Volunteer and her dog brighten seniors' lives

When it comes to showing how canines have fun, Kasey is all business.

The 6-year-old mixed breed sat perfectly still as she waited for orders from her owner - Helaine "Honey" Scrivner - during a recent visit to the DuPage Convalescent Center in Wheaton.

Over the course of 30 minutes, Kasey played catch with most of the seniors in wheelchairs that she and Scrivner came to entertain. She also traversed a dog tunnel, followed obedience commands and let people pet her.

The demonstration was something Scrivner didn't think was possible back in 2011, when she found Kasey at an animal shelter and brought her home to Glendale Heights.

"When I first got Kasey, she was wild," Scrivner recalled.

And, surprisingly when you see her today, the beautiful brown and white pooch - who does so well around people now - used to be afraid of strangers.

"The first night I got her and took her for a walk, some girls went to pet her and she had her tail stuck between her legs because she was so scared," said Scrivner.

And Kasey was even more fearful of men.

Scrivner spent six months taking Kasey to obedience classes and working to help her overcome her issues.

The two have become so close that when Scrivner decided to do some volunteer work, she wanted to include Kasey.

A friend suggested volunteering at the convalescent center because residents at the nursing and rehabilitation facility enjoy seeing animals.

During her initial visits to the center more than a year ago, Scrivner would simply invite center residents to pet Kasey.

Then one of the recreational directors asked Scrivner if she would be willing to make weekly visits to the center and entertain groups of residents.

"I wasn't sure what they were expecting, so I was a little nervous," she said. "I went home and tried to teach the dog tricks."

It turns out Kasey didn't need to become a circus dog. Scrivner simply demonstrates obedience commands and lets residents throw the ball for Kasey.

"It's a win-win situation," Scrivner said. "They get a kick out of watching her, and she's having a good time. I feel I get more than I give."

The convalescent center has a couple dozen "dog volunteers" that come in at different times throughout the week. All those dogs are very well mannered and patient, said Laura Jones, recreation therapy coordinator.

"So many of the residents are animal lovers, and some of them had to surrender pets when they moved in," Jones said. "They really appreciate the unconditional love they get when the pets come to visit. It often evokes happy memories they had with their own pets."

Even residents who usually aren't very receptive, interact with Kasey and other dogs.

"When a dog comes on the unit, it just brings smiles to their faces," said Barbara Kolton, a volunteer services supervisor at the center. "Dogs have a keen sense of knowing when someone needs that little pick-me-up."

Kolton recalls that Kasey was "real jittery" during her first few visits to the center.

"Kasey has come a long way," she said.

In fact, Kasey really enjoys the weekly visits, Scrivner said.

Every Thursday morning when Scrivner pulls out a scarf for Kasey to wear, Kasey runs over with her tail waging and "becomes all excited."

She said Kasey enjoys the attention she gets when they arrive at the center.

"Everyone acknowledges her," Scrivner said. "I'm just the handler that brings her. She's the star attraction."