted a portrait of Conte’s dog, Parker Bean. That earlier project eventually led her to Willow Lane – and Bear. Jones recently asked Conte if she could paint another portrait of Parker Bean to be displayed at Bow-Wow Doggie Day Care, where she and Conte initially had met. Conte immediately thought of Bear and asked her if she would like to meet “a sweet dog who had three knee surgeries in five years but still makes so many senior residents, family and staff so happy.” Conte commissioned Jones, 29, to paint a portrait of Bear. Currently a stay-at-home- “That’s where I found my niche as an artist in pet portraiture,” Since 2012, she has created pet portraits, mostly of dogs and cats. Jones usually works with acrylic paints. “Recently I asked John for his permission to hang a painting of Parker Bean in the lobby of Bow-Wow,” Jones said. “Shortly after, he contacted me to commission a painting of Bear, the resident dog of The Willows. Completely intrigued by the idea, I agreed.” Jones embraced the project and followed a familiar regimen. “In order for me to accurately portray an animal’s personality, I like to meet them in person,” she said. “We arranged a date for me to visit The Willows with my family and take photographs. The staff and residents were very kind and welcoming to us, and even helped me get the picture I needed. “Bear is a sweetheart,” Bear was born in Ohio, “the last of the litter and nobody wanted him,” Hensh said, explaining how the senior community adopted Bear, who completed the Canine Good Citizen training courses. “Aside from having a prominent portrait of Bear showcased at The Residence at Willow Lane, this also provides an engaging opportunity with community over a beloved pet that unconditionally brings everyone so much joy,” Conte said. End
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