Austin Fit Magazine March 2023: The 14th Annual Fittest Dogs Issue

THE 14TH ANNUAL FITTEST DOGS ISSUE

MARC H 2 0 23

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KEEP AUSTIN FIT

From the the Director Director From

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Knowing this about myself has not only served as an amusing talking point among friends but also as a way to understand myself better. What we like or prefer often correlates with what we see ourselves as, or maybe what we aspire to be.

Whether you believe it or not, it’s fairly obvious that small and big dogs behave differently. While some credit it to genetics and others to how owners treat them, the outcome still stands: they act differently.

Something I’ve come to realize as I’ve picked apart the differences between small and large dogs is that small dogs are often seen as something to take care of or to nurture, while large dogs are more so seen as someone to partner with or to serve as a companion. And I see that in myself as I’ve always enjoyed taking care of others and have wanted to grow in that regard; maybe that’s why I love small dogs so much — because I get to embody the character I desire.

It’s funny how being around dogs teaches you a lot about yourself. Dogs reveal what you love, hate, fear, crave and covet, all just from watching them live their own life and living your life alongside them. They reflect a piece of ourselves back to us in the ways they love people, sense danger, get into trouble, avoid punishment, beg for forgiveness and crave security.

In this 14th annual Fittest Dogs Issue, we’ll cover all things pups, and we hope you Austin dog lovers enjoy every word, paragraph and page of it. You’ll get to meet our Fittest Dogs winners, gush over sweet pups like Lucy (who visited all the Texas state parks!), learn how to care for your pup, hear about local dog-centric businesses, and more!

Whatever the case, through our dogs — both big and small — we learn another piece of ourselves each day.

ARE YOU A SMALL DOG OR A BIG DOG PERSON?

verybody knows the age-old question — do you prefer small dogs or big dogs?

This question originally came up for me when I was talking to my now fiancé (then-boyfriend) about the fact that I love small dogs, and I didn’t even realize it. It only was confirmed after he pointed out that I say, “Look at how cute they are!” only in response to miniature schnauzers and scrappy-lookin’ terriers.

Keep Austin Fit,

Landry Allred

DIRECTOR OF CONTENT

MARCH 2023

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C R E AT I V I T Y

Exposure

PHOTOGRAPHER TAYLOR PRINSEN WEB S ITE: wwww.taylorprinsenphotography.com IG: @taylorprinsenphotography M O D EL S : Nader Issa and Amanda Schmid IG: @naderissa and @schhamanda

Want to possibly be featured in AFM? Email your work to afmteam @austinfitmagazine.com!

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March 2023

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THE GOOD STUFF

THE PLATFORM FOR PITS

30 AFM’S 14TH ANNUAL

52 THE PUP OF THE PARK

FITTEST DOG

MARCH 2023

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Contents

HIGHLIGHTS

Letter from the Director 4 | Digital Content 8 | Ambassador’s Corner 82 | Pet of the Month 85 | Events 86 | Rides and Races 88

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RUN MOLLY, RUN!

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MEET YOUR LOCAL HOUND HEEALER

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THE MAKINGS OF A K9 UNIT

NUTRITION

Recipe of the Month: Scooby Stew 10 Keeping Austin Dog-Friendly 12

LIFESTYLE

WELLNESS

Work & Woof: Work Hard, Play Hard 16 Puppy Love & Kid Immunity 20 The Starter Pack For Rainy Day Dog Walks 24

The Tell “Tail” Signs of an Ear Infection 58 Ruffs & Rehab 66 The Rise of Emotional Support Animals 68

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FITNESS

Fit Fido: Size Matters 76 A Walk in the Park 78 Workout of the Month at Britsbarre Virtual Studio 80

AU S T I N F I T M AG A Z I N E

AUSTINFITMAGAZINE.COM We’re more than just a monthly publication. Join us online and on our social networks to see the additional awesomeness we’re up to. austinfitmagazine.com

THE BEST FENCED AUSTIN NEIGHBORHOOD POCKET DOG PARKS

LIFESTYLE

Balance of the Outsole – Running Shoe Design Series, Pt. 3

MARCH 2023

WELLNESS

The Top 3 Veterinarian Clinics in Austin

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FITNESS

6 Tips for Running With Your Pup

CEO | LOU EARLE PUBLISHER | LYNNE EARLE CTO | DREW TERRY

#KEEPAUSTINFIT Follow us on Instagram: @ AU S T I N F I T Tag us or use the hashtag #KeepAustinFit for your post to be featured.

DIRECTOR OF CONTENT | LANDRY ALLRED ART DIRECTOR | BEN CHOMIAK PHOTOGRAPHER | BRIAN FITZSIMMONS CONTRIBUTING WRITERS Sarah Leahy, Kati Epps, Melanie Sue Hicks, Mia Barnes, Katerina Cotroneo, Mark Denesha, Tad Bodeman, Stephanie Thomas, Jason Bourgeois INTERNS Amanda Sierra, Charlotte Wells, Isabella Ferrentino, Isabella Libby, Kate Bushman, Kieaundria Bellamy, Lauren Hudson, Sam Hacker

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This publication and all of its contents are copyrighted.

Austin Fit Magazine is the assumed name of its publisher, Louis M. Earle, who has no interest in the business of Denis Calabrese who operates an exercise program under the assumed name of Austin Fit, which trains individuals to improve their jogging or running skills to participate in marathons. The views, opinions and other representations published in Austin Fit Magazine are not those of Austin Fit or any of its directors, officers, employees or agents.

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NUTRITION SPONSORED BY

Hilton Austin

MARCH 2023

RECIPE OF THE MONTH SCOOBY STEW n Check out this dog-friendly recipe to satisfy your

pup’s appetite, brought to you by the Hilton Austin.

THIS MONTH’S FEATURED RECIPE HIGHLIGHTS SCOOBY STEW, A MEAL FOR YOUR PUP THAT WILL LEAVE THEM SATISFIED AND HEALTHY.

PREPARATION: 1. Preheat the oven to 350 F. 2. Cook and cool the brown rice separately.

3. Peel and dice the sweet potato into medium cubes.

4. Warm a Dutch oven on the stove, and sauté the pre-diced chicken breast, add the sweet potato and sauté for 3 to 5 minutes.

5. Add the remaining vegetables, and place a lid on the Dutch oven. Put the Dutch oven in the oven.

6. All the chicken and veggies should braise in the oven for 2 ½ to 3 hours.

7. Remove the food from the oven, shred the chicken with a fork and add the pre-cooked brown rice.

8. Allow the food to cool, and serve as needed.

MARCH 2023

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COURTESY OF HILTON AUSTIN

INGREDIENTS: 2½ cups water 1 cup brown rice 2 cups sweet potato, cubed 2 large chicken breasts (6-8 ounces each), cut into medium cubes 2 pounds frozen mixed vegetables (corn, peas, green beans, carrots)

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NUTRITION AUTHOR

Sam Hacker

KEEPING AUSTIN DOG-FRIENDLY n Going out to eat alone isn’t always

fun, and leaving your pup at home isn’t always an option; these Austin eateries provide the best of both worlds.

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ometimes our most memorable times going out to eat include our pup — what more could you want than to enjoy a meal alongside your best friend?

Especially in such a dog-friendly city like Austin, residents are always looking for a place to bring their dogs. Here are some of the best eateries in Austin that cater to your pup so you both can have a memorable time:

Blue Lacy

JANE YUN

Made with both people and dogs in mind, Blue Lacy provides a menu for both humans and pups, with all dog items served in a doggy bowl! At this joint in Muller, your pets do need to be leashed, but there is a large open patio area for them to enjoy, which is overlooked by a fantastic dog mural. If you’re feeling something sweet, don’t fret because they’ve got ice cream, even some that your dog can enjoy!

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Bouldin Acres

Easy Tiger

You may only come to Easy Tiger for the home-baked bread, but you’ll definitely stay for the pups! Both The Linc and the East 7th locations are dog-friendly, and the workers love meeting any dog that accompanies you. Pups must be leashed and well-behaved, and while they can’t come inside, they can enjoy the outdoor patio at their leisure. Dog bowls are also available upon request if your pup gets thirsty!

COURTESY OF BOULDIN ACRES

If you’re south of Lady Bird Lake, Bouldin Acres might be the best place to take your pup! It’s not only famous for the pickleball; it’s a great place to hang out, eat smoked dishes and drink specialty cocktails all alongside your furry friend. For your dog, they offer water bowls and doggy treats at the bar, and pups can play at the fenced-in dog park. All dogs must be leashed, except in their dog park.

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Sips & Sweets Café

Yard Bar

Attached to the Kendra Scott store on South Congress Avenue in Austin, the Sips & Sweets Café welcomes all fur babies to their patio as you relax and enjoy a selection of coffee, pastries and wine year-round. The Sips & Sweets Café is also a wine bar, featuring new wines from season to season. All pets must be leashed, not only for the safety of other patrons but also because the Café sits right next to the road. While pets are welcome to stay with you as you order inside, they must stay on the patio with you during your visit.

MARCH 2023

What do you get when you cross a dog park and tasty drinks? A really great bar for Austin! The Yard Bar has an off-leash dog park where guests can enjoy a drink of their choice, whether it be a beer, cocktail or non-alcoholic beverage. Mainly centered around your dog, this bar on Burnet Road has a list of rules that are more closely aligned with a traditional dog park, so be sure to check those out! Customers must be older than 21 to enter the dog park, and dogs must be spayed or neutered as well as have collars with updated information. afm

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LIFESTYLE AUTHOR

Sarah Leahy, CPT

PHOTOGRAPHY

Courtesy of Work & Woof

WORK & WOOF: WORK HARD, PLAY HARD n As a hybrid between a doggy daycare and a co-

working space, Work & Woof takes “Bring Your Dog To Work Day” to a whole new level.

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our dog is family, but working from home can be tough for both of you — dividing your attention between your furry little bundle of joy and work responsibilities.

Enter Work & Woof, a combined doggy daycare and co-working space, is truly the first of its kind. Located in South Austin, the company grew tremendously as it approached its 5-year anniversary, with the increase in remote workers and pet adoptions over the last couple of years. What started as thoughtful dog care with a remote work environment has grown into a community-based center for dog parents to work, play and make sure their pups are having the best time.

When Work & Woof owner Jill Dretzka adopted a pup just months after relocating to Austin, she realized there was a gap in top-notch pet care that also catered to the type of doting dog parent who wants to spend their day alongside their pet. Amidst trying to find a balance between pet care and a space for remote work, Work & Woof was born.

“When I moved to Austin in 2017 from a 3-year stint in Chicago, I was trying to replicate my work experience in a co-working space, but I was also the new mom to a 1-year-old Australian Kelpie,” Dretzka says. “Trying to find a balance in my work and personal life is what led to me to create Work & Woof.”

MARCH 2023

Work & Woof ’s co-working space includes closeddoor office areas alongside an indoor dog park and doggy daycare. They’re completely crate- and kennelfree, allowing dogs to have half or full days of play, with plenty of nap breaks. They also offer basic grooming services on-site for the pups and enrichment sessions with their small staff of dog trainers. Monthly themed photoshoots are also available if you want to capture some memories.

While working next to a room full of excited dogs sounds like a blast, it also sounds, well, loud.

Dretzka’s regular members describe it the way only a dog parent would — sometimes pups can be heard in the background of a Zoom call, but they just explain where they are and move on. A regular Work & Woof member, Erin Morrison, says the greatest distraction is “occasionally being distracted by a cute puppy.”

This space has provided a service to not only pups in Dretzka’s care but also to local dog lovers looking for connection and pet parent advice. First-time dog owner Haverly Damon says Work & Woof has been an irreplaceable part of her pet parent experience since she has plenty of access to dog trainers and other great resources.

“Coworkers chat with each other, and I visit with other dog owners,” Damon says. “It’s a positive and pleasant environment to be in, (even) before you add in

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the dogs.”

Aside from all the fun, though, Work & Woof is dedicated to giving back to the community, as they’re active year-round in their work to support local dog rescues and shelters. The pandemic gave Dretzka a perspective shift on what the business could do for the community, which has led to countless donation drives to help others throughout Austin.

“We are way more community-focused than I ever thought about before I opened,” Dretzka says. “(...)

COVID helped me realize what was going to work for us and what we needed to leave behind to succeed.”

Dretzka’s vision for a co-working space built for dog people, by dog people, has grown into an incredible community, both within the space and beyond. What started out as a unique idea has proved to be endlessly valuable in a dog-friendly city like Austin.

While there are no concrete future plans, Dretzka would love to expand and thinks the concept could work in any metropolitan area.

MARCH 2023

“I can’t imagine doing anything else. I am so passionate about assisting parents and our pet community here in Austin,” Dretzka says. “As long as the community has us and is willing to give us a chance, we will be here to serve.”

Interested in trying out Work & Woof ? Check them out online at workandwoofatx.com or on Instagram @workandwoofatx. afm Sarah Leahy, CPT is a Minneapolis transplant in East Austin, certified personal trainer, award-winning interior designer and former gym owner. She offers in-person and online training with an emphasis on strength training and building confidence in and out of the gym.

Leahy’s passion for strength extends to your business, with a full offering of gym design and business consulting services.

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LIFESTYLE AUTHOR

Kati Epps

PUPPY LOVE & KID IMMUNITY n When it comes to building your child’s immunity, owning a furry friend might be the next best thing to medication.

MARCH 2023

KATERINA COTRONEO

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uppy kisses and baby giggles — they’re sweet and, better yet, surprisingly healthy for your household!

Owning a dog provides more than unconditional love and an in-house playmate for your children; did you know that pups also help boost your child’s immune system? Especially in the first year of a child’s life, owning a dog could be exactly what you need to prepare them for the outside world.

A study conducted in Sweden from 2001-2010 illustrated the reduction in asthma cases for children who were exposed to pets and those who were not.

During their first year of life, those children who had dogs or were exposed to farm animals had a reduced risk of asthma compared to preschool-aged children (3-5 years) and school-age children (5-7 years) before the age of 6 by 13%.

Another study from 2012 by the Journal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology illustrated that dogs, in particular, decreased the likelihood of eczema in children they were exposed to in their first year of life.

But how does it work? How is it that playing and loving on our pups builds our immune systems and helps to promote a healthier body? When dogs go outside to play, they walk through the dirt, sniff around their environments, roll in the grass and even chase other animals. The germs that they pick up

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COURTESY OF KATI EPPS COURTESY OF KATI EPPS

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while outside are then brought indoors on their paws, noses and fur. This may initially seem like a turn-off to bringing a dog around your family, but these germs are essential for building our microbiome to keep us healthy.

Another study from 2005 supported these findings and even went further to establish that it takes as little as 18 minutes of exposure to a dog to raise immunoglobulin A (IgA) levels in human saliva. This antibody helps to protect against infection.

But that’s not all! The benefits of having a dog in your family are greater than just a boost for your child’s immune health. Some other benefits include the fact that: Dogs are incredible companions. They provide unconditional love and friendship, which can ease anxiety and promote self-assurance. Children love a warm snuggle when watching a TV show, when they want comfort or if they are feeling disconnected from the world around them.

Dogs are great athletes. Taking dogs outside to play, going for a walk or hike, and throwing a ball for fetch all reduce stress, increase physical movement and promote outdoor recreation. Children love to be outside, play games like “tag” and roll around in the grass.

Dogs are social. Many dogs love to meet new people and play with other dogs. This provides social and emotional confidence for children. When children learn to play kindly with their dogs, it rolls over into their ability to play kindly with their peers.

There is nothing sweeter than bringing home your new human baby and introducing them to your fur baby, and the dream only gets sweeter when you realize it’s actually benefitting your little one in healthy ways.

Those years of crawling, toddling, then running after the family’s four-legged friends create lasting memories, encourage feelings of joy and promise security in the knowledge that your children are happy and healthy.

Here’s to some puppy love and healthy children! afm Coach Kati Epps is the founder of MyBody GX with a background in chemistry from Colorado State University, an ACE-certified personal trainer, a health coach and a nutrition specialist.

AU S T I N F I T M AG A Z I N E

LIFESTYLE AUTHOR

Melanie Sue Hicks

RUN MOLLY, RUN! n Sometimes our dogs teach us a

plentitude of life lessons simply by living their own lives. This is what mine taught me.

COURTESY OF MELANIE SUE HICKS

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wo years ago, I stood in a New Mexico desert and watched happiness unfold. My golden retriever Molly, the usual solemn old soul of a puppy, was running at full speed across the landscape, her long legs in a fully extended gallop. She circled the cactus and zig-zagged through the scrub brush. Every so often, she’d stop and look at me with puffed-out ears and a smile I’d never seen before. Then, she’d begin again.

On the third day of this ritual, something clicked — this is the first time she has been able to do what she was built to do; the first time she had the space and freedom to be the creature she was made to be. This Molly was born in a kennel, moved to her first owner’s tiny apartment, then landed with us where she has a backyard only big enough to make a few strides before hitting a fence.

I stood frozen in awe — of her speed, grace and sheer delight. It was a living metaphor for my life; the daily fight to live the life I was meant to live, to be the person I’m made to be.

It’s easy to stay in the safe lanes of life, to live a life dictated by societal or family expectations and norms.

But we can’t let that happen! Being our fully authentic selves is the only way to live with a sense of purpose

2. Hang Your Head Out the Window

We’ve all seen it; the tongue waving, the hair blowing in the wind, the endlessly happy smile on the face. Yep, that’s a dog with her head out the window, taking in the view.

When you chase your dreams, you feel alive and happy. You’re more likely to achieve your goals by boosting motivation and passion for life. Pursuing dreams and taking in the full view of life will be more fulfilling and satisfying.

3. Prance Your Way Through Life

Like most goldens, Molly doesn’t just walk from place to place — she prances.

The lightness in her step is mesmerizing for its joyful symbolism. Remember a day when you felt like that? Maybe you achieved that goal you’d been working hard for or had a wonderful interaction with a friend or loved one. Or perhaps you just felt beautiful in your skin. Those days are magical.

We all have a version of Molly’s prance in us, and the more often we harness that power, the better our life will be. Seeing life through that lens has a plethora of benefits, from building confidence and self-esteem to feeling more in control of your life and destiny. When you have healthy self-esteem, you feel good about yourself, regardless of accomplishments or failures.

and direction. Pursuing your dream life fills you with zest, energy and passion for the day ahead.

But how do we find that joy? Let’s start small, with some simple Molly-recommended tips for living your dream life:

The routines of daily life can chip away at our true joy if we let them. Taking a cue from Molly helps keep our perspective in check. She reminds us life is as simple or complex as we allow it to be. Most importantly, she reminds us that what happens to us is out of our control, but it’s our daily choice to find joy in this life. afm

1. Seek Out New Experiences Daily If there’s one thing I learn daily from Molly, it’s the excitement of trying new things. Molly is the kind of pup that will race you to the car door in anticipation of new sights, smells or experiences. Her excitement isn’t only palpable but infectious. It’s a daily reminder to get out of my rut and find adventure in the uncomfortable.

Tapping into the power of new things can be difficult. It’s hard to step out of your comfort zone and experience something different. However, there are so many benefits to taking risks. By trying new activities, you can discover hidden talents and interests that could open the door to a new job, hobby or group of friends.

Finally, taking risks helps you become a more well-rounded person. It allows you to grow your understanding and tolerance of others, and it lightens your soul to live the fullest version of yourself.

Melanie Sue Hicks is an adventureseeking, social impact advocate dedicated to helping others overcome fear and live their dharma. Her debut memoir Incongruent; Travel, Trauma, Transformation hits shelves in March 2023. As an empathy-driven author and education, nonprofit and workplace expert, she has been interviewed and published in more than two dozen magazines and websites including Forbes, Marie Claire, Authority Magazine, See Beyond Magazine, Thrive Global, The District and Doctor’s Life Magazine.

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LIFESTYLE AUTHOR

Mia Barnes

THE STARTER PACK FOR RAINY DAY DOG WALKS n When it rains, lacking the essentials is no longer a valid excuse for ditching your dog walks. Here are five necessities to save for a rainy day.

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s spring nears, so do the showers, but that doesn’t mean you always have to opt for a cuddle session on the couch with your pup rather than braving the rain and staying active.

Thankfully, you can equip yourself and your dog with items that make rainy walks a little more bearable. Here are some must-haves that can transform how you walk in difficult weather.

1. Raincoat

and can absorb nearly seven times their weight. Invest in a small one, and you’ll never want to go back to regular cotton towels.

Both you and your dog should have a coat to keep you dry. You wouldn’t want to get drenched while walking, so why would your dog want to feel soaked? Make sure to measure your dog accurately before buying a raincoat.

Dogs’ shapes are as unique as humans, so you should always pick based on measurements, not what size you think your dog’s breed is.

You’ll want to get your pup adjusted to their new raincoat as soon as possible. Many dogs don’t like wearing clothes, so you might have to introduce the coat gradually, allowing them to wear it for a little while. Once your pup is used to wearing its raincoat, you should be able to take it on a trial walk without any issues.

3. Bag of Treats

The rain brings out all sorts of distractions, including creatures like slugs and worms on the ground. If you have treats handy, your dog’s focus will likely snap back to you.

Make sure to use positive reinforcement to tell your dog when they’re doing a good job.

Taking a walk is one of the best ways to stay mindful of the present moment so you can enjoy every minute of the walk with your dog. Keeping your bag of treats close by will remind your dog to focus on you, allowing the walk to go more smoothly. It can also teach your dog to look forward to fun times in the rain.

2. Microfiber Towel

You’ll want to roll up a microfiber towel and take it with you on your walk. You never know when you’ll need to dry off yourself or your dog — maybe your path leads you through a puddle or drenches you through your coats.

Microfiber towels are perfect for drying off your pup because they dry quickly, preventing bacteria growth,

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4. Portable Water Bowl

Dogs and humans both get thirsty when completing any physical activity. The water outside could contain bacteria that might make your dog sick, so teach your dog to avoid drinking out of puddles and other standing water.

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Have a collapsible bowl on hand with some clean water to help your pup whenever they get thirsty. That way, you can ensure they stay safe and healthy without taking a chance by drinking out of a murky puddle.

on walks, so you should do what you can to make the best of it — even if the rain seems daunting.

Taking these essentials with you on a rainy day dog walk can keep you and your dog safe and help improve the quality of your time together. When you get home, you can always dry off and snuggle up on the couch to enjoy the weather from the comfort of your living room! afm

5. A Positive Attitude

One of the most important things you can bring with you on a rainy day walk is an optimistic outlook. While you may not love the rain, adopting a positive attitude can improve your situation.

Consider all the positives walking can bring you. Just going on regular walks can help you improve your physical health by losing weight and decreasing joint pain. Think of the walk less as a chore and more as an opportunity to spend more time with your dog. With a different outlook, you’ll likely have a better time with your pup.

Mia Barnes is a health and wellness writer and editor-in-chief at Body + Mind. She specifically enjoys writing about women’s fitness, as well as mental healthrelated topics. When she’s not writing, Barnes can usually be found reading poetry, taking a dance or cardio class, or hiking.

Make Time to Enjoy the Rain

According to Statista, around 69 million households in the U.S. own a dog, meaning most of those people probably understand that sometimes they must sacrifice their own wants for their dog’s needs. You need to take your dog out

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LIFESTYLE AUTHOR

Katerina Cotroneo

PHOTOGRAPHY

Courtesy of Kennedy Eurich

THE PLATFORM FOR PITS n Pit bulls have always received a bad rap, and local TikTok star Kennedy Eurich hopes to flip that perception around.

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ocal star Kennedy Eurich doesn’t just talk the talk on TikTok; she walks the walk.

Eurich (@ken.eurich), who has a TikTok following of over 1.4 million people, is a huge advocate for animals and has grown to be passionate about helping our four-legged companions. Though she initially became popular for her quick wit and genuineness, Eurich has embraced the “soft” side of her brand, literally. Recently, Eurich held an event Ken & Kids, where she raised over $8,000 for the local Austin Animal Center — the same place where she got her beloved pup, Lil Ma. Lil Ma, or “Ma” for short, is a 5-year-old pit bull rescue who got the name from Eurich since having had babies before she was given to the shelter. With stars in her eyes, Eurich says when she met her, it was a “cosmic connection.”

“I played with her and couldn’t stop thinking about her while looking around at the other dogs at the adoption event, thinking, ‘Is this really the path I want to go down right now?’” Eurich says. “I started crying.

I was so emotional as soon as I committed to getting her.”

Now, Eurich takes Ma with her everywhere — coffee shops, walks through the city, shopping trips, meet and greets. However, it wasn’t long before she started to take notice of people’s attitudes toward pit bulls,

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which surprised Eurich as she didn’t even think twice about pit bulls as an issue. Nonetheless, when she and Ma went out, Ma received many glares from others and her bark was frowned upon far worse than other dogs’ barks.

Eurich eventually turned to social media to talk about the discrimination she continued to see against pit bulls and Ma, specifically. It broke her heart because she knew Ma to be snuggly, sweet, caring and mothery and believed these people only judged a book by its cover.

“Lil Ma has improved my quality of life far more than inconvenienced me,” Eurich says.

According to a study, pit bulls are reported to stay in the shelter the longest in comparison to all other dog breeds. The study also suggests people are more reluctant to adopt when a pit bull is the dog in question.

Because of this stigma, Eurich wants the best for her dog so she registered Ma in training sessions to help her break old habits; she even started documenting the journey via TikTok. Over the course of several weeks, the trainer told Eurich that Ma wasn’t dangerous.

“Ma is not aggressive in the slightest,” Eurich says.

“It’s her being scared that triggers the bark.”

They’re even working on getting her to stay quiet when she’s nervous.

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Eurich hopes to educate her audience on the stigma around pit bulls through TikTok where she’s made heartfelt videos asking why people are judgemental and discriminatory toward pit bulls when they’re so kind and loving. She says, realistically, all dogs bark — why should Ma be seen as different?

She’s even seen how Ma has behaved around her own cats, which was Eurich’s biggest setback when it came to adopting Ma as her cats were her “whole world.”

Thankfully, her two cats grew to love Ma as much as she did and now, they’re one happy family. Ma is a gentle giant to them and even acts as a motherly figure.

Overall, Eurich says Ma, along with her cats, have helped make Austin feel more like a home to her and helped support her well-being.

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“Ma has significantly helped my mental health; she makes me so happy,” Eurich says. “I’d pay someone 10 times over to have her in my life.” afm Katerina Cotroneo is an author and professional photographer who uses her marketing background and talent behind the camera and has been published in AFM, Authentic Texas, Waterways Magazine, Tribeza and more.

Cotroneo captures idiosyncratic stories through her lens and portrays diverse perspectives in her writing.

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4.16.23 | CAP10K.COM

REGISTER NOW FOR $65

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Wonder what it means to Keep Austin Fit? These pups know exactly what we’re talking about. Check out the finest, fittest canines of Austin.

AUTHOR AFM TEAM PHOTOGRAPHY BRIAN FITZSIMMONS

APRIL MARCH 2023

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Louie Sublime Louie Sublime is a 3-year-old Dalmatian living his best life soaking up the smells and sights the Greenbelt provides. He’s a frequent visitor of Zilker Park where he’s never met a stranger nor found a ball or toy that wasn’t fair game. Some of his favorite hobbies include chasing seagulls on the beach or reindeer up mountains and learning tricks for a piece of cheese. When Lou Dog isn’t out making new friends or flirting with neighbors, he can always be found snuggled up at home with his mom and dad. Shoutout to WalkATX and K9 Kenny, some of his favorite businesses!

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Boa Redhawk Boa Redhawk is an expert frolicker and trail-blazing warrior. She befriends all beings on her path, bringing smiles to those around her (squirrels excluded!).

She loves to run and play, especially in open spaces where she can stretch her legs and enjoy the fresh air. Boa brings companionship and support to her person. She’s always there to provide a comforting nuzzle or a listening ear.

Boa’s boundless energy and enthusiasm for life are contagious and inspiring.

She was adopted from APA in the midst of the pandemic.

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Crosby & Maggie It was love at first sight when Cosby and Maggie met at 5 and 7 months old; they’ve been inseparable since. Their love of running was immediate — they run on and off leash, around Town Lake, and along the Greenbelt trails, rain or shine. They’ve worked out with their mother’s running club and have participated in local races. They run every day, 20 to 40 miles per week; 16 miles is their longest run… so far. Aside from daily runs, swims, squirrel chasing and bunny stalking, their favorite activity is cuddling on top of each other at home with their humans.

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Mando Mando is a 3-year-old Rhodesian Ridgeback named after the Mandalorian due to his dark face “mask,” tough build and his parents’ love for all things Star Wars! A fun fact about Rhodesian Ridgebacks is that they were once bred to hunt lions in Africa. While Mando weighs 80 pounds and has a deep bark, he’s also extremely cuddly and loves a good neck and belly rub. He enjoys going on daily walks, spending weekends at breweries and hiking trails around Austin. Don’t let those gray hairs fool you; he still gets the nightly zoomies just like any other young pup!

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Xena Named after “Xena: Warrior Princess,” Xena is pound-for-pound the fittest dog around. This beautiful Basenji is 1 year old and 20 pounds of twisted steel and sex appeal. She’s a model but don’t let that fool you. She’s also a triple threat of agility, speed and endurance who LOVES playing with other doggies. It doesn’t matter the size, age or breed; if it’s a doggo, it’s a go-go.

Just how a fighter prepares for a fight: sparring five rounds with five new/fresh fighters, Xena does this with dogs. It’s truly remarkable.

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Oliver Oliver, named after the cat in “Oliver and Company,” is a pandemic puppy turned anxiety support puppy. When he’s not helping mom with her anxiety, he’s working on his frisbee-catching skills, hanging with his siblings, hiking the Greenbelt or at the park playing with his puppy pals. Oliver won the Social Butterfly Award at his daycare in 2021 and is currently working toward his Canine Good Citizen title and getting started with agility training. He’s always up for a new challenge; whether it be a new sport or trick, Oliver goes above and beyond to succeed!

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Dakota Rescued during Hurricane Laura, Dakota stepped into her family’s story during the pandemic. With the limitations of social distancing, Kota’s family focused on hiking, which helped her overcome her fear of being in a car. During 2021, Kota and her family did over 100 hikes across six states, and being in a car no longer held her back. She also became an Austin Bark Ranger. Kota loves running on trails; she runs with such speed that it sounds like a horse. Despite going on 5-plus mile walks, she always has the energy for more but has no problem relaxing and napping!

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Goose While Goose doesn’t look like a standard golden doodle, she has all the energy one would expect.

Goose enjoys group fitness at the dog park; she knows how to encourage other dogs with their toys. Goose knows when there are days to play hard and push herself (as well as her friends), but even better, she knows when she needs a rest day. Plus, it doesn’t hurt that she’s the studio dog for AFM’s Best New Studio in Austin 2022 — Grit ATX. She encourages people to work their hardest and congratulates them with kisses when they’re done.

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Sullivan This fun-loving guy might be almost 8 years old but that doesn’t slow down this German shepherd/border collie mix. Sully hikes five days a week with his mom and the other pack members of Ultimutt Adventures. Sully’s other hobbies include swimming, scent work, playing frisbee and making friends. He’s not only active on the trails but also around Austin, recently winning a local 5K Halloween costume contest dressed as a taco! In spite of his energy, there is not a more gentle protector for any puppies or kids in his vicinity.

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Cino Cino, short for Cappuccino, is a beloved 4-year-old Shih Tzu. Known as Coach Cino to his mom’s online fitness clients, he adds tips on stretching, mostly the downward dog. Cino performed puppy burpees for a local fundraiser and sent 50 at-risk youth to camp. He co-emceed Emancipet’s fitness event, Pulling For Pets, which provides affordable vet care. Cino was also named People’s Choice at the Texas Mighty Dog Walk, bringing awareness to service animals. While Cino’s “cool in his shades,” he exhibits a warm heart for fellow pets. Spreading joy to the community is the new Fit!

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Cheza Cheza — meaning “play” in Swahili — astonishes with her repertoire of over 200 tricks, and she’s among the handful of dogs in the world who can balance and walk on a ball. Her most extraordinary trick (a foot stall) begins with her mom Heidi lying on her back with her feet up. With one explosive leap, Cheza lands on Heidi’s feet and surveys the world, wagging perpetually. When she’s not dumbfounding humans with her balance, Cheza loves swimming, long hikes, agility, rally obedience, training in human remains detection and spreading joy as a Divine Canines therapy dog. Cheza is also a returning Fittest Dogs Winner from 2021!

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Congratulations to all of the winners this year, and thank you to those who submitted! afm

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The Pup of the Park When Dale Blasingame set out to visit every Texas state park within a year, he never expected to find his best friend in the form of four legs and a furry tail.

AUTHOR LANDRY ALLRED PHOTOGRAPHY BRIAN FITZSIMMONS

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Struck With Serendipity

Some challenges lead to failure, others lead to success, but few lead to an unexpected bonus. The latter was the case for Dale Blasingame.

Austin-based Blasingame started July 2014 with the personal challenge to visit every Texas state park within a year. Though he finished the challenge two days late, he had a new accomplishment under his belt and a new best friend, Lucy the dog, who has since visited every Texas state park and wiggled her way into Blasingame’s heart.

“I’m a very independent person and am totally comfortable being by myself; I’ve never wanted to be married,” Blasingame says. “But enjoying adventures with someone or something, there is something special to that(...) it’s always better with a best friend.”

Blasingame, who never would’ve described himself as an “outdoors person,” got into visiting parks after a bad breakup. He started traveling as a hobby and eventually visited Big Bend for the first time. When he saw the Milky Way, it was love at first sight; nature became his passion — one that only grew after having a dream in 2014 about traveling across the country.

He wondered why this couldn’t be a reality and took a spontaneous solo trip.

After a slew of national park visits and that restless feeling of “what’s next?”, an old flame suggested he visit state parks. Eventually, he wound up at Pedernales Falls State Park where the park ranger asked if he wanted a state park pass. At that moment, he decided to start his challenge of visiting all Texas state parks in a year.

With Pedernales kicking off his year-long challenge, he used his weekends and holiday breaks to check off his list. But in September 2014, everything changed.

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Halfway through an 11-mile hike at Buescher State Park, Blasingame met a man and his dog. After finishing the trail together, Blasingame asked him about getting a dog to hike with; he said he wouldn’t regret it.

On his way home, Blasingame noticed a small handmade outside the PetSmart across the street from his house, which was advertising an adoption event. He walked inside and met his future best friend, Lucy, who was named Fancy at the time.

“The funniest part about meeting Lucy is she wanted nothing to do with me,” Blasingame says. “She was so enthralled with her foster parent.”

Blasingame and Lucy made a lap around the store in which Lucy spent most of it trying to return to her foster mother. He addressed Lucy’s foster mother about it and after she spoke with Lucy, Blasingame took her on a walk again, and everything was different.

“It was as if Lucy 100% understood what (her foster mother) said,” Blasingame says. “She was a totally different dog.”

He adopted 9-month-old Lucy at the end of the month, and they started pursuing life together, side by side.

On the Trail Again

When Lucy came into Blasingame’s life, he was already about halfway through his state parks challenge. So, he decided to bring her along. The first state park they visited together was Resaca de la Palma State Park in October 2014.

“We went on a very short hike; I was scared to death because I had read there are so many snakes there,”

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A Guiding Force

Blasingame remembers. “Our hike was basically her and I running through the park.”

Blasingame and Lucy finished out his state parks challenge in July 2015 and circled back through the parks Lucy missed from his earlier days of the challenge. Along the way, he learned about her quirks, from her deep fear of water to her love of climbing rocks. She also grew to love visiting state parks just as much as Blasingame, if not more.

“She doesn’t get excited on any other turns or slowdowns (in the car), but she knows when I’m making that turn into a park,” Blasingame says.

He says when they’re driving to their favorite state park, Palo Duro Canyon State Park, she even knows where the exit is.

In December 2018, Lucy’s journey of visiting all the Texas state parks finally ended at Monahans Sandhills State Park where she was especially excited.

Blasingame says it seemed as if Lucy knew this was a special trip as she didn’t want to get back in the car to leave like she typically does.

“It was unlike anything I’ve ever seen before from her,” Blasingame says. “(...) It was like she knew it was a big deal.”

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Though 2018 felt like a mountain peak experience, making memories together and accomplishing their state park challenge together, the past few years have felt like a valley. Within the past two years, Blasingame lost both of his parents, and Blasingame and Lucy haven’t been able to travel as much since.

“I’ve been in very heavy grief mode (...) and she’s what got me through that,” Blasingame says. “I cherish every minute I have with her, especially when she’s happy and having fun; that means the world to me.”

Blasingame says he can never repay Lucy for the ways she’s helped him through this dark season.

And as time has passed, he’s been able to show his appreciation by getting back into nature with her.

“Now, I’m just trying to make it up to her for these past few years where I’ve been in bed crying every day (and reminding) myself to get back out there and enjoy life,” Blasingame says. “It was a reminder to me that nature heals; (it’s) where you find so many things in life.”

However, as time allows for healing, it also lends itself to the reality of aging. Lucy turned 9 years old in December 2022, which will usher in many more

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serious “senior dog” conversations. He’s also noticed she’s slowed down quite a bit on their walks, which once used to be 13 miles and now end up being around two.

Though Lucy’s aging is a sobering thought, it also serves as a reminder for Blasingame to make the most of the time they have together by showing her as much as he can.

“We don’t have a goal, and that’s OK,” Blasingame says. “I have to remind myself I don’t always have to do these giant projects (but) just enjoy our time together

and remember how much nature means to the both of us.”

Blasingame reflects on that first drive back from Buescher State Park when he noticed the sign for the adoptions at PetSmart. He wonders how different his life would’ve been if that day had gone another way.

“My life would be totally different if I would have been like, ‘No, I’ve got stuff to do’ or ‘I’m tired,’” Blasingame says. “I’m so glad I stopped at that sign and said something to the foster mom(...) We had that conversation and that gave me my best friend.” afm

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WELLNESS AUTHOR

Mia Barnes

THE TELL “TAIL” SIGNS OF AN EAR INFECTION n Dogs can’t necessarily share when they’re in pain, so it’s helpful to get ahead of the game and catch when your pup has an ear infection before it gets worse.

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econd to smell, hearing is a prominent sense for pups. But without healthy ears, dogs lose an important avenue to understand the world around them.

Ear infections are common ailments among dogs, which can happen in three different forms: otitis externa, otitis media and otitis interna.

Each has different concerns but all of them need treatment.

Otitis externa occurs when inflammation afflicts the cell layer positioned at the outer or external portion of the ear. This is the least serious form of ear infection.

Otitis media is inflammation in the middle of the ear.

It’s more serious than otitis externa since it’s farther inside the body. Otitis interna is inflammation in the center of the ear and is the most serious infection.

rolling in the mud or retaining water inside it after a bath. Dogs with larger ears are more susceptible to infections, as their inner ears are more vulnerable to outside elements.

Signs of an Ear Infection

Thankfully, there are ways to tell when your dog has an ear infection. Here are the signs to look out for in your pup.

• Scratching: One of the most apparent signs of a canine ear infection is scratching on, in or around the ear. All dogs itch on occasion, but frequent or persistent scratching at these areas or scabbing from it are signs that their ear is very itchy or in pain.

Causes of an Ear Infection

An ear infection can develop on its own or escalate from another issue. For example, unmanaged food allergies can disturb your dog’s system and cause an infection. The same goes if your dog has an immune condition that makes them vulnerable to infections.

Ear infections can oftentimes come from bacteria entering and multiplying in the ear, whether from

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• Discharge: When there’s an infection, your dog’s white blood cells will try to fight it off. This creates yellow, brown or bloody discharge from the ear.

• Odor: The bacteria from an infection can emit a smell from your dog’s ears, making it necessary to contact a veterinarian.

• Rubbing: In order to relieve pain and itching, your dog might rub their ear on surfaces like the floor or furniture.

• Hair Loss: An ear infection can cause hair loss around the infected area. The stress from an infection can also cause them to shed excessively, so pay attention to their grooming needs and observe any signs of distress as you do so.

• Tilting: When your dog’s ear is uncomfortable,

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n WELLNESS they could try to relieve that discomfort by tilting or shaking their head.

• Imbalance: When an ear infection increases in severity, it could cause your dog to lose their balance. This is a critical sign that needs immediate attention.

• Eye Movements: If your dog’s eyes are moving in a strange way, it could indicate a severe infection is occurring.

• Circling: Whether from nerves or the infection spreading to their neurological system, it’s important to get your pup evaluated if they’re walking in circles seemingly without reason.

• Hearing Loss: A severe ear infection can cause your dog to lose hearing when it damages the inner ear.

Though the symptoms of an ear infection can develop gradually, it’s also common for them to suddenly show signs of one. Dogs are good at hiding minor discomfort,

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but it might seem like a switch flips in your pup when it escalates. Many dogs with ear infections will go from perfectly happy to showing multiple symptoms almost immediately.

If this happens, don’t panic. Contact your vet about seeing them for a possible ear infection. You can help your pup by staying calm and providing treats and comfort until you can take them in.

We hate to see our pets in pain but taking action when you notice signs can help prevent the discomfort from getting worse and causing major problems. If you suspect your dog has an ear infection, contact your vet about possible treatments to get your pup back to their normal self with healthy ears. afm Mia Barnes is a health and wellness writer and editor-in-chief at Body + Mind. She specifically enjoys writing about women’s fitness, as well as mental healthrelated topics. When she’s not writing, Barnes can usually be found reading poetry, taking a dance or cardio class, or hiking.

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WELLNESS AUTHOR

Kate Bushman

MEET YOUR LOCAL HOUND HEALER n Just as our pups can help improve our mental health, we can only do the

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arents will give the world if it makes their children happy, even if their children have four legs and fur.

her own animals and friends.

“I really wanted to do my heart’s work, (which) was natural medicine, animals and people,” Miller-Young says.

“So, I decided to put them together.”

Miller-Young created an official course for pet parents on nutrition, mindset and the basics of homeopathy. While taking the course, clients saw life-changing results in their four-legged friends.

One success story Miller-Young experienced was a pup named Max who swallowed a sewing needle, which had to be surgically removed. Since then, Max has struggled with chronic digestive issues and raw, red paw pads. The vet couldn’t rid Max of his chronic problems, but Miller-Young and Max’s parent worked together using homeopathy, and Max was healed. “(Max’s parent) has her dog back and a skill that will serve her, her dog and any other people or animals she cares about for life,” Miller-Young says.

Health coaching is vital to a holistic life for both animals and humans because medical professionals are only taught standard treatment in school. With health coaching, Miller-Young looks beyond typical medicine.

“The conventional medical system is challenging to navigate for people and pet parents,” Miller-Young says.

“Conventional doctors and veterinarians were not taught preventative medicine in med school. My mission is to teach pet parents the other way, and the other way is full of options to help the body heal itself.”

However, Miller-Young understands her work alone isn’t always enough to cure clients. If needed, she brings in homeopathic vets or expert pet trainers to help the animal in ways she cannot. Whether it’s Miller-Young’s hands-on work or the help of another source, the Hound Healer’s

Just like humans, pets struggle with their nutritional well-being, medical ailments and mental health. However, a pet’s plea for help is often seen as a normal woof or meow, until they end up in the vet’s office. Jody Miller-Young, local certified pet homeopathic educator and founder of The Hound Healer, speaks on her life as a pet health coach and the value of her work in changing animals’ lives.

Growing up in a health-conscious home, Miller-Young was always interested in health. Her work in homeopathy, however, started when her daughter was 3 years old and overcame an ear infection through natural medicine.

Miller-Young carried this appreciation for natural medicine with her as the years passed.

For 30 years, Miller-Young was a publicist in New York City before retiring and creating two companies built on her passion for animals and fashion: Couture by Sophie and Bark & Swagger. When her pup Sophie developed a brutal skin condition, Miller-Young also found herself with intestinal issues; she returned to her roots of homeopathy and nutrition to cure herself and Sophie.

“Homeopathy cured my stomach issue when nothing else would,” Miller-Young says. “And it got Sophie 75% cured (of ) her skin condition. It was an entree back into a world that I love but was not focusing on. I dove (into homeopathy) really, really deep.”

Miller-Young took her passion to a new level after it cured Sophie; she found mentors and masters in the U.S., India and Canada and studied intensely by working with

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COURTESY OF JODY MILLER-YOUNG

same for them in return as their owners.

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n WELLNESS clients and their animals by connecting them to a similar mindset.

“We have the answers inside of us in terms of what we need to do,” Miller-Young says. “We need someone who is going to help us learn ourselves and our pets deeper, and then the answers become very clear.” afm

VICTOR ANG

goal remains the same — to ensure the pet’s well-being.

By bringing other professionals into the pet healing process, Miller-Young is able to help clients learn mindset tools to help their animals reach a healthier life stage. She also supplies clients with the right questions to ask the vet, enabling them to feel empowered and informed at their appointments.

As a pet health coach, Miller-Young isn’t just a bridge between medical professionals and clients; she’s a bridge between the pet and pet parents.

She closes the spiritual gap between her

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WELLNESS AUTHOR

Mark Denesha

RUFFS & REHAB n With the maladies that life often

offers, canine rehabilitation could be just what your pup needs to get back that pep in their step.

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What are some signs that indicate a pet would be a good candidate for rehabilitation?

ehabilitation isn’t just for people; our fourlegged friends can benefit from professional rehab services just like you and me.

As a physical therapist, I treat people for acute injuries or help them recover from surgery. But the benefits of physical therapy treatments such as decreased pain, improved strength and improved mobility also extend to dogs.

Our pets can suffer from similar maladies as us; osteoarthritis, hip dysplasia, muscle strains and fractures are just a few of the conditions that can be treated with the help of a pet health professional.

Luckily, our pets have options. Veterinarians, physical therapists and chiropractors are a few professionals eligible for canine rehabilitation certification.

I spoke with two local animal healthcare professionals — Amanda Massey, a chiropractor and owner of Elite Motion & Performance, who took postdoctoral courses to learn how to adjust animals, and Jenna Scibilia, a veterinarian, owner of Vet Around Town and certified canine rehabilitation specialist who is also certified in pet acupuncture.

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Amanda Massey: All animals with a spine deserve chiropractic care to ensure they’re developing correctly.

Acute injuries to extremities or the spine benefit from care greatly to accelerate the recovery process.

Aging dogs also benefit from holistic care to prolong and improve the quality of their lives as they age.

Performance horses and dogs benefit from chiropractic care to prevent injuries and perform better, faster and stronger.

Jenna Scibilia: It’s easy to miss signs of pain in our pets. They don’t complain as humans do! They often will not cry or whine and will still act happy and wagging despite their pain. Things like limping, slowing down on walks, hesitating to jump or use stairs, being slow to sit down or get up, or having a hunched posture are all common with pain. Some signs are even more subtle, such as spending less time following the family around the house, showing grumpy behaviors or even licking at their joints. If these signs are noticed, a vet exam is needed.

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Is there anything you want pet owners to know?

JS: I truly believe that “age is not a disease,” and by incorporating some easy changes into our pets’ daily lives, we can greatly enhance the quality of their senior years. Consulting with a veterinary rehab professional is best to do at the first signs of orthopedic or neurologic changes in pets, but it’s never too late to help improve their lives!

What does a typical treatment session look like?

AM: A typical treatment session includes a neurological and orthopedic assessment, (assessment of ) range of motion and pain responses and gait analysis prior to making any adjustments to the body.

Gentle adjustments are applied by hand or with an activator to reset the neurological communication from the brain to the tissues that hold the joint in alignment.

Chiropractic adjustments (allow) the nerve to fully communicate with the surrounding tissues, thus reducing muscle spasms and pain. It will also improve the range of motion, stability, muscular strength and reflexes.

As a dog lover, I understand how important our pets’ well-being can be. They truly become part of the family, and keeping them healthy and happy is important. If your fur baby is showing any of the signs mentioned above, don’t hesitate to reach out to professionals and get them the help they need. The licks and tail wags will be worth it! afm Mark Denesha, PT, DPT is the owner of Forever Forward Physical Therapy — an Austin-based fully equipped mobile PT clinic. FFPT services include manual therapy, strength training and injury recovery, when and where you need it. Denesha’s collegiate sports and military background, combined with his curiosity for movement, have influenced his treatment style, which prioritizes strength and function.

JS: Most visits involve a combination of manual therapies (stretching, massage, etc), treatment modalities (acupuncture, laser therapy, e-stim, etc.), and therapeutic exercises. Each visit is different and depends on the patient’s specific needs based on their progression and exam.

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WELLNESS AUTHOR

Tad Bodeman

THE RISE OF EMOTIONAL SUPPORT ANIMALS n With a lesser regulated certification process than service animals and mental health benefits, the trend of emotional support animals is on the rise.

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ince 2009, the National Service Animal Registry has helped around 115, 832 animals become registered as emotional support animals — and this trend only continues to grow.

With an increasingly stressful, fearful and overwhelming world around us, it’s no surprise people are seeking companionship and comfort in large numbers. In the past few years alone, we’ve experienced economic uncertainty, social unrest and extreme isolation as a response to COVID-19. This is exacerbated by a rise in virtual communication, such as social media, texting and even video meetings, that has facilitated further relational isolation, often replacing the experience of physical, face-to-face connection.

It’s well-documented that animals can provide companionship and a presence that’s calming, both physically and psychologically, but why the need for an emotional support animal?

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What is an Emotional Support Animal?

While the function of a service animal is to provide a specific task for its owner — whether it’s helping a blind person navigate the world, alerting a diabetic when their blood sugar hits dangerous levels or even providing specific assistance during a mental health crisis — an emotional support animal (ESA) offers a calming and regulating effect on the emotional state of their owner with their presence alone, helping to calm the nervous system and provide an experience of connection.

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Things to Consider About ESAs

Service animals generally go through extensive training, testing and certification; their owners must exhibit a clear need through a mental or physical disability. To be legally considered an ESA, the animal must be prescribed by a licensed mental health professional. However, the process is less regulated.

Texas laws ensure service animals can accompany their owner inside most establishments, while ESAs are not covered under this law, though some institutions will approve ESAs with proper documentation.

There are a number of conditions that may be improved by an ESA. Anxiety, depression, obsessivecompulsive disorder, post-traumatic stress disorder and even panic attacks can all benefit from the soothing, calming presence and companionship of a trusted, familiar pet.

In addition to these benefits, one less-discussed but important advantage of ESAs is the therapeutic aspect of caring for another being. When we serve other humans, and even pets, through feeding, protection or companionship, there’s a beneficial effect on the disorders listed above.

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n WELLNESS Despite the many advantages, there are some important considerations for those contemplating an ESA. Be thoughtful about the attributes of the animal. Many puppies turn into large dogs, who require expensive food, medical treatment and physical activity.

Even the type of animal and its breed should be considered; ensure the animal, through its entire lifespan, will fit into your lifestyle and living abilities.

No Substitution for Human Connection

Humans are relational beings, and meaningful relationships with other humans are fundamentally important to our well-being. From the time we’re born to when we take our last breath, these relationships shape and form us, both physically and emotionally. While an animal can supplement this type of relationship, it’s vital to note that it cannot replace it.

If you feel that an ESA might be beneficial to your mental health, consider reaching out to a therapist for an assessment. Before applying any treatment, it’s important to understand the origins and foundations of our distress and explore them in a therapeutic setting. While your treatment plan may include a support animal, it likely will not be the only intervention that can help you achieve emotional health and wellness, as well as meaningful, supportive connections with other people.

Impersonating an ESA

There is a widespread belief that many are taking advantage of, or even faking, their need for a support animal. Remember that as humans, we’re infinitely complex and unique, and each of us is sorely unequipped to make assumptions about someone else’s circumstances.

The benefits of an ESA often cannot be seen or recognized externally. When considering what might be true or helpful for someone else, as a rule of thumb, it’s best to always choose the most generous interpretation. afm

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At Ethos Wellness, Tad Bodeman, LCSW serves both couples and individuals struggling with trauma and troubles of the heart, while fostering joy and peace and deepening communication skills and intimacy.

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FITNESS AUTHOR

Sam Hacker

THE MAKINGS OF A K9 UNIT n Whether it’s racing through the Greenbelt, the tunnels

or a backyard, the Austin K9 unit always finishes a job.

W

hen TV shows or movies depict a K9 unit, they typically appear only in short stretches of time. But the life of a K9 unit is much more involved and intense than a 5-minute scene would suggest.

At the Austin Police Department, the K9 unit plays an important role in assisting and training for many different tasks to support the department. K9 units are composed of officers — known as “handlers” — and dogs working in tandem, whether it be for regular patrols, alongside other units or in the case of emergencies. Their selection and

MARCH 2023

training process requires the dogs to be in top physical and mental shape.

German shepherd Lobo and his partner Officer Peter Miller have been with the department for two and 12 years, respectively, with a focus on search and apprehension.

Miller says when the department is selecting new dogs for the K9 unit, a handler will spend a week with a licensed breeder to determine which dogs would be the best fit. For APD, handlers use Pacesetter K9, a local company that breeds dogs built for police work. Typically, dogs in the K9 unit are German shepherds or Belgian Malinois, but they can be of any

72

breed.

“We go for the dogs that best meet our criteria,” Miller says. “Our dog selection is very extensive.”

Though the dogs start out untrained, handlers still seek specific innate qualities through a variety of intense tests. These tests focus on the dog’s response toward various scenarios, including someone acting suspiciously or a hunting test where they must run long distances. Handlers test dogs’ inherent drives, such as fight and play, but they avoid defensive or aggressive behaviors in dogs.

“We don’t want dogs who are aggressive, but dogs who are confident,” Miller says. “We are

PHOTOS COURTESY OF SGT. MICHAEL JOSEPH

looking for dogs who are willing to stand up to a bigger creature.”

Police departments also extensively check the dogs’ medical and physical background, and if there’s a potential for health issues, the dog isn’t chosen for the K9 unit.

But even once a dog is selected, the training doesn’t end there. Miller says they’re always training and that being a part of the K9 unit is a demanding job, for both the dog and the officer.

“I would equate this to a professional athlete,” Miller says. “(The dog’s) fitness is based (on) performance in order to utilize (it) in the real world every day.”

K9 training covers everything from simply throwing a ball to practicing search work in the Barton Creek Greenbelt to swimming in both local pools and in the Lake Travis area. These trainings are crucial as Miller says throwing a ball teaches them how to chase and swimming helps them become more familiar with

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AU S T I N F I T M AG A Z I N E

n FITNESS

I WOULD EQUATE THIS TO A PROFESSIONAL ATHLETE. (THE DOG’S) FITNESS IS BASED (ON) PERFORMANCE IN ORDER TO UTILIZE (IT) IN THE REAL WORLD EVERY DAY.”

MARCH 2023

water. Every few days, especially in the Texas summer, officers jog with their dogs, which helps the dog learn to regulate its temperature.

The dogs also occasionally train with other units such as SWAT or the U.S. Marshals Service, which helps the dog and officers become more comfortable with each other in intense situations within a controlled setting. Much of their training is for uncommon situations, which can include height exposure, wet exposure and helicopter operations.

Miller says the dogs’ endurance is the most important aspect of a K9 unit. Since Miller and Lobo specialize in search and apprehension operations, they both must be used to the heat as well as prolonged time out searching.

“As a dog pants, they start mouth-breathing a lot more and

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their nose-breathing becomes inefficient,” Miller says. “It depletes their search ability.”

But it isn’t just the dogs who constantly train; their handlers must constantly train as well since it’s a team dynamic between the officer and the dog. The two spend all of their time together, from the moment the dog is selected for the K9 unit to the moment the dog retires. They are with their handler 24/7. Miller says he couldn’t imagine himself doing anything else.

“I get paid to play with dogs and get to go find people, and it’s very rewarding,” Miller says. “The (dogs’) work drives are so high, and they absolutely love their job. To see these dogs grow and train, and to train alongside them, it’s just a neat experience.” afm

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FITNESS AUTHOR

Stephanie Thomas

FIT FIDO: SIZE MATTERS n Size does matter when it comes to keeping your pup fit, as having a

small or large dog can change the way to approach fitness with them.

T

Fitness Don’ts With Small Dogs:

he size debate continues — which dogs are better, small or large pups?

Regardless of your answer, understanding their differences in relation to fitness can help you best care for your pup. Small and large dogs have different needs and capabilities; what works for one may not work for the other, and there are different ways to approach exercise with each.

With these tips, you and your pup can pursue an active lifestyle together. So, grab that leash, and let’s get started!

1. Avoid intense exercise: Small dogs have smaller bodies, so they may not be able to handle the same level of intensity as larger dogs. Avoid activities that put too much strain on them, such as long runs or jumping from high surfaces.

2. Don’t overdo it during an exercise session: Small dogs’ bodies can grow tired more quickly than larger dogs, so it’s important to monitor their energy levels during exercise and not push them beyond their limits. Start with shorter sessions and gradually increase the duration and intensity as they build up their endurance. Also, make sure they get adequate rest and recovery time between workouts to prevent injury and exhaustion.

Fitness Dos With Small Dogs: 1. Go for a walk or run: Small dogs may have smaller legs, but they still need exercise to keep them fit.

Going for a walk or run can help them burn off excess energy, maintain a healthy weight and improve overall cardiovascular health.

3. Avoid too hot or cold weather: Small dogs are more sensitive to extreme weather than larger dogs. Avoid exercising in extreme heat or cold to prevent them from overheating or freezing.

2. Try agility training: Small dogs have a lot of energy and need to be mentally and physically stimulated.

Agility training is an excellent way to do this, and you can set it up in your backyard or even indoors since you have a little pup!

Fitness Dos With Large Dogs: 1. Take them on long walks or runs: Large dogs have a lot of energy and can handle longer walks and runs than small dogs. Find a trail you want to explore and enjoy your extended walk!

3. Play interactive games: Playing interactive games with your small dog can be a great way to keep them entertained. This can include puzzle toys, treat dispenser balls and snuffle mats. Playing games with a small dog doesn’t require a large space, so you can play anytime!

MARCH 2023

2. Play fetch: Playing fetch with a larger ball or toy is an excellent way for your large dog to burn off excess energy and improve overall cardiovascular health. An open field is ideal for this activity, allowing your dog to run freely and get a full-body workout.

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3. Go swimming: Large dogs can benefit from swimming as it provides a low-impact workout that’s easy on their joints. However, it’s important to always supervise your dog and use a life jacket if necessary to ensure their safety.

When it comes to fitness, every dog is different. Take into account your dog’s size, age and overall health when deciding on a workout routine to begin together. Plus, your dog has unique preferences! Remember — not all dogs are created equal. afm

Fitness Don’ts With Large Dogs:

Stephanie Thomas, CPT is a certified personal trainer, health coach and yoga teacher living in Annapolis, Maryland. As the founder of Stephanie Thomas Fitness and creator of The Bridal Body Workout Guide, she helps brides develop healthy habits and a well-rounded workout routine they’re obsessed with. When she’s not creating workouts for her clients, you can find Thomas reading the latest health book, spending time in nature or taking a walk with her two cavalier pups. You can grab her free Bridal Arms Mini Guide and sign up for her free wellness newsletter (featuring fun freebies!) on her website.

1. Don’t exercise right after eating: Large dogs have big appetites and may consume more food, but they need time to digest before engaging in physical activity.

Exercising too soon after eating can put unnecessary strain on their digestive system and increase the risk of an upset stomach. Try waiting at least an hour after a meal before working out to ensure they’re not feeling bloated.

2. Don’t go too far, too fast: Large dogs have large bodies that need time to adapt to physical activity.

Start with shorter distances and lower intensities and gradually increase as your dog’s fitness level improves. Going too far, too fast can strain their muscles and bones and increase the risk of injury.

3. Don’t let them pull on the leash: Large dogs are typically stronger than small dogs and may try to pull the leash while walking or running.

This can strain their neck and spine and can be dangerous when out of control.

Train your large dog to loose-leash walk, and use a harness to prevent pulling.

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AU S T I N F I T M AG A Z I N E

FITNESS AUTHOR

Amanda Sierra

A WALK IN THE PARK n Amidst the transition from working completely remotely to going back into the office, a new hero arises for our pets — dog walkers.

I

magine you’re a dog during the pandemic — it’s a dream come true; your owner is always home, and you have plenty of treats! Fast forward and now imagine the pandemic is over, your owner is gone more often throughout the week, and you find yourself home alone most of the day. This is the experience of many pets in Austin post-pandemic.

With many transitioning to work in person again, hiring a dog walker has become a necessity for Austinites to keep their pups stimulated throughout the day, and with part-time dog walkers, Austin pets get just what they need.

We got the chance to interview one of these unsung heroes, Robin Walton — an Austin native for 35 years, who turned her love for walking family dogs into a side hustle. Walton is a dog walker for the dog walking service platform, Rover.

MARCH 2023

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BEING A CARETAKER IS A VERY PERSONAL THING. YOUR RELATIONSHIP WITH THESE DOGS IS PERSONABLE.”

AFM: What initially inspired you to join the dog-walking business?

Robin Walton: I’ve grown up with dogs all my life. There are pictures of me as a baby surrounded by dogs. I have three of them around me right now! I love them and all animals, essentially. When I was first starting in the industry, I needed extra money. I have a fulltime job, but Austin is expensive.

I thought to myself, “What is something I enjoy and wouldn’t mind doing during my off hours?”

Well, dog walking keeps me active, and I get to do what I love. I’ll dog walk almost daily after I get out of my other job.

AFM: Do you think dog walking has provided you with fitness benefits, whether big or small?

RW: Absolutely. My own dogs are middle-aged and small — they like a very leisurely smell-every-squareinch-of-grass kind of walk. Through Rover, I tend to walk a lot of larger dogs who want to GO! With those types of dogs, I’ll usually get in 1.5 to 2.5 miles per 30-minute walk, even if we stop and socialize and/or smell things.

AFM: Is dog walking one of your primary sources of exercise?

RW: For cardio, yes, but I get my strength training elsewhere several times per week. Dog walking can seriously test my muscle strength, balance and coordination, though, so I’m grateful to have it. Keeping control of a 130-pound dog surprising you with an enthusiastic squirrel chase out of nowhere is no joke! But so far, I’ve somehow managed not to fall on my face and be dragged or drop a leash.

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AFM: Do you have a favorite memory from your time dog walking?

RW: The first week after I started, it was quiet and I was like, “Oh my gosh, why am I not getting any booking requests?” Then, Austin City Limits happened, and I got seven bookings within one day. I remember one moment when I was walking this little terrier dog. It was the cutest, sweetest dog. I was walking them along the lake, the sun was setting and I could hear the music from ACL. The dog seemed to just be loving life. I couldn’t help but laugh and take it all in. On a Saturday night, I would’ve rather been doing nothing else but getting some exercise and hanging out with this dog in Zilker Park.

AFM: If someone wanted to start dog walking, what advice would you give them?

RW: I always tell people they’re in a business. Being a caretaker is a very personal thing. Your relationship with these dogs is personable. At the same time, you’re running a business, so it’s important to set boundaries and practices in place.

Dog walking is essentially building relationships because each dog has the potential for being a long-term customer. Dog walking is sort of like being a nanny; you’re providing emotional and physical care to an animal as you would a child, but you’re being paid for it. I’ve done lots of things in my life, but honestly, I can’t believe I get paid to hang out with dogs all day. Walking dogs is just one of those smaller pleasures of mine. afm

AU S T I N F I T M AG A Z I N E

FITNESS SPONSOR

Britsbarre Virtual Studio

PHOTOGRAPHY

Weston Carls

WORKOUT OF THE MONTH BRITSBARRE VIRTUAL STUDIO n Check out March’s workout of the

month featuring Britsbarre Virtual Studio, which was founded by Brittany Shimansky.

B

rittany Shimansky is a former professional ballerina turned celebrity barre trainer. After retiring from her dance career in New York City, she began her fitness career at Flywheel Sports where she quickly became one of the most in-demand master barre instructors in NYC. Her celebrity clientele included stars such as Jennifer Lawrence, Elsa Hosk and Karlie Kloss.

Barre has been there for Brit in supporting her movement and strength during her pregnancy, providing muscular endurance for unmedicated labor, and rehabilitating her body postpartum during COVID. In May 2021, Brit launched Britsbarre Virtual Studio.

Today, she lives in Austin with her husband and 2-year-old daughter. She’s also pre/postnatal certified training specialist and a National Academy of Sports Medicine certified personal trainer.

you have five or 50 minutes, there’s a class that will fit into your schedule. Brit’s mission is to support you in moving from a place of power and appreciation for what your body’s capable of as you reach your goals. When movement becomes something you look forward to instead of something you “have to” do, that’s where the magic happens.

WHAT CAN YOU EXPECT FROM A BRITSBARRE WORKOUT? Every musically-driven class is designed to inspire you to move with joy and includes modifications for all levels and pre/postnatal modifications. Brit’s style of barre is athletic yet approachable and requires no former dance training or a lot of flexibility. There are over 150+ classes on demand.

HOW DO I TAKE A CLASS WITH BRIT?

WHAT IS THE BRITSBARRE VIRTUAL STUDIO?

Classes are available on the Britsbarre Virtual Studio app on Apple and Android or in Austin through Mod Fitness and Commodore Perry Estates. New workouts are added every week. You can get your first month free with code AUSTINFIT at britsbarre.com

The Britsbarre Virtual Studio is a barre app designed to empower you to have a lifelong, passionate relationship with movement. Britsbarre’s low-impact, high-repetition, endurance-driven classes promote lean muscle development and a defined physique. Whether

MARCH 2023

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GLUTES

THE WORKOUT:

3 Barre Moves With a Chair GLUTES

This exercise will strengthen and define your glutes and hamstrings.

• Place your hands on the chair and step your feet back underneath your hips.

• Extend your right leg straight behind you with pointed toes.

• Lift and lower your straight leg for two minutes.

Repeat on the left side.

PLANK

Brit tip: Keep your hips square and core engaged.

Make it fun by putting on your favorite upbeat song and moving to the beat of the music!

PLANK

This exercise will strengthen and define your arms, core and glutes.

• Place your feet on the chair and your hands under your shoulders in a high plank.

• Lift your right leg into the air and bring your knee to your chest then fully extend your leg behind you for one rep. Repeat 16 times.

• Repeat on the left side.

To modify: Place hands on a chair instead of feet.

PLANK (MODIFIED)

ABS

This exercise will strengthen and define your upper abdominals, obliques and inner thighs.

• Place a 9-inch pilates ball or firm pillow between your inner thighs and then put your heels on the chair. Stack your knees over your hips.

• Bring your hands together and make a big rainbow with your arms reaching from right hip over the top of your body to your left hip. Repeat 16 times.

• Bring your hands behind your head with elbows wide. Lift and lower your chest for an abdominal crunch. Repeat 16 times.

• Repeat both exercises; aim for three rounds.

ABS

Brit tip: Keep a tight squeeze on the ball/pillow to activate your inner thighs and help keep your hips stable.

Connect with Brit on Instagram: @britsbarre @britsbarrevirtualstudio. afm

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AU S T I N F I T M AG A Z I N E

AMBASSADOR’S CORNER AUTHOR

Jason Bourgeois

AMBASSADOR’S Corner

TACTICAL FITNESS AUSTIN n Check out this month’s fitness

rundown with AFM ambassador Jason Bourgeois at Tactical Fitness Austin.

G

reetings, AFM! In our quest to capture the many offerings Austin holds for every fitness enthusiast, it’s time to shine a light on another local outfit.

This month brought us to Tactical Fitness Austin, where they equip their members with the skills, technique, knowledge and confidence to defend themselves and their loved ones.

Ambassador’s Corner is continuing efforts to support the Central Texas Food Bank in combatting the ongoing presence of food insecurity in Austin. Thank you for your generosity and participation in the work of keeping Austin fed — every donation counts toward increasing food access to families in need.

Tactical Fitness Austin was established in 2016

by Ron Grobman with the mission of offering civilians Special Forces-quality training, regardless

MARCH 2023

JASON’S CHOSEN NONPROFIT:

Central Texas Food Bank Click here to donate! of their experience. They offer all-encompassing training in firearms, Krav Maga, third-party protection and combat fitness. At Tactical Fitness, they hope their members never have to use the training, but their members are prepared if needed and leave their session as more powerful and confident members of society.

The goal at Tactical Fitness is to individualize the training for each participant, even in a group class! No

82

gear, no problem; they have rental packages available and any of their fundamental courses are a great place to start. Also, private one-on-one training is available to customize to your needs.

making it a welcoming and respectful community of protectors.

The Workout

I arrived at the 7:15 p.m. Combat Club session, which combines fitness, Krav Maga and shooting all into a weekly training class. It’s Tactical Fitness’ best-kept secret and, as far as I know, this format of combined training is not available in Austin or anywhere else!

The Combat Club session included about eight

The Rundown

The community at Tactical Fitness includes individuals from all walks and a variety of professions with the common denominator being that they deeply care about the safety of their loved ones and neighbors,

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AU S T I N F I T M AG A Z I N E

n A M BAS SA DO R’ S C O R NE R participants and led with setting up the targets and safety-first protocols before acclimating to our firearms. In short, we safely cleared our firearms of all rounds, kept our hands away from weapons when anyone was downrange and regarded each firearm as if it were loaded.

Following the introduction, we began by taking close-range shots with our pistols. The warmup consisted of taking five shots at a mark on the perimeter of the target while maintaining a brief pause between each round fired. We started at five yards and progressed to 10 yards.

I appreciated the format of the course instruction.

First, our instructor Coach Bernardo demonstrated the exercise and firing pattern. Then, the class practiced the position and angles. We reset, and then it was time for live fire. Then, we moved back about 30 to 40 yards and began acclimating to our rifles.

Each of us also had a partner. While one person focused on shooting, the other focused on the lift.

Each round began with a 30-yard shuttle run. At station 1, my partner utilized their pistol to complete five shots on target, while I completed five thrusters with a 50-pound rucksack. A thruster is a combined continuous movement of a front squat into an overhead press. This made for the intense challenge of quieting my breath when it was my turn to shoot.

At station 2, my partner utilized their rifle while working around a wall as a shield to fire downrange.

Meanwhile, I completed three ground to over-theshoulder lifts with a 150-pound torture sack — I mean, medicine ball... With this station, we worked standing, kneeling and lying down shots on target with our rifles.

The final station included another rifle shot, only this time, we worked around a target, and the lift included an unevenly weighted farmer’s carry for 30 yards carrying a 50-pound kettlebell in one hand and a 65-pound kettlebell in the other.

WHAT I LIKED: Partner work is the best! You’re never on an island when working with a partner, and I greatly appreciated my partner being willing to offer tidbits when I was working through shooting angles that were new to me. Shooting around the barrels with my rifle was my favorite shooting station, and the unevenly weighted farmer’s carry was my favorite lift.

WHAT I FOUND MOST CHALLENGING: The combination of the shuttle run, five Thrusters and inhaling icy air was by far my most challenging station.

It was close to 25 degrees Fahrenheit that night, and each breath felt like a thousand needles going into my lungs. Shooting for accuracy with an elevated heart

MARCH 2023

rate and quieting my breath were all challenges during this station.

Whether you’re new to firearms training or are a professional, there’s room for you to hone your craft at Tactical Fitness Austin. Their culture is welcoming, and instructors pave the way to meet their exponentially high standard — do everything as fast as you can perfectly!

Combat Club receives a 10 out of 10 rating from me for an epic workout, fantastic experience and worldclass instruction. Do your loved ones and neighbors a service and check out their Concealed Carry Krav Maga course, which is a crowd-pleaser and relevant to everyday self-defense. afm

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PET OF THE MONTH SPONSORED BY AUSTIN PETS ALIVE!

FEATURED

Pet

Want to know more about Wild Blue Yonder?

Visit austinpetsalive.org today!

WILD BLUE YONDER n Check out this month’s featured

pet, Wild Blue Yonder, a loveable Boxer mix from Austin Pets Alive!

Hello, AFM! This month’s featured pet is Wild Blue Yonder, brought to you by Austin Pets Alive!

Wild Blue Yonder is a one-year and 8-monthold Boxer mix and one of the most athletic dogs you’ll find at APA!’s Town Lake location. He’s a great running companion who also understands the meaning of recovery — he shows this through his adorable cuddling ability.

Wild Blue Yonder is very treat-motivated, with two of his favorites being blueberries and peanut butter. He accepts these treats as currency for his trick show! He’s already house-trained and does well in a crate. The best part of it all is he loves his fellow pups, meaning he could live happily alongside the right fur sibling!

Austin Pets Alive! wants to remind you that Amplify Austin begins today and lasts through 6 p.m. tomorrow. Amplify Austin is a day for the city to come together and donate to their favorite organizations that make crucial day-to-day differences in the lives of so many humans and animals. As a beloved nonprofit, APA! looks toward the generosity of the greater Austin community in an effort to continue saving the lives of shelter companions like Wild Blue Yonder! You can donate online.

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COURTESY OF APA

Come meet the goodest of boys today at APA! and watch him grow into a dashing pup-lad before your very eyes. Find out more information about him at austinpetsalive.org/adopt/dogs/ apa-a-97139.

AU S T I N F I T M AG A Z I N E

CALENDAR MARCH 2023

Submit your event online at austinfitmagazine.com

COURTESY OF RODEO AUSTIN

Events

RODEO AUSTIN

Austin, TX

MARCH 4

MAR C H 4

M A R C H 10 - 19

2023 ATX Crawfish Kickoff Festival

2nd Annual Mardi Gras Ball

SXSW Conference & Festivals

Calling all of Austin’s crawfish lovers!

This Crawfish Kickoff Festival will be one you don’t want to miss, especially if you want a great start to this season of crawfish. The festival will take place at Republic Square in Downtown Austin from 3 to 9 p.m. and will feature not only crawfish but music, drinks, dancing, games, food and bands.

Tickets for this party are available online.

MARCH 2023

MAR C H 1 0 -25

For the second year in a row, Real JAB Entertainment LLC brings NOLA to ATX through this Mardi Gras Ball. This event is formal, so come ready to strut your best take on black tie attire and high-end dresses. From 8 p.m. to the wee hours of the morning the following day, Wilco WorkSpaces + Events will host this ball, and tickets can be purchased online.

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It’s one of Austin’s favorite times of the year: the season of SXSW! This year’s keynote speakers include an array of famous voices, featuring Eva Longoria, Martin Luther King III, Nick Jonas and more! The list continues getting better and better, so make sure to stay up to date on their website. Get ready for a 10-day event filled with music, interactivity and film.

MAR CH 10-25

MA R C H 1 8

M A R CH 2 4 - 2 6

Rodeo Austin

Austin Sneaker Summit

NASCAR at COTA

SXSW isn’t the only major thing going on in Austin this month; the Austin Rode is here, too! Aside from the actual rodeo, there will be opportunities to shop, eat great food, have fun at the carnival and see some concerts. You can buy your tickets online and plan your visit! Come see this Texas-sized event for yourself!

MAR CH 11, 17 & 18

PubCrawl’s St. Patrick’s Day Bar Crawls

This February brings one of Austin’s It’s not March without St. Patrick’s Day… and it’s not St. Patrick’s Day without a bar crawl! Come one, come all to the Austin St. Patrick’s Day Bar Crawl! PubCrawls is hosting multiple bar crawls this month to celebrate this green holiday, so make sure to check out their website for more information.

Shoes can make or break your outfit, so it’s important to consider them a high priority if you dress to impress.

More specifically, if you’re into rare and collectible footwear, the Parque Zaragoza Recreation Center is hosting this year’s Sneaker Summit from 2 to 7 p.m. And if you’re more into clothing and accessories, don’t worry; they’ve got deals for you, too! Tickets are available online.

Do you like cars? Do you like fast cars?

Have you seen all the “Fast & Furious” films? Well, that last part isn’t really necessary, but if you have any interest in car racing, you’re in luck because the Circuit of The Americas is hosting NASCAR this year! This two-day event will surely be action-packed and quite the party. Tickets are available to purchase online.

MA R C H 2 2- 2 6

2023 World Golf Championship-Dell Technologies Match Play Everything exciting in Austin happens in March, and golf is not left out of that equation. This year is the 2023 World Golf Technologies Championship-Dell Technologies Match Play, which will be hosted by the Austin Country Club.

Come see all your favorite golfers compete to take home the trophy.

Tickets can be purchased online.

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*Dates and times are subject to changes or cancellation. Check event websites for more information.

AU S T I N F I T M AG A Z I N E

CALENDAR M A R C H 2023

Submit your event online at austinfitmagazine.com

COURTESY OF RUN THE ALAMO

Rides & Races

RUN THE ALAMO MARCH MARCH 4

The Woodlands Marathon The Woodlands, TX MARCH 4

Big Easy Crawfish Boil 5K & 10K Little Elm, TX

San Antonio, TX MARCH 5

MARCH 4

MARCH 4

Bayou City Classic

Race 2 Remember Them

MARCH 4

MARCH 4

Middleton Brewing 5K Beer Run

Run and Brunch HG Supply

MARCH 4

MARCH 5

Goodwill Run

Run The Alamo

Houston, TX

San Marcos, TX

Corpus Christi, TX

MARCH 2023

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Fort Worth, TX

Fort Worth, TX

San Antonio, TX

MARCH 10-11

J&J Race & Trail Running Reunion Rocksprings, TX MARCH 11

Lucky Charm 5K Houston, TX

MARCH 17-19

Seabrook Lucky Trails Event Seabrook, TX MARCH 18

Shannon St. Pat’s 5K Keller, TX

MARCH 18

Paddy Dash Frisco, TX

MARCH 19

Get Your Rear in Gear Forth Worth, TX MARCH 25 COURTESY OF WANDERLUST

5K Beer Run x Southern Heights Austin, TX

MARCH 25

Wanderlust Half Marathon, 10K, 5K Fredericksburg, TX MARCH 25

Blue Bell Fun Run Brenham, TX MARCH 25

Big Climb Dallas Dallas, TX

MARCH 25

WANDERLUST HALF MARATHON

Fredericksburg, TX M A R C H 25

Helotes Beer Garden Run Helotes, TX

MARCH 25

MARCH 25-26

MARCH 26

Bearathon

Southwest 100

The Tangle

MARCH 25

MARCH 25-26

MARCH 26

Deafinitely Not Different 5K and Fun Run

Texas Independence Relay

Pearland Half Marathon

Waco, TX

Plano, TX

Fort Davis, TX

Johnson City, TX

Houston, TX

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Pearland, TX

AU S T I N F I T M AG A Z I N E

Prepare for power outages today WITH A HOME STANDBY GENERATOR

$0 MONEY DOWN + LOW MONTHLY PAYMENT OPTIONS Contact a Generac dealer for full terms and conditions

REQUEST A FREE QUOTE CALL NOW BEFORE THE NEXT POWER OUTAGE

(888) 720-1655

FREE

7-Year Extended Warranty* – A $695 Value! *To qualify, consumers must request a quote, purchase, install and activate the generator with a participating dealer. Call for a full list of terms and conditions.