Not for the faint of heart

What is the story behind “Casey Bones” the 1989 Chevy Celebrity
Beagle that drives around town barking at people both in and out of
their cars. Jake Pasternak, a Richmond native, with a masters in
Economics from NC State, returned to Richmond to teach economics at
the University of Richmond. He has since left the University and
currently works as CFO at Westwood Pharmacy. He lives in the near
West End of Richmond with his 2 kids, 3 dogs and wife, Lori. Which
brings us back to “Casey Bones”. In 2009, Lori, a skilled veterinary
surgeon, came to Jake with the idea for Helping Hands, an affordable
veterinary surgery and dental care hospital. With Jake’s background, he
quickly developed a business plan and helped Lori and her business
partner, Jacqueline Morasco, build and run the business. “He helped
me figure out the lowest possible fees for my services and be able to
stay in business”, says Lori. “He takes care of all the book work so that I
can focus all my attention on the animals. He’s no help in the operating
room, as he can’t stand the sight of blood and I’m no help with the
books, as I have no business background . We make a great team!”
When Jake is not at the pharmacy or behind the computer at Helping
Hands, he’s out riding around in Casey Bones barking. “Since I can’t
help in the OR, this is my way of helping to save lives. The more people
who know about Helping Hands, the less animals are euthanized or left
to suffer due to economic hardship,” claims Jake. “It’s also great fun to
see the faces of people as I drive by barking. People often stop me to
ask about Casey, especially at stop lights. I had no way to give them
information quickly, so I had soft bone shaped business cards made

that I can safely throw to them. Next time you see me, wave and I’ll
throw you a bone.” Casey Bones was brought to life through the
generosity and love of Happy the Mural Artist who also painted the
mural on the side of Helping Hands building in Carytown. “Cat lovers of
Richmond have been asking if we are partial to dogs. Well, we are not.
We love cats too and another car has been donated to Helping Hands.”
Look out Richmond, you may soon be driving down the road and
be “Meowed” at. For more information about Helping Hands see
www.helpinghandsvetva.com or Happy the Mural Artist at
www.happytheartist.com