Austin County Insider October 2021

OCTOBER 2021

Stop and Shop in Austin Count n y nt

Small Horses Make Big Connections

AUSTIN COUNTY INSIDER

36 Austin County First Responders

48 F.O. Tyler A True Inspiration

64 Small Horses Make Big Connections

8 Mommy Moments 20 A Beautiful Mind 26 What to look for in a Daycare 30 Shallow People 43 The Small Town Drug Store 56 Unusual Pets

PUBLISHER Amy Lieb EDITOR Karen Lopez WRITERS Roxanne Avery Carrie Ward Nancy Naron Amanda Luksha Emily Kelley Toni Dupree Hans Lammeman Holly Galvan Posey PHOTOS/SUBMITTED COPY Getty Images Amanda Luksha Cole McNanna Family Features CONTACT info@austincountyinsider.com 281-731-2999

12 Stop and Shop Austin County

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LETTER

FROM

THE

Editor

Brownie Points into Heaven

Yes, this is what I believe that I receive when I volunteer. God gives me Brownie Points to get into the Golden Gates for helping others.

I am not sure exactly when I started saying this, but I’m pretty sure it’s been more than 20 years ago, around the time I joined The Northshore Rotary Club. The NRC is a large club, right at 100 members, when I first joined. I was one out of three women in this, primarily, men’s club. The Rotary Foundation was formed more than 100 years ago and has spent over $4 billion on life-changing, sustainable projects around the world. In my 20 years, I have been a member of three Rotary Clubs and president in two of them.

This isn’t the only volunteerism that I do. I have been a board member with Sealy Main Street, Sealy Chamber Ambassador, Friends of Stephen F. Austin State Park, Bras for a Cause, Boo Bash, Little League, Sealy High School Interact Advisor, SHS Career & Technical Education Advisory Committee, Cy Ridge ROTC and FEMA.

Texas Association of First Responders is one of my favorites. This organization gives assistance to first responders that are injured in the line of duty. Being married to a law enforcement officer was the reason I joined. My husband and I participate in cook-offs for nonprofits, and at this cook-off, it is one of the best times to be had!

I am currently in my 12th year with the Houston Livestock Show & Rodeo Commercial Exhibits Committee. HLS&R gives millions of dollars annually to youth and education in all its surrounding counties. If it’s for the kids, I’m in!

One of my proudest moments was achieving the Star Award with the North Channel Women’s Coalition. The NCWC is committed to serving victims of domestic violence and sexual assault of their children.

Every organization that I currently or have volunteered with, gives me a sense of purpose.

And isn’t “The purpose of life is to live a life with purpose”? -Robert Byrne.

Are you ready to volunteer? It pays in Brownie Points! I leave you with a quote from Eleanor Roosevelt,

“The purpose of life is to live it, to taste experience to the utmost, to reach out eagerly and without fear for newer and richer experience.”

-Karen Lopez 7

“Holidays are r the bes re est es st!” We like to say this, but u in the end, I fe ut f el as if get ett et tting r ady to celebra re rat ra ate any holiday can be very r st ry s re res ess ssf sfu ful if you let e it be. et Sta St tart r with Oct c ober and it is time fo ct f r Halloween! Let e all the cra et r zy and scary ra r ry decora rat ra ating st sta tart rt. t. Last s year, st r I had the bright idea to do a small gra r, r veyard ra r and rd thought it would be easy. Oh boy, was I wro r ng. It ro I took me thre r e days to get re e et this gra r veyard ra r built just rd s to have my kids run thro st r ugh it and knock somet ro e hing et over or a cra r zy st ra s orm come thro r ugh and blow some decora ro rat ra ations to the ot o her side of o the yard r . One amazing hint rd nt, nt t, buy decora rat ra ations when they go on sale af aft fter Halloween and then you are r much more re r pre re r pare re r d fo re f r next x year and not xt o ot s re st res ess ssed. Les ess es ss st s re res ess ss makes e fo es f r more r amazing memories re e. es Next xt ks ks ff ry xt, t, we have Th T anks k giving. Th T anks k giving means diff ffe fere r nt n things to every r fa f mily.

Mainly, Th ks ut kf ry es T anks k giving is about u being thankf kfu ful fo f r every ryt ything we have in our lives e and being able to be surro ro kf at nj r unded by fa f mily and fr f iends. I am thankf kfu ful that a my boys enj n oy waking up and wat at ks atc tching the Th T anks k giving Day Pa P ra r de with me. We love all the music and the balloon chara ra rs ra es af r ct c ers r in the para r de. We make pancakes e or waf aff ffl fles e and drink our chocolat at ef ra es re ry rg a e milk in peace bef efo fore r the cra r zines ess ss of o pre r pping fo f r the very r larg r e dinner we all get et r. re re et es ks e excited to consume each year. r Th T ere r are r many variet e ies e of o Th T anks k giving tra ra at ot es r ditional fo f ods we eat a such as, st s uf uff ffi fing, mashed pot ota tat atoes e -which my one unnamed sist st re rv ut re s er usually has more r than 5 serv r ings of o but u re r mains as skinny as ever-gre r en bean cass ss ro st rs Y! rs s ero r le (I just s learned to love this!!) and of o cours r e the TU T RKEY! Y Af Aft fter hours r upon hours rs ry rg es r of o cooking, we all sit down and consume this very r larg r e meal in les ess ss than 30 minut ut es rs rd es rt u es e or so. Unles ess ss of o cours r e you go back fo f r seconds, or third r s and then des ess ssert rts ts.

Th at ut T is is what a we call turkey coma but ut, t, in re r ality, it is our body saying we should sleep and st at tt es et re s op eat a ing like litt t le piggies e . One ot o her thing we all seem to do is get e dre res ess ssed up just st ro at ut s to st sta tand aro r und the house and eat a with the same people we see all the time. But u we fe st tt xt f el like we need to be just s a litt t le ext x ra r fa f ncy on the day we consume every ry ks ryt ything on the Th T anks k giving menu.

MOMMY MOMENTS 8

T e bes Th eesst st holiday of o the year, r in my opinion, is Chrrissttmas. I alw r, ways get e exciited to go et shopping fo f r my kids. Not o online shopping either, ot r I like to goo Black Fridaay shoopping andd r, ffind some amazing discount nts nt ts and shop up p unt n il Christ s mas Eve. I always buy way too st much and end up re r gre rreet ett tting some part rts rt ts of o that a lat at a er siince I am the one who does at e all es the wra r pping. Let ra e us not et o fo ot f rg r et e about u the pre ut res esent nts nt ts Sant nta nt ta also brrings. How w that a maan at goes e up and down chimneys all night seems like a workout es u enough, so do not ut o fo ot f rg r eet his milk and cookies e to keep up his energ es r y. rg Christ s mas is all about st uut fa f mily and spending time toget e her and enj et nnjjoyinng all th he moment nts nt ts share r d toget re e her. et r Hones r. essttly though, who sstta es tays at a only one house ffoor Christ s maas? Becaause st I hones est es stly envy you at a this point ntt.. One Christ nt s mas? Is st I that a st at s ill a thing?

Nope, not o me. We do it all. I have los ot ost os st count n of nt o how many Christ s mases st e we go to in one es year. r My house, my pare r. r nt re nts ts’ house, his pare rrent nts ts’ house, gra r ndma’s house and then ra somet e imes et e my sist es ssters r ’ houses rs e and back to mine at es a the end of o the day just s fo st f r the kids to wait and play with their bra r nd-new toys the next ra x day. xt I am happy this year will be a litt tttle calmer, r or at r, a least sst I am hoping it will be. Living clos o er to fa os f mily seems to make every ryt ry ything easier. r Les r. ess es ss driving means more r time spent re n nt with fa f mily. Driving to each home is chaot o ic and st ot s re res ess ssf sfu ful because the kids get e re et res est stles ess es ss and hungry r and tire ry rred and cra r nky. Th ra T e Christ sstmas light decora rraat ating and driving aro r und ro to see all the ot o hers rrs, the making of o Christ s mas cookies st e , Christ es s mas movies st e and ffamily time es is wort r h the embra rt r cing of ra o Christ s mas chaos st o because thos os o e are os r the bes re est es st kind of o memories ees made.

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STOP AND SHOP IN AUSTIN COUNTY!

BY EMILY KELLEY 12

Are you a shopaholic? Don’t seek help; indulge your addiction by shopping local! Austin County t is bri ty r mming with great ri independent retailers who have just the items you’v ’ e been ’v searching fo f r. No matter your sty t le, size, or budget, these shops ty and boutiques have treasures fo f r every r one. ry photo courtesy of

Located in Bellville, Amy’s Unique Boutique was opened in 2010 by Amy Appelt. The store has moved a few times, but it is now conveniently located downtown on the square. When you visit Amy’s, you will find a welcoming atmosphere and clothing and accessories for women of all ages and sizes. Some of their featured designers are Umgee, Brighton, Yellowbox, Sanuk, and Ruby Ribbon. The store also employs personal stylists who can assist you by tailoring your shopping experience to your specific needs.

If you prefer to shop online, you can visit them at amysuniqueboutique.com or interact with the shop on Facebook and on Instagram @AmysUniqueBoutiqueBellville. When shopping virtually, feel free to send an email or Facebook message for personalized support.

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Ann Reay and Bonnie Knott, the proprietors of Bliss, opened their store in 2009. Since then, the store has become a staple in Sealy and the surrounding area. Bliss houses an eclectic assortment of clothing, accessories, and home goods. The proprietors source their items from upscale and rising designers and work to cultivate an aesthetic that is somehow simultaneously casual and elegant. Some of their featured lines include Mud Pie and Kendra Scott. From fanciful to fancy and sweet to sassy, this store has a little bit of everything.

You can shop Bliss favorites online at shopemersonrose.com/collections/bliss-buys.

Also, don’t forget to look for them on Facebook as well as Instagram @BlissOnMain.

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Kerri Byler’s father, Cleveland Lee “Buck” Fergeson, was a rodeo cowboy and self-taught artist whose originality inspired and delighted the beholders of his work. In 1991, she founded the store that bears his name and carries on in his bold and unique spirit. Here, you’ll find a ladies’ boutique, baby room, and home décor section as well as select items for men. The store’s roots are thoroughly western, but its offerings have evolved to reflect a more contemporary version of cowboy grit and prairie mystique.

Shop in person at the store in Bellville, or enjoy some online shopping at buckfergesonoriginals.com. In addition, be sure to engage with the store on social media.

You can find them on Facebook and Instagram @BuckFergesonOriginals.

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Characterized by its mother-daughter proprietors as a “lifestyle boutique,” Bellville store Coco and Duckie features a wide range of hand-picked items that will delight patrons. Their tagline, “Let in the lovely,” encourages others to embrace and be proud of their own uniqueness, and the exclusivity, originality, and creativity of the many small batch and handmade items in the store reflect this message. Coco and Duckie is a great place to find a thoughtful gift for a friend or a delightful treat for yourself. Its diverse treasures include jewelry, stationery, beauty items, home and personal fragrances, party goods, and more.

Browse the store in person or fill your virtual shopping cart at cocoandduckie.com.

Like them on Facebook and follow them on Instagram @CocoAndDuckie.

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Country Chic Boutique is a Bellville store featuring women’s apparel and accessories. The shop’s inventory is a blend of country, sweet, casual, and sassy. Although they cater to women of all sizes, they also carry a generous selection of plus-size items. They also conduct pop-up shows at various local events, so be on the lookout!

Patrons can view and purchase items through the store’s website at countrychicboutique.co and their Facebook page. Payment options include Venmo and Sezzle, a buy-now-pay-later service. Porch pick-up is also available.

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Doll House Fashion is a locally owned online boutique featuring clothing, shoes, and accessories for women and kids. The looks here are bold, edgy, and playful—a mixture of country rebel and Hollywood glam. In addition to their main collections, you can find various upcycled items, phone accessories, and even car accessories.

Visit Doll House Fashion’s website at dollhousefashionxoxo.com to grab some great deals, and be sure to find them on Facebook and Instagram @dollhousefashionxoxo.

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Tina Kay Fenlon, owner of 86 UpCycle in Bellville, is determined to use her business to do something good for others and the world. The idea for her shop arose from her philosophy of frugality and environmental consciousness, and its slogan—“You 86 it, and we’ll upcycle it!”— further illustrates her commitment to these goals. An amalgam of thrift, consignment, and vintage, 86 UpCycle is packed with surprises for everyone. Visitors to the store can explore a wide variety of affordable clothing, jewelry, purses, home décor, vintage glassware, and much more.

Tina also incorporates charitable endeavors and recycling efforts into her business. Recently, she donated an outfit a month to a family in need for the entire school year. She also participates in a textile recycling program and has plans to make her receptacle available to the entire community soon.

Enjoy an in-person visit to the store to get the full experience, but also say hello on Facebook and Instagram @86UpCycle.

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The Branded Texas Boutique is located in Sealy, and although it is relatively new to the area, it is generating great buzz from patrons. Jenny Brantner opened the store in July of 2020, and since then, she has focused on cultivating a collection of “boutique-on-abudget” finds. In addition to western- and Aztec-themed items and apparel, the store also offers great accessories such as purses and sundry specialty and gift items. It’s a great place to find a t-shirt with a humorous slogan or, befitting the shop’s name, a watch band with a cattle brand motif. Their featured designers include American Darling and 7 For All Man Kind.

If you can’t drop by in person, check out their catalog at branded-texas.com and be prepared to find something you can’t live without! They are also active on social media, so drop by on Facebook or follow them on Instagram @BrandedTexasBoutique.

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Patches by Smith and Co. is located in Sealy and owned by Babette LaMoria-Smith.

This boutique store primarily features women’s apparel from sizes small to 3XL. Its aesthetic is western and trendy, and the highlights of its collection include items from designers such as Keep it Gypsy and American Darling. Of particular uniqueness are its western-inspired hats by Rare Bird. Each of this designer’s hats is one of a kind, so you will never encounter someone else wearing your exact item. Other items you will find here include jewelry, fringy leather handbags, animal print blouses and accessories, wild rags, shoes, and much more.

Shop in person or give them a like on Facebook—they are very active on social media, so relax with a drink while you enjoy shopping during a Facebook Live session. Follow them on Instagram @Patches_by_Smith_Co.

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Based online and locally owned out of Sealy, Rockin’ C Boutique is Aggie owned and operated. The store’s items are available for purchase through Facebook, but they also conduct pop-up shows around the area. Their wares include women’s clothing such as graphic tees with humorous sayings, school spirit gear, blouses, and jewelry. They also feature custom decals.

Visit them at a local pop-up show or hop onto Facebook and get shopping now.

You can also follow them on Instagram @Rockin_C_Boutique.

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A Bellville shop, Southern Trends was founded by Idaho native Meagan Lancaster in 2012. Her styles have a western influence, and Megan describes them more specifically as edgy and chic. The store’s atmosphere is welcoming and familyoriented, so you will feel right at home. Enjoy exploring the collection of cozy cardigans, comfy tees, athleisure, graphic tees, jeans, dresses, blazers and jackets, shoes, gold and turquoise jewelry, and more.

Shop in person or online at southerntrends4u.com. Give the store a like on Facebook and follow them on Instagram @SouthernTrends.

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Cheyenne Maresh and Caroline Kohler established their online boutique, The Funky Coyote, in 2018. They were initially inspired to start their business out of a desire to provide affordable clothing and accessories that also fit their own styles. To this day, they still maintain a personal touch by hand-selecting each item, thereby ensuring that they only sell items that they themselves would enjoy wearing. The items in their shop fit a “western boho” aesthetic; this includes bold prints, turquoise jewelry, graphic tees, and more.

If you’re itching to get shopping, visit them at thefunkycoyoteboutique.com. To stay apprised of new and featured goodies, follow them on Facebook and on Instagram @TheFunkyCoyote. They offer Sezzle and free delivery or pickup in the Sealy/Bellville area.

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A Sealy treat, The Posh Pumpkin is your destination for beautiful and yummy finds that make great gifts. Among its varied collection, you will find designer handbags and totes, jewelry and accessories, dip mixes, macarons and truffles, jams and jellies, candles, lotions, soaps, tumblers, and much more. The store’s featured designers include Consuela and Nora Fleming. With so many tempting items, it would be impossible to visit and leave without a beautiful trinket or delicious morsel. Because the store also features seasonal items, you will want to stop by often to see what’s new.

Shop in person, like them on Facebook, and follow them on Instagram @theposhpumpkintx.

A Great Place to Shop Get out and explore what Austin County t has to off ty ffe ff fer! You can shop till you drop, both in person and online, and there is something here to fi f t every sty t le. Support these fa ty f ntastic local retailers and discover some new fa f vorites.

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By Roxanne Avery

Living a long, productive life is the goal of most people who now more than ever, are taking a serious look at the aging process and what to do to continue to be the best version of themselves. And with all the chaos in the world today, more people are paying attention to mental health.

According to the Actuarial Life Table from the Social Security Administration, the average life expectancy for the U.S. population is 78.8 years. For males, life expectancy is 76.4 years and for females, 81.3 years. Throughout our life, it is critical to take care of our brains, know early warning signs of potential problems and know when to seek the advice of a medical professional.

With research continuing to evolve, evidence is strong that people can reduce their risk of cognitive (gaining knowledge and comprehension including thinking, knowing, remembering, judging and problem-solving) and mental health decline by making key lifestyle changes. This includes regular physical activity, staying socially engaged and maintaining good heart health. Start now. It’s never too late or too early to incorporate healthy habits.

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10 Ways to Love Your Brain: Break a Sweat: Engage in regular cardiovascular exercise that elevates your heart rate and increases blood flow to the brain and body.

Hit the Books: Formal education in any stage of life will help reduce your risk of cognitive decline.

Take a class at a local college, community center or online.

Butt Out: Smoking increases the risk of cognitive decline. Quitting smoking can reduce that risk to levels comparable to those who have not smoked.

Follow your Heart: Obesity, high blood pressure and diabetes are all risk factors for cardiovascular disease and stroke and negatively impact cognitive health. Take care of your heart and your brain just might follow.

Heads Up! Brain injury can raise the risk of cognitive decline. Wear a seatbelt, use a helmet when playing contact sports or riding a bike. Take steps to prevent falls.

Fuel up Right! Eat a healthy diet lower in fat and higher in vegetables and fruit. Research on diet and cognitive function is limited but certain diets such as Mediterranean may help reduce risk.

Catch some Zzzz’s: Six to eight hours of sleep every night is recommended for optimal memory and thinking throughout the day. Sleeping pills and alcohol should be avoided because they don’t allow for the deep sleep necessary for the best cognitive function.

Take Care of your Mental Health: Some studies link a history of depression with increased risk of cognitive decline, so seek medical treatment if you have symptoms of depression, anxiety or other mental health concerns. Also, try to manage stress.

Cheers to living a long, healthy and productive life full of happiness, joy and learning.

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Buddy Up: Staying socially engaged may support brain health. Pursue social activities that are meaningful to you. Find ways to be part of your local community — if you love animals, consider volunteering at a local shelter. If you enjoy singing, join a local choir or help at an after-school program. Or just share activities with friends and family. “I’ve found the most important part of ‘retirement’ is to stay active and busy,” said John R. Depe, a former home builder who stays in good mental and physical shape with home repair and remodel projects. “Keeping my mind and body fit help me feel better and live longer.”

Stump Yourself: Challenge and activate your mind. Build a piece of furniture. Complete a jigsaw puzzle. Do something artistic. Act in a theatrical production. Play games, such as bridge, that make you think strategically. Challenging your mind may have short and long-term benefits for your brain.

IQ (INTELLIGENCE QUOTIENT) TESTS An IQ test is an assessment that measures a range of cognitive abilities and provides a score that is intended to serve as a measure of an individual's intellectual reasoning abilities and potential. IQ tests are among the most commonly administered psychological tests.

IQ tests are designed to gauge how well someone can use information and logic to answer questions or make predictions. These tests measure short- and long-term memory as well as how well and how quickly people can solve puzzles and recall information.

Although IQ tests measure a set of skills that are important to society, those tests don’t tell the full story about someone’s potential because they favor people who can think on the spot. It’s a skill plenty of capable people lack.

Taking an occasional IQ test online can help create a baseline of intelligence as well as gauge changes throughout life.

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BRAIN HEALTH WARNING SIGNS As with any health issue, the earlier the diagnosis, the better the outcome. If you or a loved one are experiencing any of these warning signs, schedule an appointment with a medical professional: Memory Loss that Affects Day-to-Day Abilities: While it’s normal to occasionally forget appointments or peoples’ names, it’s not normal to not be able to remember them later or to have difficulty recalling information that has recently been learned.

Difficulty Performing Familiar Tasks: Forgetting routine tasks such as preparing a meal or playing a game can be early warning signs of dementia.

Problems with Language: Everyone occasionally struggles with finding the right word to say but forgetting simple words or substituting other words making it difficult to understand what the person is trying to say can indicate a problem.

Disorientation in Time and Space: Remembering what day of the week it is or getting lost in a familiar place are not normal. People with dementia can get lost on their own street and not know how they arrived there.

Impaired Judgement: Not recognizing a medical problem that needs attention or wearing heavy clothing on a hot day.

Problems with Abstract Thinking: The inability to use a calculator or balance a checkbook are problems with numbers and symbols that cannot be ignored.

Misplacing Items: Temporarily misplacing a wallet are keys are normal but putting items in inappropriate places is not normal. For example, an iron in the freezer or a wristwatch in the sugar bowl.

Changes in Mood and Behavior: Displaying varied mood swings for no apparent reason such as going from calmness to tears to anger.

Changes in Personality: Although personalities can subtly change over time, a person may display striking personality changes such as becoming confused, suspicious or withdrawn. Also showing lack of interest in events or fearfulness.

Loss of Initiative: It’s normal to get tired of housework or social obligations but most people regain their initiative. If a person becomes passive and disinterested and requires cues and prompting to get involved, it’s time to see a doctor.

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WHAT TO LOOK FOR IN A DAY CARE F o r f i r s t - t i m e p a r e n t s o r e v e n families with multiple children, the decision t o p l a c e y o u r l i t t l e b u n d l e o f j o y i n s o m eone else’s care can be a difficult one. How e v e r , t h e b e n e f i t s o f d a y c a r e c a n b e s i gnificant, especially for children who start a p r o g r a m as infants.

A h i g h - q u a l i t y e a r l y c h i l d h o o d program not only promotes children’s safety a n d w e l l - b e i n g b u t a l s o s u p p o r t s t heir growth and development at a critical tim e i n l i f e a s c h i l dr e n ’ s b r a i n s d e v e l o p m ore rapidly from birth to age 5 than at any o t h e r time in their lives. “ T h e p r es s u r e o n f a m i l i e s t o d o what’s best for their children while balanci n g t h e n e e d t o s a f e l y r e t u r n t o c o n s i stent routines is immense,” said Dr. Elanna Ya l o w , a c h i e f a c a d e m i c o f f i c e r o f K i n derCare Learning Centers. “Many families ha v e c o n c e r n s a b o u t p o s s i b l e h e a l t h risks to their children. At the same time, th e r e a r e e x t e n s i v e d a t a t h a t d e m o n s t r ate children are actually safer and better off d e v e l o p m e n t a l l y w h e n t h e y a r e around other children. It’s no wonder so m a n y f a m i l i e s f e e l c o n f l i c t e d . R i g o r ous safety protocols give families confidence t h e y c a n c o u n t o n o u r p r o g r a m s t o protect their children and help them thrive.”

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Consider these things when seeking care for your infant: Safety First E n s u r e t h e p r o v i d e r s y o u ’ r e c o n s id e r i n g f o l l o w i n g t h e C e n t e r s f o r D i s e a s e C o n t r o l and P r e v e n t i o n , t h e A m e r i c a n A c a d e m y o f P e d i a t r i c s , a n d l o c a l h e a l t h d e p a r t m e n t g u idelines.

B e y o n d C O V I D - 1 9 p r o t o c o l s , l o o k f o r a p r o g r a m w i t h t e a c h e r s a n d s t a f f t h a t t a k e pride in k e e p i n g c h i l d r e n s a f e , p a r t i c u l a r l y w h e n i t c o m e s t o s a f e s l e e p . C o n f i r m t h e p r o v ider has external validation of their program’s quality, like national accreditation.

Responsive Teachers Who Care for Your Baby As You Do C a r i n g f o r y o u n g c h i l d r e n r e q u i r e s a u n i q u e s e t o f s k i l l s . U n d e r s t a n d i n g w h a t c h i ldren need a t e a c h ag e a n d s t a g e i n l i f e c o m e s w i t h e x p e r t i s e a n d t h e a b i l i t y t o b u i l d r e l a t i o nships w i t h t h e m . I t s h o u l d b e c l e a r r i g ht a w a y y o u r b a b y w i l l b e i n a w a r m , n u r t u r i n g e n v i r o n m e n t a n d s u p e r v i s e d b y t e a c h e r s w h o w i l l r e s p o n d p r o m p t l y t o y o u r b a b y ’s every coo, gurgle, smile, and cry with kindness and compassion.

Strong Communication Y o u ’ l l k n o w y o u ’ v e l a n d e d i n t h e r i g h t p l a c e w h e n y o u r c h i l d ’ s t e a c h e r a n d d a y c a re staff feel like an extension of your family. To help start things on the right foot, share e x p e c t a t io n s a n d p r e f e r e n c e s w i t h y o u r p o t e n t i a l p r o v i d e r e a r l y . I t ’ s i m p o r t a n t t he c a r e g i v e r k n o w s h o w o f t e n y o u w a n t u p d a t e s a n d w h a t k i n d o f i n f o r m a t i o n i s m o st m e a n i n g f u l t o y o u – w h e t h e r t h a t i n c l u d e s v i d e o s a n d p h o t o s , p h o n e c a l l s o r t e x t s, or short notes about the things your child is doing.

T h e y s h o u l d a l s o b e a v a i l a b l e t o a n s w e r y o u r q u e s t i o n s a n d a s k t h e i r o w n i n r e t u rn to e n s u r e t h e y ’ r e s u p p o r t i n g y o u r b a b y i n t h e b e s t w a y p o s s i b l e w h i l e a l s o e n c o u r a ging your c h i l d t o de v e l o p a t h i s o r h e r o w n p a c e . I t ’ s i m p o r t a n t f o r t e a c h e r s t o u n d e r s t a n d key m i l e s t o n es a n d h o w t o s u p p o r t y o u r b a b y ’ s o n g o i n g g r o w t h a n d d e v e l o p m e n t .

W h e n p a r e n t s k n o w t h e i r b a b i e s a r e s a f e , h a p p y , a n d l o v e d , t h e y c a n f o c u s o n a ll the other things they need to do. * T h e m o r e y o u k n o w , t h e b e t t e r t h e y ’ l l g r o w . S e a r c h t h e o f f i c i a l s t a t e o f T e x a s c hild care database to make an informed decision when choosing a child care provider. http://www.dfps.state.tx.us/Child_Care/Search_Texas_Child_Care/

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Art courtesy of Disney

"None are as empty as those who are full of themselves."

-Benjamin Whichcote

By Toni Dupreee 30

"needing to be consoled makes one look needy."

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Shallowness in Relationships

Sometimes they get a bad rap

The Shade of Shallow

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The Fix

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The Small Town Drug Store Nancy Naron Sealy Area Historical Society

Years ago, walking into the local drug store was an experience like none other. The buildings with a lunch counter or soda fountain were the local hangout for people of all ages. Men wandered in for coffee and to hear about the latest goings-on in town. Women shopped for makeup and magazines. Teenagers went to buy floats and flirt. Some even went to pick up prescriptions. Typically small in square footage, much was crammed within the walls of the typical small-town drug store.

They had something for everyone. The pharmacist knew you by name, or, at least, knew who you descended from, and always acknowledged your discomfort by giving you a sympathetic smile.

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In the earliest days of Austin County, drug stores often were incorporated into businesses that sold all sorts of household items, food, and other basics needed for day-to-day living. One of the earliest was John Hackbarth’s store in Cat Spring – the same John Hackbarth who later built the first brick commercial building in Sealy in 1880. Later, drug stores were found in stand-alone buildings but continued to sell many other products, just as they do today.

Before the passage of the 1906 Pure Food and Drugs Act, all sorts of remedies and concoctions that underwent little scrutiny by the government were sold to help ease the body’s ills. It was years later before government regulation reached the point of putting an end to most false claims regarding curative powers of commonly sold elixirs.

In the early 1900s, newspapers throughout the county contained numerous advertising articles touting fantastic cures and relief from the deadliest of diseases to the common cold and indigestion. One such colorful ad by Tesch’s & Tesch’s Drug Store published in a 1904 edition in the Bellville Times read “Saved from Terrible Death. The family of Mrs. M.L. Bobbit of Bargerton, Tenn., saw her dying and were powerless to save her. The most skillful physicians and every remedy used, failed, while consumption was slowly but surely taking her life. In this terrible hour, Dr. King’s New Discovery for Consumption turned despair into joy. . .

Guaranteed Bottles 50 cents and $1.00 (which is equivalent to $32.00 today).”

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Some medicines did not even require a trip to the drug store or doctor and could be ordered directly from the manufacturers by mail. One mail-order remedy available in the early 1900s was Dr. Miles’ Nervine. The product advertised that it “cures diseases of the internal organs by giving tone to the nerves which make these organs work. . . made use of by many wideawake physicians. . .and is a scientific cure for nerve disorders, such as Neuralgia, Headache, Loss of Memory, Sleeplessness, Spasms, Backache, St. Vitus’ Dance, Epilepsy or Fits.” Copywriters have been with us for a very long time.

Just as today, early Austin County residents had an array of health concerns and issues.

Early drug stores did a brisk business, with Meyer Drug in Sealy reporting in 1939 that they had filled 200,000 prescriptions and 50,000 refills since opening in 1907. And Meyer Drug had competition from Hess Drug and others in town. Visit sealyhistoricalsociety.org for more local history and information about upcoming historical events.

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Few people in Austin County have had as much of an impact on the community as Finus O. Tyler.

Throughout his 100 years of living, Tyler has become a pillar of the community as an educator, Sunday school teacher and relentless volunteer.

Although most of his contributions to society were made during his time in Sealy, Tyler’s story has humble beginnings in the small East Texas farm town of Trawick.

“It was the way he grew up. He grew up on a farm, his dad was a peanut farmer so they raised acres and acres of peanuts,” said Tyler’s daughter Theadra ‘Cookie’ Curry. “He was always down to earth and I think that's because of his upbringing. He grew up on a farm and he just had that humility in his upbringing that made him have compassion for people.”

After completing high school, Tyler left for the military to experience life outside of Trawick for the first time.

“Everything was different from the farm; I want to say I had never been into a bathroom where it had fixtures. Outhouses were as far as I had been before that. Everything was practically brand new to me,” said Tyler.

When discussing how her father was influenced by his time in the military, Curry said, “He was able to travel to places that he had never seen or heard about and mingle and mix with people of other races and other countries. That gave him a broader perspective of humanity so by the time he was discharged, he just felt comfortable where he was.”

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Tyler served with distinction in the U.S. Army from 1941 to 1945 during World War II in the 1317th Engineer General Service Regiment. Beyond introducing him to cultures around the world, Tyler’s time as a soldier afforded him the opportunity to pursue the education he aspired for.

For both his undergraduate and graduate degrees, Tyler attended Prairie View A&M University in Waller County for an education in agriculture.

“I wanted to go into something where I could help other people and get paid for it. The jobs in agriculture afforded me that luxury,” said Tyler. “This is the kind of thing I held on to. If I have an occupation where I can help other people, that’ll be just fine with me.”

Tyler worked as the first Black extension agent for Austin County for four years prior to teaching at Austin County High School in Sealy. Tyler moved with his family to Sealy in the early 1950s for the position and has called the city home ever since. At ACHS, he taught minority students from all across the county.

When asked why her father was able to be so impactful to the students of Bellville, Sealy and Wallis, Curry said, “I think he connected because he looked beyond everybody's individual circumstances. What I mean by that is, it didn't matter if you were from an influential family or if you were from a poor family. … He was so down to earth that people could understand what he was saying even though he had a master's degree, his conversations were on a one-on-one level basis.”

Tyler was selected to be the Vocational Agriculture Teacher at Sealy High School once schools were integrated and became SHS’s first Black agriculture teacher. It was this position that gave Tyler the platform to create many lasting relationships with the people of Sealy.

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Frank White, one of Tyler’s students, recalled his first impression of the school’s agriculture teacher.

“I remember the first day of class just walking in; I had never had a teacher quite like him. I had never had a Black teacher before, since that was new at that time in history,” said White. “I was just so inspired with a complete gentleman, an intellect and just someone who greeted you with that whole smile that he had. To me, he shined with wisdom. Just somebody that you looked up to right away.”

In addition to serving students at Sealy High School for 34 years, Tyler led Sunday School at Bethel Baptist Church of Sealy for 55 years. Tyler was known to bring Sunday School students out into the community to help those in need.

“We thought he was crazy. We're supposed to be studying about God, but then (he) want(ed) us to go rake, cut leaves, pick up limbs and move grass,” recalled Curry. “He explained that your purpose in Sunday school, or any kind of class, is to help other people so he had to take us and show us how you help people, and how God would want you to help people.”

A neighbor of the Tyler’s and one of the students at Bethel Baptist Church, Joyce Webster, said, “We respected him as an adult, as a teacher and as someone in the community that you better listen to. It was the way he carried himself. He was respectful of us as well. He listened to us. He asked questions. He really encouraged us to really talk to an adult when there were problems that we had to face that we couldn’t or didn't know how to solve ourselves.”

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Although having a full-time job as an educator and volunteering with the church would be enough community involvement for most, Tyler found time to be instrumental in multiple non-profit organizations.

Tyler’s good friend and fellow community activist, Shirley Meadows, emphasized his passion for volunteerism.

“We served on that Meals on Wheels board together for 23 years. He had done so much for the Eastside Foundation,” said Meadows. “He's always (assisted) any person that needed help, he was there for any reason. He's just one fabulous human being. I can honestly say I've never met any person that was more humble, more kind or more genuine than he is.”

Over the course of his lifetime, Tyler has compiled numerous awards including the Texas Teacher Training Award and the Outstanding Teaching Award.

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Evelyn Tyler said that despite all of her husband's awards and achievements over the years, he is proudest of, “his children and his grandchildren. The importance of the legacy that he placed down for them education wise. Each of them – his children – have gotten degrees, all finished college, all have been instrumental for their children, some of them have gone on to get PHD’s, and he feels that is something that he feels most proud of. The fact that his children and grandchildren have gone on to follow in his footsteps.”

Now at the spry age of 100, Tyler continues to be involved in community organizations and spends his time savoring life.

“I’m still connected to different social organizations. Getting ready for those meetings and attending those meetings,” said Tyler. “You see somebody you enjoy talking to, somebody you haven't seen in quite a while, and bring back some memories of that. So, recycling memories, experiences, all among people is a blessing.”

Tyler acknowledged that he has seen a lot of cultural change in the community since he arrived in the early 1950s.

“The relationship between Blacks and other races of people has been enhanced by the positions that I have taken,” said Tyler. “A lot of barriers came down or were broken.”

Tyler’s passion for volunteerism and education has cast a ripple effect on the community which can still be witnessed today.

“I'm very proud of him because he was a trailblazer for that period of time, to bring the races together without a lot of racial tension,” said Curry. “He was pretty much the first Black in a lot of things so he put forth a step to take a step to make a difference. They used to call him ‘The Leader.’ That was his nickname that the Ag guys used to call him. In my opinion, that's his legacy.”

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Unusual house pets

By Holly Galvan Posey

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In an age g where everyone is constantly looking for the new great thing, it should be no ge surprise that the train of though g t often makes its way to our fur babies as well. gh Everybody has a dog or cat nowadays, but how about a suga ggar glider? Or does a hedge g hog grab your fancy? Everyone loves rabbits, righ ge g t? But before you take that step gh into owning an exotic pet, make sure you look into every aspect of it before making that commitment.

Suga g r Gliders ga Suga g r Gliders are great pets but can take a lot more work than other animals on ga this list. It is illega g l to own a Suga ga g r Glider in California, Massachusetts, Alaska, ga Minnesota, New Mexico, Hawaii, and Utah.

The Pet Glider Founder Priscilla Price said suga g r gliders are colony animals and ga need to be kept in pairs of 2 or more for their mental well-being.

"Suga g r gliders are marsupials, animals with pouches, and they're nocturnal. They ga are social animals that naturally live in colonies and captivity, they do the best to keep in pairs or more," Price said. "They are high g maintenance in terms of diet and gh care. They are omnivores and require a specific diet consisting of a balance of fruits, vegg g ies, and protein. They form unique bonds which require patience and gg consistency. As such, gliders are better suited for older children or as a family pet."

Price said that Gliders live 10-15 years, so they are a long-term commitment for pet owners. Price also shared some key tips for Suga g r Glider owners to safely ga introduce the companions toge g ther. ge

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"It is best to ge g t a glider that is around the same age g as your current one. For ge example, suga g r gliders who are younge ga g r than 5 months old will ge ge g t along fine with other gliders, any ge g nder, who are also 5 months or younge g r. Neutered males are ge basically the same as females (scen t-wise). Typically, only intact males are territorial with other gliders. Intact males will usually not ge g t along unless they have been raised toge g ther. Males are ge territorial and will figh g t other males for dominance. If you place an intact male gh with a female, they will breed. Unless you want a breeding pair, we high g ly gh recommend that you neuter any males. The only exception is male siblings g who gs grew up toge g ther. They tend not to figh ge g t but still may develop territorial issues gh later in life," Price said.

When introducing Suga g r Gliders to each other, Price said patience is the most ga important virtue.

"Neutralize everything! This includes the cage g that gliders will go ge g into, toys, pouches, and the introduction space! You will need to use one blanket that smells like each set of gliders to swap their scents during the introduction," Price said.

"Once they ge g t places into the cage g toge ge g ther, you don't want the scent of another ge glider on anything. It's best to do introductions during the morning or early afternoon. Offering treats before you begin introductions will ge g t everyone in a better mood and lower their defensiveness."

While Suga g r Gliders are not disease-harboring animals and do not require any ga vaccinations, Price said regular wellness exams by a licensed veterinarian are recommended as with any pet.

"It is important to research your local vets to find one with exotic animal experience. Give them a call and ask a few questions to ensure that the veterinarian is willling and able to treat su uga g r gliders, and to ga g uge g how much glideer experience the vet may have. A fast way to o test the knowledge g of your ge vet is to ask if they y can spay female gliderrs. If the vet says yes, then you need to find another vet! Femaales cannot be spayed due to their small size - it is too invasive of a surge g ry. For a listt of ge some veterinarianss with suga g r glider experieence, ga please consult Su uga g r Glider Help's Veet Database," Price saaid.

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Hedge g hogs ge g gs Hedge g hogs ge g are another unusual pet that is perfect to keep in your home. Owning a gs hedge g hog is illega ge g l in California ga California, Georgia Georgia, Hawaii Hawaii, and Pennsylvania Pennsylvania.

Laura Mowrey, one of the founders of the Hedge g hog Welfare Society, said she has been ge caring for all types of domesticated animals for the past 47 years.

"When picking out your hedge g hog, there are a number of things ge g to consider. First and gs foremost is: From whom are you buying this hedge g hog? ge g Many hedge g? g hogs ge g are sold in pet gs stores, many others from private breeders. In either case, many of these are reputable, while others are not. Can they supply you with health and other information on the parents of this hedge g hog? ge g Better still, the grandparents of the hedge g? g hog? ge g This is g? important information to have, as it can possibly tell you whether or not this hedge g hog ge has a ge g netic tie to a particular disease, or if it has been inbred or not," Mowrey said.

"Inbreeding can be the cause of a lot of health issues with any animal. If the person you are dealing with cannot or will not give this information, they should not be selling hedge g hogs ge g and taking a risk doing business with them." gs In ge g neral, a room temperature of around 75 degrees should suit your prickly pal just fine, Mowrey said.

"However, sometimes a bit more heat is warranted, especially if the heat in your house tends to fluctuate. Many different devices have been used to add an additional source of warmth for hedge g hogs ge g , among them; Electrical heating pads, reptile heating pads, and gs overhead heat-radiating ligh g t bulbs," Mowrey said. gh Mowrey also worded caution to those using heating pads and to always keep a watchful eye. According to books on hedge g hogs ge g Mowrey has read, a hedge gs g hog' ge g s lifespan is g' typically 7 to 10 years in captivity.

"I have had hedge g hogs ge g for years and know many people with hedge gs g hogs ge g as pets as well gs as breeders with years and years of experience. The ge g neral consensus is that the 'typical' or 'average g ' lifespan seems to be around 3 to 5 years. There are always ge exceptions, however," Mowrey said.

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Rabbits House Rabbit Society, an international nonprofit orga g nization, ga recommends that pet owners keep their rabbits in the house rather than outdoors.

“Rabbits are intellige g nt, social ge animals who need affection, and they can become wonderful companion animals if given a chance to interact with their human families.”

Rabbit.org sugg gge gg gests having your rabbits have a free run of the home.

“However, it’s best for most–and necessary for some–to start with a space they can call their own. This can be an exercise pen, a large g dog crate, a ge bunny-proofed room, or a very large g ge cage g or condo. To make this confined ge time learning time, make sure that there’s a litter box in the corner of the space that your rabbit chooses for a 'bathroom.' As soon as he uses the box consistently, you can give him some freedom. Place one or more large g litter boxes in corners of the ge running area outside the rabbit’s home base. Use only positive reinforcement (treats and praise)– never punishment."

Laws and Regulations owning exotic pets The exotic pet industry is worth $15 billion a year and with that comes different laws in different states.

According to Harris County Public Health, “No person may possess a dange g rous wild animal ge without first obtaining a license (certificate of registration). Dange g rous wild animals are defined ge as lions, tige ggers, ocelots, couga g rs, leopards, ga cheetahs, jaguars, bobcats, lynxes, servals, caracals, hyenas, bears, coyotes, jackals, baboons, chimpanzees, orangutans, go g rillas, or any hybrids of the animals listed. However, there are no requirements for a person possessing all other animals not listed above, such as monkeys, wolves, etc.”

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g tives Exottic Pett Ownerships - Nega ga Debbie Leahy, a Senior Strategist of Captive Wildlife Protection fo for the Humane Society of the United States, said The Humane Society of the United States opposes keeping native or non-native wild animals as pets because it is inhumane for the animal, dange g rous to people, supports a cruel industry, and it may very well be illega ge g l. ga “Individuals who lack the expertise and resources to provide proper care often buy exotic pets on a whim. Exotic pets can exhibit traits that new owners will quickly find undesirable, such as being noisy, smelly, destructive, and agg gg g ressive,” Leahy said.

Once the novelty wears off, owners often abandon exotic pets at shelters, turn them loose where they will either perish or threaten native ecosystems, or lock them away in a g where they suffer from neglect, Leahy said. cage ge “Wild animals experience a poor quality of life when kept as pets. A barren environment that deprives them of the ability to express natural behaviors, insufficient exercise, poor nutrition, inadequate veterinary care, boredom, and improper social groupings g are all gs too common,” Leahy said.

Since the pubic prefers cute babies over mature adults, infant animals are pulled from their mothers and deprived of essential maternal care in order to be sold as pets, Leahy added.

“Many wild animals become extremely agg g ressive when they reach sexual maturity. gg Some wild animals, due to their size and strengt gt g h, can inflict injuries serious enough gh g to require hospital treatment,” Leahy said. “(The animals affected) are as high gh g as 70 percent due to poor sanitation, lack of food and water, improper temperatures, high g stress gh levels, overcrowding, and inhumane handling. Capturing animals in the wild for the exotic pet trade often involves killing adults in order to take their offspring, who are then g d and grueling transport. subjected to prolonge ge If you need something exotic to spice up your life, buy an exotic houseplant, take an exotic vacation, or go g on an exotic adventure—just please leave our exotic furred, feathered, finned, and scaly friends out of the experience.”

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The mother and daughter miniature horse duo Cinnamon and Lucy are the stars of the show today at Briarwood Manor Nursing Home and Arbors of Briarwood Assisted Living in Bellville.

Dressed in their back-to-school best including rainbow high-top shoes, bows, braids, glitter, and, of course, their backpacks and lunch kits, these miniature horses are ready to entertain and comfort the residents who are looking forward to their arrival.

The two registered miniature horses, who are 28 inches tall at the shoulder and no bigger than large dogs, make their debut to smiling residents waiting in the foyer and down the hall. They pet and kiss them. They admire their costumes. And some cry at the connection.

“I remember her.”

“She’s beautiful.”

At 16 years old, Cinnamon is a calm nurturing mom and Lucy is six years old with the personality of a 12-year-old preteen girl, teases Ken Ward of Mini Equine 2 U. Feisty and playful, she’s been known to try pulling the blanket off a bed and to break out in a dance. Cinnamon gently rests her head on a lap or a bed and enjoys the attention quietly.

Every Friday, the girls leave their pink barn in New Ulm as Vickie and Ken Ward, their owners and the local Mini Equine 2 U representatives, load them in their trailer. When they arrive at one of around 17 nursing homes and assisted living facilities in the area, the wardrobe change begins. Vickie loves to buy bows and ribbons and, of course, coordinating shoes, which come from Build-A-Bear. They’re not only cute and fit their hooves perfectly, but they provide traction in the facilities. Each week the girls are dressed in a different theme. Last week it was bumblebees, Vickie said. They have tutus, fairy wings, swim gear, and attire for each holiday.

Just when you think they’re ready, Ken reaches for one more thing and says “Out comes the glitter.” The girls get one beautiful finishing touch.

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After 33 years as a kindergarten teacher, Vickie heard about Wimberley’s mini horse physical, mental, and emotional therapy non-profit Mini Equine 2 U from a friend in 2017. A lifelong horse and animal lover, Vickie was hooked and Ken is equally enamored with the horses. The Wards got Lucy from a mini horse farm in Buda when she was about one and half years old.

After Lucy and the mini donkeys didn’t take to each other, the Wards went back to Buda and came home with Lucy’s mom, Cinnamon. The mom and daughter don’t stray too far away from each other.

Lucy and Cinnamon have been trained for all that they might encounter in a nursing home facility. Pat Cox of Dashing Dachshund Dog Training in Bellville is their trainer. She started by walking them down wide halls in her dog training studio and then down narrower halls. She even introduced them to the medical equipment they would see, including wheelchairs, walkers, and IV poles. Both girls are at ease walking through the halls. Lucy isn’t fond of shadows and dark rooms, but if there’s sunlight and enough space, she walks right in and will even clean wheelchairs and floors.

Cox is a vet technician and trains dogs and horses, but these were her first miniature horses.

“You can’t make a horse do something they don’t want to do,” she said. Her philosophy is all about positive reinforcement and encouraging the horses through a lot of praise, nose rubs, and rubs above the tail.

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During the visits, Vickie and Ken lead the horses while Cox and volunteer Alexis Osanik walk behind the horses to keep them secure and comfortable.

Cox and Osanik also help with “the bucket.” If a bathroom accident occurs, it is cleaned up quickly using bucket supplies.

Last year, the horses were on lockdown like everyone else and the nursing home residents missed them.

“It was horrible to take a break during COVID. When we were able to come back, people hadn’t forgotten them; they remembered their names,” Vickie said.

The therapy seems to go both ways. All Mini Equine 2 U volunteers happily tell stories of residents lighting up after weeks of little response.

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“The majority had animals and lived on farms once so they relate to the small version of the horses they once had,” Ken explained.

Cox said a man in Columbus dons his cowboy hat when Lucy and Cinnamon visit.

A woman who was paralyzed owned horses and would cluck to the girls to call them into her room. “They had a bond,” Vickie said.

Vickie ends each encounter by telling the resident, “God bless you.” Essential connections are made human to human as well as the human to horse.

At the end of the visit, the residents also receive a postcard with a picture of the girls dressed up and information about Mini Equine 2 U. It’s a memento the residents enjoy looking back on and showing family and friends.

Lucy and Cinnamon don’t do birthday parties, but they do make appearances at Marten Tree Farm in Bellville, usually the day after Thanksgiving, and at the Chappell Hill Lavender & Wine Festival, where they do outreach for Mini Equine 2 U. If you’d like more information to donate to Mini Equine 2, visit. miniequine2u.org.

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