Kids & Pets
ARTS + CULTURE
LOVING, SUPPORTING ‘RAGAMUFFIN’ PETS
WELLNESS
HEALING PEOPLE WITH HORSES
LOCAL SERVICES
KIND BUT COURAGEOUS
Hooray for Kids & Pets
Few things brighten our days quite like the presence of children and pets. It’s with great pleasure that we present 'Kids & Pets' edition, which celebrates the profound joy they bring into our lives.
Children embody our hopes for a brighter tomorrow and form the very bedrock of our society. Their innocence, curiosity, and limitless potential have the capacity to shape the future in ways beyond our imagination.
Pets, too, offer a unique companionship. They shower us with unconditional love and create environments where we can learn and grow. The bond between children and their furry or feathery friends is often profound, nurturing qualities such as empathy, responsibility and companionship.
In our own home, we cherish Olive, our bulldog, who brings endless smiles and joy to all who meet her. Whether you are a parent, pet owner, or simply someone who appreciates the magic of these relationships, we hope this edition inspires you to celebrate children and pets not just today, but every day.
With heartfelt gratitude,
August 2024
PUBLISHERS
Gordon Montgomery gordon.montgomery@citylifestyle.com
Kelley Lamm kelley.lamm@citylifestyle.com
COPY EDITOR
Julie Brown Patton | julie.patton@citylifestyle.com
PUBLICATION DIRECTOR
Casey Pierce | casey.pierce@citylifestyle.com
CONTRIBUTING WRITERS
Julie Brown Patton, Robin Seaton Jefferson, Kaiya Thompson, Mel Boban, Lisa Moyer
CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS
Elaine Collins, Mel Boban, Kristi Foster, Janie Jones
Corporate Team
CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER Steven Schowengerdt
CHIEF OPERATING OFFICER Matthew Perry
EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR OF HR Janeane Thompson
AD DESIGNER Evan Deuvall
LAYOUT DESIGNER Antanette Ray
Left: Associate Medical Director
Lenise Cummings-Vaughn, Administrator Kathy Kelley,
Medical Director Dr. David Carr meet with a resident.
St. Louis Cardinal Mike Matheny shares his experience with Kaiser Law Firm who helped him put a plan together to ensure things
Matheny, St. Louis Cardinals
AUGUST 2024
city scene
WHERE NEIGHBORS CAN SEE AND BE SEEN
1: Monarch Valley Dental opened in Chesterfield at 17201 Chesterfield Airport Road. 2: John Pastorek, D.M.D., recently launched Monarch Valley Dental as a cosmetic and general dentistry office. 3: Faust Park’s new edition is a “fairyland” path as a nature play area in Chesterfield. 4: ‘Whimsical Woods’ in Faust Park is located just before the Governor Bates trail starts. 5: Meet Hector, a mix between labrador/retriever, family pet of Chesterfield Police Officer Steve Aspinall. 6: Peaceful SUP Yoga classes at the Chesterfield Family Aquatic Center and River’s Edge Park. 7: Pickleball leagues underway at Chesterfield Valley Athletic Complex for players of all ages, skill levels.
ELAINE COLLINS
ELAINE COLLINS
8-13: Celebrating the ribbon cutting at the newly opened The Lumiere of Chesterfield new Retirement Community. 14: Having fun with Olive the Bullddog at the recent Pawtograph-Pawty at Marketplace at The Abbey.
magazine?
15: Publishers Kelley and Gordon toured the Entertainment District with the team at The Staenberg Group. 16: Welcome to Woodhouse Spa a tranquil ambiance, with world class treatments now open! 17: Publishers Gordon and Kelley with Wendi Westfall at The Lumiere of Chesterfield Retirement Community.
St. Louis' #1 Real Estate Company
business monthly
Matthew Williams Awarded Woodworking Network's 40 Under 40 Award
Matthew Williams, director of operations at Saint Louis Closet Co., was recognized in Woodworking Network’s Wood Industry 40 Under 40 Class of 2024. This award recognizes young professionals who are making significant impacts in the woodworking industry through innovation and leadership. With a background in organizational development, economics and business from Vanderbilt University, Matthew leveraged his education and industry experience to drive technological and operational advancements.
Former Shriners Children’s Patient Embarks On Solo Voyage Around World
Former Shriners Children’s St. Louis patient Jenny Decker made history in 2016 as the first female/first solo kayaker to go around Hawaii's Big Island. Today, she's sailing around the globe, traveling nearly 26,000 miles on her boat solo, while raising awareness for a rare degenerative nerve disease that can cause muscle weakness. She set sail in the South Pacific in June 2023, and hopes to make it to the Atlantic Ocean during October 2025.
Photography Provided
Chesterfield Resident Pens First Book
Chesterfield resident Mace Thornton released his first novel: Jawbone Holler. A native of Troy, Kansas, he grew up on a small farm. The soul of this book is drawn from the hills where he was raised and the stories that echo through the people who embrace them. He has a degree in journalism from Benedictine College in Atchison, Kan., and is partner at Stratovation Group, a research, marketing, and communications firm headquartered in Columbus, Ohio.
Photography Provided
Photography by Saint Louis Closet Co.
Parkway Superintendent To Retire After 2024-25 School Year
Keith Marty, Ph.D., superintendent of Parkway Schools, announced his plans to retire at the end of the 2024-25 school year, after 14 years as superintendent. His last day will be June 30, 2025. Dr. Marty became Parkway’s tenth superintendent on July 1, 2011. A public educator for almost 49 years, he previously served four school districts in Wisconsin as a teacher, high school principal, curriculum director, assistant superintendent and superintendent.
Photography by Parkway Schools
29th Annual Businessmen’s Prayer Breakfast of Saint Charles County Wednesday September 4, 2024 7:30 a.m. - 9:00 a.m. Saint Charles Convention Center 1 Convention Center Plaza, Saint Charles, MO 63303
As a professional golfer Bernhard has achieved 42 wins on the DP Tour, 3 PGA Tour Wins, 2 of which were Masters Tournament wins in 1985 and 1993, and a record 46 wins on the PGA Champions Tour. He continues to compete at the highest level at the age of 67 years old with no signs of slowing down.
In 1985, shortly after he had won The Masters, he was presented with the gospel through a Bible Study that was held for PGA golfers while on tour.
JOIN US TO HEAR HIS AMAZING STORY. Bernhard Langer
Tickets: $30 Each / Table of 10: $300 Purchase Tickets Online: www.ministrytomen.net OR Mail Check Payable To: Ministry to Men 550 Turner Blvd, St. Peters, MO 63376 Tickets Available Through August 23, 2024
haw Heinrich
FORGIVENESS, REDEMPTION
IN NEW BOOK
Local Author Pens First Novel About The Women Of Paradise County
ARTICLE BY JULIE BROWN PATTON
Ever since Anne Shaw Heinrich says she fell in love with writing in high school, she's been a journalist, columnist, blogger and nonprofit communications professional, 35 years and counting.
Anne’s debut novel, God Bless the Child , is the first in a threebook series, "The Women of Paradise County," published by Speaking Volumes. She dedicated the book to her two high-school English teachers, who she affirms were instrumental in igniting her interest in writing, and launched an annual $1,000 'The Reed Moore Scholarship' in their honor and namesakes for a Cuba High School senior to pursue a communications or teaching career.
"I'm passionate about the power of storytelling. I just love to watch people. I like to imagine where they've been, where they might be going next," admits the Kirkwood resident. "I love listening to how people relate to one another and move themselves through their circumstances. I always start my stories by developing characters first and the stories seem to unfold."
The plot of the new book: Whether it’s needy heavyweight Mary Kline, her rebellious surrogate daughter, Elizabeth, or Ruth Pullman, the pastor’s wife who can do nothing but look the other way when she learns about her charming son’s nasty backseat reputation, the women of Paradise County are a hot mess. Some of their men started it, and others are on loving standby as these tough cookies feel their way toward redemption. Especially when Pearl Davis turns up pregnant after a church-basement encounter with James Pullman, the pastor’s son, Mary and her parents swoop in and “adopt” Pearl and her baby, Elizabeth. It’s a disastrous move.
Anne adds, "The women in God Bless the Child have been tangled in knots since I first created them nearly two decades ago. Bringing them back out into the light for a fresh look with older eyes and a wiser heart has led even their creator to marvel and wince anew
at the raw ferocity that motherhood represents. Whether it comes about naturally, by human design, and even when it leaves a gaping, unanswered void, the mother/daughter sphere offers much to explore."
She says the story spans nearly four generations, beginning in the late 1950s through the 1990s, and that every character must reckon with their past as they seek forgiveness.
Some of Anne’s prior writing has been featured in The New York Times bestseller The Right Words at the Right Time, Volume 2: Your Turn (Atria 2006) and Chicken Soup for the Soul's The Cancer Book: 101 Stories of Courage, Support and Love (2009).
She says book two in the Paradise Series, Violet Is Blue, is scheduled to be released during June 2025, followed by book three, House of Teeth
Anne's book is available via Barnes & Noble and Amazon, including a Kindle version, or locally at The Novel Neighbor in Webster Groves.
She shares she hopes readers perhaps leave with an empathy not only for the flawed characters, but also just humanity in general. "We never know what people are managing, so it's important to have a well-developed empathy muscle."
AnneShawHeinrich.com
KIND BUT COURAGEOUS
Treats Unleashed Helps Saint Louis English Bulldog Rescue Save Dogs
ARTICLE BY ROBIN SEATON JEFFERSON
According to the American Kennel Club representatives, the bulldog is “kind but courageous, friendly but dignified…a thick-set, low-slung, well-muscled bruiser whose 'sourmug' face is the universal symbol of courage and tenacity.”
“When we had a very difficult bulldog in rescue, Treats Unleashed stepped up...Their help saved his life.”
“Bulldogs are like 2-year-olds in fur suits,” says Diana Engeszer, founder of Saint Louis English Bulldog Rescue. “They are highly manipulative, cute, cuddly, stubborn, crafty, exasperating, high maintenance and loveable. They are not the breed for everyone, but if they are your breed, you will always have one in your home.”
Foster-based, Saint Louis English Bulldog Rescue’s mission is to rescue, rehabilitate and rehome purebred English bulldogs. “The bulldogs live in someone’s home where they are evaluated, treated and monitored as part of a family,” says Diana, who, at 70 years old, has worked with dogs most of her life.
“Most of our bulldogs are adopted by their foster families. Saint Louis English Bulldog Rescue
is the safety net for those bulldogs for the rest of their lives. Recently, a little bulldog that had been adopted seven years ago needed to come back into rescue when her owner became very ill. We had another bulldog whose owner died suddenly and needed to be rehomed. We keep in touch with the adopters several times a year, too.”
St. Louis’ own Treats Unleashed helps the bulldog rescue with its mission with the biggest Easter egg hunt for dogs in the St. Louis area. Every year, rain or shine, some 500 dogs turn out with their owners the Saturday before Easter to hunt more than 3,000 eggs at Treats Unleashed in Ladue. For their efforts, they get a photo with the Easter bunny and give $5 each to Saint Louis Bulldog Rescue.
Most of the funds collected go to pay for veterinarian bills, says Treats Unleashed founder and owner, Teresa Miller, as the bulldog often suffers from allergies and skin conditions. (According to Diana, vet and medication costs are often well more than $1,000 per dog.) This year, Treats’ Easter event raised $2,500-plus for the cause. “It’s a great day for families to get out with each other and their pets and do something good for a great organization.”
Teresa founded Treats Unleashed 22 years ago in Chesterfield. Known for being “the natural place for pets,” Treats Unleashed specializes in all-natural pet food, fresh-baked pet treats, toys, supplies, grooming and self-wash services.
Today, her shops can be found in 20 neighborhoods from St. Louis to Kansas City and, along with the egg hunt, hosts other pet-centric events such as their “Howl-O-Ween Pet Party” and “Pumpkin Pie Eating Contest for Pets.”
“People treat their dogs like family, as they should in my opinion,” Teresa says. “They’re just looking for healthy ways to help their pets live as long as possible.”
Diana says Treats Unleashed treats everyone’s pets like family. “When we had a very difficult bulldog in rescue, Treats Unleashed stepped up with an incredible raw food donation to help stabilize his condition while we were figuring out what he could eat. Their help saved his life. Elliot is now almost 10 years old and living his best life in Florida with his retired adopters.”
Saint Louis English Bulldog Rescue is a member rescue of the Bulldog Club of America Rescue Network, a national organization originally formed by the Bulldog Club of America.
STLBulldogRescue.org Treats-Unleashed.com
ARTICLE BY JULIE BROWN PATTON
“It’s been a dream of mine as long as I can remember to make it to the Paralympics,” Keira says.
Shriners Children’s Patient Aims For Paralympic Games
Teen
Reportedly Is Youngest Female
Classified Para Archer In The World
“(Para Archery) keeps me striving to be the best I can be."
When St. Louis region resident Keira was 13 months old, her parents were told she'd never walk. When she was 20 months old, Keira was diagnosed with one of the rarest forms of polio, bulbospinal, a type with which only 0.001% of all polio patients are diagnosed.
Now 18 years old, this Shriners Children’s St. Louis patient is not only walking, but has had major success in para archery and is aiming for the 2028 Paralympics. After many surgeries and physical/occupational therapy treatments with the nonprofit healthcare system, the teen says she’s ready to accomplish this next life goal.
When she was 12 years old, her Shriners Children’s physical therapist recommended she try swimming to help with pain and to get exercise. From there, she competed in various disciplines, and has now tried track and field, powerlifting, rock climbing, snow skiing, water skiing, golfing, air rifle and scuba diving.
However, archery became Keira’s true love.
She says her archery journey began after being inspired by the movie "Brave," and she started shooting a plastic bow at a screen door. Her love for archery continued, and Keira’s relationship with Shriners Children’s went beyond medical visits. The Shriners Moolah YOMO group built Keira’s archery stool she leans against when she’s on the line aiming.
"Through archery, I hope I inspire others to never hold back on trying what you want to do. You could try something you think at first you might not be interested in, then it becomes your true love. I love sports in general because it gives me determination and strength to help build myself not only physically but also mentally.”
As the current youngest female classified para archer in the world, Keira has won 17 gold medals in archery and placed top 10 in the 2023 Chicago ParaArchery Championship, an event against competitors of all ages from around the world.
Loving, Supporting ‘Ragamuffin’ Pets
ARTICLE BY KAIYA THOMPSON PHOTOGRAPHY BY KRISTI FOSTER
WHAT INSPIRED YOU TO START RAGAMUFFIN PETPHOTOGRAPHY, AND HOW DID YOUR PERSONAL JOURNEY WITH YOUR DOG INFLUENCE THIS DECISION?
Caitlin: “In my early twenties, I was dedicated to a career in commercial photography. I'd studied it on a scholarship in New York as a teenager, then returned to Australia to get my degree. It's a cut-throat industry, and I was very much in the trenches, feeling lost and stressed out. Then I adopted a little puppy named Lyra and she turned my entire life upside down. She was my soul dog, and inspired me to quit the fashion industry altogether and launch Ragamuffin Pet Photography. She passed away earlier this year, peacefully in her favorite spot in our garden at the age of 14. I will be forever grateful to her for the path in life she took me down.”
PLEASE SHARE MORE ABOUT THE MISSION AND VISION BEHIND THE TAILS OF THE WORLD COLLECTIVE.
Caitlin: “In 2015, I published my first book (Tails of Melbourne). The concept was simple: I photographed local dogs at iconic locations around my city, and donated the photo session fees to animal rescue.
After refining the process, I started teaching other photographers how to publish their own fundraising books. Running your own business can be a lonely gig, and I loved connecting with other photographers who were equally passionate about using their talents to make a difference. I launched the Collective so members could publish their own "Tails of ..." books and we would have one place to promote them all.
Then in 2022 we did our first big collaborative project. Photographers from all around the world ran fundraising photoshoots for local pet rescues, submitted the resulting images to be published in Tails of the World: The Book. It was a huge success, so I repeated the project for Volume Two in 2023 and to date we have raised over $95,000 for charity by photographing more than 1,150 dogs in 14 different countries! We're now in the midst of photographing for Volume Three.”
HOW DO YOU SELECT THE DOGS AND PHOTOGRAPHERS FEATURED IN THE TAILS OF THE WORLD VOLUMES?
Caitlin: "Due to space limitations in the book, I have to cap the participants at 100 photographers and 10 shoots per photographer. Applications for photographers are open at the beginning of the year, and I only accept one photographer per location. This year, the spots filled out in less than a week, which was so exciting. The dogs are chosen by each photographer.”
CAN YOU DESCRIBE THE PROCESS AND LOGISTICS INVOLVED IN CREATING AND PUBLISHING THE TAILS OF THE WORLD BOOKS?
Caitlin: “Fortunately for me, I'm an organization geek. There is a LOT of logistics involved in publishing these books. I created a detailed workbook for the participating photographers, which covers everything they need to know. Each photographer partners with a local animal charity, where they donate all their photoshoot fees. Once they have completed their shoots, they submit everything through an online portal (the photos, info about each dog, fundraising info and a bit about their location).
Once the submissions are in, I spend about a month writing and designing the book (and obsessively checking and double-checking my system to ensure no dogs are missed!). When I'm happy with the printed proof, the book is ready to be published. I list it as available for
distribution online, so book retailers all around the world (like Amazon, Barnes & Nobles) can choose to stock it.
100% of the book sale proceeds are donated to animal rescue. I choose one charity each year for that donation.”
WHAT INSPIRED YOU TO BECOME A PART OF THE TAILS OF THE WORLD COLLECTIVE?
Kristi: “I saw the Tails of the World book last year and thought ‘What a cool project with some really wonderful well-known photographers participating.’ I felt it was a fantastic way to help rescues with much needed fundraising while allowing pets to be the superstars. I'm a huge dog lover and I love photographing pets, so I always admired all of the photographers who had images in the book! Then this year I received an email asking if I wanted to participate and my immediate answer was "Yes, of course!"
HOW DO YOU SELECT AND PREPARE THE DOGS AND THEIR OWNERS FOR THE PHOTO SESSIONS?
Kristi: Selection was based mostly on the stories about the animals. I have some that are heartfelt and some that were just so funny I couldn't wait to meet the pups.
WHAT HAS BEEN YOUR MOST MEMORABLE OR REWARDING EXPERIENCE WHILE WORKING ON THE TAILS OF THE WORLD PROJECTS?
Kristi: “So far I think the sweetest was meeting a little guy named Shu that had just finished cancer treatment. He was such a joy to be around, and so well behaved. What I loved the most was how adored he was by his mom and vice versa. Shu never let his human get far from his side. It was wonderful to see how happy they both were.
I'm also excited about a session that I just completed. I have a client who I've photographed for before. She had the most wonderful therapy dog named Winnie and I fell in love with the pup the minute I met her. She was the true essence of a therapy dog. The kindest, sweetest demeanor you could ask for. She died last October; but
she touched so many lives as a therapy dog. Her human mom now has two pups; one is a therapy dog and one is working on his certifications. This is why I love dogs so much; they can heal the hearts around them. Sometimes rescue pups make the best therapy dogs, certified or not, so we have to support our rescues!”
HOW DOES BEING A PART OF THE COLLECTIVE BENEFIT YOU BOTH PROFESSIONALLY AND PERSONALLY?
Krisiti: “The main benefit is for my chosen rescue to receive much needed funds. The rescue I chose is Hootie's Rescue Haven. They are a farm out in St. Clair County, Mo. Dr. Kim Lynch and her husband Tim run the rescue. While Dr. Kim is at her practice at Spoede Animal Hospital, Tim is on the farm taking care of horses, chickens, geese,
ducks, emus, dogs, cats and any other animal that folks might drop off. As soon as Dr. Kim gets home, she is hands-on at the farm as well.
Hootie's is not only a rescue, placing dogs and cats in their forever homes, but they are a sanctuary that takes in animals that can't be placed in a forever home because of their need of ongoing medical treatment. Not only do I admire all the work they do, I consider them friends with absolute hearts of gold."
SCHOLARSHIPS FOR COMMUNICATIONS Career-Seeking Students
"We are the Emmy people, setting the gold standard while celebrating innovation and integrity across all platforms of visual media," asserts Maggie Eubanks, executive director of the St. Louis-based National Academy of Television Arts & Sciences (NATAS)-Mid-America Chapter, Inc.
The group's gold standards include providing scholarships through the NATAS Mid-America Foundation to deserving high school and college students intending to study journalism or presently studying broadcast television, television production and communications to prepare for careers in media or visual arts.
The Foundation is the charitable arm of NATAS-Mid-America Chapter, Inc., and is a 501(c)(3) public charity.
The Mid-America chapter was chartered in 1962 and began honoring outstanding achievement with local Emmy Awards in 1976. The Mid-America chapter includes television markets primarily in Missouri, Arkansas, Illinois and surrounding DMAs: St. Louis, Kansas City, Little Rock, Springfield (MO), St. Joseph, ColumbiaJefferson City, Joplin-Pittsburg, QuincyHannibal-Keokuk, Ottumwa-Kirksville, Davenport-Rock Island-Moline, PaducahCape Girardeau-Harrisburg, ChampaignSpringfield-Decatur, Fort SmithFayettville-Springdale-Rogers, Jonesboro, Monroe-Eldorado, Shreveport (LA).
314.533.2993
EmmyMid-America.org
NATAS Mid-America is one of 19 regional chapters of the National Academy of Television Arts and Sciences, headquartered in New York City. Annual highlights of the group include the Mid-America Emmy Awards, the Silver Circle Awards, College and High School Student Awards for Excellence and various educational, as well as year-round social events.
2024 NATAS CRONKITE SCHOLARSHIPS (JOURNALISMFOCUSED RECIPIENTS):
• Abigail Johnson, College of the Ozarks junior
• Nevaeh Suit, high school student headed to Central Arkansas
CREATIVE ARTS SCHOLARSHIPS (PRODUCTION/FILMFOCUSED RECIPIENTS):
• Maxwell Hoener, University of Arkansas junior
• Edgar Cardiel, Harding University sophomore
ARTICLE BY JULIE BROWN PATTON
NATAS-Mid-America Chapter Members And Supporters Assist Standout Student Scholars
Bone Appetit
ARTICLE AND PHOTOGRAPHY
BY MEL BOBAN
Easy Treats For Furry Friends During Dog Days Of Summer
ingredients/ tools needed:
• Chicken broth
• Water
• Optional boiled chicken, shredded
• Ice cube trays or silicone molds
directions: These easy chicken broth dog treats are perfect for long, hot summer days when furry family members need a special reward. If silicone molds are not on-hand, ice cube trays easily can substitute. Be sure to use plain gelatin that is unsweetened. To cut salt from the broth, add extra water.
Mix one packet of gelatin, such as as Knox, with 1/4 cup of water (or according to the instructions). Sprinkle shredded chicken along the bottom of the molds. Add 3/4 cup of the boiled broth mixture to the gelatin mix and whisk together. Fill each mold.
Tip: place molds on a plate first for easy transferring to the fridge. Refrigerate mold or ice cube tray until broth is firm.
This tasty, chilly treat is perfect for canines, with no “sit” or “stay” required. Yum!
Our lives are filled with Summer camps, trips to the beach, Cardinals games and time with our families. It’s the time of year when we visit together in the office. I hear about the fun you are having, see how much you have grown, and we work on whatever worries may have sprung up this year.
If you are a current patient, please remember to call and schedule annual physicals for your children.
If you are looking for a pediatrician, I would love to meet with you. Call my office anytime and ask to schedule a meet and greet with me.
I can’t wait to hear about your Summer adventures! - Dr. Anna Huger -
ARTICLE BY JULIE BROWN PATTON | PHOTOGRAPHY BY EAT
Healing People With Horses
Equine-Assisted Therapy Group Marks 20 Years Of Assistance, Positive Experiences
In a typical week, 250-plus volunteers walk through doors of Equine-Assisted Therapy, a charity that provides a unique therapy form through horses for people with different abilities. Located in Wildwood at 3369 Highway 109, the EAT group recently celebrated the organization's 20th anniversary.
During each participant's session, EAT volunteers strive to improve the quality of life and health for people dealing with mental, physical, social and cognitive challenges through therapeutic activities with horses. EAT Executive Director Lulu Bogolin says the program relies on volunteers in every aspect and "couldn't exist without their support, dedication and abilities."
"Each act of kindness within this program, no matter how small, creates a ripple effect that's felt for generations," she adds, indicating an average of 150-165 participants are served weekly.
Ginni Hartke founded EAT and held the first equine therapy class during 2004. The organization then grew to establish a second, seasonal location at Longview Farm Park in Town & Country.
Lulu reminds EAT is strictly a therapy barn, with no private boarding or public lessons. She became the director of EAT during January 2019 after Ginni retired. Lulu says she began learning the rewards of equine interactions after she and her daughter, Katie, took riding lessons together. Her family relocated to Wildwood so they could have horses
on their property. She says after volunteering with EAT at the Town & Country location, she was especially convinced of the program's benefits when she enrolled her son in the program due to sensory processing factors.
"The program changed his life, and it improved our family's life," she recalls.
Lulu eventually became a certified instructor and discovered she was interested in doing more with EAT. She says there are now 16 certified instructors and a core group of team professionals, including a doctor of physical therapy, a speech pathologist and a licensed professional counselor.
"To commemorate the 20th anniversary, we're thrilled to launch new EAT apparel with a CONTINUED >
special hat and shirt. Every form of support helps, and we're truly grateful for all the people who support this special place," says Lulu.
A maximum of three volunteers per rider typically are sought for EAT activities. No prior knowledge of horses is required. EAT volunteers receive necessary training, and complete a background checking process. Weekly emails enable EAT volunteers to determine which times mesh with their personal schedules.
To volunteer in a riders' class, one must be able-bodied and make a regular commitment, even if it’s only an hour a week. Some volunteers help in other ways, such as event support and maintenance. Individuals who are 14 years or older can assist riders and work directly with the horses.
Others wishing to support this cause can attend or sponsor the group's Hoedown For Hope annual fundraiser Sept. 28 at the Wildwood barn.
Additionally, the group's Sponsor-A-Horse program allows supporters to finance the living expenses of one of EAT's therapy horses or donkeys for a period of time. Lulu says they spend more than $100,000 a year on the care of the therapy animals, including feed, hay, supplements, hoof trims/horse shoes, chiropractic treatment and veterinary care.
314.971.0605 EATTherapy.org
“Ginni’s goal was to promote the healing power of horses.”
Whether your pup has the obedience of a dog show finalist, or social behavior that makes you want to play dead around others, you can develop more owner confidence with help from this expert trainer.
ARTICLE BY LISA MOYER
PHOTOGRAPHY BY JANIE JONES
STYLED BY ANGELA BROOCKERD
“Socializing your dog is beneficial for both dogs and their owners,” says Taryn Tyler, a certified dog trainer. “It creates confidence for both dogs and owners and displaces the anxiety we feel when our dogs aren’t behaving like we want them to.”
Taryn stresses that teaching a dog to sit or stay is less about tricks and more about the relationship that builds between animal and owner. “That, in turn, fosters an environment where the next time a family hosts Thanksgiving or has friends over, the owner and their dogs fall into the habit of obeying commands because of the confidence built through all the work put in beforehand.”
Even dogs with a troubled history can achieve improvement.
“We all love our dogs, but they can be stressful when they can’t seem to click in our home environments.”
• Socializing is more than taking your dog in public. A guy can dump a bunch of mulch in your driveway and spread it, but he’s not a landscaper until he’s following a plan. When the doorbell rings or a visitor comes into the house, what’s our expectation for the dog? When we’re in public and the dog’s attention is diverted, what’s our plan to refocus them? Socialization is 99 percent working on small steps as part of a larger plan.
• Socializing isn’t about our dogs being the center of attention in public. Everyone loves seeing a dog, but our best outcome for the dog is to go unnoticed. Sitting by our side, ignoring external stimuli, remaining calm—those are things we strive for when socializing a dog.
DOG
SOCIALIZING TIPS:
• When socializing dogs with other dogs, start small. Take a walk with another dog to get them to just exist in the same vicinity. Once they’re able to not be excited by the other dog, work on limited playing in controlled environments.
• If someone comes into your home, let them know what boundaries you’re working on with your dog. You can even suggest asking them to carry a few treats and work on some of the behaviors your dog is already comfortable with.
Once your dog is able to socialize with other pets, playdates are a great way to encourage good play behavior. One way to celebrate your pup’s birthday is to celebrate with their favorite furry friends. Here are a few helpful tips for making your gathering a success.
• Set up play areas for your furry guests to enjoy. This can include a doggy pool or splash pad, chew toys, frisbees, and don’t forget the pet-friendly bubbles.
• Offer party guests birthday attire such as a birthday hat, bandana or party outfit. Set up a photo wall for pet owners to get photos with their furry friends in their birthday outfits. Better yet, make it a costume competition, and invite guests to come dressed up ready to show off their pup’s attire.
• Create a treat display with a pet-friendly birthday cake and various chewy snacks for guests to give their pups.
• Party favors are a must to end your festivities with a bang. Fill party bags with bouncy balls, treats, and pet-friendly bubbles to send your guests off with a smile.
HOW TO THROW A BIRTHDAY BASH FOR YOUR FOUR-LEGGED FRIENDS:
AUGUST 7TH
SLCL Summer Concert Series
Samuel C. Sachs Branch Library | 6:00 PM
Enjoy some of St. Louis' most talented jazz musicians for concerts in the Reading Garden at the Sachs Branch in Chesterfield. This evening features Harvey Lockhart and The Collective. Organizers indicate this concert is for all ages. Patrons are encouraged to bring chairs, blankets and coolers.
AUGUST 8TH
Speaker Series: The Super Hornet History
National Museum of Transportation | 9:00 AM
The museum's staff will host a free, one-hour guest speaker presentation from Tim Bischof regarding F/A-18 E1 The Super Hornet History in Kirkwood at 2967 Barrett Station Road. Tim is part of the TNMOT 2024 Speaker Series. Advanced registration is required at TNMoT.org.
AUGUST 8TH
An Evening With Liz Longley & Barnaby Bright
Forest Hills Country Club | 7:00 PM
A fundraising concert featuring Liz Longley an accomplished singer-songwriter based out of Nashville to benefit Make-A-Wish Foundation Missouri and Kansas. Doors open at 7 p.m. Cocktail hour will occur 7-8 p.m. The show begins at 8 p.m.
AUGUST 8TH-18TH
9th Annual TWStL 2024 Festival
The Grandel Theatre in Grand Center | 7:30 PM
This year’s Tennessee Williams Festival St. Louis (TWStL) gives center stage to Tennessee Williams’ “Cat on a Hot Tin Roof” directed by award-winning Michael Wilson. He says he’s “thrilled to return to St. Louis, the city which had such a profound impact on the life and work of Tennessee Williams.” Post-show commentary conducted by Tom Mitchell on Aug. 12/Aug. 15.
AUGUST 9TH
The Hard Promises Concert
Chesterfield Amphitheater | 6:00 PM
The Hard Promises: A Tribute to Tom Petty LIVE, starting at 7:30 p.m. Ticket pricing and seating ranges from $25 to $80 for a four-pack; $30 each for reserved tickets. Field parking is not available for this show. Tickets may be purchased on Ticketmaster.com.
AUGUST 10TH
Sounds of Summer Free Concert Series: Tribute To Rod Stewart
Chesterfield Amphitheater | 6:00 PM
Performing will be Infatuation: A Tribute to Rod Stewart. Tim Levene, formerly performing under the moniker “Robb Stewart” out of KC, brought his Rod show to mesmerized audiences all over the United states. Tim has built an all-star band of St. Louis-based musicians. No ticket is required; however, all guests will still go through the security checkpoint.
AUGUST 11TH
St. Louis Blues Blind Hockey Club: Try Blind Skating, Hockey
Centene Community Ice Center | 12:30 PM
Children, ages 5-16, diagnosed with visual impairments are encouraged to sign up and try ice skating and hockey. Led by St. Louis Blues Blind Hockey Club coaches, participants learn fundamental skills of skating and playing hockey. Loaner equipment (helmet, elbow pads, glove, shin pads, skates) provided for all children, along with a jersey and stick for them to keep.
AUGUST 14TH
Movies Under The Stars
Chesterfield Amphitheater | 6:30 PM
An epic, free viewing experience of the movie "Barbie. Using laser projection technology, the movie will be projected on the roof of the amphitheater for a unique viewing experience. Pack a blanket, bring drinks and snacks. Movie begins at dusk. Scheduled food trucks are Ray Ray's Kettle Corn; The MOObile; and Kona Ice.
AUGUST 14TH
Shakespeare Festival Performance
Chesterfield Amphitheater | 6:30 PM
A larger-than-life, 90-minute presentation of Shakespeare’s most enchanting romance, The Tempest: Set on an island full of mischief, magic and plots of revenge. Directed by Tom Ridgely, St. Louis Shakespeare Festival producing artistic director, along with a traveling cast of six talented performers. Admission and parking are free. For further details, visit STLShakes.org.
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AUGUST 24TH
Backstoppalooza
12th Annual
Chesterfield Amphitheater | 6:00 PM
Headliner: Black Magic - A Tribute to Santana. Free entry; no tickets required. All proceeds from this annual fundraiser concert (food and beverage sales) support Backstoppers, excluding production and band costs. Donations to Backstoppers will be encouraged and collected at the event. Backstoppalooza has raised more than $500,000 for Backstoppers, Inc. since 2013. Burgers donated by local food sponsors.
AUGUST 30TH
St. Louis Water Lantern Festival
Creve Coeur Park | 5:00 PM
This Water Lantern Festival brings people together for a celebration of light and community. This unforgettable evening will be filled with tasty food trucks, fun music, activities and thousands of lanterns lighting up the night with love, hope and happiness. Tickets are $29 – $60, available online at WaterLanternFestival.com. Follow them on social media @waterlanternfestival.
AUGUST 31ST
Japanese Festival
Missouri Botanical Garden | 9:00 AM
Experience thunderous pounding rhythms of taiko drums, thrilling samurai sword performances and more. This rain-or-shine event is planned by a coalition of Japanese-American organizations that provide art, dance, food and entertainment. Festival admission required for Garden entry Aug. 31–Sept. 2. Tram tours, Café Flora brunch and Saturday morning walking hours won't take place Labor Day weekend.
