ARCHITECT
Gelotte Hommas Drivdahl
INTERIOR DESIGN
Hillary Young Design Associates
PHOTOGRAPHY
Tim Van Asselt BUILDING
Celebrating Family Life: Kids, Pets, and Community Connections
Dear Islanders,
This month we're celebrating all things Kids and Pets in the Mercer Island community! From tips on photographing your family to caring for a new family friend, we have stories that capture the joy, challenges, and rewards of family life.
Local Mercer Island photographer Lisi Wolf shares pro tips for coordinating outfits, choosing photogenic locations, and scheduling family photo sessions so you can get frame-worthy shots.
We talk to Mercer Island mom Jill Hawkins about her journey to diagnose and treat her children's rare genetic disorder through advocacy and founding the FAM177A1 Research Fund. Her story is both inspiring and informative, shedding light on the challenges and triumphs of raising children with unique needs.
For pet lovers, we have a comprehensive guide on preparing your home and family before bringing home a new pet, courtesy of the experts at Island Animal Hospital. Von's 1000Spirits shares a fun cotton candy mocktail recipe that kids will love, adding a touch of whimsy to family gatherings. We also highlight some of the musical talents of Mercer Island's High School (MIHS) students and celebrate MIHS student Gabby Frederick's national championship in equestrian competition at the Interscholastic Equestrian Association National Finals held at Tyron International Equestrian Center in Mill Spring, North Carolina.
Additionally, we explore the critical role of early orthodontic care with Islander Orthodontics and Mercer Island Orthodontics in ensuring lifelong oral health. Learn why the American Association of Orthodontists recommends children visit the orthodontist by age 7 and how early evaluations can prevent more serious dental issues down the road.
We are also excited to feature the new Parenting Mercer Island website, an initiative by Mercer Island Youth and Family Services (MIYFS) that provides invaluable support and resources for caregivers in our community. The site offers a wealth of information to help parents navigate the challenges of raising children in today's world.
To top it all off, don’t miss The “coming-soon” Crawlspace Gastropub’s Family Friendly Fare recipe for Kalua Pork Sliders with Asian Slaw. These delicious sliders are perfect for a summer meal, combining tender pork with a refreshing slaw.
In every issue, we strive to provide useful information to enrich your family life, highlight inspiring Islanders, and strengthen our community bonds. Let us know what topics you want covered in future issues! Email us at mercerisland@citylifestyle.com
Warmly,
CHRIS ISHII AND SHARON PEREZ,
August 2024
PUBLISHER
Chris Ishii | chris.ishii@citylifestyle.com
EDITOR
Sharon Perez | sharon.perez@citylifestyle.com
CONTRIBUTING WRITERS
Laura Ohata, Lisi Wolf, Jason Farrish, Heritage 1904, Julie Hsieh, Island Animal Hospital
CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS
Jim Garner, Laura Ohata, Lisi Wolf, Zach Corbin, Allen Yoo, Heritage 1904, Mercer Island Youth & Family Services, Frederick family, Islander Orthodontics, Island Animal Hospital, Winslow Photography
Corporate Team
CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER Steven Schowengerdt
CHIEF OPERATING OFFICER Matthew Perry
EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR OF HR Janeane Thompson
AD DESIGNER Evan Deuvall
LAYOUT DESIGNER Kelsey Ragain Learn how to
2024
city scene
WHERE NEIGHBORS CAN SEE AND BE SEEN
1: Hosts, Shireen and Neal Singh at Bonkers By the Lake - A Kare4Kids Guild Event 2: Nash Hawkins spoke at FAM JAM about the impact of research for his siblings. 3: Jill Hawkins with Islander and restauranteur Nick Mautone, donated two cocktail-making-parties, sold $5700 each! FAM-JAM 4: Auctioneer Matt Lorch driving up the bidding for FAM-JAM FAM177a1 Rare Disease Research Fundraiser 5: Visiting City Lifestyle HQ in Kansas City! Sharon Perez, President Matthew Perry, and Mindy Hargesheimer 6: BMWs, Bourbon and Bites and DJLamar39, MICL June Issue Release Party was a blast! 7: World-renown sitar player, at Kare4Kids Guild “Partea” benefiting Seattle Children’s Neurology care and research.
Want to be seen in the magazine?
LAURA OHATA
LAURA OHATA
LAURA OHATA
MERCER ISLAND CITY LIFESTYLE
MERCER ISLAND CITY LIFESTYLE
MERCER ISLAND CITY LIFESTYLE
Summer Concert
Fri, Aug 23 | Doors 4p
Get ready to groove with Chicago-based Blues Hall of Famer, John Primer and the Real Deal Blues Band for a night of soulful music!
On Sale Now*
Dr. Lauren Hagel DDS, MSD Assumes Dr. Chorak’s Practice
Mercer Island Orthodontics has a new doctor leading the team. Dr. Lauren Hagel is Board Certified by the American Board of Orthodontics. She earned a BS: Biology from Willamette University and Doctor of Dental Surgery, with Honors, from University of Washington and Master’s in both Dentistry and Orthodontics from the UW. Out of the office, she volunteers providing oral health for underserved communities in Eastern Washington, riding and competing with her horse, biking and backpacking.
Photography by Mercer Island Orthodontics
Island Animal Hospital adds Associate Veterinarian, Dr. Sharada Mahalingam
Dr. Sharada Mahalingam grew up in Mumbai, India. After graduating from Bombay Veterinary College, she moved to the US in 2013. In 2016 she obtained a Master’s Degree in toxicology from the University of Illinois College of Veterinary Medicine. Her experience includes internships in: small animal medicine and surgery in Michigan; emergency and critical care in Massachusetts; and emergency medicine in Washington for four years; before transitioning into urgent care and general practice.
Photography by Island Animal Hospital
ARTICLE BY LISI WOLF
PHOTOGRAPHY BY LISI WOLF PHOTOGRAPHY
6 TIPS FOR GREAT FAMILY PHOTOS
Dress for Success: Expert Advice for Your Next Portraits
Effortless. That’s how photos should be. They should capture a moment in time, as you will want to remember it fifty years from now. Preparing for a family photo session can feel overwhelming. Here's a guide to help you make the most out of your session without the stress:
CLOTHING:
1. Color Scheme Coordination: Choose a color scheme that coordinates well without everyone wearing the exact same color. This creates visual interest without being too matchy-matchy.
2. Avoid High Contrast: In group photos, avoid extreme contrasts between outfits. Opt for a cohesive look where everyone's attire complements each other.
3. Select a Few Colors: For larger family photos, pick a handful of colors that work well together. This allows each family member to choose an outfit they feel comfortable in while maintaining overall harmony in the photo.
4. Texture and Vibrancy: Look for clothing with textures and vibrant colors. Mixing different fabric textures adds depth to the photo and helps each individual stand out.
5. Avoid Logos and Small Patterns: Steer clear of clothing with large logos or distracting patterns. Simple, solid colors or larger, subtle patterns work best for family photos.
6. Timeless Over Trendy: When unsure, opt for timeless clothing choices over trendy pieces. Classic styles will stand the test of time and won't look outdated in future photos.
7. Comfort is Key: Ultimately, ensure that each family member feels comfortable in their outfit. Confidence and comfort will shine through in the photos.
LOCATION:
1. Choose a Meaningful Setting: Select a location that holds significance for your family. Whether it's a favorite park, beach, or urban area, choose a backdrop that reflects your family's personality.
2. Consider Photogenic Locations: Look for locations with natural beauty and interesting features:Luther Burbank Park: Offers a variety of scenery including water, trees, and urban structures. Bellevue Botanical Gardens: Beautiful year-round with vibrant flowers and foliage.Pioneer Square: A classic Seattle location with colorful buildings and urban backdrops.Beach Settings: Golden Gardens, Alki, or Lincoln Park offer stunning views of the Pacific Northwest.Discovery Park: Vistas of the Puget Sound plus tall grasses and meadows.
3. Timing is Everything: Consult with your photographer about the best time of day for your chosen location. Avoid midday sun for outdoor shoots. Its harsh lighting can be unflattering. Schedule around your children's nap times to ensure they're well-rested and cooperative during the session.
For more information, visit Lisiwolf.com
Color Scheme Coordination
Avoid Logos and Small Patterns
Our own Mercer Island, Lisi Wolf Photography, was recently named "Most Awesome Family Photographer" in Seattle by readers of Red Tricycle. Lisi specializes in families, senior portraits, and corporate photography. “We built our business around the quality, value, and simplicity we would want if we were the customer.” Lisi Wolf
Avoid High Contrast
Texture and Vibrancy
Select a Few Colors
Timeless Over Trendy
ARTICLE BY SHARON PEREZ
PHOTOGRAPHY BY
MI YOUTH & FAMILY SERVICES
TOOLS FOR YOUR CHILD’S SUCCESS - A GROUNDBREAKING NEW ON-LINE RESOURCE FOR MERCER ISLAND FAMILIES
INTRODUCING: PARENTINGMERCERISLAND.ORG
Once again, Mercer Island is the beneficiary of visionary leadership in social and emotional wellness services for skills-building and support with the newly developed website: ParentingMercerIsland.org.
Parenting Mercer Island provides Mercer Island families with the tools
and the words to say to engage children. Topics include: listening, bullying, confidence, empathy, conflict, child trauma, discipline, empathy, establishing rules about alcohol and more.
The online resource also includes in-depth information on various topics in the “I Want to Know More”
MIYFS IS DEDICATED TO HELPING ISLANDERS GROW, THRIVE AND CONTRIBUTE TO COMMUNITY.
to build the skills children need to be confident, resilient, and make healthy choices.
Mercer Island Youth and Family Services (MIYFS) led by Prevention Programs Coordinator, Michelle Ritter, spent years of diligent work, partnering with the Center for Health and Safety Culture at Montana State University under the leadership of Annmarie MacMahill with support from Confident Parents, Confident Kids’ authors Jennifer Miller and Shannon Wanless to create a parenting online resource: www.ParentingMercerIsland.org, with funding from the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration.
Parents and caregivers can access tools to address everyday parenting challenges by child’s age and issue. Tools are based on an easy-to-use fivestep process, including actions to take
resources that focus on communication, development, discipline, parenting process, relationships and risky behavior.
Last year, a small study examined parents who used the tools. It found that children improved in each of the core five social and emotional competencies over a six-month period. Notably, those parents also improved their skills on each of the five social and emotional competency areas during that same six-month period.
MIYFS human services professionals are here to support the social and emotional wellbeing of Islanders of all ages, abilities and backgrounds by providing assistance that is tailored to specific needs and circumstances. Working together, they make it possible for Mercer Island to continue to be a vibrant place to live, work and play.
Hot HighCool Tunes Schoolers
Mercer Island Student Artists Make Music Together
ARTICLE BY SHARON PEREZ AND JULIE HSIEH
PHOTOGRAPHY BY
ZACH CORBIN, LAURA OHATA, MICL
Mercer Island schools and students are nationally recognized for outstanding music programs and artists. Our community is lucky to have local support and opportunities to hear our student musicians at multiple local venues including:
• Yuan Ru Art Center, Bellevue
• Mosaic MI Open Mic, Aljoya
• First Friday Art Walk, Town Center
• MISD School concerts, Elementary, IMS and MIHS: Orchestra, Band, Choir, Jazz Band, Marching Band.
Jazz Fusion Quintet Yuan Ru Art Center
MI Swingin’ Jazz First Friday Art Walk
Trio: Sidh, Elise, Danny, Mosaic MI at SZ Gallery
Jazz Fusion Quintet First Friday Art Walk
Pranit on piano is a National PTA Reflections Winner in Music Composition Yuan Ru Art Center
Not just horsing around…MIHS rising Junior Embodies the Multi-talented Kids of Mercer Island with dedication to her sports and joy
Mercer Island’s National Champion Gabby Frederick
ARTICLE BY SHARON PEREZ
PHOTOGRAPHY BY THE FREDERICK FAMILY
Finishing sophomore year strong, Gabby and Luna Reserve Champions at Cascade Horse Show mid June
Mercer Island High School rising junior Gabby Frederick, 15, recently achieved remarkable success at the Interscholastic Equestrian Association National Finals, held from April 25-28 at the Tryon International Equestrian Center in Mill Spring, North Carolina. Gabby won the varsity equitation on the flat competition in her age group, which included high school seniors. This victory is a testament to her exceptional skill and dedication to the sport.
In addition to her win, Gabby was awarded the Intermont Equestrian At Emory & Henry $5,000 equestrian scholarship, recognizing her potential and commitment to excellence in riding. She also received her second sportsmanship award, an honor voted on by her peers, highlighting her positive influence and camaraderie within the riding community.
Gabby rides four times a week at a barn in Woodenville with her current local horse, Luna. Her love for riding began at the age of eight, inspired by her mother, a former rider. Although her father and brother are avid soccer enthusiasts, she found her thrill in horseback riding, starting her first lessons at Flicka Farms and later at the Mercer Island Saddle Club. Mercer Island is a horse-friendly community, and she rides with several other local girls, including on her riding team.
This year, Gabby plans to move up a division in one of her events, with hopes of qualifying for nationals again. Being multi-talented, is no small feat, as she also plays soccer four times a week for Eastside FC and her high school team, Mercer Island.
Despite her busy schedule, she embraces the distinct rewards of both sports. Gabby explains, “horseback riding offers a personalized connection with the horse, while soccer fosters team spirit and camaraderie”.
Gabby’s dedication, hard work and spirit, clearly land her in the Winner’s Circle.
Gabby and first pony, Bria
Gabby and Bria jumping in the early days
MERCER ISLAND'S New ORTHODONTISTS SHINE
Islanders are in outstanding hands with the two newest orthodontists. Early orthodontic care ensures lifelong dental health and can prevent more serious future issues. Dr. Lauren Hagel shared, “The American Association of Orthodontists recommends all children visit the orthodontist for an evaluation by the age of 7, also known as Phase I.”
“Key indicators for early care include underbite, crossbite, crowded teeth, early loss of primary teeth, excessively spaced teeth, extra or missing teeth, excessive overjet, and habits such as thumb sucking that affect jaw development. By addressing these issues at an early age, treatment can improve the efficiency of chewing and speaking, reduce abnormal dental wear, and improve a child’s appearance and self-esteem,” says Dr. Alissa Borda. “This can foster a positive attitude toward oral health and prevent the need for more extensive treatments in the future.”
Common treatments include expanders, partial braces, space maintainers, and habit appliances. “In the last few years, Invisalign has become one of our main treatment modalities and has shown great success in achieving our goals for early treatment,” notes Dr. Hagel
Early intervention is a proactive step for children to start a lifetime of healthy, confident smiles.
“While not all children require Phase I orthodontics, early visits allow for continuous assessment of dental and jaw growth. As the child grows, the orthodontist can intervene at the opportune time if indications for treatment arise.”
Dr. Lauren Hagel
“Early orthodontic care is typically recommended between the ages of 7-10 when some primary teeth are still present.”
Dr. Alissa Borda
ARTICLE BY CHRIS ISHII PHOTOGRAPHY BY ISLANDER ORTHODONTICS, MERCER
ISLAND ORTHODONTICS
The Importance of Early Orthodontic Care for Healthy Smiles
Dr. Lauren Hagel, Mercer Island Orthodontics
Dr. Alissa Borda, Islander Orthodontics
Family Friendly Fare
JASON FARRISH,
The centerpiece of many a luau, Kalua pork is traditionally cooked in an underground oven called an Imu. It is an incredibly moist, slightly smokey, unctuous dish resembling pulled pork. While I have cooked quite a few whole pigs in an Imu, I really hate digging holes and so this recipe was born. While it’s not a perfect match it does get us 80% of the results with 100% less time behind a shovel.
ARTICLE BY
THE CRAWLSPACE GASTROPUB PHOTOGRAPHY BY ALLEN YOO
KALUA PORK SLIDERS WITH ASIAN SLAW
Kalua Pork Sliders with Asian Slaw
ingredients
• 1-2 Tablespoons Hawaiian Sea Salt
• 1 Tablespoon liquid smoke
• ½ cup Kewpie mayo (or regular mayo)
• 1 Teaspoon seasoned rice wine vinegar
• ½ cup soy sauce
• ½ head cabbage (red, green, or mixed)
• 2 to 3 green onions
• A whole bunch of Hawaiian sweet rolls
• 3-5lb boneless or bone-in pork shoulder (bone-in shoulders will require at least 1 extra hour of cooking time, but are more tender and flavorful)
directions
Pre-heat oven to 325 degrees F. On stove, heat a large Dutch oven over medium-high heat then add neutral flavored oil to lightly coat the bottom. When oil is hot, add pork shoulder and sear on all sides, then remove from pan. Deglaze the pan with soy sauce and liquid smoke, then add back the pork shoulder. Cover and place into 325-degree oven. Roast until fork tender 3-5 hours depending on the size of shoulder. Use a thermometer in the thickest part of shoulder and when it reads 200 degrees you are done. Remove pork from oven and let it rest, covered, for 1 hour.
Next, make the slaw. Thinly slice half a head of cabbage and place into a large mixing bowl. Slice green onions thinly on the bias and add. Next add seasoned rice wine vinegar and mayonnaise, combine all.
When pork is done resting, it should easily shred. Use heavy-duty kitchen gloves to do this by hand, or shred with forks or tongs to separate the meat. Pull the pork into thin strips to evenly combine the browned bits. You should very safely be able to add at least one tablespoon salt to taste. Make sure you add a little, mix, taste, and then add more if necessary.
Slice rolls in half, butter and toast, add some slaw, add some pork, and bask in the ridiculous amount of Aloha!
KALUA PORK SLIDERS WITH ASIAN SLAW
Chef Jason Farrish
Mercer Island Voices
MOTHER & ADVOCATE JILL HAWKINS AND FAM177A1 RESEARCH FUND
ARTICLE AND PHOTOGRAPHY BY LAURA OHATA
The Hawkins Family, Doug, Cooper, Nash, Jill, Charlotte
Jill created a fundraiser, FAM-JAM that raised $225K for research
Our family moved to Mercer Island, from Seattle, in 2010 for a smaller community and schools because our daughter had really unique special education needs.
Our first child, Nash, hit all the developmental milestones on time, and our second child, Charlotte, didn’t. She was given a lot of tests but remained undiagnosed. Doctors didn’t know why, but agreed that she was behind developmentally, and agreed that whatever she had, was probably genetic. It became clear by the time Charlotte was three, that she was going to need a lifetime of support. We suddenly belonged to a club we never wanted to belong to…raising kids who are different and medically complex.
Five years after we had Charlotte, we decided to have a third child. We wanted to experience the unfolding of human development that is supposed to happen; and give Nash, a typical sibling to have a partner later in life to help out with his sister, Charlotte. So, we rolled the dice and had Cooper. We knew early on he was falling behind developmentally, and in all likelihood, had whatever it is that Charlotte had. Our hearts burst into a thousand pieces, but we picked up those pieces, and we moved on.
For almost 15 years of Charlotte’s life and 10 years of Cooper’s, they were undiagnosed. My first objective was to get them diagnosed. I pounded the pavement until I found the right people at The Undiagnosed Diseases Network (part of the National Institute of Health) and a team at Stanford finally diagnosed them with a gene called FAM177a1. They each inherited two
bad copies of the gene, one from my husband and one from me.
Once we understood what happened, a variant on a gene, I realized how fixable this disease is. There are other similar diseases that are being cured. The technology exists. We recognized that we need to focus research and scientists on our disease to get to a fix. Nobody else was going to do this except for the family of an affected child. We are just too rare. So, that’s why I started the foundation, FAM177a1 Research Fund. The mission of the Research Fund is to improve the lives of every patient with the disorder, accelerate research, and develop patient-focused treatments.
Through the foundation, we conducted a drug repurposing initiative, to see if there is a medicine sitting on the shelf right now that would work for this disease! Using donations from our incredibly generous friends and family, we did a drug repurposing screen where we created a model of FAM177a1 disorder in a model organism and, very systematically, gave 1,600 FDA-approved drugs to the model organism to see which ones improved the health in the model. Now we have a short list of drugs that are safe and available that we can use with our kids and see if it also improves the health in patients.
We are working to find and help every family that is affected by this disorder and advocate for the government and individuals to fund rare disease research. There is currently no cure or treatment, but our team of clinicians and researchers thinks that treatment is within reach. Join us! visit curefam.org and social media @ FAM177a1.
“My hope is that we can find or develop potentially life-transforming therapies for my kids in a timeframe that matters, to keep them walking and to stop
Cooper’s seizures”
COTTON CANDY QUENCHER
ARTICLE BY VON’S 1000SPIRITS
PHOTOGRAPHY BY HERITAGE 1904
Von’s Famous Kid’s Spun Sugar Summer Punch
The Kid’s Spun Sugar Punch is an all-time family favorite at Von’s 1000Spirits. It’s a joyful indulgence that feels like an extra special treat while out to dinner with the family. Although we make our own spun sugar in-house at Von’s with a neutral flavor, you can easily recreate the magic with any flavored cotton candy from Amazon or your local grocery store.
ingredients:
• Splash orange juice
• Splash pineapple juice
• Splash cranberry juice
• ½ can of Sprite or Lime LaCroix
• Small bundle of Spun Sugar or Cotton Candy
• Add a shot of Savor Spear® Vodka to make it an adultfriendly boozy cocktail
directions:
Step 1. Fill a shaker halfway with ice.
Step 2. Add juices and sprite to shaker.
Step 3. Fill your kid’s cup of choice (12oz or more) halfway with ice.
Step 4. Place about a handful of spun sugar on top of kid’s cup.
Step 5. Swirl shaker and pour over spun sugar into cup. Enjoy the melting magic!
Cheers from Heritage 1904 President Missy
Spun Sugar Topper Delights
At Aegis Living, we see aging as a gift. Every second of it. Aegis offers support for all stages of senior care, including short-term stays for seniors when caregivers need a respite, memory care for residents with dementia, and transitional care to meet a resident’s changing needs. We’d love to meet you, answer your questions, and show you around.
A SELECTION OF UPCOMING LOCAL EVENTS
AUGUST 1ST
Mostly Music in the Park Outdoor Concert Series
Mercerdale Park | 6:30 PM
The City of Mercer Island presents the 2024 Mostly Music in the Park concert series, Thursday evenings 6:308:30pm. Meet your neighbors, bring your friends, family, picnic, blanket and dancing shoes for live music and hands-on arts & crafts.
August 1 Catch a Wave
August 8 Restless Vocal Band
August 15 The Jewel Tones August 22 Prom Date Mixtape
AUGUST 2ND
Mercer Island First Friday Art Walk
Town Center | 5:00 PM
Enjoy a summer night in Town Center for the First Friday Art Walk featuring local and international artists at MI businesses and galleries including: Clarke & Clarke Art + Artifacts, Realogics Sotheby’s, Suzanne Zahr Gallery, Barrels Wine Bar, Aljoya, John L. Scott, Caldwell Banker Bain and MIVAL Gallery.
ARTICLE BY DR. BLANCHETTE, ISLAND ANIMAL HOSPITAL
PHOTOGRAPHY BY MI CITYLIFESTYLE, ISLAND ANIMAL HOSPITAL
Welcome to the Family!
HOW TO PREPARE FOR A NEW PET IN YOUR HOME AND FAMILY
Bringing a new pet into your home is an exciting time but requires thoughtful preparation to ensure a smooth transition. From choosing the right pet to preparing your home and family, here are essential things to consider:
CHOOSING THE RIGHT PET:
• Evaluate your daily routine, activity level, and living situation. Active pets, like dogs, often thrive with ample exercise and playtime, while more sedentary pets, like cats or reptiles, may prefer quieter households.
• Research different breeds or species to find one that matches your family's dynamics: temperament, exercise needs, grooming requirements, and potential health issues.
• Consider adopting from animal shelters or rescue organizations. Adoption provides a loving home to a pet in need, and also reduces the demand for commercially bred animals.
PREPARING YOUR HOME & FAMILY
• Create a safe environment by removing potential hazards: toxic plants, small objects that can be swallowed, electrical cords, and chemicals. Secure cabinets and ensure trash bins have lids.
• Set up a dedicated area where your pet can eat, sleep, and feel safe. Provide comfortable bedding, food and water bowls, toys, and a litter box.
• Involve all family members in discussions about pet care: feeding schedules, exercise routines and grooming.
• Establish clear expectations regarding who will handle tasks
• If you have other pets, introduce them gradually to your new pet to minimize stress and promote positive interactions.
COMPREHENSIVE CARE AND FINANCIAL READINESS
• Schedule a veterinary check-up soon after bringing your new pet home. This will help ensure your pet is healthy, up-to-date on vaccinations, and free of parasites. Discuss preventive care, flea and tick prevention and dental care.
• Train your pet early to establish good behavior and boundaries. Socialize with different people, animals, and environments.
• Pets require time and attention to thrive: play, exercise, grooming, and companionship.
By taking these steps to prepare for your new pet, you can create a nurturing environment where your pet feels loved, safe, and well-cared for. Strengthen the bond between you and your pet and set the foundation for a happy and fulfilling life together. Congratulations on your new family member!
Hello birdie!
Hoppy in a new home
Train early for good behavior and boundaries
A new puppy can be an adjustment for everyone in the family
Serving your Mercer Island neighbors since 1984
Nestled on the flanks of a wooded steep slope, this home embraces the beauty of nature while providing a comfortable, stylish living space. From exposed wooden beams to large windows that allow natural light to flood in, every element is carefully crafted to create a warm atmosphere.
“I remember the first sketch I saw, I think it brought me to tears, I was so stunned by it.
That you could put into this picture all the ideas that had been running through my mind all these years. The house was beyond my wildest expectations.”
Homeowner — Carolyn
