Canine Kingdom: Our Annual Kids and Pets Issue
HEALTH + WELLNESS
CARING FOR PETS: A NEW MODEL AT CAMDEN
BACK STORY: WELL-ROUNDED CARE FOR KIDS
LIFE + CULTURE
FAMILY TIME, UNFILTERED AND UNPLANNED
Elevating
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Hello friends,
Meow and woof!
It's our annual kids and pets issue. They bring us joy and bring us to tears. They keep us both buoyant and grounded. That’s our cat, Tommy. He’s not too demanding and has a really nice purr and a fluffy coat. We’ve never had dogs, but I know many of you consider your pups a part of the family. For now and forever.
I like this poem by Bettina Van Vaerenbergh. "Lessons From Dogs." Family Friend Poems, June 19, 2022. This is a selection:
Why dogs don't live that long?
It's because their souls are true
And their love is strong.
Dogs give their heart away Totally for free. They love us as we are, Unconditionally.
We people are slow learners, So we need many years
To figure out life's purpose, What we're doing here…
How to be gentle and kind, And to be rich in love,
And how to live a good lifeDogs know well enough.
Have a wonderful month!
August 2025
PUBLISHER
Jim Newman | jnewman@citylifestyle.com
EDITOR
Sue G. Collins | scollins@citylifestyle.com
SENIOR ACCOUNT MANAGER
Karyn Slovin | karyn.slovin@citylifestyle.com
ADMINISTRATIVE DIRECTOR
Karla Wilkinson | Karla.Wilkinson@citylifestyle.com
COPY EDITOR
Summer J. Robinson | summerjrobinson2@gmail.com
STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER
Aleksandar Kapetanovic
CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS
Cam Jimenez | Social4Business, Christine Gauthier
SUE G. COLLINS, EDITOR @ALPHARETTACITYLIFESTYLE
Corporate Team
CEO Steven Schowengerdt
COO Matthew Perry
CRO Jamie Pentz
VP OF OPERATIONS Janeane Thompson
VP OF SALES Andrew Leaders
AD DESIGNER Rachel Chrisman
LAYOUT DESIGNER Emily Lisenbee
QUALITY CONTROL SPECIALIST Brandy Thomas Learn
city scene
1: Chef owner, Amber Rushing, proudly was featured in Johns Creek City Lifestyle. 2: Cambrean CPAs was proud to sponsor the 2025 BAPS Charities Walk/Run at George Pierce Park. 3: Rob Sauthoff, writer, with Pepe Fundora and the July issue featuring Pepe. 4: Cambrean CPAs attended the 2025 HomeVestors of America Summer Summit in Dallas, TX. 5: Mimi Mulugeta and Michael Barrows of Atlanta Flooring Studio hosting the City Lifestyle event. 6: Sue Collins and Regan Maki of Ansley/Christie’s Real Estate. 7: Food Truck Alley continues this month.
Get Strong, Together
Discover Strength Alpharetta is now open, offering expert-led, 30-minute strength training sessions just twice a week! Backed by exercise science, this efficient approach improves muscle strength, boosts metabolism, supports joint health, and helps prevent injury—all with less time in the gym. Each session is led by an exercise physiologist to ensure safe, personalized workouts. Experience the health benefits of smarter training. Book a free introductory session. DiscoverStrength.com/Alpharetta
Smile, You Deserve It
Dentistry at Ivy Falls is excited to share that Dr. Joshua is now AAFEcertified in using Botox as part of dental care! This advanced training helps him treat things like TMJ, teeth grinding, and facial pain—and even boost smile aesthetics. It’s just one more way we’re growing to better serve our patients with the latest tools and techniques, all while keeping comfort and care at the heart of what we do. DentistryAtIvyFalls.com
Ever dreamed of owning a cozy mountain cabin?
Think granite countertops, stainless steel appliances, 1–2 bedrooms, and your own private acre of land all for under $300K!
We also offer ADUs (Accessory Dwelling Units) for your own property perfect for aging parents, returning adult children, or even generating rental income.
The Lumina The Ironwood
The Homestead The Wrenwood
The Hearthstone The Willowbrook
WALK STRONGER. LIVE BETTER.
Expert hip and knee care by Dr. Brandon Naylor Board-Certified Orthopedic Surgeon
Rediscover Freedom of Movement! If HIP or KNEE pain is limiting your life, it’s time to take the next step. Dr. Brandon Naylor is a nationally recognized expert in joint pain, offering a spectrum of treatments, from injections to minimally invasive and advanced arthroplasty techniques proven to reduce recovery time and maximize function.
“I was back on my feet in no time. Dr. Naylor gave me my life back!”
– Susan M., Age 67, Total Knee Replacement
Dr. Brandon Naylor Board-Certified Orthopedic Surgeon
East Lake Golf Club
The historic East Lake Golf Club will serve once again as the host for the culminating event of the FedExCup Playoffs and the PGA TOUR Regular Season, from August 20-24. The TOUR’s top 30 global stars compete for the sport’s ultimate prize, the FedExCup. Since its inception, the Playoffs have concluded in Atlanta at East Lake Golf Club, which has an undeniable aura and historical significance as the place where the legendary career of Bobby Jones was born. TOURChampionship.com
Ruby Veterinary Urgent Care is thrilled to join the Johns Creek/ Alpharetta community. They are here for pets and their owners, offering expert care for urgent and emergency cases like foreign body ingestion (minimally invasive endoscopy), toxicities (like THC and snake bites), gastrointestinal issues, allergies and more. Open late and on weekends. RubyVet.com
Photography by Monica Carlson
Shadesof Summer
Your home deserves window treatments as unique as your style. Our expert design consultants offer personalized guidance to craft solutions that complement your vision. Schedule your consultation today and discover the art of luxurious living.
ARTICLE BY ALPHARETTA CITY LIFESTYLE STAFF
WHERE PETS AND RELATIONSHIPS Rule
LOCALLY OWNED MAKES A DIFFERENCE TO THE LIVES OF OUR PETS.
A veterinary general practice clinic should be a team of experts in your community that you trust—a group whose care and guidance are rooted in your pet and family’s best interest at heart.
Camden Village Animal Hospital is a small animal general practice clinic that has been a trusted part of our community since 2013. “It’s an incredible honor to continue in providing compassionate, comprehensive pet care, that has been my standard since 2014,” says Dr. Andras Tigyi, DVM, owner and chief medical officer at Camden. “I’m committed to deepening the bond between our practice and the families we serve. We strive every day, with each family and their pet, to meet that expectation and goal.”
“I’m committed to deepening the bond between our practice and the families we serve. We strive every day, with each family and their pet, to meet that expectation and goal.”
At the heart of the clinic is a simple but powerful belief: veterinary care works best when it’s rooted in relationships. “Every pet who walks (crawls or even flies!) through our doors is more than just a patient — they’re a beloved member of a family in our community. And every family we meet becomes part of ours,” says Dr. Tigyi.
Taking ownership and medical directorship of this clinic isn’t just about running a business for Dr. Tigyi. It’s about continuing and expanding a community-centered mission. The practice is not owned by an out-of-state, faceless corporation. “Unfortunately, and unbeknownst to many patrons of other veterinary clinics throughout the Alpharetta, East Roswell and Johns Creek communities, the overwhelming majority of clinics are now owned by corporate or private equity groups,” notes Dr. Tigyi.
Camden Village Animal Hospital is proudly independent.
The owners and staff at Camden are your neighbors and members of the community, shopping at the same stores with children playing in the same parks.
One of their guiding principles is to truly get to know the people and pets we serve. From the very first visit, staff take the time to listen — really listen — to your concerns, your goals for your pet’s health, lifestyle, health conditions and the unique personality traits that make your animal companion so special.
Whether your pet is in for a wellness exam, or managing a chronic condition, their goal is to make each visit feel personal and collaborative and consider the best long-term outcomes for the pets’ health through clear explanations of any diagnosed medical conditions and preventative care. “In that spirit, I feel that time must be taken during each appointment not only to educate, but also to answer questions for a family regarding their pet, no matter the illness or condition,” says the doctor.
Veterinary medicine should never feel one-sided. Camden’s staff promises to walk alongside you through every stage of your pet’s life — from puppy or kittenhood through the senior years — offering not just medical expertise, but empathy, education and encouragement.
Goals for the future include making the clinic even more accessible and welcoming, integrating into the community at local events, supporting rescue organizations, participating at local schools for career day, or sharing an evening at a local dog park event. “I believe that being actively involved with organizations, places of worship and schools in our area is critical to our role in the community. We want to be more than a clinic — we want to be a resource for pet lovers throughout the area,” he says.
Owning this practice is more than a career milestone for Dr. Tigyi — it’s a calling. He believes he is here not just to provide veterinary care, but to nurture relationships built on trust, kindness and shared love for animals.
“Whether you’ve been part of our clinic family for years or you’re just getting to know us, we welcome you warmly. If you have not seen or paid us a visit, feel free to stop by anytime.
We provide wellness, sick, urgent/emergency, surgical, and dental care at this clinic Monday through Friday. I would be glad to show you the clinic to see where we provide our patients with exceptional care. We’re excited for what lies ahead and grateful for the opportunity to care for your pets as if they were our own family.”
3719 Old Alabama Rd Suite 300 H-I, Johns Creek CamdenVillageAnimalHospital.com
RIGHT AT HOME
ARTICLE BY SUE G. COLLINS PHOTOGRAPHY BY ALEKS KAPETANOVIC
CREATING A LOVELY DECK FOR PETS AND THEIR PEOPLE.
Libby loves kids, treats, floating in the pool and chilling on the deck.
During warmer days, she searches for shady spots to contemplate her next move in achieving a life goal: catching a squirrel.
Libby is a 12 1/2 year old terrier and Yorkie mix who watches over the family of Lisa and Michael Rodenhiser. Their lovely home had a wood deck that wasn’t cutting it for Libby (or the family). They wanted more shade for the space that gets full afternoon and evening sun and a design that offered more usable living space.
A complete demo of the existing deck left space for the Rodenhisers to envision a dreamy extension of their home to include an outdoor dining area and TV viewing nook with plenty of shaded area for entertaining.
“We also added an underdeck dry below system, which now allows them to have the patio as a dry space too,” says Cinda Salazar, owner of Archadeck of Alpharetta who managed the renovation. CONTINUED >
The family also dreamed of a new deck that was low-maintenance. “We accomplished this by using Timbertech composite decking and powder-coated iron railing. We also used a Hardie beadboard for the ceiling and wrapped all the posts and beams in a composite material that was painted,” says Cinda.
When designing a deck that is petfriendly, Cinda recommends a gate at the top of the stairs as well as low-voltage lighting on the risers and a composite with more texture that isn’t as slippery. “A concern most homeowners have is will the composites scratch easily with pet nails. The better quality composites like Timbertech, Deckorators and Trex all have a scratch-resistant warranty and will hold up with normal wear from a pet,” Cinda notes.
Cinda and her partner (in life and business) Mark, own Archadeck of Alpharetta, and not only build decks, but also fire features, outdoor kitchens, pergolas, porches, screened porches and sunrooms.
Archadeck Outdoor Living is North America’s largest deck and porch builder, with dedicated local owners backed by a national network of experts. All contractors are trained, licensed and certified in all applicable areas and the team is focused on design and quality.
This month, you’ll find Libby perched on the comfortable new deck furniture, plotting her next move. It’s a good life!
770.763.7778
Archadeck.com/Alpharetta
Meeting Our Children’s Functional and Structural Needs
Securing Your Child’s Future In Good Health
ARTICLE BY DR. MICHAEL J. DELLARIA, B.S., D.C., C.F.M.C
Dr. Michael J. Dellaria
The average child has about 1,000 traumas before they enter adulthood. For instance, when they are learning how to walk, they fall. Learning how to ride a bike, they fall. Navigating playground games and backyard play, they tumble and knock heads. These traumas can and do cause spinal misalignments. This is where the bone has moved slightly out of its normal position in the spine. Now, this may cause an immediate problem where the child complains of some kind of pain or they may not. Another concern, other than pain, is the damage being caused to the spinal nerve this bone is affecting. Our spinal nerves go to all areas of our body including muscles, organs and glands. When the bones of the spine, or vertebrae, misalign, the function of the body is altered. Many times, this goes undetected for months or even years if a child is not under regular chiropractic care. So, what effect could this have on their health? Long-term damage to spinal nerves and incorrect nervous system signaling to areas of the body can have profound effects. For example, a misalignment in the first thoracic vertebrae, which is at the top of the ribcage, can cause bronchial problems such as asthma. A misalignment in the first cervical vertebrae in the neck could lead to chronic ear infections, head colds or migraines.
So how would you know if your child had a spinal misalignment? Only a chiropractic doctor is trained through years of experience to be able to feel the subtle difference in a spinal joint that is either moving correctly or is not.
Is it safe for my child to have their spinal misalignment corrected? Yes, chiropractic adjustments are safe for all ages. An adjustment is the term used to correct spinal misalignment back to its normal position and restore function to that area of the body.
Dr. Michael J. Dellaria and staff
In my practice we have had the privilege to see multiple generations from patients’ newborns, to childhood, adulthood and now their children. Patients tell me all the time how their children just don’t seem to have the problems other children have. This includes not getting sick as often or when they do get sick, they recover faster and many times may not need to take anything for them to recover. Also, they’re injured less frequently in sports. They have less trouble concentrating in school. Many of them have a better outlook on life and handle stress better, along with many other benefits.
I would like to share about one particular family I had treated. The young girl in the family had started developing signs of what appeared to be diabetes which her older sister had. When I asked when her older sister was diagnosed, the parents said it was about the age the younger sister is now. We were able to take steps through both functional medicine and holistic chiropractic care to help support the young girl’s body to the point that she never developed diabetes.
Good health is a lifelong family affair. “The holistic approach to healthcare with Dr. Dellaria’s assistance brought long awaited healing for me after 40 years of no answers elsewhere,” says Sally Giles, a patient whose children and grandchildren have been favorably treated at the practice. “It has led to a legacy for my entire family to navigate our health thanks to Dr. Dellaria and his compassionate team.”
Founder and main doctor at Holistic Health Center, P.C., Dr. Dellaria uses his wide, diverse education along with his 24 years of experience in practice to help patients’ conditions that do not respond to traditional medical care. His success lies in the refreshing new take on chiropractic meets functional medicine.
HolisticHealthga.com
11539 Park Woods Cir #602 Alpharetta
The Giles family. Patients who raised their family on Preventative Holistic Chiropractic care who now raise their family that way.
If you ' ve admired a standout roof in Johns Creek, Alpharetta, or the surrounding towns, there's a good chance it was installed or restored by a trusted local favorite now known as Capital City Roofing. The name has changed, but the craftsmanship, customer service, and attention to detail remain the same.
While some companies change names due to mergers or ownership changes, for us, it’s a return to our roots. Capital City Roofing is our original name — and it better reflects the pride we take in serving Georgia’s capital region and surrounding areas. Same expert team. Same elite service. Just a name that feels more like home.
Capital City Roofing holds the highest level of certification with both GAF and CertainTeed, meaning homeowners get not only top-tier materials but also enhanced warranties and proven installation quality. We don’t cut corners we set the bar.
ARTICLE BY BRANDA PETERSON PHOTOGRAPHY BY CHRISTINE GAUTHIER
Whether it’s five minutes or a full afternoon, it’s not about the plan — it’s about the presence, the laughter and the memories made along the way.
Pegah Jimenez and Ava Jimenez with Blu.
Unfiltered Moments
Family time and furry friends and holding on to that summer feeling.
The best August stories include sunshine, smiles, and a pup who’s always ready to play. We are reminded to slow down and soak it all in.
In a world that moves quickly, it’s the simple, shared moments that matter most — a sunny afternoon, a favorite furry friend and laughter. This month, we continue to celebrate the warmth of connection with picnics, playdates and paws, a candid look at how families and friends create magic during the summer months..
There’s a special kind of bond between pets and their humans — especially when that love is multigenerational. Our pups are a great reminder to us that the best conversations happen on the living room floor, surrounded by trust, affection and unconditional tail wags.
From lazy Sunday mornings to impromptu living room hangs, we stay open to spontaneous road trips, backyard barbecues and quiet moments shared at home. These simple joys—unplanned, unfiltered and full of heart—remind us that the best memories
aren’t always made on a schedule, but in the everyday moments we take the time to enjoy.
BECAUSE PLAYDATES AREN’T JUST FOR KIDS
Whether you’re 8 or 38, the act of showing up, letting go and laughing until it echoes is an absolute gift. Find and prioritize the people who bring this and recharge our spirit most.
There’s a quiet magic in the way we reconnect with old friends during these warmer months. Catching up over a long-overdue brunch, or even sitting silently with iced coffee and a good book — all are small, soul-filling rituals that remind us how good it feels to be truly present with someone who gets us.
There’s no pressure to be polished or perfect. Just shared energy, good conversation and the kind of lightheartedness that comes when you’re with someone who makes you feel at ease. Slow down and savor the unplanned moments where friendship blooms freely.
Brooklyn Wilson and Kennadi Peterson
Like sunshine, true friendship doesn’t just brighten your day — it lights up the whole room.
RELAXATION THROUGH CREATIVITY.
Who says chill time can’t be productive? Encourage the teens (and grown-ups!) in your world to turn downtime into ‘growth time,’ to collaborate, learn and chase big ideas, all with positivity. Whether it’s a passion project, preparing for college, coding and or editing videos for their own personal projects, ambition and joy can absolutely go hand in hand.
Whether you’re 8 or 38, the act of showing up, letting go and laughing until it echoes is an absolute gift.
Friendship doesn’t ask for much — just time, presence and a little sunshine.
Reconnecting doesn’t need an occasion. Grab brunch, take a walk, share a beach read or enjoy a backyard barbecue. Whether it’s five minutes or a full afternoon, it’s not about the plan — it’s about the presence, the laughter and the memories made along the way.
Branda is the founder of Alpharetta Housewives LLC, partner with The Veux Paris | New York, Director of Marketing: i9 Sports , Board Member: Becoming Love Project and an advisor: Women in Leadership - Univ. Of N. Georgia.
The Ozment family with pup, Bailey. There’s a special kind of bond between pets and their humans — especially when that love is multigenerational.
GOLD MEDAL
Design
A YOUNG GIRL'S BEDROOM BLENDS SEAMLESSLY WHILE CREATING A HAVEN.
ARTICLE BY SUE G. COLLINS PHOTOGRAPHY BY CAM JIMENEZ
A young girl’s bedroom should be a haven, a space to crash and create. To dream and yes, to do homework. It should grow with her, allowing self-expression and sanctuary. Ideally, when the door is open (optional!), the design will flow with the rest of the home, complementing the other bedrooms and family living space.
When a family with THREE girls called designer, Andria Parker of Haven Lane Design Studio + Home Boutique, they worked together to find a happy solutions, soothing colors and accents that would best represent the girls.
The youngest is a competitive gymnast and loves crafting. Her parents want to support her and allow her space to spread out and do her thing. They called on Andria, a friend from church who also designed the spacious living room in their new home on Alabama Road. She met with the family to talk about function, budget and preferences that would best express the girl’s personality and dreams for an absolutely adorable room.
Andria presented a palette of color choices for the large bedroom and Jack and Jill bathroom (shared with a playroom) and they decided on a muted pink for the walls and custom soft sage green for the bespoke bookcases and desk. The built-in corner unit stealthily hides crafts, school supplies and girl stuff. Andria showcased a growing collection of hard-earned gymnastics medals by framing them in the functional cabinets. She added a glass topper to the desk to allow free-flow crafting.
To optimize the natural light, her team crafted a lower headboard on the custom upholstered bed that fits beautifully under the window.
“We wanted to continue using quality materials and high-caliber furnishings to match the rest of the house while staying true to the little girl’s personality,” says Andria who founded Haven Lane in 2016, opening her brick and mortar boutique in Johns Creek a year ago October. “She picked the color scheme and put her stamp of approval on the drapes, furniture and other choices. We had a lot of fun.”
The windows are dressed in a French pleat custom drape of blush pink floral with a touch of taupe and shimmer by Thibaut. “We didn’t want to go full pink so offered designs and soft furnishings that would grow with her into her teen years without screaming ‘little girl.’”
Andria works with craftsmen throughout the south and had this custom upholstered bed made to optimize the natural light.
Cozy, high-thread-count bedding and a boucle bench at the foot of the bed ensure a restful sleep and effortless dressing.
She credits the parents for setting a generous but realistic budget for the project. “Many parents have a hard time spending money on a child’s room design. So, our choices were classic, pretty and functional.”
They picked a vinyl wallpaper so the steam won’t distort the dyes or soften the color. Polished nickel hardware provides a shine and the lamp-shaded sconces on each side of the framed mirror are sophisticated but restrained.
In everything she does, Andria is thoughtful in her interactions and considerate of her client’s tastes and budget. Her calm demeanor, decades of experience and extensive interior design portfolio instill confidence so they can dream big and let their colors fly.
HavenLaneDesign.com 5950 State Bridge Road, Johns Creek 470.321.2467
Andria Parker, owner and designer at Haven Lane
A custom-built desk makes crafting a breeze, but not a mess. Congrats to the superstar gymnast who earned these medals!
AUGUST 3RD
Babies & Bumps
Atlanta 2025
The Hotel at Avalon | 11:00 AM
The premier event for new and soonto-be parents in Atlanta, featuring exhibitors and vendors, seminars and demos, giveaways galore and more. Babies & Bumps is open to all moms, dads, parents-to-be, adoptive parents, people TTC, caregivers – anyone with a baby in their life or one on the way.
AUGUST 8TH
Alpharetta
Moonlight Market
Alpharetta City Center | 5:00 PM
Creativity takes center stage at the Moonlight Market, a celebration of artistry and craftsmanship from local makers in the heart of Alpharetta. Held along Broad and Market streets in the City Center, this open-air marketplace showcases a curated collection of unique, original artwork and artistically crafted goods from talented artisans.
AUGUST 28TH
Grand Tasting Alpharetta
The Hotel at Avalon & Alpharetta Conference Center | 6:00 PM
Enjoy tastes from 30+ of Alpharetta’s top chefs and bakeries, wine, beer and cocktail tastings, cooking demos and live music. Guests must be over 21. Tickets on sale now.
Feel Better. Stay Better. All in One Place.
Life doesn’t follow a schedule. That’s why AllCare is here - your neighborhood clinic in Buckhead, Peachtree Plaza, and beyond--o ering both primary care and immediate care, all under one roof. Whether it’s a routine checkup, a nagging cough, or a last-minute injury, our trusted team of providers is ready to help.
And once you walk in for an urgent need, you’ll stick around for long-term care. That’s the AllCare di erence.
We’re open 7 days a week with extended hours to fit your life. No confusing hando s. No starting over with someone new. Just one care team that knows you and cares for it all.
Why Choose AllCare?
• Primary care and immediate care in one convenient location
• Open 7 days a week: 8 am to 8 pm weekdays, 9 am to 2 pm weekends
• Same-day appointments and walk-ins welcome
• In-person and virtual visits
• Easy access from Duluth, Suwanee, and Lawrenceville
• Most major insurance accepted plus a ordable self-pay options
