This yes is an education.
Help Turn No into Yes and give kids in need a brighter future by providing a new pair of shoes to children experiencing homelessness this back-to-school season.
Paws and Smiles: Greetings from Jack!
Dear Readers,
Woof! Hello, everyone! My name is Jack, and I'm wagging my tail with excitement to write to you all for this special Kids and Pets issue. I might not have thumbs to type, but my human (my mom) is helping me put my thoughts into words.
I've heard from my furry friends and little humans that this magazine is all about how awesome we both are and how much fun we can have together. I couldn't agree more! Whether it's chasing a ball, hanging in the coolest fort, cuddling on the couch or simply sharing a snack (yes, I'm an expert beggar!), life with kids and pets is always an adventure.
I love spending time with my humans, especially my FAVORITE human, my mom. She gives the best belly rubs and always has a snack or two hidden in her pockets.
Being a golden retriever means I'm not just a pet; I'm part of the family. I get to share in their joys, comfort them when they're sad and make them laugh with my goofy antics. Every day is filled with love, laughter and lots of tail wags.
So, to all the kids out there who love their pets, keep playing, snuggling and making memories together. And to all the grown-ups who take care of us kids and pets to make sure we're happy and healthy, thank you from the bottom of my furry heart.
Here's to all the pets and kids out there—may your days be filled with love, laughter, and endless adventures!
One last thing—don't forget to give back. Soles4Souls is raising money to buy homeless kids new sneakers. For $20, you can provide a kid with a brand-new pair to go back to school. As a bonus, it helps them play with me.
With a wag and a woof,
Jack
JENNIFER KAUFMAN, PUBLISHER @BELLEMEADE_LIFESTYLE
August 2024
PUBLISHER
Jennifer Kaufman | jennifer.kaufman@citylifestyle.com
ACCOUNT MANAGER
Stephanie Krejci | Stephanie.Krejci@citylifestyle.com
EDITOR
Kit Garrott | kit.garrott@citylifestyle.com
CONTRIBUTING WRITERS
Mary Compton, Myra McEntire, Sue Baldani, Julie Brown Patton
CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHER
Cameron Premo
Corporate Team
CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER Steven Schowengerdt
CHIEF OPERATING OFFICER Matthew Perry
EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR OF HR Janeane Thompson
AD DESIGNER Matthew Endersbe
LAYOUT DESIGNER Rhiannon Coffman
SUCCESS for SHOES
OPENING UP OPPORTUNITIES FOR CHILDREN
ARTICLE BY SUE BALDANI
Since 2006, Soles4Souls, one of the top-rated nonprofits in the country, has been collecting new and used shoes to help fight poverty all around the world. In 2020, another program, 4EveryKid, was added to the organization to provide children experiencing homelessness throughout the United States with new, branded athletic shoes.
"That year, we served about 20,000 kids," shares the organization's CEO and president, Buddy Teaster. "In this fiscal year, we served 150,000 kids; next year, there'll be 250,000 kids. That growth and reach sounds great until you know that the number of kids experiencing homelessness in our public schools is more than one million."
In Metro Nashville Public Schools alone, he says there are between 4,000 and 5,000 kids classified as homeless. Unfortunately, children who don't have a quality pair of well-fitted athletic shoes may have physical discomfort, feel like they don't belong or get bullied by classmates. This response can lead to poor attendance and lower grades. They may also be unable to take part in physical education or sports.
"We've been working in this community in Wisconsin for a long time, and we were there last year," says Buddy. "This big kid comes up and says, 'I'm sure you don't have any size 15.' We not only had one pair in his size but two, and we gave him both. The first thing he said to his mother is, 'Now I can go out for the basketball team.'"
To make other kids' dreams come true, 4EveryKid needs support. "As hard as everybody's working, there's still a long way to go," he says. "These kids, through no fault of their own, don't deserve to be shut out of a normal, happy childhood. And without these opportunities, there's a bunch of talent that will be lost."
People can donate (as little as $20.00 can provide a child with high-quality athletic shoes) and volunteer. It's as easy as hitting a button on the website.
Soles4Souls.org
“In this fiscal year, we served 150,000 kids, and next year it'll be 250,000 kids.”
- Buddy Teaster
PHOTOGRAPHY
BY CAMERON PREMO
in Portugal Premos
CAPTURING CULTURE, HISTORY AND GENERATIONAL FAMILY FUN WITH HUNTER AND CAMERON PREMO
Hunter and Cameron Premo, their two sons, Remy and Radnor, and Hunter's parents embarked on a dream family trip to Portugal. As a content creator and photographer duo from Nashville, the Premos wanted an experience that was as enriching for their children as it was for them. Here's a glimpse into their memorable, generational adventure, captured through an interview with Hunter and Cameron.
CHOOSING PORTUGAL: A PERFECT FIT
When asked why they chose Portugal, Hunter explained, "We've always loved traveling to Europe, but this time, we wanted a destination that was not only rich in history and culture but also incredibly family-friendly.”
Upon arrival, the Portuguese welcomed the Premo family, and Cameron and Hunter were struck by the hospitality every day. Although Cameron and Hunter traveled with a tiny village of their own, they felt supported and encouraged by their local guide, Tiago, hotel staff and even strangers throughout the trip.
Another significant factor in their decision to travel to Portugal was their visit to the Premonition Goods millinery. Hunter and Cameron founded the online store Premonition Goods to create everyday heirlooms, such as handmade wide-brimmed hats. "Seeing the crafting process of the hats in person was inspiring," Hunter shared. "We learned so much and came home with new ideas for projects at Premonition Goods."
SEAMLESS PLANNING WITH ELSEWHERE
Planning a family vacation can be daunting, but Hunter and Cameron found a perfect ally in Elsewhere. "Working with their team made everything seamless," Cameron said. "Tiago, our guide, was incredibly patient with the kids and shared his deep love for Portugal, making us feel at home."
The convenience of using Elsewhere's services allowed the Premos to focus on enjoying their trip rather than stressing over logistics. "They took care of everything, from coordinating travel and accommodations to arranging cribs and strollers," Hunter noted.
PREPARING FOR THE JOURNEY
International flights with young children can be challenging, but Hunter and Cameron had their packing techniques down to a science. "We made sure to pack creature comfort snacks and used a time-shifting app to help the kids adjust to the time zone before the trip," Hunter shared. "Expecting that things will change and being flexible helped us navigate any delays or disruptions."
BALANCING FUN FOR EVERYONE
One of the highlights of their trip was the well-balanced itinerary, which included activities for kids and adults. "We tried to go with the flow of how the kids were feeling," Hunter explained. "It's important to have activities that everyone can enjoy, whether it's searching for seashells on the beach or exploring a local pastry shop."
Among the memorable moments were visits to Lisbon's old town and Sintra's historical sites. "Sintra and the castles were a favorite for Remy and me," Hunter said. Cameron added, "My favorite parts were the unexpected moments, like getting caught in the rain on our first day. It's those little moments that make the trip special."
Traveling with family often requires adapting to last-minute changes. The Premos took this in stride, finding that these adjustments enhanced their experience and may be the moments Remy and Radnor remember the most.
A FAMILY-FRIENDLY CULTURE
The Premos were struck by Portuguese culture's family-friendly nature. "The hospitality was incredible," Hunter said. From the restaurants to the hotels, everyone was so accommodating. They could sit and enjoy a longer dinner, as restaurant staff brought pillows for the kids to get comfortable at the table.
"It's those little delays and spontaneous adventures that make lasting memories. They just wanted to be involved and experience everything with us." - Hunter Premo
Cameron's photography added another layer to their journey. The benefit of traveling with a photographer is capturing those candid, casual moments without needing to pause or interrupt the moment. "Using my Nikon z7, I could take wide scenery shots and detailed close-ups." Cameron and Hunter enjoy framing these photos as artwork in their home to keep the memories alive.
LOOKING AHEAD TO FUTURE ADVENTURES
When planning their next family trip, the Premos are considering Spain. "We're looking for walkable destinations that offer plenty of exploration for the kids," Hunter said. "Porto was a crowd favorite on this trip, especially because of the amazing food."
As for what Remy and Radnor will remember most, Hunter believes it's the small moments. "It's those little delays and spontaneous adventures that make lasting memories," she said. "They just wanted to be involved and experience everything with us."
The Premo family's trip to Portugal was a beautiful blend of history, culture and family-friendly activities, making it an enchanting adventure.
@hunterpremo
@cameronpremo
@premonition.goods
Custom, Luxury Forts
ARTICLE BY JULIE BROWN PATTON | PHOTOGRAPHY PROVIDED BY FIREFLY FORTS
SKILLED CARPENTERS AT FIREFLY FORTS MAKE PERSONALIZED, OUTDOOR DREAMS COME TRUE FOR FAMILIES
““We believe there's something magical about our forts, and are super excited to share that magic with children and adults alike.”
Whimsical, charming forts and treeforts are where some of life's best memories can be made, especially when these structures mirror imaginations. As such, Firefly Forts was a business born from a father’s desire to build something magical for his children. Now the magic lives on in Music City through Firefly Forts Nashville franchise owner Keith Maddin.
"When I discovered a new business starting these forts, I thought: 'This is exactly what I want to be doing next,'" says Keith.
As a mother of three and grandmother of four, Keith says she understands how families' needs and preferences change over time. While renovating her own house, she developed friendships with construction-related subcontractors, including plumbers, electricians, brickwork and painters. She states that a network of professionals then organically became her official working business called BK Management (standing for 'Big Keith' due to 'Little Keith' being her niece).
Leila Grossman of Grannis Photography.
Firefly Forts Nashville
Firefly Forts Nashville crews specialize in building luxury treeforts entire families can enjoy. They create “beautiful spaces children can call their own and that will grow with them into their teenage years.” It all began during the summer of 2020 when Atlanta residents Michael and Kristin Scaglione made Mike’s childhood dream a reality for their children by building an innovative treefort in their backyard.
During 2023, Keith says a local client asked her if the BK Management crew could build a fort like one featured in a Southern Living article, done by a family in Atlanta who started a treefort operation.
Keith recalls the fort concept immediately resonated with her, so she called the business owners, Mike and Kristin Scaglione, to inquire if they'd considered expanding Firefly Forts to Nashville. Keith shares, "They'd already built some forts here but found building that far from Georgia was hard on their family. I told them, 'You need me! I’m already plugged into this world; I’m a native Nashvillian, and I know lots of people!'"
It seemed like a natural fit.
"People stick with about 80% of the fort plan they choose. The other 20% is where creativity comes in. They decide if they want a side deck where they can put a dining room table, swing arm, rope swing, a zipline, climbing wall, a deck all the way around the fort or a hammock underneath. The sky’s the limit!" asserts Keith.
Treeforts are great for every age, she reminds. "If you build one big enough, and your kids are going crazy inside, send them outside to the treefort. Or, take your girlfriends outside to hang out in the treefort for happy hour or to play Mahjongg."
615.330.6546 FireflyFortsNashville.com
Porsche of Nashville: porscheofnashville.com
Porsche of Nashville A Porsche Perfect Experience
“As a designer, I researched new technologies, materials and beautiful asthestics, so when I was ready to retire driving an SUV I applied the same principles. I found the perfect fit in the Taycan. I love the ease of charging at home along with the classic look and feel of a Porsche.” - Alisa Williams
1580 Mallory Lane, Brentwood, TN 37027 Visit Us Today
•
•
•
•
•
•
Deceptively Delicious
ARTICLE BY KIT GARROTT
Two recipes that hide veggies in kid-friendly favorites
There are many ways to disguise vegetables in everyday recipes for children. From peanut butter and raisins on a celery stalk to tossing just enough spinach into a fruit smoothie, parents have gotten very creative over the years. Hidden vegetables and veiled nutritious value can be easy one day and called out immediately by a picky eater the next.
Here are two great options for sneaking in veggies while satisfying the most discerning young palate.
Pasta and Meatballs
Try it with chickpea pasta for added protein or with cauliflower gnocchi for another veggie element.
Makes 24 meatballs
Ingredients:
• 1 large egg, beaten
• 1 carrot, grated
• 1 red bell pepper, grated
• 2 cups fresh baby spinach, chopped
• ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 teaspoon dried basil (or one tablespoon minced fresh)
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• ½ teaspoon garlic powder
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ¼ teaspoon freshly ground pepper
• 1 pound lean ground turkey breast
Directions:
Step 1. Preheat oven to 400°F. Prepare a baking sheet with cooking spray, foil or parchment paper.
Step 2. Beat the egg in a large bowl. Add all other ingredients except for the turkey and mix well. Add the ground turkey and combine well.
Step 3. Shape the mixture into balls and place on the prepared baking sheet. Bake until lightly browned, about 10 minutes.
Step 4. Add the cooked meatballs to 1-2 jars pasta sauce of your choice and continue to cook until meatballs are cooked through.
Brownies
This sweet treat tastes as good as it looks but with an added bonus of healthy fats!
Ingredients:
• 2 medium, ripe avocados
• ½ cup pure maple syrup
• ¼ cup raw granulated sugar
• 2 large eggs
• 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
• ½ teaspoon baking soda
• ½ cup whole wheat flour
• ½ cup unsweetened cocoa
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ½ cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
Directions:
Step 1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees
Step 2. Lightly grease a 8 x 8 baking dish
Step 3. In a food processor, add the avocado, maple syrup and sugar. Blend well.
Step 4. Add the eggs and vanilla extract. Mix in any ingredients that stick to the sides of the food processor as you blend.
Step 5. Slowly add in the flour, baking soda, salt and cocoa and mix well.
Step 6. Turn off the processor and remove the blade. Stir in the chocolate chips using a spoon or spatula.
Step 7. Spread the batter evenly into the pan. Bake for 25-30 minutes. Test the middle of the batter with a knife or toothpick to be sure it comes out clean.
Step 8. Remove from heat and let cool before cutting into your favorite shape of the moment!
With an avocado-based batter, these brownies are perfect for a lunchbox without the crazy sugar crash in the afternoon.
Caroline loves her dog, Betty, all things Taylor Swift, healthy hair, a good consultation, and hair
“I want my clients to leave happy with their hair’s look and feel. And I love a good extension transformation for my clients seeking their ‘dream hair’.” - Caroline Come see for yourself and see what Caroline can offer you.
NEW CLINIC BRINGS INNOVATIVE TREATMENT TO TENNESSEE
ARTICLE BY JOE WEST WITH CASSIDY POLMAN PHOTOGRAPHY PROVIDED
A Lice-Free Future
“It’s the least we could do for those who work hard every day to teach our children,” says Joe .
As the back-to-school season arrives, so does the unwelcome return of head lice. The mingling of children, teachers, and caregivers after a summer apart often leads to a surge in lice cases. But families in Middle Tennessee now have a new ally in the fight against lice: Lice Clinics of America— Williamson County. This clinic, part of the Lice Clinics of America (LCA) franchise, offers a groundbreaking dehydration technique to eliminate head lice and their eggs.
Owner Joe West was inspired to start the business after his daughter, who was away at college, called him worried about an itchy scalp. Fearing it might be lice, Joe contacted a clinic offering the AirAllé™ treatment for a head check. Fortunately, his daughter was lice-free, but this experience got Joe thinking: "What if someone needed help here?" After researching local options, he discovered that not a single clinic in Tennessee offered the non-pesticide AirAllé™ dehydration treatment.
"I saw this as a huge opportunity to launch a successful business by helping others in a crisis. It's a very rewarding business model," says Joe. The clinic opened in July 2024 to offer relief to families with its innovative approach.
The FDA-cleared AirAllé™ device provides a 30-minute session that dries out lice and nits. Once that is complete, the technician will comb out the nits from the hair and finish with a topical rinse. This efficient process eliminates lice and their eggs in about one hour without the mess of water or shampoos.
BENEFITS OF THE AIRALLÉ™ TREATMENT INCLUDE:
• Minimizing school and work absenteeism due to lice.
• Providing a safe alternative for those with asthma, allergies or chemical sensitivities.
• Avoiding the risk of lice developing resistance, as they cannot adapt to dehydration.
Chemical treatments pose risks, especially to children and individuals with health concerns. Overuse of pesticides can be harmful, and many lice have evolved resistance to these chemicals. The AirAllé™ treatment, by contrast, offers a safe and effective solution by dehydrating lice—a method to which lice cannot adapt.
The clinic offers other services, including head checks and lice-prevention products. The clinic has committed to helping school staff on the front lines with children. Any private or public school principal who registers their school in our Schools Without Lice Program will enable full-time teachers, nurses or administrators to receive head checks and treatments in the clinic for FREE. No questions asked. "It's the least we could do for those who work hard every day to teach our children," says Joe. LiceClinicsOfAmerica.com/Nashville
MYTHS VS. FACTS: UNDERSTANDING HEAD LICE
Misconceptions about head lice are common. Here are some myths debunked:
Myth: Topical anti-lice shampoos effectively kill lice eggs.
Fact: Lice have developed resistance to the pesticides in many traditional treatments.
Myth: Having lice is a sign of poor hygiene. Fact: Lice prefer clean hair.
Myth: Lice can spread diseases.
Fact: Head lice do not carry or transmit diseases.
Myth: Pets can spread head lice.
Fact: Lice can only survive on human heads.
Myth: Lice can fly, jump, and hop
Fact: Lice can only crawl. They depend on consuming blood every few hours, so they would never choose to leave their host. They are adapted to living in human hair and are reluctant to leave it.
Myth: Lice can live on pillows, hairbrushes and hats for a long time
Fact: Lice relies on feeding off its human host every 3 hours. They become weak and die quickly if they don’t have a host to feed from every few hours.
Pearl the Golden Girl
FROM DREAM TO VIRAL SENSATION: PEARL
THE GOLDEN RETRIEVER'S JOURNEY
With over 520,000 followers on Instagram and 860,000 on TikTok, Liz Lang and her dog Pearl have made quite an impact online. Liz and her husband moved to Nashville in 2020, starting what would become a major following across multiple social media platforms. Liz sat down with Belle Meade Lifestyle to provide insight into her life as a content creator and how she explores the Music City with Pearl.
WHAT INSPIRED YOU TO GET A GOLDEN RETRIEVER, AND WHY DID YOU NAME HER PEARL?
Ever since I was a little girl, I dreamed of having a golden retriever of my own. We chose the name Pearl because a little white puppy ran towards my husband and me on a walk one night. The owner asked "Pearl" to come back and we instantly loved that name. It is also a little honor to Minnie Pearl, a comedian who appeared at the Grand Ole Opry (one of my favorite places!).
AS A FIRST-TIME DOG OWNER, WHAT HAS BEEN THE MOST SURPRISING ASPECT OF HAVING A PET?
Being a first-time dog owner, I underestimated how special the bond can be. Pearl has become my best friend. Having a dog is a significant time and financial commitment, but it is so worth it.
HOW DID YOU AND PEARL BECOME CONTENT CREATORS ON INSTAGRAM AND TIKTOK?
When we brought Pearl home, my phone quickly filled up with cute puppy photos and videos. I wanted to share them all, so I started an Instagram page for Pearl. We began posting video clips to trending audio. I'll never forget when one of our first videos got over 300k views. I had so much fun putting the videos and audio together and knew this would be something I wanted to continue. I started sharing on multiple platforms,
growing by thousands of followers a month and taking it seriously as a career the more I learned.
CAN YOU SHARE SOME OF THE CHALLENGES AND REWARDS OF MANAGING PEARL'S SOCIAL MEDIA ACCOUNTS?
We receive messages that Pearl made a child laugh, made someone smile or even got them through a tough time. Other messages come in about people watching Pearl during their cancer treatments or other medical procedures to help get them through. Knowing that sharing my dog has lifted someone's mood or brought them a little joy makes it worth it.
One of the toughest parts of managing Pearl's social media account is the constant feeling of improvement and the desire to make each video idea more creative than the last. It's hard not to compare yourself to others.
WHAT TYPE OF CONTENT DO YOU FIND RESONATES MOST WITH YOUR FOLLOWERS?
The content that resonates most with our followers is our food videos! Pearl is known for eating various fruits and vegetables you can share with your dog in front of a mini microphone. We started wanting to teach people which foods are okay to share with their dogs with a video series. We love to make dog-friendly recipes like bakery items, drinks and frozen treats. I research the food groups through veterinary-reviewed articles to learn more about them before we plan and share our videos.
HAVE ANY MEMORABLE MOMENTS OR MILESTONES WITH PEARL STOOD OUT IN YOUR JOURNEY AS A CONTENT CREATOR?
Yes! In May 2023, we started our series "5 foods you can share with your dog" color edition. We went through every color of the rainbow with fruits and vegetables. This series sparked so many comments about children wanting to eat more veggies after watching Pearl. Our green edition of this series gained over 30 million
“Being a first-time dog owner, I underestimated how special the bond can be. Pearl has become my best friend.”
“Pearl has helped me connect with some other golden retriever owners we have met through Instagram. They have become great friends, and it is a great way to offer to have a playdate and get to know them.”
views on TikTok. I wrote a children's book about Pearl's unique love of all fruits and vegetables and how she wanted to show children around the world how good they were for them.
Our book "Pearl the Puppy's Crunchy Cravings" is available on Amazon. One of the most memorable moments was being invited to New York City to read the book at the AKC Museum of the Dog. Another memorable moment was when we were invited by the Nashville Sounds baseball team to have Pearl throw the first pitch, aka the first fetch, at a game this past May.
HOW HAS LIVING IN NASHVILLE INFLUENCED YOUR AND PEARL'S LIFESTYLE AND CONTENT?
Living in Nashville has definitely influenced our content with Pearl. We have quite a few videos where Pearl puts on her cowgirl hat and embraces the country music capital. We recently put Pearl in a specially designed backpack for dogs and took her down on Broadway to spread some joy to tourists. We moved to Tennessee from Wisconsin in 2020, and the warmer weather has helped us live a more active lifestyle with Pearl, from swimming to hiking throughout the year!
HOW DOES THE DOG-FRIENDLY CULTURE IN NASHVILLE COMPARE TO OTHER PLACES YOU'VE VISITED? ARE THERE ANY SPECIFIC PARKS, TRAILS, OR OUTDOOR SPACES IN NASHVILLE THAT YOU AND PEARL FREQUENT AND WOULD RECOMMEND TO OTHER DOG OWNERS?
Nashville is so dog-friendly! We are so thankful to be in an area that welcomes dogs. Compared to other cities, Nashville has a lot more green space for our dogs and more events based around dog owners! Our favorite dog-friendly event is the Tail Waggin' Tuesday, which the Nashville Sounds baseball team hosts at First Horizon Park. On select Tuesdays, the stadium designates sections where you can bring your dog, meet up with other dog lovers and enjoy a baseball game. The Nashville Humane Society hosts a dog day festival
with a costume contest each October. We also love that Cheekwood Botanical Gardens hosts a few dog days each year, a beautiful spot to take your dog.
HOW HAS PEARL HELPED YOU CONNECT WITH THE LOCAL COMMUNITY IN NASHVILLE?
Making new friends as an adult and moving to a new city can be tough. Pearl has helped me connect with some other golden retriever owners we have met through Instagram. They have become great friends, and it is a great way to offer to have a playdate and get to know them.
WHAT ARE SOME OF NASHVILLE'S BEST DOG-FRIENDLY RESTAURANTS OR CAFES WHERE YOU AND PEARL ENJOY SPENDING TIME?
A few of our favorite dog-friendly restaurants include Von Elrod's, Tailgate Brewery and SandBar. We love to bring Pearl to the patio at Frothy Monkey for coffee and a pup cup, too!
HAVE YOU DISCOVERED ANY HIDDEN GEMS OR LESSER-KNOWN SPOTS IN NASHVILLE THAT ARE PERFECT FOR DOG OWNERS?
The 12 South Farmers Market is dog-friendly and very welcoming to dogs. We love doing training at the Bass Pro Shops at Opry Mills! They are dog-friendly, and each time we go, we can spend a whole hour letting people pet Pearl. She loves it, and I love to see people smile when they get to meet Pearl. The Cool Springs Galleria Mall offers pet photos with the Easter bunny and Santa on a weeknight each year.
WHAT ADVICE WOULD YOU GIVE TO SOMEONE MOVING TO NASHVILLE WITH A DOG?
Get out there and have fun with your dog! Catch a baseball game with your pup on a Tuesday at the Nashville Sounds game, or stop at a few dog-friendly patios. Just having your dog with you sparks conversation and is such a good icebreaker and a way to have fun and meet others.
Hoppy EVER AFTER
BOUNCE ON OVER TO NASHVILLE BUNNY RESCUE AND ADOPT AN ADORABLE RABBIT TODAY!
ARTICLE
BY MARY COMPTON
It’s just a hop, skip, and jump to Nashville Bunny Rescue to find a furry friend to adopt for you or your family. These cute creatures make terrific pets for families, including those with other animals. Sadly, many of them will never find a home. They are dumped at a rescue or even worse.
Laurie Montgomery founded Nashville Bunny Rescue in July of 2001. She was volunteering at a local cat and dog rescue called Freedom Farm in Tennessee when a bunny was dropped off and needed adoption. The bunny won her heart, and Montgomery gave it a home. Since then, she has been caring for and helping bunnies. Since her commission started, Nashville Bunny
Rescue has found homes for over 3,000 bunnies. They are a certified 501 (c) nonprofit that allows for adoption or fostering with fosters across Middle Tennessee.
The highest rates of dumped bunnies fall right after Easter, Memorial Day weekend, and the week following July 4th. These rabbits need caring homes. The philosophy among animal shelters and rescues is “Adopt, Don’t Shop.” By adopting, you are ensuring a precious animal finds a loving home without going unnoticed and overlooked.
Rabbits make the greatest pets because they are easy to love and care for. All you need is a comfortable rug 5 by 7 feet and a 24-inch high circle pen. They are happy inside, not outside, and in a pen. They love to eat grass-hay and wet leafy greens, like
spring greens and kale, or even fresh herbs like parsley, cilantro, and mint.
Laurie has been busy fighting for animal rights every step of the way. Every year she and her team of animal rescuers travel to the capital on Humane Lobby Day to propose bills that help expand and endorse animal rights. They are “trying to change the laws and make things better for animals,” says Laurie. For example, they fight against cock fighting, dog fighting, animal hoarding, puppy mills, and protecting horses from misuse. One such bill passed is called the PAST Bill. This stands for “Prevent All Soring Tactics,” aimed to fight the cruelty of horses. With awareness, change can happen. Nashville Bunny Rescue has been going every year for 24 years.
Rescue doesn’t have to be a somber subject; it can also be fun. Nashville Bunny Rescue hosts Bunny Yoga classes! Be on the lookout for details via their Instagram page. Bunny Rescue can be the life of the party for birthdays, school, and church events, all the while creating awareness of adoption. The proceeds go to the spaying of bunnies. Spaying animals is a great way to ensure that the population does not become overpopulated. This non-profit provides bunny sitters for those who are going on vacation and can’t take their pet rabbit with them, although pet rabbits are wonderful traveling buddies. You can also schedule an appointment for grooming. To find out how to volunteer, adopt, or foster, check out the rescue’s Instagram page. You can also call or text Laurie directly.
@bunnyrescuenashville
“The highest rates of dumped bunnies fall right after Easter, Memorial Day weekend, and the week following July 4th. These rabbits need caring homes. The philosophy among animal shelters and rescues is ‘Adopt, Don’t Shop.’”
mor e. With incoming or der, at time of pur c hase only.
Expir es 8/30/24. Of fer not v alid in all r e gions.
Electrify every drive with the BMW iX, i7, i5, and i4. A whole generation of electric vehicles built like no other.
Choose from the comfort of the spacious BMW iX, the impeccable luxury of the BMW i7, the uncompromising power and style of the BMW i5, and the agile handling of the BMW i4.
Each has its own unmatched performance that will give you unwavering confidence at every turn.
That’s what you’d expect from the Ultimate Electric Driving Machine.
Convenient Locations.
BMW of Nashville