Paws, Passion & Purpose
Written by Maggie Mull
“I really appreciate how I feel like I can bring my whole self to work,” says Kasey Stoltzfus, reflecting upon her career at Garden Spot Village.
When walking around the village complex, you may come across the dynamic duo of Kasey, healthcare social service team leader, and Casey, a United Disabilities Services (UDS) dog. The two have a great love for one another and the work they do within the community.
Kasey has an extensive history with dogs. She began fostering them with her husband before undertaking volunteer work through UDS. She then assisted in kennel training, learning and teaching over 80 commands. On weekends, she acted as a dogsitter.
Through this experience, she met Casey, a yellow English Labrador Retriever. Kasey describes him as “laidback, sensitive, and loving.”
UDS primarily operates in schools. Casey had previously experienced the school setting as he was training to become a service dog but was occasionally overstimulated in the presence of children. This set him on his path towards becoming the only current UDS service dog in a Lancaster County continuing care retirement community. (Other communities have service dogs but they are not certified through UDS.)
Kasey first pitched the idea of bringing a UDS Service dog to Garden Spot Village after seeing the positive impact Bailey, her 9-year-old personal dog, had on both residents and coworkers at her previous job. Her idea was well received, and the plan was set into motion.
To become a certified handler, Kasey had to undergo a weeklong training held at UDS in Lancaster. Kasey spent the first day in a classroom, where she learned about the history of UDS and the importance of a dog’s journey. The remaining days were spent gaining hands-on experience.
The pair traveled together across Lancaster County, navigating different environments and overcoming distractions. Kasey recalls, “We went to a local retirement community, Long’s Park, That Fish Place, and Lowe’s.”
Casey continued his training at Kasey’s home and at Garden Spot Village for 30 days before being tested on his skills. “We had to do a 15-minute test with various commands and distractions,” Kasey explained. The test is repeated annually to ensure continued growth. “The entire process was exhausting, but it definitely paid off.”
While their routine often changes, each day on the job is productive. Typically, they begin with morning standup, where Kasey receives updates on new and current residents, and addresses any concerns. During this time, Casey receives cuddles and praise from the staff.
Casey is constantly on the move, attending to residents in both skilled nursing and independent living. On Wednesdays, the two attend care conferences, where Casey is present for any support needed. They also visit anyone who has requested Casey’s comfort.
“We try to be on the floor and get to wherever we’re needed as much as possible,” Kasey remarks.
Casey is always able to lighten the mood, employing both serious and silly tactics. “He loves to army crawl across the room to get attention,” Kasey describes. On a separate occasion, Casey sensed the stress someone was feeling and laid his head on her lap to reassure her. Casey’s duality and accurate emotional sensing makes him a good match for his role.
Casey wears a vest to indicate that he is on the job. This helps him to be alert and to pay attention to his surroundings. However, when the vest comes off, so does the work attitude. “He immediately gets the zoomies without his vest on,” Kasey describes.
Casey is sponsored by the New Holland Veterinary Hospital, which provides him with discounted care. With his UDS training, Casey is valued at about $50,000. As an approved nonprofit, Garden Spot Village was asked to only cover 10 percent of the cost. This monetary cost, however, doesn’t come close to the value of Casey’s love.
Getting to work alongside Casey is one of the many things Kasey enjoys about her position at Garden Spot Village. “I love the environment here. Residents and staff always ask about my family, and they especially want to hear about my two-year-old son, Tatum.”
Kasey recently brought Tatum in to visit residents in skilled nursing, where he spread joy and fostered intergenerational connections. Kasey continues, “It’s always fun to bring Tatum to family events, like trick-or-treating and the Easter celebration.”
Kasey also enjoys the flexibility of her position, which allows her to work 4 days a week, giving her an additional day to spend with her family. Finding ways to help employees “live the life they imagine” is central to the employee value proposition.
Kasey and Casey seek to better the community with their person-centered approach to the emotional well-being of residents and staff members alike. Their work is an essential and highly appreciated component of Garden Spot Village life.