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Kids & Pets Issue and Some Shoutouts
This issue holds a special place in my heart. Children are more than just the future—they are the heartbeat of our communities today. Their laughter, their curiosity, and their potential shape the world in ways we can’t fully measure.
As parents and caregivers, we put so much effort into nurturing their growth, teaching them, and investing in their futures. But let’s not forget that children also shape us—they bring joy, laughter, and meaning to our everyday lives.
But we also cannot overlook the powerful role pets play in our families. They offer unconditional love and teach us valuable lessons in empathy, responsibility, and companionship. The bond between kids and their pets can be transformative, fostering deep emotional connections that last a lifetime.
I have three dogs that are from the same litter and just turned two years old. They bring me joy and keep me very busy. I can't imagine life without them.
At the core of both children and pets is a simple truth—they need us. Our care and attention shape who they become, and in turn, they shape us. This issue is dedicated to celebrating the kids and pets who fill our homes with joy and love.
I hope this month’s issue inspires you to pour a little extra love into the children and pets in your life. They are the ones who remind us of the simple joys and the importance of unconditional love.
Here’s to our future, our little ones, and the pets who make everything better. Cheers!
I wanted to take a moment to give two big shoutouts. The first is to our amazing editor, Richard Lakin. Every month Richard works tirelessly to not only make sure the articles and magazine look wonderful, he also writes articles in every magazine. We are very thankful for his hard work and dedication to bringing our readers a great publication each month!
I also wanted to thank Autumn Ogelsby. Autumn is our staff photographer and is responsible for a great deal of the beautiful photos for each issue. Autumn's work goes far beyond Albuquerque City Lifestyle. She's been a professional photographer in ABQ for a long time. Please check out her article in this issue.
August 2025
PUBLISHER
Rich Ringrose | rich.ringrose@citylifestyle.com
EDITOR
Richard Lakin | richard.lakin@citylifestyle.com
SOCIAL MEDIA COORDINATOR
Alexandria Gonzalez
STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER
Autumn Oglesby
STAFF WRITER
Andrea Jacquin
CONTRIBUTING WRITERS
Autumn Oglesby, Richard Lakin
CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS
Jennifer Castillo, Howard George, Carlie Klepach, Autumn Oglesby, Richard Lakin
Corporate Team
CEO Steven Schowengerdt
COO Matthew Perry
CRO Jamie Pentz
VP OF OPERATIONS Janeane Thompson
VP OF SALES Andrew Leaders
AD DESIGNER Rachel Kolich
LAYOUT DESIGNER Kathy Nguyen
QUALITY CONTROL SPECIALIST Hannah Leimkuhler
BRINGING BRILLIANCE TO LIGHT
INQUIRE | VISIT | APPLY
Attend one of our on-campus admission events to find out what makes Bosque School truly exceptional.
Visit our beautiful campus, meet our expert and talented faculty, and talk with our students about why they chose Bosque School.
Please visit: bosqueschool.org/admission/events for more information.
Why Bosque School?
Academic Excellence | Dynamic Curriculum | Strong Community
Bosque School is a collegepreparatory independent school for grades 6-12, educating middle and high school students in an academically challenging, studentcentered learning environment.
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ADDITIONS
We
KITCHENS
ROOFING
HAPPY CAT
Hotel and Spa
Taking care of kitties when you’re traveling
RICHARD LAKIN
ARTICLE AND PHOTOGRAPHY BY
Martha Plummer, the owner of Happy Cat Hotel and Spa, was looking for a new career. She was a sales rep for a veterinary pharmaceutical company that required a great deal of travel, and she was finding it difficult to provide care for an aging mom and a special needs sister.
She tells us, “I spent nights out of town, and something would happen with my mom or sister, and I'd have to quickly come home. I realized at some point I can't do this anymore. I need to be closer to my mom and my sister to make sure everything goes well, and so I went to a business coach, and I said, ‘What do I do for the rest of my life?’ and she's like ‘Well, what is your passion?’ It took me forever to figure out what I wanted to do, and all my friends, knowing of my love of cats, said 'You just need to do something with cats.”
“I Googled high-end luxury cat boarding franchises and found one that was exactly what I was looking for. They have all the protocols in place. They have the computer systems. So, I thought ‘Why reinvent the wheel?’ and went with a franchise operation.”
Happy Cat Hotel and Spa, a cat-only facility, is more than just cat-boarding. It is a full-service cat care experience, including a full cat day spa. There are 25 large, themed rooms that are designed to be luxurious, spacious, and relaxing. Cats are monitored throughout their stay, and email updates are sent to the cat owners daily. Playtime, human interaction, and affection are provided for the feline guests, and grooming services are also available. Cat owners CONTINUED >
“They become acclimated to the routine at Happy Cat and miss the treatment that they get here.”
can watch live video of their cats while they're traveling. Cats can be notoriously finicky, so each cat’s quirks are addressed and catered to. Any medications can be administered by the staff. Litter boxes and the rooms are cleaned and sterilized. Rest assured that your cat is not sitting in a small cage being ignored or neglected.
Cat owners are encouraged to bring their cat’s favorite toys or even their cat’s bedding. Martha says, “It helps them to relax if they have something that has the smell from home.”
Martha says, “We ask a ton of questions before we board your cat. We ask, are there certain things your cat doesn't like? Do they like catnip? Are they allergic to anything? We ask everything up front because we want to make sure that we're prepared. We regularly check litter box activity because it can be an indication of stress or a medical problem.”
Martha says that sometimes cats are so comfortable at Happy Cat that they hesitate to get back in their carriers when it’s time to leave. She tells us, “They become acclimated to the routine at Happy Cat and miss the treatment that they get here.”
Happy Cat Hotel and Spa is located at 3900 San Mateo Blvd NE. Their phone number is 505.333.9868.
Martha Plummer, owner of Happy Cat Hotel and Spa
ADOPT A PET
The animal shelters are full
Thinking of adopting a pet? We’ll give you some information that will help you to make a decision and, hopefully, you can provide a rescue animal it’s forever home. We talked to Tiffany Chamblee, the Engagement and Outreach Manager of Bernalillo
County Animal Care Services. She told us, “All shelters nationwide are bursting at the seams. We’re waiving fees, which include spaying or neutering, microchipping, and one year’s license free of charge. When you come into our facility, you'll sign
ARTICLE BY RICHARD LAKIN
PHOTOGRAPHY BY AUTUMN OGLESBY AND CARLIE KLEPACH
in on a kiosk. If you're here for to look at an animal for adoption, you will walk through the facility and work with one of our animal care technicians to identify animals of interest and do introductions on those animals. Once you've identified an animal that you determine is the best fit, then you will go to our customer service desk where you will complete a small one-page adoption contract stating
that you will provide humanitarian care to your new pet and that you'll provide them the veterinary care that they need and really just provide a good loving home for them.”
Before you make a trip to the animal shelter, however, you should do some research and think about what kind of animal is best for your situation.
We asked Michael Melloy, DVM, for a veterinarian’s
view on adopting animals. He told us, “You’re taking on a personal responsibility. If you’re adopting a dog and you're going to get one that is for life, and it’s not just on a whim, you do your research. No matter if they come from an animal control facility or if you buy one from a pet shop, know that you're taking on a responsibility. You should research the
characteristics of different breeds to determine which is best for your family and living situation. Also, you should consider a training program for basic commands. That's for your safety and your dog’s safety.”
“If it’s a cat, you have a decision on whether it’s inside all of the time or if it’s allowed to roam outside. I personally recommend that
it become a house cat that always lives inside. First, cats can substantially reduce the songbird population in your neighborhood. Secondly, there are dangers outside... traffic, fights with other cats, as well as the predators that sometimes come into the city...coyotes, mountain lions, bobcats, and even owls.”
We asked Dr. Melloy about adopting senior animals. He told us, “As long as they're not suffering, I think that is a great thing to do. Not very many people will do that and have a big enough heart. A lot of times, the animals don't have a place, and people want the young dog or cat, and they can't deal with the sadness of losing them so soon, but I think that's really great. A lot of dogs and cats that are older, they're out there and they need homes.”
One thing that was clear when we interviewed Dr. Melloy was his conviction that there is an ancient and biological connection between animals and humans. He says, “I think it’s genetic that we have a connection, and I think that it’s really important to have a kinship with animals. It's a deep thing and it's something that we have a natural affinity for.”
Dr. Melloy pursues this bonding with his avocation of falconry, which he’s been doing for 40 years. He says, “The amazing thing to me is the bond that can be formed with human beings and birds of prey that you can hunt with. You take a perfect wild bird, and within two weeks, they’re completely bonded to you. It’s been going on for thousands of years.”
Dr. Melloy is a partner in two veterinary clinics: one in Albuquerque called Petroglyph Animal Hospital (505-8988874) at 6633 Caminito Coors NW, and one in Rio Rancho called Coronado Pet Hospital (505-771-3311) at 4192 NM-528.
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EYES OF NM AND EYE THINK Vision Therapy
HELPING KIDS ENJOY READING
ARTICLE BY RICHARD LAKIN | PHOTOGRAPHY COURTESY OF EYES OF NM
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It’s hard to get kids to enjoy reading or even learning in general if they’re having trouble with their vision. Moreover, if their vision problems are never properly diagnosed, it could affect their comprehension well into adulthood. Dr. Tiffany Garcia Martinez has two vision clinics: Eyes of NM, a family optometry practice, and Eye Think Vision Therapy, which specializes in diagnosing vision problems that cannot be fully corrected with glasses or contact lenses alone. Issues such as double vision, eye strain and headaches, difficulty in concentrating and reading, brain fog, as well as a variety of other conditions that impair reading comprehension.
Dr. Martinez tells us, “We do comprehensive eye care, so we'll see them for regular routine eye exams, and then we will do a lot of different vision therapy with them, so we're working on improving the visual process through vision therapy. We do body, eye, and brain exercises to help all of those systems work in better alignment.”
Dr. Martinez says, “Seeing them for a primary care exam is really helpful because we'll actually prescribe normal lenses that that you would get from most other doctors, but then we also prescribe therapeutic lenses where we use lenses as a form of therapy to help open up the way their brain sees space so that they can take in information differently. We’re unique in Albuquerque with this approach. This therapy can improve visual processing, eye coordination, and better visual comfort.”
with children with binocular vision problems and vision-related learning problems. She also broadened her experience by working with adult patients with vision impairments, newly acquired brain injuries, and soldiers returning from war with new ocular complications. Since 2010, she has also spent time working with the New Mexico School for the Blind & Visually Impaired (NMSBVI) to provide mobile clinics to low vision students throughout New Mexico.
We do body, eye, and brain exercises to help all of those systems work in better alignment.
Dr. Martinez told us, “We have a questionnaire that we ask parents when they walk into the exam room, and the parents are like, ‘Why haven't I ever been asked these questions before?’ Then it's almost like they don't believe their kid. The kids are answering truthfully that they have double vision, or things are swimming around on the page for them, and the parents ask, ‘Why didn't anyone ever catch this before? Why didn't my child ever tell me this?’ It's because that's how they see, so they just think that it’s normal. They never think to question it, and when you do question it, you get the answers, and it's like, oh my gosh, this is a real problem, so it's very underdiagnosed.”
Dr. Martinez, an Albuquerque native, earned a degree in biology with a minor in chemistry from UNM. She graduated from Ketchum University, followed by an additional year of residency training in Pediatrics and Binocular Vision at the University of Houston College of Optometry. With a special appreciation for pediatric optometry, she worked
“My favorite question has become asking kids, ‘Do you like to read?’ because so much of the time, if they say no, then my follow-up question is ‘Do you ever read for fun?’ and they'll say no, and you know so much of reading is visual skills. So if they don't like to read and they're actively avoiding reading, then there is a good chance that somewhere in their visual process, something is not going right. There's an opportunity to help so many people, and especially so many kids. Yeah, it's so much fun.”
Dr. Martinez’s practices are located at 7007 Wyoming Blvd NE in Albuquerque. Their phone number is 505.828.3937.
ARTICLE BY RICHARD LAKIN
PHOTOGRAPHY BY
JENNIFER CASTILLO AND HOWARD GEORGE
THE ALBUQUERQUE YOUTH SYMPHONY PROGRAM
A CLASSICAL EXPERIENCE FOR KIDS
“TALKING TO PAST ALUMS, SOME HAVE MET THEIR LIFELONG BEST FRIENDS IN OUR PROGRAM.”
Cellist Yo-Yo Ma said, “Music enhances the education of our children by helping them to make connections and broadening the depth with which they think and feel. If we are to hope for a society of culturally literate people, music must be a vital part of our children’s education.” Fortunately, these benefits are available to kids in Albuquerque through the music programs at the Albuquerque Youth Symphony.
Norlynn Blocker Price, Executive Director of the Albuquerque Youth Symphony Program, tells us that the organization closely coordinates with local schools. She says, “Our program was founded back in 1955 as a collaboration between Albuquerque Public Schools and the UNM music department. We have always had APS and other schools, including Rio Rancho public schools, and all the private schools here in our community as close partners and collaborators with our program. We, for example, always have had a representative from APS on our board of directors, and that's written into our bylaws.” The current superintendent of Albuquerque Public Schools, Dr. Gabriella Blakey, is both a board member and a Youth Symphony alumnus.
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Norlynn tells us, “We’ve just celebrated our 70th anniversary this past school year. We have about 450 students in grades four through twelve from all over the area, from about 90 public and private schools. We have ten different ensembles ranging from beginning strings for 4th and 5th graders to advanced Symphony Orchestra for our high school students. We send out several of our ensembles every fall. We send out six ensembles to perform for school children in the area, and then we also send a few groups in the springtime to perform for elementary and middle school audiences.”
Norlynn is herself an alumnus of the program. She tells us, “I was in this program as a child in middle school, and then my family moved out of state, and I went on to become a lawyer in Dallas. I practiced law in Dallas for about 33 years and then learned about this position
“YOU GET ALL THESE KIDS FROM DIFFERENT WALKS OF LIFE, FROM DIFFERENT SCHOOLS.”
and my parents had since moved back to Albuquerque, so I picked up this opportunity to come back and give back to a program that got me started on my journey with classical music-making and being a lover of classical music and so that's how I got into arts management.”
We asked the Youth Symphony Programs’ Music Director, Dan Whisler, how the program affects kids’ further education and adult careers. He told us, “We're kind of a training ground for people to go on and to be music majors in college or go into teaching music therapy or even professional playing. I think,
CONTINUED >
however, that regardless of what profession they choose, there are valuable life skills that you gain in Youth Orchestra, such as commitment and discipline.”
Dan says that it helps with diverse socialization as well. He tells us, “You get all these kids from different walks of life, from different schools. Some of our students have come from as far away as a three-hour drive to play in the symphony with other kids that otherwise they would never have met and never known. Talking to past alums, some have met their lifelong best friends in our program.”
The program is financially supported by grants from private foundations, government funding, and corporate & private contributions.
Director Norlynn Price says, “We have concluded our audition cycle for the coming school year, but we do have open spots in just about every ensemble, so if there is a middle school or high school band orchestra student that is interested in learning more about the program or possibly exploring participating with us next year, they need to get in touch with us and set up an audition.”
The Albuquerque Youth Symphony Program building is located at 4407 Menaul Blvd. NE. Their phone number is 505.875.1319.
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AUTUMN OGLESBY
ARTICLE AND PHOTOGRAPHY BY AUTUMN OGLESBY
Autumn Oglesby
Our photographer shares images for our Kids and Pets issue
This month, we wanted to introduce you to our photographer, Autumn Oglesby. We asked her to tell us about her background, artistic philosophy, and influences. -editor
Hello, my name is Autumn Oglesby. I’m a traveler, mother, sister, yogini, energy worker, and freelance photographer—capturing the essence of emotion and connection in the Albuquerque area since 2002.
Raised close to the land in the hardwood forests and Great Lakes region of Northern Michigan, I moved to the Southwest in the late '90s. The people, architecture, and landscape of New Mexico—rich in earthen textures and desert light—have made this region a natural home for both my family and my creative work.
It’s a sweet honor to work with the same families over the years, capturing their journey from maternity portraits to graduation pictures, and even their wedding day. I work well with people because I strive to see beyond appearances—to reflect the authentic beauty that lives in every soul.
Photographing families (including pets!) is one of my favorite ways to witness this deeper connection. The playfulness and affection that emerge naturally during sessions often lead to spontaneous, heartfelt images.
I believe I have a gift for helping people feel at ease and truly seen—and that’s when the real magic happens.
As an intuitive woman, I sense the unseen. Photography allows me to translate subtle energies into something visual. I love how it grounds me in the present moment.
A special shoutout to two of my biggest photography influences:
Dean Ditta – A true artist and the father of a family I grew up with, he took us to the wild shores of Sturgeon Bay, Michigan, to shoot film. Dean developed his own photos, took my senior portraits, and sparked my love for the creative side of photography.
Uncle Mark Dull – He believed in me early on, helped me choose my first camera, and showed me that photography could be more than a passion—it could be a path.
When people ask how long I’ve been into photography, I have to laugh—because I honestly can’t remember a time when I wasn’t! One of my earliest memories is of my mom getting film developed, only to find the entire roll filled with photos of my doll in various poses on a picnic table.
Right after high school, I worked in Yellowstone National Park, where my love for photography truly blossomed. Everywhere I looked—geysers, waterfalls, bison, bears— there was something wild and breathtaking. Back then, we had to wait a week or more to get film developed, which felt like forever!
Over time, I’ve realized that beauty is everywhere. The true art is in the noticing.
As I grow older, my passion is gently shifting from people and events back to nature photography. Being in the backcountry wilderness, connecting with animals and plant life—that’s where I feel most alive.
My hope is that when someone views an image I’ve created, it evokes empathy, tolerance, and kindness—because at our core, we are all deeply connected.
From moments of grace to the depths of despair—and everywhere in between—my goal is to enkindle love.
Autumn's photography is awe inspiring. Please visit her website and Instagram to learn more about her and view some of her amazing photos. - Rich Ringrose, Publisher
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WHISKING UP CONFIDENCE
ARTICLE BY ANGELA BROOCKERD | PHOTOGRAPHY BY JANIE JONES
Why Cooking with Kids is More Than Just Making Meals
There’s something truly special about inviting your child into the kitchen—not just for the cookies or cupcakes, but for the confidence, creativity, and connection that come with it. Cooking with your children isn’t just a fun way to pass the time; it’s an opportunity to build lifelong skills and memories that stick.
Sure, teaching a young child how to crack an egg or measure flour can test your patience—but hang in there. With a little trial and a fair amount of error, they’ll start to develop the fine motor skills that allow them to prep a recipe all on their own one day. The best part? They’ll gain confidence along the way, one scoop, stir, and sprinkle at a time.
Cooking together also taps into something a little magical—memory. The smell of cookies baking or chili simmering on the stove can instantly transport us back to childhood. That’s not just nostalgia talking—science backs it up. Our sense of smell is closely tied to autobiographical memory, especially memories formed early in life. So those sweet, savory scents? They’re more powerful than you might think.
The key is to start simple. Let your toddler play with mixing bowls, spoons, and measuring cups. These little moments of pretend play actually help build the fine motor skills needed for real kitchen tasks. Begin with small jobs—scooping flour, flattening cookie dough with a rolling pin—and gradually add more steps as your child becomes more confident.
It won’t be perfect. The flour might fly, the sugar might spill, and the measurements might be slightly off—and that’s okay. Embrace the mess, stay patient, and focus on the fun. A dash of encouragement and a sprinkle of praise go a long way in keeping your little chef engaged and excited.
Over time, you’ll see the magic unfold: a child who’s not only learning how to cook but also growing more independent, capable, and proud of what they’ve created. And who knows? Maybe one day, they’ll pass those same recipes—and memories—on to their own kids.
CONTINUED >
ANIMAL Crackers
Ingredients:
• 1 cup and 2 tablespoons white flour
• 1/4 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/2 cup oatmeal
• 4 tablespoons honey
• 1/2 teaspoon vanilla
• 4 tablespoons buttermilk
• 1/2 teaspoon almond extract
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 cup whole wheat flour
• 1/4 cup unsalted butter, room temperature
• Optional: add 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg or cinnamon
CONTINUED >
Steps:
1. Preheat the oven to 400 degrees.
EMBRACE THE MESS, STAY PATIENT, AND FOCUS ON THE FUN.
2. Put the oatmeal in a blender or food processor and pulse for about a minute, until it’s reduced to a rough powder. Add the ground oatmeal to the whole wheat and 1/2 cup of the white flour, baking soda and salt to the bowl of an electric mixer affixed with a paddle attachment, and turn on to mix. Add butter and blend on medium speed until the butter has been incorporated and the mix looks a little like wet sand. Add the buttermilk, vanilla, honey and almond extract and blend. If the dough looks too wet to roll, add the remaining flour 1/4 cup at a time until the dough forms a ball and pulls away from the sides of the blender.
3. Turn the dough out onto a piece of plastic wrap and flatten into a disc. Cover completely and chill in the fridge for at least one hour, up to overnight.
4. When ready to bake, preheat the oven to 400 degrees and place dough on a lightly floured surface (using the remaining 2 tablespoons of flour). Roll out until 1/8 inch thick. Cut out with desired cookie cutters and bake for five to seven minutes, based on your preference. Five minutes will get you a softer cracker, while seven will get you a crisp cracker.
Enjoy!
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DIY DOG BIRTHDAY PARTY
THROW A PAWSOME BIRTHDAY PARTY FOR YOUR FURRY FRIEND
DIY PARTY FAVORS FOR DOGS
Create delightful DIY party favors for your dog guests by filling small bags or boxes with goodies. Include a tennis ball for playtime fun and a selection of treats for them to enjoy. You can also add a small toy or chew for variety. These favors ensure that every pup goes home happy and tired from all the play and treats.
TREAT STATION FOR OWNERS
Keep the human guests happy with a creative Treat Station for Owners. Use brand new, clean dog food bowls as serving dishes for snacks like chips, pretzels, and candies. Arrange the bowls on a table with a festive tablecloth and some dog-themed decorations. Label each bowl with fun names like “Puppy Chow” for trail mix or “Doggie Biscuits” for cookies.
HOW TO MAKE A DOG BIRTHDAY CAKE
A birthday party isn’t complete without a cake, even for dogs! To make a dog-friendly birthday cake, start with ingredients like peanut butter, bananas, and carrots. Mix 1 cup of flour, 1/4 cup of rolled oats, 1 teaspoon of baking powder, and a pinch of cinnamon in one bowl. In another bowl, blend 1/4 cup of unsweetened applesauce, 1/4 cup of peanut butter, 1 mashed banana, and 1/2 cup of grated carrots. Combine the wet and dry ingredients, then pour the batter into a greased cake pan. Bake at 350°F for 25-30 minutes. Let it cool, then frost with a mixture of Greek yogurt and peanut butter. Decorate with dog treats and serve to your excited pup!
UNPLUG HAVE FUN! &
ARTICLE BY PAM REID | PHOTOGRAPHY PROVIDED
Summertime is the best time for kids to disconnect and enjoy being outdoors.
Long, long ago, in a time before technology, children entertained themselves and played endlessly with nothing more than ... wait for it ... their imagination. They played outdoors for hours with friends, balls, jump ropes, buckets, chalk, bicycles, you name it! The level of creativity saw no limits in the minds of these children. While some families have plans for getaway vacations, there are those planning to stay home and scrambling for things their children can do. We’d like to share some ideas that don’t include technology or cost a boat load of money for that matter. The benefits of spending time outdoors and unplugged outweigh complaints about temperature or those annoying creepy crawlers. The added bonus is that many outdoor games secretly teach life skills. Technology is used only to confirm game rules.
Ready or not, it’s time to play! A day - or two or three - full of outdoor games will invoke a trip down memory lane for some adults, or a “this is great” thought for others. In either case, playing these games has tremendous benefits - young people can fully embrace human connection, get a break from the instant gratification associated with technical devices and social media, and enjoy some good wholesome, age-appropriate fun. Many adults admit they played many of their favorite childhood games well into their teen years, and still others say they relish in a good game of dodgeball or tug of war today. This list is not all-inclusive, but it certainly gets the games started!
“READY OR NOT, IT’S TIME TO PLAY!”
CHILDHOOD GAMES
TUG OF WAR - contest between two teams at opposite ends of a rope; each team trying to drag the other across a center line.
SACK RACE - stand in your sack, hold on to the top of your sack and hop as fast as you can to the finish line!
FREEZE TAG - each player freezes when tagged and can be unfrozen only by a player who is not yet frozen. Game ends when all players are frozen.
RED LIGHT GREEN LIGHT - shout “green light” and all players run towards you, shout “yellow light” and they are allowed to walk, but when “red light” is shouted, they must stop and freeze. If player moves at “red light”, they go back to start line.
MUSICAL CHAIRS - walk to music around a group of chairs containing one chair fewer than number of players, and rush to sit down when music stops. The player left standing in each round is eliminated.
KICK THE CAN - find players in their hiding spots and put them in “jail”. Once a player is “jailed” the only way to be freed is for another player to beat the “IT” person to the can and kick it.
DODGEBALL - team sport in which players on two teams try to throw balls and hit opponents, while avoid being hit themselves. Consider water balloons instead of balls on a hot day.
There are more great outdoor games. Get unplugged and get outside!
End of Summer, Start of Clean
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Fun Tricks To Teach Your Puppy
A list of exciting new tricks to teach your puppy
ARTICLE BY BAILEY MORRIS
We created a list of some fun tricks to teach your puppy! Whether you just welcomed a new furry friend into your home or you’re teaching an old dog new tricks, you and your pet are sure to have a fun time! Spending time playing and training with your pet makes for a great bonding experience! Don’t forget to reward them with some delicious dog treats when they successfully do a trick. My pup’s personal favorite treats are chicken, peanut butter, and carrots. We hope you and your pup have a great time learning the tricks on this list!
SPEAK
Get your dog to bark naturally (try ringing the doorbell or knocking on the door). Once they bark, say ‘speak’ and reward them.
STAY
Have your dog sit and then tell them to stay. Hold your hand out with your palm toward their nose in the stop position. If they hold the position for a second or two, praise them and reward them with a treat. Keep repeating this and gradually having them stay longer.
SHAKE
Hold your hand out in front of your dog. Your dog may do some experimenting trying to figure out what you want. Once they put their paw in your hand, immediately praise and reward them.
