Therapy dogs trot out Halloween spirit at Naperville hospital

A collar and an Edward Hospital tag are all Calie usually wears when she arrives at the Naperville hospital for her regular duties in the animal assisted therapy program.

But Saturday, the Yorkshire terrier sported a sprig of shimmery silver tinsel atop her shaggy head as her owner, Marie Bosman, wheeled her around in her tiny homemade spacecraft, fashioned from two snow saucers.

She looked every bit the snazzy space alien. So did Bosman, decked out in a Star Trek-style dress, silver boots and shiny wig.

About 30 animals and their owners who regularly participate in a program that brings patients together with dogs assembled in the Heart Hospital lobby for the annual Halloween Pet Parade.

"This is the one day of the year we go to all areas of the hospital, even those we don't normally go to," said Patty Kaplan, program director. "Everybody loves it. It's become a favorite."

Cheryl Aloff of Geneva, a professional chef, was there in her chef's toque and apron, along with her dog, Lizzi, a 6-year-old German shepherd, who was similarly attired.

"She's my sous chef," Aloff said.

Aloff has been taking Lizzi to visit patients at Edward for about two years. The visits give patients an often much-needed emotional boost, she said, and they benefit the dogs and their owners.

"It just gives you a complete lift," she said. "People are so happy to see you."

Aloff said Lizzi is unusually intuitive and affectionate for her breed, uncannily able to gauge how much attention each patient needs and wants.

Volunteer Linda Nemeth's dog, Mack, a black Labrador retriever mix, was dressed as a nerd, complete with black-framed glasses, a beanie with a propeller, and a white oxford shirt with a pocket crammed with mechanical pencils and rulers.

"He's got to have his pocket protector," Nemeth said.

She and Mack have been in the program since it began more than six years ago.

"We only visit patients who have requested dog visits," she said, adding that those who do get visits are often rewarded with smiles.

Bosman said about 100 dogs and owners volunteer for the program.

"There are visits every single day," she said.

Dogs in the program go through temperament testing and have regular veterinary check-ups. And they are required to have a bath within 24 hours of each hospital visit.

"They know when you're getting ready the night before or the morning of, because they get this bath," said Nemeth.

Mack's ears perked up when his buddy, Burger, a flat-coat retriever and Labrador retriever mix, pranced into the lobby wearing a red wig with curlers and a housecoat, disguised as a hausfrau.

Burger apparently spotted Mack, too.

"He's very excited now," said Burger's owner, Jennifer Kresica of Plainfield. "He knows the nerd."