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Indian Hill, OH August 2026

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Kids & Pets

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The Full Season

There's a particular kind of chaos that happens in our house every August: backpacks by the door and a dog who clearly senses something is coming and is not thrilled about it. Four kids who spent all summer living in swimsuits and flip flops suddenly need new shoes that fit.

I love this season. Not because it's calm—it is never calm—but because it's full. Full of firstday photos on the same front porch. Full of postwater-balloon-fight paw prints on clean floors. Full of the particular love that shows up in a house with more than one heartbeat depending on you.

In this issue, we celebrate that fullness—from local artist Marlena Hebenstreit, who has learned to capture those beautiful moments in perpetuity, to Little Buckle Co., who knows all about the creative endeavors of littles and just how nice a fresh, clean car seat can make the day feel just a tad bit more sane.

Because here's what I know firsthand from raising four kids and a full house— the families who make it look easy aren't the ones with the least going on. They're the ones who've stopped apologizing for the mess and started building a life around it. Those shoes by the door, the cat hair on the duvet? In this season, that’s just another type of love. In my case, there’s love just about everywhere you look! They will continue to grow, floors get mopped, traces of the chaos fade and eventually, we’ll miss this season.

Here's to embracing all the love, from both our fur-kids and non.

With gratitude,

August 2026

PUBLISHER

Deborah Mekenese

Deborah.Mekenese@CityLifestyle.com

EDITOR

Tera Michelson | Tera.Michelson@CityLifestyle.com

PUBLICATION MANAGER

Michelle Numann

COPY EDITOR A.J. Lape

CONTRIBUTING WRITERS

Maria Connour, Beth Del Ville, Brooke Griffin Farmer, Kali Kasprzyk, Ashley Skinner

CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS

Brooke Griffin Farmer, Janie Jones, Len Kaltman, Kortnee Kate, Qiana Kelsch, Gary Kessler, RF Graphics

Corporate Team

CEO Steven Schowengerdt

President Matthew Perry

COO David Stetler

CRO Jamie Pentz

CoS Janeane Thompson

AD DESIGNER Jenna Crawford

LAYOUT DESIGNER Amanda Schilling

QUALITY CONTROL SPECIALIST Hannah Leimkuhler

Local

Brooke Griffin Farmer

city scene

WHERE NEIGHBORS CAN SEE AND BE SEEN

2026 Cincinnati Concours d’Elegance

The 48th Annual Cincinnati Concours d’Elegance, presented by Barchetta Charitable Fund, and the sold-out Hangar Party, hosted by Executive Jet Management of Lunken Airport and sponsored by Torque Motor Suites, were held in June. More than 200 classic, vintage and exotic cars, motorcycles and private jets were on display over the course of the weekend, celebrating style and performance. All proceeds benefit the Arthritis Foundation, with a special focus on Juvenile Arthritis (JA). Images courtesy of Gary Kessler Photography.

business monthly

Central Bark Serves Our Community One Dog at a Time

Nothing means more to the team at Central Bark Madeira-Indian Hill than the trust of pet parents. As one client shares , “There is literally nowhere else we would bring our dog! She is so excited to go every day, the staff are so attentive and we feel a sense of calm knowing she is in a safe and fun environment.” Visit Central Bark for your doggy daycare, boarding, grooming, training and gear needs. 513.272.4107  CentralBarkUSA.com/madeira-indian-hill

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PremierFBO Announces Expanded Partnership with TITAN Aviation

PremierFBO, the FBO arm of Premier Private Jets, has selected TITAN Fuels to supply its network, including in Dayton (DAY) and Cincinnati (CVG). The charter business has more than doubled in the last year, now with 15 aircraft: ten Hawker midsize jets and five Cessna Citation light jets. With two charter programs, a jet card option and its unique Florida Jet Club, Premier provides exceptional value for flights that begin or end in Florida. PremierPrivateJets.com

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Cincinnati Country Day Names New Football & Girls Basketball Coaches

Cincinnati Country Day School announces the hiring of Jim Collins as the head football coach and Kiana Allen as the head girls basketball coach. CCDS looks forward to the experience and leadership that both Jim Collins and Kiana Allen bring to their respective programs. With a shared commitment to excellence, player development and character, the Nighthawks are well-positioned for continued growth and success in the years ahead. Welcome to the new coaches! CountryDayAthletics.net

Photography Provided by Central Bark
Photography Provided by PremierFBO
Photography Provided by CCDS

POWER OF A PORTRAIT

Local Artist Marlena Hebenstreit Creates Heirloom Paintings that Preserve Family Stories

Marlena Hebenstreit may come from a family of artists, but her work captures a vision entirely her own. A fourth-generation Cincinnatian and professional portrait painter for more than 25 years, Marlena creates luminous oil portraits designed to preserve not only a likeness, but the character, relationships and presence of the people she paints.

Marlena grew up in a family of painters. Her mother is a portrait painter, while her father painted landscapes—both en plein air and in the studio—as well as still life. From an early age, her parents encouraged her to study the Old Masters, whose work became an essential guide to drawing, composition and classical painting techniques.

Growing up in an artistic family taught Marlena to look closely at people—not only at their features, but at their expressions, body language and relationships with one another. That ability to observe, along with her genuine affection for people, remains at the heart of her portrait work.

“I truly love getting to know people and discovering the qualities that make them who they are,” Marlena says. “With children especially, I want them to feel comfortable enough to simply be themselves. Families are trusting me with something deeply personal, and I want them to feel listened to, cared for and involved throughout the experience.”

Marlena prioritizes trust as the first step in her process. Each commission starts by spending time with her subjects and learning what matters most to them. When painting children, she prefers a relaxed setting where their personalities can emerge naturally. She studies expression, posture, movement and the subtle ways family members interact.

“Children are so honest. They express what they want to. They don’t cover anything up,”  she says. “My goal is to create a portrait that feels true to the person and meaningful to the family. I want my clients to enjoy the process and ultimately receive a painting they love—one that becomes part of their family’s story and is passed down through generations.”

Marlena favors painting portraits of children and their beloved animals and enjoys depicting the quiet connection between them. She also paints adults, couples and families, devoting the same attention to emotional authenticity for all of her work.

After completing a photography session, Marlena begins a full-size preliminary painting in brown and white. Using the traditional chiaroscuro method, she develops the composition, establishes the arrangement of the figures and determines the flow of light and shadow before eventually introducing color. This stage allows the client to review the composition and provide feedback before the final portrait begins.

Once she has the approval of the design, Marlena begins the finished painting on canvas and works to build it gradually, using layers of transparent glazes and opaque color. She aims to achieve a refined likeness, while also preserving vitality in the brushwork.

Marlena has spent years studying the Old Masters and other celebrated portrait painters, CONTINUED >

"I want my clients to enjoy the process and ultimately receive a painting they love—one that becomes part of their family’s story and is passed down through generations.”

and she uses what she’s learned to shape her own technique. She attended the Cincinnati Academy of Design and the Art Academy of Cincinnati and has maintained a regular life-drawing practice throughout her career. Her work has been represented in galleries and exhibitions locally and nationally. Among her most meaningful accomplishments is a series of 12 portraits of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., created for the Museum of Spiritual Art, now Art Enclave.

Today, Marlena works from a studio surrounded by paintings that prioritize the preservation and essence of the people she depicts.

“A portrait should do more than show what someone looks like,” she says. “It should tell you something about who they are.”

View and commission Marlena’s stunning work online.

Marlena Hebenstreit Fine Art | 513.331.0421 | marlenapaints@icloud.com | MarlenaHebenstreit.com

"I had Amy and her crew do 4 of my bathrooms recently Her crew was fabulous and did great work. They were very conscientious and considerate of us They understood that we were living through the whole process. I love my bathrooms!!"

- Steph S

QUEEN OF CLEAN

The reviews don’t lie: Alex Matteoli of Little Buckle Co. is called a “miracle worker,” “life saver” and “super professional.” This queen of clean is on a mission to calm the chaos and lighten the load of busy Cincinnati moms with her premium, luxury car seat cleaning service, Little Buckle Co.

“I pick up your car seat from your porch, I clean it and I drop it back off,” explains Alex.

It’s a simple process, and that’s the point. Alex knows firsthand how busy life can get. As a mother of four that once led a corporate lifestyle, she has a heart for the plight of mothers. Her passion for entrepreneurship and motherhood led to the launch of the company last January.

“The mental load that moms have to take on is very unfair,” she says. “When you have a dirty car seat, every car ride starts with a guilt trip. Moms have plenty to think about already. I want this to be easy.”

With pick-up options in the morning and evening, Little Buckle Co. works around your schedule, so families don’t have downtime without an essential car seat.

“Car seats are so expensive—it’s an investment and you have to maintain it,” Alex says. “You can’t throw it in the washer, you can’t spray it down with a hose, you can’t even wipe it with a Clorox wipe. Now that I’m educated, I know what damage moisture, food and mold can do to compromise the safety of a car seat.”

Little Buckle Co. is committed to following the manufacturer guidelines for care and cleaning of each car seat model. Alex looks up the manuals online and follows them carefully.

“Car seats have to be cleaned by manufacturer guidelines because certain cleaning techniques can compromise the integrity of the safety of the car seat,” she explains. “I handwash with mild soap and water. I use low-tox products—no harsh chemicals. My

own kids have every allergy, so I don’t take any chances.”

With transparent pricing and no complications, the small business is serious about its white-glove service.

“I am motivated by the relief that moms feel when they get their car seats back and they look like new. It’s very satisfying work,” Alex says.

The chaos of crumbs and crevices does not phase her.

“No judgment,” Alex shares. “The messier, the better! I get it.”

Request a cleaning online for Little Buckle Co. to take your car seat from a messy before picture to a sparkling after.

@littlebuckleco | info@littlebuckle.com | LittleBuckle.com

Little Buckle Co. Founder Alex Matteoli tackles the crumbs, crevices & chaos of parenthood with her car seat cleaning business.

WIENER WINNER

DACHSHUND MOOSE WINS BACK-TO-BACK WIENER RUNS AT OKTOBERFEST ZINZINNATI

Moose Hartmann comes from a family of competitors. The talented Hartmann family excels at gymnastics, football, baseball, softball and even art. It comes as no surprise that the family dachshund is also a winner. Moose, the six-year-old furry family member of Jill, Greg, Lucy, Jack and Max Hartmann, is a two-time champion of the Running of the Wieners at Oktoberfest Zinzinnati.

PHOTOGRAPHY PROVIDED

You might not know it from their stature, but dachshunds are naturally athletic, bred to hunt, hike, swim and run. Moose is true to his breed.

“He’s very athletic, which surprises people,” explains Jill, Moose’s mom and the family spokesperson. “He runs everywhere. If he goes from one room to another room, he’s running. He always has to be in front. He wants to lead. He’s always in a hurry.”

Moose is known to be feisty and protective. He had to leave a University of Cincinnati student apartment for his unbecoming behavior.

“We joke that Clifton life wasn’t for him—he got kicked out of college,” Jill says with a laugh.

Back at home, he has the full parenting focus of empty nesters Jill and Greg.

“He is very spoiled. He’s like our little baby. We went from baseball, football, gymnastics and girl scouts to nothing, so Moose is our thing,” she explains.

Greg, who used to coach his kids in baseball, is now one of Moose’s trainers. In the races, Moose runs from Lucy to Greg.

“He loves Greg,” Jill shares. “We train him. We have a golf cart at our campground and he runs alongside us.”

They tried a race at a Cyclones game, but Moose didn’t like running on the ice.

“He ran straight into the penalty box,” Jill says.

For the Running of the Wieners race at Oktoberfest Zinzinnati, each pup gets a hot dog costume with their entry fee. The race includes ten heats of ten wiener dogs—100 dachshunds vying for the cup. Each winner competes in the final run.

In his first attempt in 2022, sadly Moose did not place. But he is a competitor, and nothing if not persistent.

“In 2023, he got 2nd place,” Jill reports. “In 2024, he got 1st and then again in 2025, he was the repeat winner.”

Boasting back-to-back wins, Moose is the pup to beat and has the hardware to prove it. He uses his trophies, gold bowls, to lap up some beer in celebration.

“Just a couple of sips,” Jill assures. “I think he kind of knows that he’s special. We walk around Oktoberfest the rest of the day, and people are coming up to him to get pictures. It’s really fun!”

The family is undecided about this year’s competition. Only time will tell if Moose will run for a threepeat performance, but this champion is inspiring to competitors everywhere.

“He’s got these little, tiny legs, but it doesn’t stop him,” says Jill. “He didn’t always win, but his persistence paid off.”

See the 2026 Running of the Wieners Race on Sunday, September 20 at America’s biggest Oktoberfest. The Cincinnati celebration goes from September 17-20, and includes Gemütlichkeit Games, a 14K/7K Brewery Run, the World’s Largest Chicken Dance and more. Find details online. OktoberfestZinzinnati.com

Moose drinks beer from a bowl for a champion.
Moose with his three trainers: Greg, Jill & Lucy Hartmann.
The Hartmanns celebrate Moose's 2024 win.

FUR & Phonics

Beginning reader Stella shares her book with Eoin, his handler Ken Wegenhart & Madeira Library
Customer Specialist Isabella Randolph.

LOCAL CHILDREN PRACTICE READING ALOUD TO A FURRY FRIEND AT THE MADEIRA LIBRARY

With one ear perked up and the other flopped down, Eoin the therapy dog attentively listens to children read aloud— so long as the book does not revolve around cats.

Since last summer, the Read With Eoin program at the Madeira Branch of the Cincinnati Public Library offers children a chance to practice their reading skills in a nonjudgmental and fun way: by reading to a furry friend.

“Each week is a little different,” says Madeira Library Youth Services supervisor Amanda Seifert. “Our staff may kick off the event with a book or two, but primarily we encourage families to come up and read together with Eoin.”

As kids take turns reading to Eoin either aloud or silently, they can pet and cuddle with the collie, making the experience all the more appealing. One of the library’s early literacy goals is making sure that kids are enthusiastic about reading while also gaining confidence to continue on a path of lifelong reading.

“It gives [children] the time and space to practice reading aloud to others and also to interact with animals, both of which could be intimidating for many kids,” notes Amanda. “Seeing kids gain confidence, pride and joy in reading is the most rewarding thing about any event.”

Through his fluffy nature and calm demeanor, Eoin provides the perfect welcoming space where young readers can feel free to read without fear of judgment, as Eoin is happy to listen and provide support to those who visit him.

Eoin’s journey as a therapy dog all started after his first few lessons of obedience training. As he and his handler, Ken Wegenhart, were visiting their local church, they stopped by the preschool where they encountered a young boy who had been identified to have special needs.

“The kid is grabbing Eoin around the neck, pulling on him just giggling away and having the best time,” says Ken. “Eoin was just so calm, so gentle; he knew that he had to treat this child differently.”

This interaction that displayed Eoin’s intuitive skill inspired Ken to certify Eoin as a therapy dog through Canines for Christ of Southwest Ohio, a non-profit organization dedicated to providing support to those who need it through  therapy dogs.

Outside of spending time with the visitors and staff at the Madeira Library, Eoin takes trips to nursing homes, hospitals and schools to spread joy—and a little bit of fur.

Ken notes that Eoin has a special kind of intuition that allows him to connect with people, especially children, when they need it.

“Eoin usually surrounds everybody, but on one visit to a school, he sat there with this teenage  boy for well over a minute; he sat there, let this boy pet him and didn't move,” recalls Ken. “When he finally moved on, this boy came over to me and said, ‘I've been having a really bad day, and that dog knew it.’”

Although it takes some children at the library more time to warm up to Eoin, they often end up getting more and more comfortable with him until they are side-by-side with the 3-year-old collie with a book on their lap.

“Eoin’s nonjudgmental presence helps reduce anxiety and encourages participation from kids who may experience low confidence in their reading skills, while also providing a unique and exciting opportunity for our youngest readers,” says Amanda.

“This is how the library makes reading approachable—meeting kids where they are and removing barriers so they can succeed.”

The special bond between Eoin and the kids at the library grows as the readers grow in confidence and social skills. Whether children are reading him a book, putting on a puppet show for him or calmly petting his white fur, Eoin’s tail wags as he fosters an environment for children to be creative, to be independent and to love reading.

“[The event] is a clear example of how the library supports families by creating a welcoming, judgment-free space where kids can learn, connect and grow at their own pace,” says Amanda. “And, it provides space for kids to socialize with other kids without any expectations being placed on them, allowing for organic interactions and learning opportunities.”

The Read With Eoin program meets at the Madeira Branch of the Cincinnati Public Library each Thursday, 10:30-11:30 a.m. Cincinnati Public Library, Madeira Branch | 7200 Miami Avenue, Cincinnati | 513.369.6028 | madeira@chpl.org | CHPL.org/ locations/ma/

Ken Wegenhart & his collie Eoin on one of their weekly visits to the children's section of the Madeira Public Library.
Eoin is a traditional Celtic name pronounced as “Owen.”

TREY & KATIE KENNEDY

ON MARRIAGE, KIDS, AND THE COMEDY OF REAL LIFE

Trey Kennedy makes a living finding comedy in regular life. Marriage. Toddlers. Yoga pants. The Thursday-night scramble between school dropoffs, soccer practice, and whatever has to be done by morning. Twelve years in, it shows: millions of followers across every platform, three stand-up specials, a sold-out Relatable Tour, and a style of humor fans send each other captioned, “Are you watching me?” He delivers the kind of comedy that travels because everyone’s living some version of it.

Katie, his wife of six years, is a former biomedical engineer who also built a modeling career. She’s now raising their kids and co-hosting Correct Opinions alongside Trey — the show where the two of them swap takes on marriage, parenting, and whatever came up that week.

Trey has been at this longer than people realize. An Edmond, Oklahoma kid who grew up playing basketball described himself as a “shy kid who never thought he’d be an entertainer.” He started making videos while attending Oklahoma State University. After building millions of followers on Vine before the platform shut down, he gave himself six months on Instagram and Facebook to see whether he could rebuild from zero. He did. Stand-up soon followed. His first special, Are You For Real?, streams on YouTube; the second, Grow Up, on Amazon Prime; the third, built around the Relatable Tour, wrapped earlier this year. “I’ve been trying to be funny every week for like twelve years now,” he says. A slow climb, made one bit at a time.

“I’ve been trying to be funny every week for like twelve years now.”

Most of what Trey writes lately starts in his own kitchen. Thomas is three and a half, and he is, in his father’s words, “a movie.” He narrates his own life from the moment his eyes open and mispronounces words in ways his parents now repeat to each other because no one else would believe them. His younger sister, Eva, is what Katie calls “the calm one.” With a third now in the mix, the Kennedys are officially outnumbered.

After six years of marriage, Trey and Katie have learned that the partnership runs best when it gets its own time on the calendar. So once a week, they leave the kids with a sitter and go out for coffee. “You need a system,” Katie says. “It’s about taking time to look each other in the eye. Not the kids. Not the cameras. Just each other.”

The same instinct shapes the work. Most of Trey’s trial and error happens onstage or on Instagram, but the first read is always Katie’s. “There’s only been one time ever I’ve had to be like, ‘you’re not doing that,’” she says. The rest of the time, she just laughs first.

Trey and Katie talk about marriage, parenting, and the moments that don’t make the Instagram feed.

Watch or listen to the full conversation wherever you get your podcasts.

HAIR & MAKEUP BY MIKAYLA CRANE

Birthday in a Box

Looking for a fun, easy and creative way to help those in need celebrate their special day? Put together a Birthday in a Box! The main element is a birthday cake, and the best part is that no perishable items are needed; all you need is one can of lemon-lime soda to take the place of the oil, water and eggs.

And what is a birthday celebration without decorations? Get the kids to help decide what fun party decorations to include – think candles, banners, confetti, ribbon and more. These are great to make in batches when items are on sale at the grocery store. Stock up and make someone’s day!

ARTICLE BY BETH DEL VILLE
PHOTOGRAPHY
QIANA KELSCH

PREP:

Collect all materials. Makes one Birthday in a Box.

• 1 Box of cake mix

• 1 Container of frosting

• 1 Can of lemon-lime soda

• 1 Disposable 9x13 aluminum baking pan with lid

• Cardstock or heavy paper, for baking directions and note (printed or handwritten)

• Party decorations of choice, including candles

STEP ONE:

Gather cake mix, container of frosting, can of lemon-lime soda, aluminum baking pan with lid and party decorations. Carefully place each item in the bottom of the baking pan, ensuring everything fits snugly.

STEP TWO:

Print or handwrite the instructions on cardstock, letting the recipient know to replace the oil, eggs and water with the can of lemon-lime soda, following the directions on the back of the cake mix box. You can also include a birthday wish.

STEP THREE:

Once all the items are in the pan, secure the lid and tie the package with a ribbon for an added festive touch. Deliver to your favorite food pantry.

1

THE ELEMENTS

Collect your essentials and special decorations

2

PUTTING IT TOGETHER

Place each element in the baking pan, including directions, and cover with the lid

3

TIME TO DELIVER

Collect your birthday cake boxes together and drop it at your favorite food pantry

ADDITIONAL ITEMS TO CONSIDER:

Include candles; balloons; a birthday banner; noisemakers; a blank card for friends and family to sign; a small, gender-neutral gift or a gift card; birthday-themed paper plates and napkins. You don’t have to make each box the same – choose a different cake mix and frosting flavor for each box!

AUGUST 1ST

Paddlefest 2026

events

A SELECTION OF UPCOMING LOCAL EVENTS

Schmidt Recreation Complex, 2944 Hubert Avenue, Cincinnati | 6:00 AM

Join thousands of paddlers in support of Adventure Crew, a local nonprofit connecting city teens with nature. Races begin at 7 a.m. Float or watch—this is a Cincinnati tradition not to be missed! This year, paddlers try to break a Guinness World Record. Enjoy the Finish Line Festival at Gilday Riverside Park, 9 a.m.-2 p.m. Details online. OhioRiverPaddlefest.org

AUGUST 1ST, 19TH & 22ND

FC Cincinnati PreMatch at the Park

Washington Park, 1230 Elm Street, Cincinnati | 4:00 PM

Before each FC Cincinnati home match, make sure you check out the PreMatch at the Park. These free events feature family-friendly activities like inflatable soccer games, an inflatable FCC slide, face painting, music, food trucks and other vendors to enjoy. Children and dogs are welcome, and there will be lots of seating available. FCCincinnati.com/matchday/prematch-at-the-park

AUGUST 7TH

Movie in the Park

Stephan Park, 6400 Drake Road, Village of Indian Hill | 8:45 PM

The Village of Indian Hill announces the Movie in the Park event on Friday, August 7 at dusk in Stephan Park. Bring your own seats to get comfortable, and close out summer together by watching a family-friendly movie under the stars. Movie to be announced. IndianHill.gov

AUGUST 8TH - 23RD

Cincinnati Open

Lindner Family Tennis Center, 5460 Courseview Drive, Mason | 11:00 AM

Experience the annual professional tennis event held right here in Cincinnati. Choose a single session, multi-day or full series package and be front and center to the on-court action of today’s tennis superstars. Reserve tickets online or via the Cincinnati Open App. CincinnatiOpen.com

AUGUST 14TH

“A Raisin in the Sun” Starring Ruby Dee

Esquire Theatre, 320 Ludlow Avenue, Cincinnati | 7:00 PM

As part of the Ohio Goes To The Movies! celebration, the Esquire Theatre will be showing “A Raisin in the Sun,” featuring Cleveland actress Ruby Dee. The movie tells the story of a family in Chicago navigating societal issues during that era. Contact the theatre for free tickets and details. EsquireTheatre.com

AUGUST 30TH

Much Ado About Nothing—Shakespeare in the Park

The Carnegie Center of Columbia Tusculum, 3738 Eastern Avenue, Cincinnati | 1:00 PM

The Cincinnati Shakespeare Company will put on a production of Shakespeare’s beloved comedy, Much Ado About Nothing, at the indoor Carnegie Center. You’re invited to this witty rom com complete with rumors, enemies-to-lovers and saucy gossip. Performances are free. Reserve your tickets online. TheCarnegieCenter.org

AUGUST 2026 Want to be featured?

A Sample Of Recently Sold Properties in and around Indian Hill

Wellness Corner

LET YOUR PET LEAD YOU BACK TO THE THINGS THAT ACTUALLY MATTER

I named her Joy on purpose.

When we brought home our mini Cavapoo nearly a year ago, I wanted more than a dog to love. I wanted a reminder—a tiny, fluffy, impossible-to-ignore reminder—to slow down, go outside and pay attention to the good stuff happening right in front of us.

Researchers have found that time with pets lowers stress hormones in both adults and children and that kids who grow up with animals show greater empathy and emotional resilience. Joy does not know any of that. She just wants to go for a walk. And honestly, she is usually right.

This summer, let your pet lead you back to the things that actually matter.

5 Ways

Your Pet Can Improve Your Wellness This Summer

1. Take the daily walk. Your dog does not negotiate—rain or shine she is at the door. Let that be the push you need to get outside and move your body every single day.

2. Explore Cincinnati's parks. Ault Park, Devou, the Little Miami trails: this city has some of the most beautiful green spaces around and your pup is the perfect reason to finally enjoy them.

3. Let your kids take the lead. Feeding, walking and caring for an animal teaches children empathy and responsibility in ways nothing else quite replicates. Give them a real role, and watch them rise to it.

4. Find your dog-friendly spots. Cincinnati has incredible pet-welcoming patios and gathering spaces. Make it a weekly family ritual, and notice how much slower and sweeter the weekend feels.

5. Bring them along. Car rides, day trips, family outings— when your pet is woven into your life instead of managed around it, everyone relaxes. The kids are happier. The pace softens. And they are just glad to be there.

That is what I have learned from a tiny pup who weighs less than my purse. Presence is the point. Sometimes it takes a dog to remind us.

About Brooke Griffin Farmer, Brooke Griffin Farmer is a USA Today best-selling author, entrepreneur, former Cincinnati Bengals cheerleader and Fitness Universe champion. She’s passionate about helping women live well—body, mind and spirit. Brooke is the creator of Move Pray Love, a podcast and lifestyle brand that blends faith, food and wellness. She lives in Cincinnati with her husband and children.  @BrookeGriffinFarmer | OurFarmerHouse.com

Photo by Brooke Griffin Farmer
Photo by Kortnee Kate

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