Eagan, MN August 2024

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Celebrating Kids and Pets

EDUCATION

A PRESCHOOL DEDICATED TO LEARNING AND EARLY CHILDHOOD EDUCATION

FINANCE + LEGAL SERVICES

FINDING STRENGTH IN UNCERTAINTY

SPORTS + RECREATION

GROWING CHARACTER, COORDINATION, AND CONFIDENCE IN KIDS WITH GYMNASTICS

TEACHING KIDS TO SWIM SAFELY AND CONFIDENTLY

LET’S DO MEDICARE TOGETHER

We are proud to be a welcoming, full-service destination for your journey into wellbeing

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For Earth Month, we’re teaming up with Aveda and charity: water to raise funds that will provide clean water to those in need. Help give the gift of clean water. 100% of every donation raised will fund charity: water’s work providing access to clean water projects around the world.

Scan QR to learn about maximizing your donation through matching contribution and gifts!

“What is a home without children? Quiet.” -Henny Youngman

It's hard to believe that August is here already! Summer is speeding by too quickly. While the days may be getting shorter, there Is still plenty of time to get out and make the most of the summer weather.

This month is our Kids and Pets Issue! Kids and pets enrich our lives in profound ways. Children inspire joy, creativity, and a renewed sense of wonder. They foster a sense of purpose and responsibility in parents, encouraging growth and resilience. The innocence and curiosity of kids remind adults to appreciate life's simple pleasures.  Pets, similarly, offer unconditional love and companionship. They reduce stress, anxiety, and depression through their affectionate nature and consistent presence. Pets encourage physical activity, whether it's through walks with a dog or playtime with a cat. They also teach empathy and compassion, especially to children, who learn to care for and respect other living beings.

Both kids and pets create vibrant, dynamic households filled with laughter and energy. They strengthen family bonds through shared experiences and memories. Together, they promote emotional well-being, enhance social interactions, and bring a sense of fulfillment to daily life. The mutual love and care exchanged with kids and pets create a nurturing environment that benefits everyone involved.

As always, I would like to thank all of Eagan City Lifestyle’s sponsors. Their generous support enables us to get our magazine directly into our readers’ homes. Please don’t hesitate to contact me (amy.sousa@citylifestyle.com) if you have a story to share or a business to recommend.

August 2024

PUBLISHER

Amy Sousa | Amy.Sousa@citylifestyle.com

MANAGING EDITOR

Matt Sousa | matthew.sousa@citylifestyle.com

PUBLISHER ASSISTANT

Madeline O'Neil | madeline.oneil@citylifestyle.com

ACCOUNT MANAGER

Nikki Roberts | nikki.roberts@citylifestyle.com

SOCIAL MEDIA COORDINATOR

Jacqueline Elizabeth jacki@ascendanceproductions.com

STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER

Lisa Cline | cline.lisa.marie@gmail.com

STAFF WRITER

Ann Schreiber | copywritingforyoucorp@gmail.com

COPY EDITOR

Judy Sousa

CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHER

Nicole Krause | @nicolekrausephotography

Corporate Team

CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER Steven Schowengerdt

CHIEF OPERATING OFFICER Matthew Perry

EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR OF HR Janeane Thompson

AD DESIGNER Zach Miller

LAYOUT DESIGNER Kelsi Southard Learn

Sylvan Learning CenterUnlocking the Potential within Each Child

At Sylvan, supplemental education takes center stage, catering to a diverse range of students. From those who are below grade level and require extra support to those seeking enrichment opportunities or aiming to get ahead, Annette and her team are committed to unlocking the potential within each child. The personalized approach at Sylvan ensures that students receive tailored instruction and support, fostering confidence and skill development. Call 952-236-9090 for more information and to schedule your child's assessment.

Vet Eye Pros Now Open in Eagan!

We understand that your pet is an important part of your family. That's why we specialize solely on the treatment of your pet's eye. We're committed to providing personalized treatment plans and compassionate care to every patient. Vet Eye Pros offers comprehensive eye exams by a board certified veterinary ophthalmologist. Our Eagan office features eye ultrasound, electroretinograms (ERG), advanced microscopic eye surgery (i.e. cataract surgery), and more! Visit  https://veteyepros.com/ for more information.

Amanda LaRae

Photography - Pet and Family Boutique

Portrait Photographer

Amanda LaRae Photography specializes in pet and family photography. Amanda captures the faces you love to come home to. She provides her clients with a customized experience to get beautiful wall art of their loved ones. Amanda walks her clients through the entire process beginning to end with a fun, custom experience resulting in beautiful wall art of family and pets to treasure for years to come. View Amanda's portfolio at  https:// amandalaraephotography.com.

Photography by Amanda LaRae Photography

Taking Care Of Bow Wows & Meows

The unexpected can happen, even to your furry friend. Whether your pet suffers from congenital conditions, a serious illness, or hereditary conditions, the right coverage can help you get the surgery, medication, etc., that your pet could need. Preparation is key for circumstances like these. Trupanion® pet medical insurance can help handle those details. State Farm agent Ross Metcalf is here to help with all of your pet insurance questions. Visit  https://www.metcalfins.com/ for more information.

Mendakota Country Club is open to the public for all meetings and events. We offer an excellent location and impressive facilities for your next special event or business meeting. Our catering department is happy to work with you to create a truly unique event catered to your needs. From a quick efficient breakfast meeting, business lunch, gala, wedding, a festive anniversary celebration, or a corporate golf outing, we can do it all.

Membership is not required to host your next event at Mendakota.

Don’t wait until the end of the year to explore how you can maximize your options. Contact us today to get started.

Jeremy Jackson Wealth Advisor, CIMA®, FIC 763-633-2905 jeremy.jackson@thrivent.com

Josiah Parker Financial Advisor 612-990-4125 josiah.parker@thrivent.com

Goddard School Eagan

A Preschool Dedicated to Learning and Early Childhood Education

On December 4, 2023, Kara Berdahl’s dream finally became a reality. The Goddard School on Quarry Road finally enjoyed welcoming its first 15 students. On that special day, each child got to take a photo with the My First Day at Goddard sign to commemorate the occasion.

A ribbon-cutting ceremony later took place on January 9, 2024, at which the Dakota County Chamber of Commerce attended and brought the ribbon for Kara to cut with giant scissors.  Today? Enrollment is up to 82 children!

Before making her debut in the world of children’s education, Kara spent nearly two decades in the corporate world, holding positions at 3M and Andersen Windows. However, her entrepreneurial spirit and passion for making a difference in children's lives remained strong and unrelenting.

"I always dreamed of owning my own business, one that could positively impact our future generations," Kara shared during our conversation. Her journey wasn’t without its challenges, with plans initially delayed by the pandemic. But as things began to stabilize, Kara seized the opportunity, securing land that had long been in her sights and was approved by Goddard in late 2022.

CREATING A SAFE, SECURE, AND STIMULATING ENVIRONMENT FOR KIDS

From the outset, Kara's focus has been on creating a safe, secure, and stimulating environment for children. "Goddard's emphasis on health, safety, and quality assurance resonated with me. We ensure every child thrives by providing a warm and secure environment," she explains.

This commitment is complemented by Goddard's robust support system and a culture of continual improvement, including regular quality audits.

But Goddard is a bit different than other childcare centers in the area. Kara shares that Goddard isn’t viewed as a childcare center at all. "We look for educators, not just daycare providers. Our teachers are certified and equipped with the knowledge to create a learning-rich environment," says Kara. She shared with me her deep commitment to quality education, ensuring that every child receives thoughtful and effective guidance.

Despite its recent opening, the school is already becoming a cornerstone of the community. It has participated in local events such as the Eagan FunFest and Halloween Trail Walk and is looking forward to hosting an event with the Eagan Fire Department. "Our goal is to integrate fully into the community, serving not just our students but their families and neighbors," Kara emphasizes.

GROWING ENROLLMENT WITH ROOM FOR MORE

Since its grand opening, the school's enrollment has quickly grown, with a target of 180 children. The school caters to infants through pre-kindergarten, and the extended summer care program accommodates children up to age 10.

"We intend to prepare children not just for school, but for life," Kara states. "We create a nurturing environment that speaks to all aspects of a child's development, including emotional and behavioral growth."

THE WONDER OF LEARNING CURRICULUM

At the heart of Goddard School's educational philosophy is the "Wonder of Learning" curriculum. Crafted by Goddard's curriculum experts, this innovative, inquiry-based learning model is designed to ignite and nurture children's innate curiosity.

“We intend to prepare children not just for school, but for life. We create a nurturing environment that speaks to all aspects of a child's development, including emotional and behavioral growth."

The curriculum builds on what children already love—play and exploration—helping them understand themselves and the world around them. It's a dynamic approach that promises to shape wellrounded individuals ready to take on the challenges of tomorrow.

EDUCATION AND COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT IN ONE

As the Goddard School in Eagan continues to grow and evolve under Kara's leadership, it speaks to the power of education and the long-lasting value of community engagement. Kara Berdahl's Goddard School might be the perfect fit for parents seeking a caring and intellectually stimulating educational setting.

To learn more, visit https://www.goddardschool. com/schools/mn/eagan/eagan.

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ERIKA GREENEY: THE PATH FROM CRISIS TO EMPOWERMENT

Finding Strength

in Uncertainty

When Erika Greeney's daughter, Addison, was diagnosed with B-cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia (B-ALL) just before her eighth birthday, her world turned upside down. B-ALL, a fast-growing and aggressive blood cancer, required immediate and intensive treatment.

Erika, who was eight hours away in St. Lucia at the time the diagnosis came in, rushed back to Minneapolis, arriving at the hospital in the early hours of the morning. Addison was quickly taken into surgery to have a port placed for chemotherapy and blood count checks. “It all happened so fast,” Erika shared with me.

A MOTHER'S DETERMINATION

The initial symptoms of Addison's illness were easy to overlook. She experienced stomach pains, fevers, and leg and hip pain—something most of us would attribute to growing pains and growth spurts, However, something felt a bit off. In just one year, she grew nearly 12 inches in height without adding on any weight. She’d experience fevers that would last for a day, that would suddenly disappear.

CONTINUED >

Then one day while she was staying at her dad’s, she just didn’t start to feel better. And off to the hospital they went. Addison's diagnosis was a devastating shock, but it also marked the beginning of Erika's transformation. As Addison underwent her treatments (which concluded successfully in January 2024), Erika found herself facing a harsh reality: her restaurant management job, with its irregular hours, was incompatible with the demands of Addison's care.

Addison’s father stepped in to help with appointments, but Erika knew she needed a more stable career. She began working at a U.S. Bank branch, appreciating the predictable Monday-to Fridayhours. This career change provided her with the stability she needed and something else to focus on. Plus, it sparked a new passion.

EMPOWERING WOMEN THROUGH FINANCIAL LITERACY

At U.S. Bank, Erika worked as a client relationship consultant handling credit cards, new account openings, and loans. However, she was drawn to the investment side of banking. Determined to make a difference, Erika began the licensing process to become an investment banker. Today, she works independently with Lakeshore Wealth Management, a part of LPL Financial, as a female-focused financial advisor focused on empowering women through financial literacy.

While talking to other parents during her daughter’s cancer treatments, Erika realized that many women lack the financial awareness and literacy that men often have, putting them at a disadvantage when unexpected events occur. Her mission now is to help women understand and navigate their finances better, preparing them for life's uncertainties.

Erika and I chatted at length about the importance of financial preparedness, especially when facing expensive treatments like cancer. She has seen families lose their homes and deplete their retirement savings to cover medical bills. Erika wants to prevent this by educating women on investment strategies and financial security.

A PASSION FOR HELPING OTHERS

Addison's journey and the career change it prompted have given Erika a unique focus and purpose. Her work is now a passion project, driven by the desire to help others achieve financial stability and security. Erika's goal is to ensure that no one else has to go through the financial strain she experienced herself during Addison's treatment.

Addison's diagnosis, although devastating, was caught relatively early, with only 28% of her cells affected, allowing her to start treatment promptly. B-ALL is one of the most common types of childhood cancers, and while Addison showed incredible strength, the emotional toll was significant. Erika discussed the importance of emotional support during such times, noting that Addison's experience was more emotionally challenging than physically painful.

Erika also shared with me Addison’s experience at Camp Breakaway, a program for children with terminal illnesses, which Addison attended and was subsequently featured on WCCO news. This program allows children to experience a week of normalcy, with medical staff on-site to

meet their needs. She highly recommends this local nonprofit organization for any child experiencing a terminal illness.

Erika's path from the crisis of her daughter’s illness to both of them coming out stronger on the other side is inspirational, to say the least. In Erika’s case, a crisis opened the door to a career dedicated to empowering others, particularly women, through financial literacy and security. As a fiduciary, Erika acts in her client's best interests, offering support and guidance through life's unpredictable challenges.

If you are interested in learning more about Erika's work or seeking financial advice, you can reach her at Lakeshore Group Wealth Management, broker-dealer LPL Financial, at (612) 584-3322 or by email at egreeney@lakeshoregroupwm.com.

THE LITTLE GYM: FUN FIRST

NON-COMPETITIVE GYMNASTICS THAT GROWS CHARACTER, COORDINATION, AND CONFIDENCE IN KIDS.

If you’re a Minnesotan, you know that the winter months can be challenging, especially when you've got little ones with energy to burn. Bert Tong, an engineer turned entrepreneur, knows this struggle well. After moving back to Minnesota and becoming a stay-at-home dad, he quickly realized that options for indoor activities were limited.

"In the middle of a Minnesota winter, your toddler can do gymnastics or swim lessons—it’s pretty limited, especially if you want non-competitive activities," Bert explained during our conversation. His search for the perfect activity for his son led him to an innovative idea—opening The Little Gym of Eagan

A UNIQUE BACK STORY

But Bert’s background isn’t quite what you would expect. After working in satellite communications, getting his MBA and consulting for Fortune 500 companies, he ventured into entrepreneurial projects, including a self-storage as a service concept in Seattle. However, his journey took a bit of a turn when he and his wife, Chrissy, decided to focus on family and community, leading them back to Chrissy’s hometown of Eagan, where they opened The Little Gym in September 2023.

The Little Gym of Eagan is different from other gymnastics programs in the area because it's all about non-competitive, recreational gymnastics. "Our focus isn't on winning or perfect scores," Bert says. "We're all about helping kids develop character, improve coordination, and build confidence through overcoming challenges." The Little Gym offers a fun, engaging environment where sticking the landing is less important than the lessons learned along the way.

Safety is a priority at the gym, which hosts one class at a time with a maximum of 18 kids to ensure a controlled, attentive setting. Classes last between 45 minutes to an hour, with a low childto-teacher ratio that provides personalized attention. "We currently have 270 kids enrolled, and we're especially popular among families with kids under three," Bert notes. For these younger children, the classes involve a parent or guardian, but once kids turn three, they participate independently while parents can watch from a separate area.

MEMBERSHIP FLEXIBILITY

Flexibility is key at The Little Gym, and not necessarily in the way you might think. Bert explains, "We offer monthly memberships for one or two classes per week, and enrollment is continuous, so families can join at any time without missing a beat." This means no waiting for the next session to open up, hoping your child will get a spot. The curriculum changes weekly, keeping things fresh and exciting for the kids, and if a family misses a class, they can reschedule within 90 days.

The Little Gym also doubles as a community center of sorts, hosting birthday parties and special events like Parent Survival Nights, where parents can drop off their kids for a few hours for some much-needed downtime. For the youngest guests, there’s the Read, Move, and Groove event—part storytime, part playtime, tailored for kids under three.

"We try to make every activity fun; kids often don’t even realize they're learning gymnastics," Bert says with a laugh. "It’s all about having a good time while learning something new."

DOES YOUR CHILD HAVE SOME EXTRA ENERGY TO BURN?

Gymnastics is a great sport for kids to develop physical strength, mental toughness, and self-discipline. And when the environment is non-competitive in nature, with a focus on fun, kids often learn the skills without realizing they are doing so. This makes The Little Gym a great option for parents who want their kids to have fun in a learning environment that focuses on physical development.

Classes are non-competitive and are broken out into three categories:

• Parent/Child: Connect with your little one as you both explore and engage in activities designed to develop strength and motor skills. It's a wonderful way to learn, play, and grow together.

• Pre-K Gymnastics: Designed for fun and engagement, these classes help preschoolers improve their coordination and confidence through playful gymnastics activities. In these classes, kids work solo, and parents can observe in the lobby.

• Grade School Gymnastics: Focused on refining skills and building healthy self-esteem, these classes offer school-aged children a chance to excel in gymnastics in a supportive, non-competitive environment.

Interested families can try The Little Gym of Eagan with a free trial class to see if it's the right fit. For more details or to schedule a visit, call 651-515-0234. I’m confident you’ll agree that The Little Gym offers a great way for kids to stay active and parents to ensure they're involved in a healthy, engaging activity, no matter the season.

Listings were pulled from the NMLS. This reflects a 30-Day time period prior to our print deadline. Information deemed reliable but not guaranteed and not a complete list of activity. *DOM = Days on Market

MAKING WAVES IN WATER SAFETY

Teaching Kids to Swim Safely and Confidently: The Impact of Goldfish Swim School in Minnesota

According to the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources, there were 42 non-boating drownings in Minnesota in 2023. And while I hate to start an editorial with such an alarming statistic, the truth is that we live in a state surrounded by lakes, rivers, and bodies of water. Creating awareness about water safety is important for everyone in Minnesota. That’s why this story is so compelling to me, at least, as a fellow swimmer. Goldfish Swim School, a premier learn-to-swim

institution, has made its way to our communities with a mission to make water safety a priority.

Michelle Beck, director of marketing, has a personal connection to Goldfish Swim School. She was a "Goldfish mom" before taking on her role in June 2023. "I've seen the success firsthand," Michelle shares. "My three kids attended the Eagan location, and now they're at Lakeville. I deeply believe in the curriculum and want to get the word out."

THE GOLDFISH SWIM SCHOOL STORY

Goldfish Swim School began in the early 2000s with co-founder Jenny McCuiston, a former Olympic trials swimmer, and her husband Chris, a college athlete. Jenny saw a need for better swim instruction, and after extensive research and planning, the couple opened their first school in 2006. Today, Goldfish Swim School has over 150 locations nationwide and has taught over 10 million swim lessons in 2023 alone.

In Minnesota, Goldfish Swim School operates four locations: Oakdale, Eagan, Minnetonka, and the newly opened Lakeville. Dave and Sarah Handley, along with Jeremy and Carrie Kleppe, the owners of Goldfish Swim School Eagan, Oakdale, and Lakeville, are deeply rooted in the community and have a strong passion to bring water safety to the land of 10,000 lakes. "Swimming lessons and water safety have always been a part of the owners' lives," says Melissa Sewick, the director of operations.

A UNIQUE APPROACH TO TEACHING KIDS TO SWIM

Goldfish Swim School's passion for saving lives and its family-friendly, tropical atmosphere make it a bit different than other swim schools you might see floating around. "I love working with the teams," says Melissa, who joined the company in 2017. "I enjoy helping each school become the best it can be. Seeing the accomplishments in the kids and hearing from parents about the difference it has made in their lives is incredibly rewarding."

Michelle echoes this sentiment. "My favorite part is sharing the Goldfish story with the communities," she says. "I've been through the programs with my kids and seen the success. We're living, breathing proof of the curriculum."

AN ALL-INCLUSIVE SWIM SCHOOL WITH EASY ENROLLMENT

Goldfish Swim School makes it simple for families to get started. Parents can enroll their children or sign up for a free trial online. They can also call, text, or stop in for a tour. "Swim lessons save lives," Melissa emphasizes. "It's never too late to enroll your child in swim lessons."

For many parents, the thought of swim lessons can be intimidating and a source or stress and anxiety, especially if their child has never been in the water before. "Our staff goes through extensive training, there are always lifeguards on duty, and we will work with all families to teach their children how to swim,” says Melissa.

BUILDING CONFIDENCE AND SKILLS

The school’s mission goes beyond just teaching kids to swim. It's about building confidence and equipping children with the skills to stay safe in and around water. "The pure passion for saving lives and making a difference in kids' swimming ability drives us," Melissa explains. "We want to increase confidence in both kids and their parents regarding water safety."

The school's unique approach includes a tropical atmosphere, a family-friendly environment, and a 90-degree pool that inspires a fun learning environment and keeps kids engaged. This environment also helps kids feel comfortable and excited about their lessons.

A COMMUNITY COMMITMENT

But the school's commitment extends beyond the pool. Franchise owners Dave and Sarah Handley and Carrie and Jeremy Kleppe are active members of the nearby Stillwater community. They participate in local events and sports, embedding themselves into the community they serve. This local involvement strengthens the bond between the swim school and the families it supports, creating a network of safety and trust.

Goldfish Swim School's impact is clear in the stories shared by parents and the progress seen in their children. The dedication of the staff, the comprehensive curriculum, and the welcoming environment all contribute to a program that not only teaches swimming but also builds lifelong skills and confidence.

LET GOLDFISH SWIM SCHOOL TEACH YOUR KIDS RESPECT FOR THE WATER

Goldfish Swim School is more than just a place to learn how to swim. It's a community dedicated to making water safety accessible and enjoyable for all children. With passionate staff, supportive franchise owners, and a proven curriculum, Goldfish Swim School is significantly impacting water safety in Minnesota.

So, whether you're a parent looking to enroll your child in swim lessons for the first time or someone who values the importance of water safety, Goldfish Swim School is here to help. As Michelle says, "We're living, breathing proof of the success of our curriculum. Join us in making water safety a priority."

For more information, visit their website at www. goldfishswimschool.com/mn and take the first step towards a safer, more confident future for your child.

summer is POPSICLE SEASON

KIDS AND POPSICLES ARE THE PERFECT SUMMERTIME PAIR

ARTICLE BY LINDA DITCH PHOTOGRAPHY PROVIDED

As temperatures rise, children race to the freezer for this frosty treat or wait anxiously for the approach of the musical ice cream truck. Making homemade popsicles is a fun, kidfriendly activity. These recipes feature kid-favorite flavors with an added taste twist. The only tricky part is waiting for them to freeze.

SPICED GRAPE POPSICLES

ingredients:

Makes 18 to 24

• 2 quarts Concord grape juice

• 1/2 cup sugar

• 12 whole cloves

• 4 cinnamon sticks

• 3 tablespoons whole allspice

directions:

Put all of the ingredients into a large saucepan. Bring the mixture to barely a simmer and let it cook for 30 minutes. Remove from the heat and pour the juice through a cheesecloth-lined strainer into a bowl or pitcher to remove the spices. Allow the juice to cool to room temperature, and then refrigerate until well chilled. Pour mixture into popsicle molds. Freeze until firm.

CHERRY LIMEADE POPSICLES ingredients:

Makes 18 to 24

• 2 cups sugar

• 2 cups water

• 1 cup lime juice

• 2 cups tart cherry juice

directions:

In a saucepan, combine the sugar and water over medium heat, stirring until the sugar dissolves. Remove from the heat. Add the cherry juice and taste. Add additional sugar or water if needed. Let come to room temperature and then refrigerate until well chilled. Pour mixture into popsicle molds. Freeze until firm.

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.

“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 says that boundaries can be learned by dogs of any age.

“There’s a nasty perception along the ‘can’t teach an old dog new tricks’ line of thinking,” she says. “While you can’t take a dog with serious behavioral issues and completely turn them around 180 degrees, you can make improvements in how you understand your dog and how they understand you. Dog training isn’t just for struggling pups either. Creating a relationship between you and your canine based on confidence, reliability and reward can turn a good dog into a great dog.”

BY LISA MOYER

PHOTOGRAPHY BY JANIE

STYLED BY ANGELA

“Creating a relationship between you and your canine based on confidence, reliability and reward can turn a good dog into a great dog.”

CONTINUED >

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.

DOG SOCIALIZING TIPS:

• 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.

• 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.

HOW TO THROW A BIRTHDAY BASH FOR YOUR FOUR-LEGGED FRIENDS:

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.

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events

A SELECTION OF UPCOMING LOCAL EVENTS AUGUST

AUGUST 8TH

Landmark Jewelers — Night at the Gatsby

402 St. Peter Street, St. Paul, MN 55102 | 4:00 PM

Step back in time to the Roaring Twenties and join Landmark Jewelers for a night of glitz and glam! In partnership with Meritage Restaurant, Heime's Haberdashery, Anthony Scornavacco Antique Store, Sonic Dream, and CynCity's Tours, we are hosting a night of vintage glamour in downtown St. Paul!

AUGUST 9TH

Eagan Food Truck Festival

1501 Central Parkway, Eagan, MN 55121 | 4:00 PM

It’s the highlight of the summer! Bring your friends and family out for a night of great food, awesome music and local beer! Over 20 food trucks come to town to show off their delicious menus and it’s sure not to disappoint with flavors from around the world.

AUGUST 10TH

Hot Art! Community Iron Pour

1220 Diffley Rd, Eagan, MN 55123 12:00 PM

Stop by Caponi Art Park and watch as highly trained and skilled artists pour molten metal into open faced sand molds. These molds were created by students in the ‘Hot Art’ Artist Tile Workshops and by members of Igneous Metal Arts, non-profit organization dedicated to preserving metal casting as an art form and practice.

AUGUST 16TH - 18TH

A Perfect Pickleball Retreat

Hittner Point, Eagan, MN 55122

I have a passion for hosting and having fun! Come for a weekend of pickleball, guided stretches, community and more! Immerse yourself in this weekend of women, pickleball, games, prizes, and more! Stay at the Healthy Home Mansion from Friday, August 16th to Sunday August 18th! Don't forget to share this with your outof-state friends. Register at https:// ourhealthyhomes.com/events/17804/ pickleball-wellness-retreat

AUGUST 23RD

American Cancer Society Gold Together Day for Childhood Cancer

1 Valleyfair Dr, Shakopee, MN 55379 10:00 AM

American Cancer Society and Valleyfair Cares present "Gold Together Day" at Valleyfair on Friday, August 23! Gather your family and friends for a fun-filled day while supporting an incredible cause. A $75 donation via the website below grants park admission, parking, lunch, and t-shirt. 100% of the proceeds benefit childhood cancer research and support programs. For information and tickets, visit  https://e. givesmart.com/events/COF.

SEPTEMBER 3RD

Back to School Kickoff at The Goddard School

1552 Quarry Rd Eagan, MN 55121 5:30 PM

Let's kick off the school year together! Join us for a night of FUN at The Goddard School of Eagan. Check out our amazing facility, meet the owner, and learn about Goddard while your kids enjoy fun activities including a bounce house from Affordable Inflatables and treats from The Pink Cow.

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Fun Tricks To Teach Your Puppy

A list of exciting new tricks to teach your puppy

We created a list of some fun tricks to teach your puppy! Whether you just welcomed a new furry friend into your home or you’re teaching an old dog new tricks, you and your pet are sure to have a fun time! Spending time playing and training with your pet makes for a great bonding experience! Don’t forget to reward them with some delicious dog treats when they successfully do a trick. My pup’s personal favorite treats are chicken, peanut butter, and carrots. We hope you and your pup have a great time learning the tricks on this list!

SPEAK

Get your dog to bark naturally (try ringing the doorbell or knocking on the door). Once they bark, say ‘speak’ and reward them.

STAY

Have your dog sit and then tell them to stay. Hold your hand out with your palm toward their nose in the stop position. If they hold the position for a second or two, praise them and reward them with a treat. Keep repeating this and gradually having them stay longer.

SHAKE

Hold your hand out in front of your dog. Your dog may do some experimenting trying to figure out what you want. Once they put their paw in your hand, immediately praise and reward them.

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