Gf aug 2016

SOUTHERN MINNESOTA’S LEADING WOMEN’S MAGAZINE

FREE August

SAFE Sanctuary is a local group of dedicated

2016

volunteers who have banded together to save animals. SAFE works with mostly local animals, many of who would have never had a chance without the volunteers at SAFE. Check out this group at www.safesanctuary.org or on

Facebook!!!

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Taste of home & vendor event coming to Faribault Page 24 Tips for raising kids during transitions Page 22

HOMETOWN TEAMWORK. HOMETOWN TEAMWORK. HOMETOWN TEAMWORK.

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FROM THE EDITOR — Beth Forkner Moe is the editor of Girlfriends magazine.

I can’t imagine a world without pets, without companion animals, without the four-legged (or sometimes two-legged) furry (or feathered) family members. That’s because I have lived with pets my entire life, usually a cat (or two) and a dog (or two).

We currently share our home with two 13-year-old cats and two 9-year-old dogs (an Australian Shepherd and a Golden Retriever/Husky mix). They are the latest mix in a long line of beloved animals (in both of our families) – most have been rescue animals, from one Humane Society or another.

They are always there for us, greeting us every time they see us (even if it’s been only an hour!), with love, loyalty and a whole lot of barking. I work by myself at home but never lack for companionship. Even though owning pets can be a lot of work, exasperation (sometimes) and expense (too often), we would never give it up. The rewards are overwhelmingly positive, and life is never dull.

This issue, we bring you stories of animals who help people in their day-to-day lives – whether they are “simply” pets, help

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G ER U

people with disabilities or other issues, or provide people with beauty and joy during competitions and showing us the best they have to give.

We also share tips about transitions, those our children make. Our kids’ transitions mean we have to make transitions of our own. The kids have to do to the work of stepping from one world to another, of course, but we parents also walk beside them and support them on their journey. Sometimes – in some ways – it’s as nerve-wracking for them as it is for us.

That’s why we – as community members, family members, and the “village” – are there to support each other, as we watch our children make their way from each step to the next.

And, as always, we share stories of fun adventures girlfriends can share, from an awesome cooking show (you’ll hate to miss out on this, so I hope you’re able to attend!) to a lovely day trip to the Amana Colonies in Iowa.

Enjoy these last fleeting weeks of summer. Soon, the cool, crisp breezes of autumn will join us, and we will be on to the next season and whatever adventures it might bring. (And make sure you give your pet or pets an extra hug – they will appreciate it, and it will add to your daily portion of happiness.)

Find Girlfriends on Facebook Our Fall Fashion issue is coming in September!

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about us

contents

Volume 8, Issue 6

Copyright © Girlfriends 2016 Published August 2016 by: Southern Minn Media 514 Central Avenue Faribault, MN 55021 Send releases and story ideas to:

THE AUGUST ISSUE 2016

Beth Forkner Moe at Girlfriends magazine, bfmoe@southernminn.com Editor:

Beth Forkner Moe

features

Contributing Writers:

Kari Berit Jenni Frizzell-Fuller Nancy Iglesias Trent Jonas Rachel Minske Sarah Osterbauer Autumn Van Ravenhorst Isabelle Wattenberg Karen West Workman Multimedia Consultants:

Kristie Biehn Ginny Bergerson Nicole Brandon Kathleen Davies Missy Daschner Pam DeMorett Chad Hjellming Joan Koester Per Kvalsten Mark Nelson Lori Nickel Ryan Oldham Jay Petsche Jennifer Sorenson Gayle Stelten Autumn Van Ravenhorst Elizabeth Williams

Weighing your options.

A treasure on the Iowa prairie for more than 150 years.

Traveling with a pet? | 8

there’s always something... | 22

This is your guide to pet-friendly travel in Minnesota.

4 Tips to remember during transitions.

Thinking about getting a pet? | 10

DO YOU NEED PET Insurance? | 26

Tips on how to find the right pet for your family.

A look at some basic considerations.

PROFILE: Kathie Galotti | 12

Do it now! | 27

Teacher and Trainer (of Minds and of Dogs).

Tips to get ready for back-to-school.

Equine Therapy | 14

accessories

When a dog is more than just a pet | 16 Therapy and assistance dogs.

Graphic Designer:

ON THE FRONT & BACK COVERS: Staff and volunteers at S.A.F.E. Sanctuary along with some of their furry friends.

507.334.7901 www.safesanctuary.org Like Us on Facebook!

Ad Designers:

Mary Jo Blanchard Nicole Gilmore Keeley Krebsbach Jenine Kubista Kelly Kubista Kate McGillen Kayla McMullen Jennifer Schoenbauer

AUGUST Issue 2016 |

Destination: Amana Colonies | 20

Horses making a difference in the lives of people struggling with various issues.

Kate Townsend-Noet

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Dog daycare or sitters? | 6

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A MAN’S PERSPECTIVE | 9 FABULOUS FINDS! | 18 FROM THE EDITOR | 3 GIRLFRIENDS GUIDE | 29 Unexpected Caregiver | 28 WE TIME | 24

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Story By Rachel Minske n many families, pets are like family members.

That’s why many choose to invest in services that keep pets busy, socialized and cared for while the rest of the family is away at work or on trips. Two common examples of that round-theclock care include daycare and pet sitting.

The Paw Pet Resort, situated off Highway 22 and north of Highway 3 in Mankato, is the amusement park of daycare facilities. Pets have access General Manager Tanya Whitecomb of The to a number of features Paw. www.thepawmankato.com including an indoor swimming pool, plenty of space to roam and playgrounds.

There’s no limit to the kind of animals can be housed at the center, said General Manager Tanya Whitcomb. The Paw, which opened in

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2008, has accepted dogs, cats, ferrets, rabbits and ducks in the past.

“If it can (fit) through the front door, we can work something out,” she said.

About dog daycare At the Paw, animals have access to an indoor 18-by-50 foot swimming pool, with water kept at a comfortable 80 degrees. The pool comes equipped with a dock for jumping canines and features a hydrotherapy aquatic treadmill for physical therapy. The pool is 10 inches deep on its shallow end, Whitcomb said. On hotter days, kiddie pools are set up in the outdoor play areas Spaces available for pets to roam include a 40,000-square-foot artificial play yard and 5,400 square feet of indoor play space.

Pets are always within an owner’s view thanks to a number of video cameras sprinkled through the building, Whitcomb said.

Cameras are installed in spots like playgrounds, the pool, “cat condos” and suites so that pet owners can see what their animals are up to during the day through web cams that are streamed online through The Paw’s website. The Paw also posts regular photographs and videos of to its Facebook page.

Through the daycare option, pet owners who would normally return home from a long day at the office to a rambunctious, stir-crazy pet can now return home to an animal who was socialized and exercised during the day, Whitcomb said.

“It’s nice because you don’t have to go home over lunch,” she said of caring for animals halfway through the day. “They’re ready to relax and be with you (when you get home).”

Cats that stay in the boarding facility can watch fish swim through a

large fish tank, Whitcomb said.

While The Paw also offers grooming, training and boarding services, daycare rates start at $17 for half days and $25 for full days. Rates are lower when purchased in packages. A full day of daycare includes drop-off before 9 a.m. and pickup after 4 p.m.

“I myself have three dachshunds that are regular clients,” Whitcomb said of daycare services, adding frequent socialization gives dogs exercise and teaches them how to play with other canines.

“A dog doesn’t automatically know how to play,” she said.

Online tools pair owners with caretakers Another up-and-coming service includes pet sitting, where caretakers visit a home to feed, spend time with and exercise pets. Gone are the days when a pet owner questions family friends about swinging by to let the dog out or make sure the cat has enough food. With these online tools, there’s an entire network of reliable sitters at an owner’s fingertips.

One of those services includes Rover.com, a website where pet owners can browse through a list of dog sitters and walkers nearby.

Owners can get acquainted through a meet-and-greet with a dog sitter through a meet and greet before booking a stay — either at your house or theirs. Clients can opt in for text and photo updates of their

critter while they’re away, too. Plus, the site offers pet insurance — up to $25,000 per claim after a $500 deductible. Service options include dog boarding, house sitting, drop-in visits for while owners are away or doggy daycare and dog walking while they’re simply at work.

Dog lovers who want to become sitters can sign up through Rover.

Sitters must fill out an online profile and complete a background check. Rates can vary.

Another, similar online resource for pairing pet owners with sitters (and walkers, groomers and boarding services, too) is petsitter.com.

Like Rover, owners can post a job to the website that describes their pet and specific pet care needs before searching through profiles of nearby pet sitters. According to the website, pet sitters with experience in dogs, cats, fish, small mammals, birds, lizards and reptiles, exotic pets, horses and farm animals can all be located through the site.

Whichever option pet owners choose — daycare or pet sitting — there’s an abundance of professionals to give their child — er, pet — the care they need and deserve.

-Rachel Minske is a multimedia journalist. When not writing, she’s usually drinking coffee and asking questions.

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(Source: www.ExploreMinnesota.com)

hen it comes to pleasing furry, fourlegged travelers, few destinations rank as highly as Grand Marais and its surrounding North Shore towns, with their cobblestone beaches, Lake Superior to wade into, hiking paths and waterfalls to explore, cafes with dog-friendly patios, and many welcoming resorts.

“There’s a difference between places that accept dogs and places that welcome dogs,” says Kelly Lessard, who writes travel features from the perspective of her dog, Kramer, at Minnesota-based SidewalkDog.com. “Grand Marais is probably at the top of my list as a dog destination.”

North Shore accommodations, such as Lutsen Resort’s Sea Villas, East Bay Suites and Bluefin Bay, offer condos, cabins and other pet-friendly units that mean travelers with pets don’t have to rough it to bring their whole family on vacation.

Travelers can search specifically for petfriendly lodging on the Places to Stay page on the Explore Minnesota website, which lists more than 850 places statewide that allow pets in rooms. You don’t have to stay in remote towns, either: More than 100 hotels within 25 miles of St. Paul welcome pets. Best Western, La Quinta, Westin, many AmericInns and Hiltons, and extended-stay hotels rank among the pet-friendly options in the Twin Cities and elsewhere in the state.

For day trips near the Twin Cities or quick

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getaways, Lessard also ranks Stillwater, Red Wing and Excelsior as pet-friendly places rich in waterfront trails, inviting downtowns and outdoor dining.

The Twin Cities have earned national kudos for their quantity and quality of parks, trails and greenways, and areas such as St. Paul’s Grand Avenue and Minneapolis’s Longfellow and Nokomis neighborhoods offer unique boutiques and cafes that put out water bowls and welcome pets for outdoor dining May through October.

Many restaurants open their patios to guests with dogs, but Stanley’s Northeast Bar Room in Minneapolis goes above and beyond for folks who want drink beer and dine with their dogs, offering a dedicated menu that features bones, meatloaf, an egg-and-rice bowl, and ice cream for dessert.

Ali Jarvis, founder and CEO of SidewalkDog.com, says the Twin Cities have more than 200 dog-friendly restaurants, along with breweries, vineyards and coffeehouses, and the website can also help travelers find dog parks, hiking trails and places to go for day trips and vacations.

“Minnesota’s consistently on the top 10 list of pet-friendly places in the country,” she says.

Check exploreminnesota.com/petfriendly for lodging and campgrounds open to pets, along with other resources.

10 Pet Travel Tips • Always verify a reservation with a pet and ask about all the rules long before check-in.

Some places have restrictions based on breed and weight, and pet fees can vary.

• Only travel with well-trained pets. If you have a dog that barks every time a door opens or a critter is spotted outside, a boarding facility or pet-sitter would be a better option.

• Take a folding kennel or traveling crate to keep your pet contained. Some property owners may allow a quiet and crated pet to be left in a unit unattended during the day.

• Keep your pet’s license and ID information on his or her collar at all times in case your pet bolts and gets lost. Keep a leash on at all times.

• Use caution in the outdoors. Even dogs that are good swimmers may find that unfamiliar river currents are stronger than expected or may lose their footing on steep trails. Keep a pet first aid kit in your vehicle.

• Make sure pets are vaccinated for Lyme disease, heartworm and other illnesses that can be spread through ticks and mosquitoes that thrive in the forest.

• Pack essentials, including a pet bed or blanket, a brush for pets who may pick up burrs in the tall grass, a bucket and grubby towel for washing and drying sandy or muddy feet, and water and food dishes.

• Pack enough food for the whole vacation. Introducing your pet to an unfamiliar brand—and risking digestive upset—isn’t worth it. Take a stash of small treats to reward your pet for good behavior.

• Check outdoors stores for products such as soft-sided, easy-to-pack water bowls or bottles, backpacks for dogs and toys like tennis ball launchers to make the trip more fun.

• Clean up after your pet and take plenty of poop bags.

TRENT JONAS

Trent Jonas is a Twin Cities-based writer and divorced father of two. He is fascinated and frightened by women but is working through his issues.

The summer of Schrödinger My Ex and I have been on an informal kitty deathwatch over the past few months. The kids are away at camp for several weeks this summer, and our son Sam is especially attached to the cat. Ex has become particularly worried about something happening to the elderly cat while they’re away. Whenever I stop by the house to check on the cat, as I regularly do, I’m faced with a very Schrödinger-esque problem: the cat is just as likely to be dead as alive, and I won’t know which one until I observe her.

In the last couple years, Ex has spent hundreds of dollars on vet bills to keep the cat running….er, walking. Slowly. The cat is known as Maddy; we never bothered to change her after rescuing her from a crack house, a skinny, sweet, month-old kitten.

Even as well-loved as Maddy is, I’m not sure this (amount of money spent) makes a lot of sense.

While I worry about having to tell Sam about a dead cat, I can’t help but engage in a cost-benefit analysis about pet ownership, especially when it comes to older cats. Maddy will be 20 in September.

That seems like a pretty good run to me. While I love her as a pet, she is still just that – a pet.

In my 20 years of pet ownership and visitation, I have failed to anthropomorphize her to the same extent as Ex and Sam have. My daughter, Sarah, who always felt more of a need to compete with Maddy for attention than bond with her, tends more toward my way of thinking.

I don’t feel my viewpoint is necessarily the correct one; it’s just where I’ve landed with a gradually aging

pet. Were she younger, or a person, I’d probably feel differently. But I was ready to slap the DNR order on her a couple years ago.

In recent months, I’ve seen friends spend literally thousands of dollars on vet bills for their dogs. In one case, the dog was just beyond repair and had to be euthanized. Louis was a 10-year-old Doberman with cancer, her owners’ de facto child and only dependent. I was pretty sad when I heard she’d been put down. But my emotional response was more a reaction to how my friends felt and how young (and sweet) Louis was than a reaction to the euthanasia itself. Sometimes, it’s just time for a pet to go.

As badly as I will feel for Ex and Sam when it’s Maddy’s time to go, I don’t think Maddy will mind.

After 20 years in the same, loving household, she’s lost a lot of mobility in her rear legs, can’t eat very well and has lost a lot of her personality.

On the other hand, the once “demon cat from hell” (as many who’ve met Maddy have called her) is now a mellow, old kitty who is happy to sit on just about anyone’s lap.

At no point do I wish to open the door and observe a dead cat. Yet, Schrödy’s (as a friend has lately nicknamed Maddy) time is coming; probably sooner rather than later. And I think it would be better for everyone if Sam and Ex were there to hold and comfort Maddy when it happens… instead of just prolonging the inevitability of her dying alone, under a couch, waiting to be found by me.

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How to find the right pet

By Autumn Van Ravenhorst

S

o you’re thinking about getting a pet. Okay, maybe you aren’t—but chances are you have or at some point will feel the sudden urge to acquire one.

This isn’t something you should just whimsically or impulsively decide to do. You should not purchase that fluffy puppy from the cardboard box because you two made eye contact and you definitely need to tune out the desperate cries for a furry or feathered friend from your four-year-old.

This is a serious decision that requires research, attention and discussion among members of the family. If you are the only one in the household, this is a great opportunity to exercise soliloquy (that is the fancy term for talking to yourself).

You should not set out in search of the perfect pet, either. While your intentions are good, it isn’t realistic. I can confidently say that I have found my soul mate but still there are things that I did not think through before I made the leap to call him my own. For example, the whiskers in the sink or the midnight snacking that never fails to wake me up. Oh, I guess I should have clarified—we are talking about my husband. Though we can’t always control whom we love, choosing desirable traits are a bit easier when it comes to animals. There are books on animals—there are no books on my husband (although sometimes I wish there were).

An animal isn’t capable of stopping its shedding or controlling certain aspects that it was born to do. Therefore, when deciding on a pet for you or the family, educate yourself and seek compatibility. Do you

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live a lifestyle that would accommodate a highenergy compadre like a dog, or would a companion that requires little effort like a fish or small bird be the better choice? Think commitment. This is a long-term choice that could be disastrous if not done wisely.

While we are in all of this deep thought, let’s remember what a pet is—a living being.

A pet is more comparable to a child than it is to something that is trendy like a pair of shoes or meal replacement shake. It becomes part of your lifestyle and if your day-to-day life is not accommodating, you won’t be able to provide for said pet, even a fish. Are you forgetful? That silent swimming creature isn’t the best at letting you know when it is hungry or if something is wrong (or if your child already fed it six times that day).

Commitment and lifestyle are the bigger players when it comes to finding the right pet, but getting down to the details will ensure success when shopping around. Ask yourself why you want one, are your hobbies agreeable and if you have ever taken care of a pet. Maybe you are an experienced steward; then again, you may be someone who would end up getting small-breed dog food for your

Newfoundland.

As a parent, I want my children to grow up with those memories of having their warm best friend sleeping next to them or leaping with elation when they get off the school bus. But I also know that my youngest successfully angers even the friendliest canine so I am refraining from rescuing all of the homeless puppies right now.

If you have even the slightest bit of hesitation or worry about bringing home a pet, there is a reason. Analyze why you feel the way you do and consider the reasons you want a new pet. After speaking to local veterinarians, I compiled a list of vital questions to ask yourself (in addition to the excess of queries I’ve already solicited): • Can you afford it?

• How long do you want to take care of it?

• Are you able to meet the needs of the animal?

• Do you know the health risks (if any) associated with the breed?

• Is this good timing to add another member to the family?

• Is your environment fitting?

• Does this pet match your lifestyle?

• Is this a compulsive decision, rather than a carefully thought-through one?

• What type of pet are you considering (dog, cat, fish, guinea pig, hamster, or perhaps something exotic?)

This isn’t to steer you away from purchasing or adopting a pet necessarily, but rather to help you think clearly about your choice.

Having a pet is (for the most part) a wonderful experience. For families, helping care for a pet instills in responsibility, empathy and selfesteem in children while taking care of and growing with their friend. Developmentally, it challenges them on so many levels. There is an abundance of research showing the health benefits of having them around (everything down to the bacteria). It is a dirty and special kind of companionship.

Then there are the not so obvious perks that some of us may overlook. The extra hand in the house to pick (or lick) up messes off of the floor, a presence to tell all of your deepest, darkest secrets to and a cute puppy is the best prescription to a bad day at work.

The most important thing here to remember when choosing a pet is they are as much your pet as you are their human.

Autumn Van Ravenhorst is a staff writer at SouthernMinn Scene Magazine and a multi-media sales consultant at Owatonna People’s Press.

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Profile

great with children and have a very sweet personality. There is nothing better than coming home after a long day at school and have these big dogs come bounding up to greet you, tails wagging, just waiting to hang out with you for the evening.

We got our first Bernese, Tandy, in 1985.

Bussey followed the next year. Since then, we have had three more Bernese - Eskie, Flit and Tackle - all of whom have “passed over the rainbow bridge.” We currently have two Bernese - Lizzy and Nimo - and a King Charles Cavalier, Tryker.

Galotti

Teacher and Trainer (of Minds and of Dogs)

By Nancy Iglesias

K

athie Galotti lives life to the fullest, making the most of the many hats she wears.

For more than 30 years, she has juggled the rewards and challenges of being a professor, author, mother of two children, and working with dogs – as a dog handler, dog obedience training judge, owner of seven dogs (over the years) and one grand-dog.

Hailing from the Boston, Massachusetts area, Galotti is a professor of psychology at Carleton College, where she has worked since 1983. She attended Wellesley College where she received a B.A. and did her graduate and post-graduate work at the University of Pennsylvania. She helped establish the Cognitive Studies concentration at Carleton and serves as its coordinator. She also served as chair of the Psychology Department from 1991-1994. She is the author of two textbooks and has written more than 25 articles for academic journals One might wonder where she finds time for anything else, but her solid contributions

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in the academic world are just part of Galotti’s life. She is a devoted mom to son Tim, 23, and teenage daughter Kim. She raises and trains Bernese Mountain Dogs in obedience and is a licensed obedience judge in the American Kennel Club (AKC) and the Australian Shepherd Club of America (ASCA) registries. Bernese Mountain Dogs are one of four varieties of Swiss mountain dogs. They are described as intelligent, strong and agile.

GF: Have you always been an avid dog lover?

Yes, I did have dogs as a kid. Fearless was my first, a lab/shepherd mix who was one of the sweetest dogs ever. Jupiter was my first purebred dog - a beagle - that I bought with my own money at age 13.

GF: How did you choose the Bernese Mountain Dog breed?

After we arrived in Minnesota, I started researching dog breeds. I guess I have always been a “big dog” person. I definitely wanted a dog that would be family/children friendly.

Bernese Mountain Dogs are just really beautiful dogs I love their beautiful tri-colored coat. They are extremely loyal to their family. They are

GF: You started with obedience training for your first dog and moved on from there to becoming a licensed judge. What was your impetus for taking your dog to obedience training, and what was the process like for becoming a licensed judge?

Just before I left the East Coast to come to Minnesota, our family had an unfortunate incident with our family dog. We did not recognize that our dog was showing signs of aggression, particularly with children. Our dog bit my 18-month-old niece. I was hoping to take the dog with me when I moved to Minnesota, but I never, ever wanted to go through that kind of serious injury with a dog and a child again.

I knew that if I was going to have big dogs and a family someday, obedience training was important. Tandy and I attended our first obedience class, and it was a bit of a disaster. I was not a very good handler, and Tandy was not a very obedient dog. But we pressed on. Eventually, Tandy became the first Bernese Mountain Dog to achieve the Super Utility Dog award (one of the top awards given by the AKC).

The approval process of becoming a licensed judge is a very rigorous one, and it took me almost five years to go through the many levels of testing, mentoring and provisional judging.

GF: Can you tell us about one of your most rewarding experiences as an obedience trainer?

There are really so many, but I will share two highlights. My dog Eskie was nationally ranked in the “First and Foremost” rating five years running. He was the top scoring Berner in the United States in 1998 and became the first Berner in history to achieve the Utility Dog Excellence award. I received cards and congratulatory letters from all over the country, and someone even sent a beautiful embroidered vest to commemorate the honor.

The second highlight is really of a much different nature. Over the years, I have found a great deal of satisfaction in working with all kinds of students at Carleton. I find it particularly rewarding to work with the kind of student who is perhaps struggling at first

but through hard work and perseverance, understanding comes! I would share a similar experience with my dog Flit. Flit had a personality disorder, and obedience training was very difficult for her. We persisted and eventually she successfully completed the various levels of AKC training. Somehow the extra work and perseverance made those levels of mastery all the sweeter.

GF: You have a teenage daughter and a 23-year-old son. Do they share your love for dogs?

When my daughter Kimmie turned 10 and wanted a dog of her own, we decided that a smaller breed might be a little more appropriate for her small stature. That’s when Tryker a King Charles Cavalier joined our family. Tryker is just beginning her road down the obedience training path. Through the 4-H program, Kimmie and Tryker won second place in Beginner Obedience as well as Reserve Grand Champion Rally Level at the Dakota County Fair in 2013.

Tryker has also won her class at the State Fair in obedience and is now doing agility training.

Kimmie loves her dog, but also loves dancing with much hard work going into preparation for recitals and other dance competitions.

GETTING YOUR DOG STARTED IN OBEDIENCE TRAINING (Source: www.akc.org)

WHY TRAIN YOUR DOG? Dogs, by nature, are pack animals with a well-defined social order. As you and your family become your dog’s pack, your new dog will look to you – the leader of the pack – for guidance. Leadership can be established in a firm but friendly manner. Keep in mind that it is unrealistic to expect the dog to abide by the rules of the household without the leader teaching appropriate behavior!

Much like people, every dog is different.

Some are hyperactive. Some are laid-back.

Some are serious. Others are silly. Some are shy, and yet others have too much confidence. Regardless of these differences, training is necessary for all dogs and beneficial to your entire family.

TRAINING WILL: • Help correct nuisance behaviors such as jumping on people, digging, barking and chewing, while providing mental and physical activities for your dog.

• Deepen the bond between you and your dog, and to increase the enjoyment, companionship and satisfaction of your relationship with your dog.

My son, Tim, decided in his senior year of college to get a dog. He listed me as a back-up home on his application to the local Humane Society. While I declined to take on the coresponsibility of another dog, the Humane Society granted him the adoption and the rest is history. Tim needed a temporary home for his dog last summer. He brought the dog back to our house with the expectation that I could become grandma to Gordo The first week was pretty rough as Gordo struggled to forge a relationship with Lizzy, Nimo and Tryker. He spent the whole first week in my son’s room, hiding out from the rest of the pack. I was really worried and even reached out to my dog training family, but eventually Gordo came around and we had a great summer!

GF: Kathie Galotti has an amazing zest for life, sense of humor, and love for her university students, her own children and, of course, her four-legged furry friends.

She is the kind of “Girlfriend” you would definitely like to get to know better.

-Nancy Iglesias is a freelance writer and non-profit consultant. She spent 20 years working as an Executive Director for Habitat for Humanity in Winona, MN. Prior to that, she was the Marketing Manager for InterVarsity Press in Downers Grove, IL. Nancy enjoys entertaining, water fitness and teaching preschoolers at her church.

• Ensure your dog’s safety and happiness.

• Nurture good canine companionship for the benefit of your family, neighborhood and community.

• Allow you to enjoy the fun and excitement of competing in AKC events. You and your dog can earn certificates and titles while you continue to strengthen your communication and teamwork.

TYPES OF TRAINING CLASSES: • Puppy Class -- A developmental training course for the 3-to-5-month-old puppy.

A puppy class emphasizes socialization with people and other puppies. Instructors usually offer information on growth, nutrition, grooming, housebreaking and problemsolving and teach basic household commands.

• Basic Class -- A basic training course for dogs 5-to-6 months and older, aimed at training you to train your dog. The basic class emphasizes the essential training commands needed to make a dog a good companion: heel on a loose leash, sit, stand, down, stay in position, and come when called.

Instructors also usually provide information on nutrition, grooming and problem-solving. This basic training is important in keeping your dog safe.

• Canine Good Citizen® (CGC) Class -- May be a separate class or a part of a beginner class at AKC clubs and other organizations. CGC is a certification pro-

gram that is designed to reward dogs that have good manners at home and in the community. Your dog will need to know the commands and exercises taught in a basic training class to qualify for a passing score on the CGC test. Dogs that pass the CGC test receive a certificate from the AKC and are recorded in the AKC’s Canine Good Citizen Archive.

• Training Classes for Companion Events -- A variety of classes that prepare students and their dogs for competition in obedience, agility, tracking and other AKC events.

You will be instructed in the levels of competition and titles available, how to teach your dog the required exercises, and the regulations that apply when you are competing.

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Therapy

H

Story By Sarah Osterbauer

Photo submitted by Rideability.

orses can be so many things: family pets, farm workers, racers, creatures of beauty – or all of the above. They can also make a huge difference in the lives of people who struggle with various life issues: disabilities, emotional trauma, and more.

Jeanie Michelizzi of Rideability, based in Pine Island, Minn., recounts just one success story of helping children with disabilities. “We have one girl from Bloomington (whose) physical therapist wants

Photo submitted by Rideability.

her to ride with trunk support and a backrest holding onto her completely because she really can’t sit up,” Michelizzi said. “But we put (the girl) on a horse and we say, ‘ok honey, sit up, sit up.’ She’s (so motivated and) wants to ride on [a regular saddle without support] so bad, she’ll pull herself up.”

“Her shoulder comes up, her head comes up, she gets (more) of her body up, until she’s sitting up straight,” Michelizzi continued. “She’ll ride for a whole hour like that. I don’t even know how it’s possible.”

Rideability is a self-described grassroots volunteer-run organization that has provided therapeutic riding, also known equine therapy or equine-as-

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ility.

Photo submitted by Rideability.

sisted therapy (EAT) to children and adults with various disabilities for 20 years. Their operation is based on Michelizzi’s farm, where a pole barn, horses and land create a landscape for miracles to happen.

While the roots of equine therapy are not fully known, its official history in the U.S. began with the formation of the Professional Association of Therapeutic Horsemanship in 1969 (PATH) to provide industry standards, education and certification for anyone in the field.

Now any therapist or facility looking to provide equine therapy looks to PATH to provide guidance, training and certification.

Equine therapy can take various forms. For Rideability, the focus is on children and adults with physical and developmental ailments ranging from Down syndrome to cerebral palsy to autism and more. They are licensed to have both disabled and able-bodied riders, which allows them to be serve all, regardless of any (or no) diagnosis. They encourage families to get involved in the therapy, by having an able-bodied sibling ride alongside their disabled brother or sister or parents can also be involved as side walkers (volunteers who escort the horse and keep the child safe while riding). For Michelizzi, this unique facet of their organization can be key to a child’s success. “(Often) a young child or a child with a serious problem or an emotional fear will get on the horse right away if their mother is hanging onto their hand or has their arm around them,” she said.

According to both Michelizzi and PATH, some of the main benefits of equine therapy are physical. Clients can have a range of physical limitations, sometimes facing an uphill battle just to get on the horse. But once they’re in the arena, interacting with the horse, progress can be made rather quickly.

This is evidenced by Rideablity’s successes, most of which occur over its five-week program where a rider attends a weekly hour-long session. The way Michelizzi explains it, the motion

horses have when they walk helps improve a person’s gait. Once on the horse, the motion forces the person to correct his or her posture.

They sit up straight, their middle core and back muscles (also known in equine therapy as their trunk) strengthen as they work to hold the body upright. Their shoulders square to be in line with their hips and they learn to pay attention to the pressure their legs put on the horse’s body (to control the horse’s speed) and how to grip the reins and give commands.

All of these things, even for a simple walk, can result in vast physical improvement.

Equine therapy can also improve cognitive skills and underPhoto submitted by Andrea Walski. standing. For a child who has difficulty following directions, working with a horse on signals and commands can change their perspective on following instructions. They also become aware of their bodies in relation to the horse and how their movements change the way the horse interacts with them.

These interactions can translate to their behavior and how they take direction outside the arena. They also learn hand-eye coordination by using the reins and how certain movements affect the horse’s behavior. One example of this is with another of Michelizzi’s clients, a boy with autism who frequently ran away and needed to

wear an ankle bracelet for safety.

The child’s mother told Michelizzi that two years ago, the family had difficulties going into public spaces because of their safety concerns for their son. “Now he understands the environment around him, after working with and riding the horse, learning to control the horse and understanding that he doesn’t want to fall off,” she said. “All that work helped him understand the concept of safety and danger, and (it’s much easier now for him to) follow directions. And they can go out to dinner now. It’s a miracle, and she attributes that to the horseback riding.”

Equine therapy can also be provided simply by interacting with a horse, which is what licensed counselor Andrea Walski of Winona does with her clients. She combines traditional therapy sessions with equine therapy. Her clients interact with the horse, without ever getting on to ride. In doing this, they find themselves confronting issues that may have never come to the forefront otherwise.

As Walski explained, the client may see behavior in the horse that they recognize as similar to someone close to them. She also had one client who was having trouble gaining control of her life; once she was able to control the horse, she began gaining the confidence to push herself toward her life goals.

Both Michelizzi and Walski agree that equine therapy often serves clients better than traditional therapy. The reason they say, is people are motivated by the opportunity to interact with the horses. Walski says clients may cancel on their regular sessions with her, but no one ever cancels their equine sessions. In this way, the client arrives to the session motivated to help themselves and do what it takes to ensure success.

As Michelizzi said, “You’re already progressing before you even progress.”

The other element of course, according to the two women, are the horses themselves.

Horses respond to human emotion, and they provide feedback to humans instantaneously which helps a person make a connection. It’s this connection and the interactions that go along with it that have helped so many people find physical and mental health success.

-Sarah Osterbauer is a freelance writer based in St. Paul.

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Story By Isabelle Wattenberg

E

very few days, 10 dogs gather to dispense wetnosed nuzzles to those who need some moments of comfort in their lives.

These dogs and their eight owners comprise “Puppy Love Therapy Dogs,” an organization founded on an understanding that the bond between human and dog helps heal and soothe. Since 2001, the group based in Good Thunder, Minn., has spent six to eight days each month providing much-needed canine company to schools, retirement homes, libraries and hospitals.

According to Puppy Love member Mitzi Roberts, the group has reached 26,000 people through their services, which include everything from visiting students during finals to delivering Valentines (from the dogs) to nursing home residents. They also take requests for special group and individual sessions and run pet safety and grooming workshops. But the organization’s soul and energy is devoted to its group outings, where young and old alike can escape from

When a dog is more than

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their worries and spend time petting and watching well-trained, tail-wagging canines.

Dogs can become registered therapy dogs by passing an exam that tests their behavior and temperament.

While certification isn’t required for dogs to visit people, it helps facilities and schools know the dog is up to date on vaccinations and has been tested to be comfortable and respectful in social situations—in addition to ensuring the handler knows how to lead and respond to its dog.

There are therapy dogs, and then there are assistance dogs—each providing care and comfort, but by different methods. Assistance dogs live permanently with the individual who needs support and generally begin training at the puppy stage. Can Do Canines in New Hope, Minn. has been training assistance dogs and matching them with clients since 1989. Communications Manager Paul Schwarzkopf estimates that the group has trained more than 500 assistance dogs, pairing them with people facing disabilities including deafness, mobility impairment, and

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diabetes.

Schwarzkopf puts it this way: assistance dogs provide physical support, and therapy dogs provide emotional support. While the training process and core functions of the two differ, there is overlap. This is particularly notable with Autism Assist Dogs, who can protect children with autism from physical danger— such as running into a street—and also provide a calming, rock-steady presence in overwhelming situations.

The similarities between assist and therapy dogs also emerge with Can Do Canine’s prison program, which places 40 to 50 dogs at any given time within five prisons. According to the group’s website, two carefully selected inmates are assigned to each dog. Inmates raise

the dog, teach obedience and – in some cases – even teach assistance dog skills, such as pulling open a door or turning on a light switch.

Final assist dog training occurs at Can Do’s facilities, where specialists assess what type of assistance suits each dog and puts them through tailored exercises. But puppies first need a foundation of obedience and a familiarity with a range of situations.

Under the prison program, local inmates help raise young dogs at the correctional facility, provide obedience training, socialization, and human interaction. Can Do Canines is largely volunteer-run, so the program enables them to stretch resources and maximize the number of dogs being raised for training. But it can also drastically change the atmosphere at

the correctional facility. The responsibility and affection that accompany raising a dog helps inmates gain confidence and creates a sense of community. It also gives the inmates new skills.

“Having the dog’s presence there makes everyone more comfortable,” Schwarzkopf said.

“People reconnect with their emotions.”

Assist dogs often have a similar effect on the clients they’re placed with. The average length of the assist dog-client partnership is ten years.

“While it is an assistance dog, it becomes part of the family,” Schwarzkopf said. “The bond is a mutually beneficial relationship.”

- Isabelle Wattenberg is a social media and data analytics specialist for MSP Communications. She spends her spare moments listening to opera, reading Alice in Wonderland, and writing about Minnesota happenings.

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Can My Dog be a Therapy Dog? Therapy certification tests are available at a number of training and service organization locations in Southern Minnesota. Before you sign your pooch up, however, it is worth looking over the basic criteria necessary for qualification. Therapy dog certification follows official guidelines that define specific age, health, and temperament requirements. Leashes and Leads in Byron, Minn., offers a two-day “Therapy Dogs 101” course that prepares dogs and their owners for the certification exam with a series of exercises, resources, and practice tests. Your pup should also have the following traits: • Comfortable with other dogs • Able to leave treats on the floor • Comfortable being away from his/her handler • Comfortable around crutches, wheelchairs, and walkers.

• At least one year old • Up to date on vaccinations When you and your dog feel ready to take the test, Puppy Love regularly administers certification exams, as does The Paw, a pet hotel, daycare, and rehabilitation center in Mankato, Minn. The Paw conducts a 13-part test that vets canine candidates for obedience, calm composure and spatial awareness. Test administrator Linda Murray said the dogs she’s certified go on to visit correctional facilities and treatment centers and join Tail Wagging Tutors—a program where children boost their confidence by reading aloud to dogs.

I want to participate but I don’t have a dog.

You don’t need to own a pet to help a service or volunteer animal organization. For those who want to support but don’t have a dog to call their own, participation can take several forms.

• Foster a therapy dog. Can Do Canines runs a Puppy Raiser program that places dogs with families or individuals who can care for them for a six- to 18-month period. Puppy Raisers are asked to provide a safe and comfortable home, introduce the puppy to a variety of social situations, teach them good manners, and attend twice-monthly meetings.

• Volunteer at a therapy dog organization by assisting with equipment set-up and transportation.

• Donate to a pet therapy or assistance dog organization.

• Attend Woofaroo, Can Do Canine’s annual fundraiser on September 17. The annual event includes a tour of the Can Do Canine facilities, a Dog Video Festival, and Assistance Dog demonstrations. Dogs welcome. Find more information at www.candowoofaroo.org.

Think you or someone you know might need an assist or therapy dog?

Visit www.can-do-canines.org to find resources for applying. Note that Can Do Canines considers applications only from Minnesota and Wisconsin residents.

Puppy Love Therapy Dogs accepts requests for special therapy sessions. Reach out to pltdi@hickorytech.net or call 507-278-3488

Resources Can Do Canines 9440 Science Center Drive New Hope, MN 55428 763-331-3000 www.can-do-canines.org

The Paw Mankato 1741 Premier Dr. Mankato, MN 56001 507-625-7070 www.thepawmankato.com

Leashes & Leads 6214 14th Street NW Byron, MN 55920 507-282-2710 www.leashesandleads.com Puppy Love Therapy Dogs, Inc. 57240 Juniper Rd Good Thunder, MN 56037 507-278-3488 www.puppylovetherapydogs-ivil.tripod.com

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Make sure your kids are up to date on their vaccines.

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Destination

Amana Colonies A treasure on the Iowa prairie for more than 150 years

amanacolonies.com

T

Story By Karen West Workman

The General Store is a must-see, he charm of stuffed from polished hardwood Iowa’s Amana floor to pressed tin ceiling with Colonies – colorful joys for your home: unique seven villages local crafts, pottery, rugs, jewelry, that have delightful gee-gaws and necessities. been around Bonus: the coffee shop tucked at since the the bottom of the stairs roasts and mid-1800s grinds their own flavorful coffee is simplicity. right there. The Amana Meat Shop Main Amana’s business district and Smokehouse sells more than appears to be a welcoming just delectable meats. They also residential neighborhood. Wide carry cheeses and specialty foods to streets, wide sidewalks, open patios complement your picnic. They are and manicured front lawns enhance the peaceful village atmosphere.

Handsome, unpretentious houses made of wellweathered wood, brick and stone Photo by Joel Eric Workman line the main street. The beauty of generous with their samples, too.

Amana comes not from colorful Surprisingly, this tiny town on buildings adorned with filigree trim, the prairie is home to five wineries, but from the purity of solid, squareall within a few blocks of each edged buildings, much like a happy other. Three of them make their smile is attractive even without own delicious, predominantly fruit lipstick.

Many houses are actually thriving wines on premises and the others businesses, operated by locals whose provide many selections from a large variety of vineyards. All have tasting families have been in the Amana rooms, so wine lovers will be in their Colonies for generations. Modest glory. Those who prefer beer will be outdoor signage invites you to step excited to know that the respected inside, to share what is the heart Millstream Brewing is also within of Amana. Within these structures walking distance at the edge of town. you will find delightful art galleries Millstream has a large, multi-level with fun and beautiful art in many patio for its guests to enjoy clean forms from designers far and near, country air with its freshly tapped or a chocolate shop that uses a beer. centuries-old recipe for fudge made Hungry? Say no more. The locals in an enormous copper bowl right like Phat Daddy’s for an exceptional on the premises. Amana Furniture wood-fired pizza. For heftier fare, and Clock Shop offers gorgeous two restaurants in Amana – The unique wood furniture, handcrafted Ox Yoke Inn and Colony Inn - are on-site, with viewing windows into renowned for serving hearty German the workshop.

amanacolonies.com

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and American meals family style. There, you pass the biscuits and share platters of food hot from the kitchen, just like at your Aunt Joanne’s.

This is tasty comfort food at its best, and you are welcome to ask for seconds.

The pride of workmanship is woven throughout Amana, whether in food, goods or services, and the people of Amana welcome you to experience it. There is an undeniable peacefulness to Amana. It is a place where couples stroll lazily hand-in-hand and clusters of ladies enjoy umbrella shade on an outdoor patio. A day in Amana is a tonic for stress. The lovely simplicity of the Amana Colonies makes visitors want to stay, and come back to experience it again.

Karen West Workman is a freelance writer with a sense of adventure. She enjoys flying, sparkly things and good chocolate.

Photo by Joel Eric Workman

With so much to eat and drink in this village, it is good to know that quite a number of comfy inns are just a stroll away, and with down-to-earth pricing to boot. There are a few notable provincial inns right in the heart of town, as well as delightful bed-and-breakfast inns along the neighboring streets where you can be pampered as if visiting a dear family friend.

There are even a couple of campgrounds just minutes away by car.

Photo by Joel Eric Workman

Additional Information: Entering the Amana Colonies is like stepping into a time bubble.

While only 20 miles from Cedar Rapids, this is an area of seven distinct villages that cheated time.

Originally settled in the mid-1800s by a group of German people seeking religious freedom, the people of the Amanas developed a communal way of living that was maintained until 1932.

A striking feature of the Amana Colonies is that for almost 80 years they maintained an almost completely self-sufficient local economy, importing very little from the wider, industrializing U.S. economy. The Amanians were able to achieve this independence and life style by adhering to the specialized handcrafts and farming occupations which they had brought with them from Germany.

Although no longer communal, the villages have endured. Today, they have a combined population of more than 1,600 residents.

The colonies as a whole have been listed as a National Historic Landmark since 1965.

While the communal roots of Amana Colonies are intriguing, the way of life is in step with modern times and caters to visitors. Girls’ Getaway Weekend happens annually in November, wine walks are available in the summer, and wine dinners are offered yearround. Music is commonly brought to Millstream Brewing in the summer. The villages hold festivals throughout the year, including the popular sausage lover’s Wurst Festival with some of the best wursts around (June); Oktoberfest, Iowa’s most authentic Oktobefest experience (late September/early October); and Maifest, a spring celebration with dancing, parades, wine, beer, food and art. (late April, early May). A full calendar of the many Amana events can be found at www.AmanaColonies.com

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THERE’S ALWAYS SOMETHING…

By Jenni Frizzell-Fuller (Note: This originally appeared on BlogHer.com on June 4, 2016; we were given permission by the author to re-print it. The author blogs as part of her work at www.slumber-baby.com.)

M

y stepson graduates from high school today. He is a remarkable young man who definitely marches to his own beat. He is charismatic and makes good friends easily, he loves his family and his friends and his passions with the whole of his heart, and he will be just fine as he traverses whatever path he chooses next and as he ventures into adulthood–or, rather, that weird spot between teenager-hood and adulthood.

As my stepdaughter finishes her freshman year of high school, and everything that has entailed for her, as my toddler sings made-up songs to herself while “baking” in her pretend kitchen, and as my unborn daughter elbows and punches my bladder and my lungs throughout the day, I can’t help but pause, step back, and be absolutely amazed at how everything always seems to be changing, especially where kids are concerned. If I look back six months or a year, nothing was the same as it is today and six months from now, everything will certainly look different again. It’s enough to make me want to look for some kind of handle or rope to hang on to as the world spins round and round.

As I work with families around

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their child’s or baby’s sleep, I always talk with them about what might be coming up next in regards to challenges, hiccups, or transitions. Sometimes I get emails that start like this: Just when we got her sleeping through the night, she gave up her third nap and now everything has changed again!”

Yep. And after this, she’ll get some teeth and maybe a cold which will throw a wrench into sleep, and after that she’ll go to one nap, maybe do some potty training, start daycare or school, go through a bout of early wakeups, move into a toddler bed and out of night diapers…and before you know it, graduating from high school.

Yes, there’s always something.

It’s so important to help babies and children through transitions while getting them the rest they need; but it’s also greatly important to remember that they are almost always changing, growing, and going through some kind of transition, be it big or small. It’s always wise to look ahead at the next milestone and think (when you are of sound, sane, and rested mind and body) how you will approach it in a way that keeps everyone on the most even-keel possible.

Don’t get frustrated if there are a few nights or naps that are a total wreck. It’s not likely to be permanent. Your response and reaction are what are important–those are your handles to hold onto amidst the chaos of all this change, the foundation that you can keep the same while your child’s needs alter and shift.

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4 Tips for Transitions Think of how you want things to look on the other side of this transition. So sleep is a mess while your toddler is transitioning to one nap. How can you react to this in a way that gets you and your child to a good place when one nap is solidly in place? How can you respond to your child’s extra tiredness or more night wake ups in a way that will help her stay as rested as possible?

If you resort to old sleep crutches just to “survive,” these crutches and habits will most likely be one more thing you have to undo later on, which is an unnecessary step.

Instead, consider ways you can respond that still encourage your child’s great sleep skills–an extraearly bedtime might help mitigate some exhaustion that’s happening due to longer awake times, a longer wind down before naps and bedtime will help cue those sleepy feelings and keep at bay an overextended energy. Give it some thought–think of where you are and where you’d like to be, then respond in a way that helps you and your child reach your sleep

goals.

Take a break, take a breath.

When you were pregnant or even soon after your baby was born, you were amazed at the miraculous changes that would happen week by week–the first time you could hear a heartbeat, the first time you knew the sex, the first time you saw the tiny bean sucking his thumb or the feeling of his hiccups while your belly jumped and jolted. Those quick changes don’t stop just because your baby is now on the outside. In fact, even as adults our bodies and brains are constantly changing. If there is one thing that I’ve learned from my beautiful yogi friends, especially as I reflect on being a mother, it is to find bliss in the consistency of change. Be grateful for the ever changing, growing, and developing little being in your arms. While it might be hard to believe while in the moment, consistent change means that everything is as it should be. Pause in the midst of the seeming chaos and breathe it all in, even your exhaustion. If you get lost in the obsessions of doing everything just right then you’ll be sure to miss out on some really

beautiful moments.

“Find bliss in the consistency of change.”

Learn what your child best responds to. Even very young babies will respond better to some ways of helping them sleep than others. The same is true in regards to how you choose to shape other behaviors like how help clean up or how to use a fork and spoon.

Some babies and children need a little extra soothing, while others catch on to sleep skills with very little prompting. There is nothing wrong with either child, it’s just who they are mixed with who you are–some parents need to provide a little more soothing and some parents will be able to provide their child with lots of independence around learning sleep skills.

Nothing is wrong with either parenting style. This magical combination, when it’s found a place of compromise, almost always yields great results.

Try not to force transitions prematurely. Every brain and body develops at a different pace. You need look no further than a high school or junior high hallway to be convinced of this! If you read somewhere that a child should be in a toddler bed by the time they are 3 years old, but your little one is sleeping eleven hours straight in a crib, consider waiting a bit. Why the rush? If you don’t feel like your child is ready to be potty-trained, or if it’s causing huge amounts of anxiety, push the pause button.

You can certainly guide your child in a healthy way toward transitions, but it’s very hard to force something to happen that your child isn’t ready for without facing some consequences. Stay out of forums where any mom claims to have one exact answer for any issue or challenge, is judgmental to any other parent’s choices, or doesn’t contribute in a positive way to the collective wisdom with love, support, and encouragement.

.........................................

Our 2 1/2 year old daughter will start part-time Montessori in the fall. I never thought she would be ready at such a young age, but she is more than ready (I think I am the one who isn’t so ready!) She’s visited her new school for a few trial days this spring and before each visit we talk about three

things she needs to remember: 1) Use your manners. 2) Be a good listener. 3) If you have to go potty, find a grown-up.

Come to think of it, the same sentiments could easily apply to a young person graduating from high school or, truly, any adult, today– 1) Use your manners: be kind, compassionate, and polite. Help those in need. Be grateful for the opportunities you have before you and your unique combination of abilities that will allow you to traverse the next stage of your life.

Be respectful of others and don’t forget to also respect yourself.

2) Be a good listener. This world is vast and there is so much each of us can learn from one another.

The world is filled with wonder and opportunity that is easy to miss if you aren’t paying attention.

The ability to listen, learn, form opinions, change our minds, and communicate with each other is a skill that I think all of us can consistently improve upon. Being able to cut through the noise, the screens, and all of the negative messages bombarding us every day is one that needs constant attention, regardless of how old you are.

3) If you need to go potty, find a grown-up. Or, rather - for you potty-trained graduates out there - if you need help, ask. Find someone to mentor you. Find people who inspire you, who push you to be your best at your endeavors, and who set the bar high for you.

Be humble enough to admit that you don’t quite know everything yet, and that’s okay. Acknowledge the pieces of yourself that are still growing and blossoming, expect to hit some bumps and to make some mistakes; be forgiving of yourself and of others, but also be a teacher to those who need your guidance.

So, while so many things change at such a fast pace, other things– thankfully–remain steadfast in the big picture.

Why let joint pain rule your life when we can fix it for good?

• Adult joint replacement - Hip: Anterior approach hip replacement (faster recovery) - Knee - Shoulder • Hand and wrist conditions • Sports Medicine • Fractures • Joint Injections • Arthroscopic surgery • Minimally-invasive surgery

Our orthopaedic team is right down the street.

Local Doctors Local Experts

Sweet dreams,

-Jenny Frizzell-Fuller is a former English teacher from Missoula, Montana. She is now a stay-at-home mom expecting her second daughter in August 2016. Her family also includes two teens from her husband’s first marriage (and a yellow lab named Clancy). She loves writing and reading, travel and family.

Northfield • Lakeville • Farmington For appointment at all locations, call

507-646-8900

www.northfieldhospital.org/ofc AUGUST ISSUE 2016 |

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We Time

& VENDOR EVENT

T

Story By Rachel Minske

his fall, home chefs in Faribault and the surrounding area will have a chance to learn new cooking tricks and tips through the Taste of Home Cooking School, a one-of-a-kind consumer experience with on-stage demonstrations presented by a professional culinary specialist.

The live cooking schools – which feature a vendor school and a cooking demonstration – have been held for years across the country, but this is the first time it will occur in Faribault.

Organizers say they are thrilled to bring such a high-profile national event to local home chefs.

About 600 local consumers and up to 75 businesses will participate in the event, which will be held September 22 at Faribault High School, 330 9th Ave. SW, Faribault.

History of the show The event has a long history of spreading kitchen skills and inspiring chefs.

It dates back to 1948 when a home economist loaded up her station wagon and drove across the Midwest, stopping at smalltown appliance dealerships to conduct cooking classes for homemakers. The cooking school was acquired by “Taste of Home” magazine in the 1990s; today, about 140,000 home chefs attend the 200+ shows held each year.

At the shows, professional culinary specialists demonstrate recipes, cooking

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methods, practical kitchen tips and plating techniques in an entertaining and educational environment.

“Ladies just flock to the show for recipes, the cookbook and female camaraderie,” said Pam DeMorett, a multi-media sales consultant for the Faribault Daily News, a sponsor of the event. DeMorett is one of the event’s main organizers alongside sales manager Mark Nelson, she said.

During the program, attendees experience two hours of recipe demonstrations using seasonal ingredients found at local grocery stores. Each recipe is demonstrated step-bystep. Attendees can expect demonstrations for fall recipes, just in time before Minnesotans hunker down for colder weather, DeMorett said. Cookbooks will also be for sale that evening.

Those who attend receive a gift bag filled with coupons, product samples and a Taste of Home Cooking School magazine. Door prizes will also be available, DeMorett said.

The Faribault’s show featured chef promises more than simply cooking inspiration – he’s a professional singer and actor, too. Guy Klinzing is the featured chef for the cooking school.

Klinzing, who lives in Chicago, learned to cook from his mother and grandmother and has worked in the snack food and chocolate industry for more than 34 years. He has worked at more than 200 similar cooking shows to date.

“Women are going to love (Klinzing’s performance),” DeMorett said. “They will really be entertained.”

Bringing the event to Faribault This is the first time the Faribault Daily News will present the event, co-sponsored by

Girlfriends Magazine.

“We understand through conversations with local business partners that a Taste of Home show was offered in Faribault several years ago but no one can quite pinpoint the date,” said DeMorett, adding Faribault looks to be an ideal host for the cooking school.

An Ohio-based sister publication of the Faribault Daily News hosted the Taste of Home Cooking School in the past, and it turned out to be a “wonderful thing” for the community and area businesses, said DeMorett. So, she said, the newspaper decided to bring it to Faribault. “This is our first time doing this,” she said. “Our intent is to have a fabulous show.”

So far, there seems to be high interest in the event. Not a day goes by that the Faribault Daily News offices don’t field phone calls from excited home cooks inquiring about the show.

Show specifics The event is divided into two parts: a vendor fair and a cooking school.

The vendor fair kicks off at 6:00 p.m. in a gymnasium adjacent to the performing arts center and will conclude prior to the cooking school.

“We are inviting home-based businesses, crafters, and local businesses to participate in what is sure to be a popular and energizing preshow event,” DeMorett said.

The cooking school will begin at 7:30 and will last about two hours. General admission is $15, with VIP Admission for $25 (which also includes a Taste of Home cookbook). Doors will open for seating at 6:00.

Tickets are available from Faribault Daily News (507-333-3111) or online at Faribault. com and clicking on “submission forms.”

DeMorett said ticket sales have been brisk and that many people are organizing their friends, sisters and daughters for a choice seat at the event.

“It will be a one-of-a-kind experience,” she said.

-Rachel Minske is a multimedia journalist. When not writing, she’s usually drinking coffee and asking questions.

P

n !

O s w t e iT ck No e l Sa & VENDOR EVENT with Culinary Specialist

Guy Klinzing

Thursday Sept. 22 Faribault High School - Performing Arts Center 330 9th Ave SW, Faribault

DOORS OPEN – 6:00pm STAGE COOKING PERFORMANCE – 7:30pm

(

Plus:

Exhibitor Booths Door Prizes & Goody Bags Presented by

Faribault Daily News

girlfriends

Where local women

turn!

25 $15

$

e VIP c n a v d A preferred

Includes nd a FREE ! a seating ome Cookbook H f Taste o

e Advanc l Genera n io Admiss

Purchase tickets at the Faribault Daily News, by phone 507-333-3111, or online at faribault.com.

Click the link under “Submission Forms.”

Tickets purchased online or by phone will be mailed to the address provided and will be charged an extra $1 per ticket processing fee.

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Do you Need

Insurance?

(Source: American Veterinary Medical Association)

A

s veterinary medicine becomes more technologically advanced, the cost of care increases because of the higher costs associated with the equipment, facilities and training required to provide these higher-quality services.

For some, the cost of care can cause some anxiety.

Pet insurance can help by offsetting some or most of the costs of diagnosing, treating and managing your pet’s illness or injury.

But pet insurance isn’t for everyone, and there’s no magic formula that will tell you if it’s right for you and your pet. If you’re considering pet insurance, talk to your veterinarian and do some research on your options.

Here are some basic considerations: • Regardless of the insurance provider, your veterinarian should be monitoring the health of your pet as part of a valid Veterinary-ClientPatient Relationship (VCPR; for more information, check out VCPR FAQs at www.avma.org/public/PetCare/Pages/VCPR-FAQs.aspx).

• The insurance provider should clearly spell out to you the details, including the limitations and exclusions, of coverage for routine and/ or wellness care as well as emergency treatments and conditions that require extensive care. Find out how your premiums will be increased as your pet ages or if you make any claims.

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• See if they have add-on options to provide any specific coverage (e.g., dental care, travel insurance, etc.) you may want.

• Find out how they define and handle pre-existing conditions (diseases or conditions your pet already has – or has had – prior to purchasing the insurance plan).

• In some cases, insurance providers will not insure a specific pet or breed of pet, or may limit the number of pets you can insure, if they consider them “high-risk.

• Some providers will give multiple pet discounts.

• All of the charges, including co-pays, deductibles, add-on charges and other fees, should be clearly explained to you so you fully understand the policy and its limitations.

• You should be allowed to choose the veterinarian who will provide veterinary care for your pet.

Pet insurance plans are generally reimbursement plans – you pay the bills up front and are reimbursed by the insurance provider. Ask the insurance provider how claims are processed as well as the timeframe for reimbursement of your expenses so you know what to expect.

If you’re concerned about covering the expenses up front, ask your veterinarian about payment options that will work for you in case you need to make arrangements. (It’s best to find out your options ahead of time so you don’t have the added stress of trying to make payment arrangements on an emergency basis.)

Your veterinarian may be able to provide you with a recommended pet insurance company based on their experience, but it’s ultimately your decision whether or not to purchase pet insurance (and what

lunch money and permission slips? Practice the Launch Pad (http://organizedhome.com/familyties/tame-morning-madness-launch-pad) concept! By creating a dedicated space for every family member, a Launch Pad gets the family out the door in record time--and organized.

Make a practice run

Tips to get ready for Back-To-School (Source: OrganizedHome.com)

Gather your papers School entry may require documentation from immunization records to report cards from the previous school year. Athletes need proof of medical examination. A little preparation can prevent frantic last-minute searches for a birth certificate or registration confirmation.

Call your child’s school or check the school district Web site beforehand to find out what paperwork will be required--then find it! You won’t be sorry come registration day.

Take aim on morning madness How are school mornings in your home?

Crazed and chaotic, or calm and cheerful?

Plan ahead to send your schoolchildren--and yourself!--out the door in a happy frame of mind.

Each evening, think ahead to the following morning; where can you lighten the load?

Set the breakfast table as you clear the dinner dishes, and make sure breakfast foods are easy to reach. Lay out children’s clothing the night before. Scan backpacks or launch pad spaces for missing homework, projects or library books. Make sure musical instruments or sports bags are packed and ready to go.

Do “bathroom wars” break out daily among the small fry? Multi-child households may need a bathroom schedule so that everyone gets equal time before the mirror.

What do you do about books and papers,

How will children get to school? The first day of school is no time to find out it takes ten minutes--not five--to walk to the nearest bus stop!

Before school begins, make a practice run to get children to the school on time.If they’ll walk, help them learn the route they’ll take and note the needed time. Car-pooling? Make sure the dry run accounts for early-morning traffic!

Bus riders will need to be familiar with the location of the bus stop; print and post the bus schedule to prevent a missed bus.

Spiff up household systems A new school year quickens the tempo of family life. Sports activities, music lessons, church programs and volunteer commitments tap parental time and put new mileage on the mini-van. Get organized! Spiff up your household systems to meet autumn’s faster pace: • Clean house ... fast! Take a stab at speed cleaning and whip through household chores in record time.

• Cut time in the kitchen: create a menu plan and never again wonder “What’s for dinner?”

• Streamline dinner preparations. Try a session of freezer cooking to stock the freezer with prepared entrees for stress-free dinner on sports night.

• Conquer the paper pile-up. Set up a basic home filing system to track school paperwork, volunteer activities and household planning Happy New School Year! Time to swing into a new school year--from an organized home.

DISTINCTIVE EYEWEAR & ACCESSORIES

LOOKING FOR

fabulous?

425 Division Street South Northfield, MN 55057 507-366-2020 visionofnorthfield.com

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Pets Create Home

Kari Berit

Have you seen the viral video that shows a stress-filled workplace and what happens after dogs and puppies visit? The workers turn all smiles. You can see people physically relax and unleash their play nature.

Stress relief is just one benefit of having a pet. Pets can be a godsend to aging parents.

Loneliness, isolation, inactivity, obesity, depression, grieving: each in its own way can be partially, if not fully, alleviated by having a pet. When a friend of mine returned from a trip, one of her first Facebook posts showed her cat snuggling in her lap with the caption, “I think my cat missed me while I was away.” Pets create a sense of home, wherever one lives.

I don’t currently have a pet, so I find other ways to connect with animals. I talk to sheep on my way to the bus, take apples to nearby horses, and greet dogs whenever their owners give me the thumbs up to approach them. It doesn’t make sense to have an animal in my life at this moment.

Or does it? I think of people’s parents and what I have written before about the importance of having an animal, and I wonder about my own situation. Being without a dog these days has given me insight into the freedom one gains without pets. Pets need attention; otherwise, why have one? My exsister-in-law once told me that she knew that her dog could be left alone in her kennel for up to 10 hours and be alright. The dog may be okay, but it is not the way I live with dogs.

When one is a pet-person, life feels a little empty without that animal energy. If your parents are animal people, it behooves you to help them either own a pet or find ways to interact with animals on a regular basis.

Especially if your parent is home-bound, a pet

Unexpected CaregiveR Kari Berit (KariBerit.net) is a national speaker and author. She is the author of The Unexpected Caregiver. c.2016

is often the reason they get up in the mornings or get out on walks.

Kelly Connolly, Issues Specialist with the Humane Society of the United States (HSUS), shared her thoughts on one of my radio shows: “Emotionally, pets can bring new meaning and purpose to the life of a senior who is living far away from friends or family. The love and commitment to their owners is almost like free therapy. They can act as friends, entertainers, and warm, fuzzy bundles of joy. Having a pet in an elderly person’s life can offer them a sense of well-being, a sense of encouragement, and even a reason for living. Being responsible for another life often gives new meaning to the lives of those who are living alone or far from loved ones. Caring for and providing a loving home to a companion animal also helps elderly people to remain active and stay healthy.”

HSUS has a program to help bring animals together with older adults. Many local animal shelters also offer senior programs. Shelters have a number of advantages over pet stores.

For starters, the shelter is more likely to have a staff that can advise and guide the potential new pet owner. Adopting from a shelter is also more cost-effective: Adoption fees are extremely low compared with the cost of purchasing an animal from a pet store or breeder.

And it might be equally good for your parents. Their home is empty. Their kids are grown, moved out and wrapped up in their own lives. Their friends are becoming fewer or less accessible. Why rule out having someone in their lives who needs them, responds to them, entertains them, makes demands on them – and loves them unconditionally? Knowing that your parents have a “someone” to take care of is a positive, both for them and for you.

“Let us enhance your independence” Faribault Senior Living is a stress free environment that can enhance the quality of your senior years.

Stop by and visit us today!

507-331-6510 \ Located on South Lyndale Ave. in Faribault \ faribaultseniorliving.com

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Girlfriends Guide

$ Financial Resources Brad L. Running CLU®

Financial Advisor. A unique and disciplined approach. Today, it’s natural to have questions about your retirement, even if you’ve saved and planned for it. With our proprietary Confident Retirement® approach, we’ll find answers and take the first step toward creating a road map to the future you want. We’ll talk through the four basic principles of retirement: (1) covering essential expenses, (2) assuring your lifestyle, (3) preparing for the unexpected and (4) leaving a legacy. And I’ll help you make adjustments as needed so you can retire on your terms. Ameriprise Financial Services, Inc., 1850 Austin Road, Suite 104, Owatonna, MN 55060, 507-455-4070 brad.l.running@ampf.com, ameripriseadvisors@ampf.com/brad.l.running.

Bremer Bank- Ryan Gillespie

Buying a new home should be exciting. At Bremer Bank, we’ll make sure that arranging your home financing is a positive experience. The process can be safe and simple when you work with a bank that helps you understand what you should know and takes action for you. Ryan Gillespie, experienced mortgage loan officer, can help with any mortgage need you have, whether you’re a first-time home buyer, looking to move into a different home, looking to refinance, or about to build a home. Ryan Gillespie, NMLS #503704, 507-676-2708, 730 West Bridge St, Owatonna. rlgillespie@bremer.com.

Member FDIC. Equal Housing Lender.

Castle Rock Bank

The Castle Rock Bank has been serving the women in this community for 96 years. To answer the question, “What do women want in banking?” We believe the answer is, “To be heard, understood, respected and valued.” 27925 Danville Ave Castle Rock, 507-645-7751 www.castlerockbank.net.

Food & Entertainment Legacy Golf & The Grill at The Legacy

The Legacy is a championship 18-hole facility offering value-added golf and a warm friendly environment for golf outings & casual dining.

It provides a unique setting for meetings, reunions, groom’s dinners, banquets and bridal showers. The indoor Grill can accommodate 30-50 people & the open-air Pavilion can accommodate up to 170. 1515 Shumway Ave, Faribault, 507-332-7177 www.legacygolf.net.

+

Health & Wellness

Curves of Owatonna

Our Curves Complete program, offers women a complete weight loss solution— exercise, meal plans, and coaching—all in one location. Curves Protein Bars (Meal & Snack size) and Spot Toning classes. All Curves staff are certified by the Cleveland Clinic in Exercise, Nutrition and Behavior Coaching. Curves - 1828 S. Cedar Ave, Owatonna 507-455-4060.

Holland Family Dental

Holland Family Dental is located in the Professional Building on Hillcrest Ave. in Owatonna. We have been in Owatonna since 1996 and concentrate on dentistry for the entire family. We offer services in preventive, cosmetic and comprehensive care which includes implants and up-to-date dental technology. Please visit us at 605 Hillcrest Ave. Owatonna MN. 507-451-7250.

IN TOUCH PHYSICAL THERAPY

In Touch Physical Therapy is dedicated to providing hands on care to promote and maintain the healthy function of every client. Our doctors of physical therapy specialize in injury rehab, chronic pain, work comp injuries, car accidents, dizziness, pain management, sports training, and women’s health. We have one hour appointments.

Check us out at www.intouchpt.com. We work with all insurance companies. Your pain stops here! 123 W. Broadway St. Owatonna, MN. 507451-7888.

Millstream Commons Assisted Living

Millstream Commons Assisted Living is located in downtown Northfield. 44 Assisted Living apartments (studio, 1 and 2 BR) featuring three meals a day, supportive nursing care, respite care, & life enrichment activities. Pets allowed.

Licensed Housing with Services provider. Part of the Three Links Community. Member of Aging Services of Minnesota. 210 8th St W, Northfield, 507-650-9627, threelinks.org.

Northfield Urgent Care

Tired of waiting to see your doctor for simple problems like sore throats and earaches? We provide walk-in medical care for all ages, from infants to adults. We are open 7 days per week and no appointment is needed! Quick, easy and efficient! 2014 Jefferson Rd Suite C, Northfield, MN 55057, 507-664-9999, northfieldurgentcare. com.

The Northfield Area Family YMCA

The Northfield Area Family YMCA is a non-profit organization dedicated to providing opportunities for all individuals, families, and the community to achieve their fullest potential. From summer camps, to youth sports, to preschool activities and adult wellness, we have something for everyone. Become a member of the YMCA! 1501 Honeylocust Drive, Northfield 507-6450088, www.northfieldymca.org. Scholarships are available to ensure everyone can participate.

Northfield Retirement Community

Situated on a 30-acre, beautifully landscaped campus, NRC was established in 1969 to provide housing and services specifically designed to meet the physical, social, psychological and spiritual needs of older adults. Housing options include apartments with a minimal level of services, as well as other home settings that make increasing levels of service readily available. Options include rental and owner-occupied living spaces. Units are available for both income-sensitive and market-rate income levels. NRC also provides a fully-staffed care center for those who desire a more traditional nursing home setting. 900 Cannon Valley Drive, Northfield, 507-645-9511, northfieldretirement.org.

Home & Garden ENDRES WINDOW CLEANING

Here at Endres Window Cleaning, we pride ourselves in having the best value in the Midwest.

An often dirty and time-consuming job, professional window cleaning will protect your windows, boost the curb appeal of your home and allow you more time to do the things you enjoy. Family owned and operated since 1988, we offer residential and commercial services with quality that is guaranteed to shine through. Call us at 507-932-5326 for your free estimate today.

Judy’s Floral Design

Whether your wedding is black tie/ ballroom or barefoot on the beach or somewhere in between!

Beautiful, quality flowers and great ideas start with Judy Smith. “Specializing in fresh creative and affordable blooms for all the flower moments of your life” 507-645-0008, 300 Railway St. North, Dundas, judysfloraldesign.com.

Simon Bros Cement Co.

Simon Bros Cement Co. has been serving the Northfield area since 1969. We specialize in quality concrete and masonry including foundations, driveways, epoxy garage floors. Call for a free estimate. We will look at your project and use 40+ years of experience to share ideas and advice. Call Ray 612-328-4591.

Insurance American Family Insurance Bart Jackson Agency

American Family Insurance offers home, automobile, atv, motorcycle, boat, commercial business, farm and life insurance. We are available to meet with you personally to review your situation and provide recommendations as to the proper coverage’s for your needs. Bart Jackson Insurance Agency, 408 Central Ave N, Suite D, Faribault, MN 55021. 507-332-6812.

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Girlfriends Guide Salons

Transportation

BLOWN AWAY SALON & SPA

Blown Away Salon & Spa offers a variety of services that are perfect for any budget. The salon side offers hair cutting, styling, coloring, & perming. All of our staff is experienced and attends regular classes to keep our guests updated. On the spa side, we offer massage with therapists specializing in Swedish, Deep Tissue, Prenatal, & Reflexology. Our Esthetician does body waxing, makeup lessons/applications, lash extensions, facials, microderm, and chemical peels. Getting married? Check out our great bridal packages! 159 18th St. SW, Suite 4, Owatonna, MN 55060. www.blown-away-salon.com.

Shopping The Paper Petalum

The Paper Petalum in the historic Archer House at 212 Division St., Northfield. offers friendly customer service and unique gifts for all occasions.

Locally owned and operated since 1987 we specialize in Scandinavian gifts, Minnesota products, decorative napkins, Polish Pottery, Rothschild foods, and much, much more. Stop in and visit us. 507-663-0565.

The Rustique

The Rustique is a new consignment shop located at 207 N. Cedar Avenue, Owatonna. Visit our store 9-5, Tuesday - Saturday. We have filled three levels of the store with amazing furniture, seasonal decor, home accessories, antiques, jewelry, natural skin care products and some new items. Check us out on Facebook + www.rustiqueconsignment@ gmail.com or call 507-413-6390.

Community Co-op

The Community Co-op is located in beautiful and historic downtown Faribault, MN. We were organized in 1925 and have been a cornerstone of this community ever since. We specialize in fuels, lubricants, tires, and vehicle service, all for an affordable price. Women live busy lives, our staff understands how important service and convenience are. That is why we are the Company where our customers send their friends. 9 Central Ave, Faribault 507-334-2056, www.coopoilfblt. com.

WANT TO BE LISTED ON THE GF DIRECTORY?

507-333-3115 clee@faribault.com

Northfield Lines, Inc.

Have your group arrive in style when you pull up in one of our luxurious motor or mini coaches.

Single or multi-day sightseeing trips, shopping, girlfriend getaways, dining, concerts, weddings, receptions, casino visits – you name the event and we will get your group there safely and on time.

32611 Northfield Blvd, Northfield, 800-9442190, www.northfieldlines.com.

Travel CEDAR TRAVEL

We pride ourselves to be a full service travel agency serving the needs of our customers since 1989! We want to take time to know your needs and find the perfect fit for your memorable vacation, so stop in or call for a consultation! Whether it’s a honeymoon, romantic vacation, family reunion or a getaway with your girlfriends, our agents are live and here for you!

Our staff is available Monday-Friday 8:30AM-5PM and enjoy sharing stories of our favorite destinations!

111 Cedar Avenue, N. Owatonna, MN 55060, 507455-1170, www.cedartravel.net.

NEW BUN FLAVORS TO TRY!

Jalapeño Cheddar & Sun-Dried Tomato Cheddar

STAR CUT-OUTS for LABOR DAY!

$1 OFF

ANY FROZEN DOUGH ITEM Not valid with any other offer. Limit 1 per customer.

Offer good through 9/30/16.

Fresh Baked Daily FREE Samples! • HUGE In-Store Selection!

507-645-BAKE (2253) • www.GootersDoughToGo.com 200 Schilling Drive, Dundas/Northfield (next to Menards) • Sun-Wed 10am-7pm, Thu-Sat 10am-8pm

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Open now at roundbank.com Waseca Waldorf Farmington New Prague

507-835-4220, 200 2nd Street NE 507-239-2166, 102 South Main 651-463-8300, 3380 Vermillion River Trail 952-758-BANK (2265), 1100 1st Street NE

Friday, September 30 & Saturday, October 1 Steele County History Center Putting together the pieces of your wedding should be as magical as the day you say “I do.”

This shabby chic wedding affair offers a true bridal experience with a farm to table dinner, elegant displays and a feeling of enchantment as vendors cater to your needs.

For the first time in Steele County,

“Hist�y & Herst�y”

will create an affair to remember with something old, something new, something borrowed and something blue.

People’s Press OWATONNA

this bridal event brought to you by the steele county history center and the owatonna people’s press

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