Artist’s rendering of community dog has special meaning to seniors

MCKEES ROCKS, Pa. - March 30, 2015 - PRLog -- Bear doesn’t know he’s a celebrity.

    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-mom, Jones is pursuing a career in art. Prior to starting a family with her husband, she worked at Bow-Wow Doggie Day Care in the Strip District.

    “That’s where I found my niche as an artist in pet portraiture,” Jones said. “I get a deep sense of gratification from seeing and reflecting an animal’s heart and soul in my work. Even more gratifying is when I see the reaction of the pet owners, and when they tell me I've captured their furry family member’s essence.”

    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,” Jones added. “His presence there is healing and comforting. He is just a kind soul who’s there to love and to be loved. He was a pleasure to work with, and very sweet and gentle with my 1 year old. I'm so thrilled to have had this opportunity to bring some light and happiness to The Willows by painting a terrific dog that’s been bringing his own light and joy to the residents and staff for many years.”

    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.