Paws & Play: Embracing Joy with Kids & Pets
Welcome to our special Kids & Pets edition! We're thrilled to share stories, tips, and fun features that celebrate the joys of childhood and the wonderful world of pets.
At City Lifestyle, we know how kids light up at the sight of a playful pup or a curious kitten. Pets become cherished companions, teaching children about love, responsibility, and the wonders of nature.
In this edition, you'll find heartwarming tales of children exploring their world and discovering new adventures. From imaginative play to discovering nature's wonders, each story captures the essence of childhood wonder.
For our pet lovers, we've included tips on pet care, health, and fostering strong bonds with your furry family members. Whether you're a seasoned pet owner or thinking about adding a new member to your family, we've got you covered with expert advice and insights.
We believe in nurturing both the magic of childhood and the special bond between families and their pets. Our goal with this edition is to inspire families to create lasting memories and celebrate the unique relationships children share with their animal companions.
Thank you for being a part of our community and sharing in our love for kids and pets. We hope you enjoy this special edition as much as we enjoyed putting it together!
ANGI
BURNS, PUBLISHER
@PLANOCITYLIFESTYLE
Are you on the association board for your subdivision? Do you have someone you would like to nominate for Student, Non-Profit or First Responder of the Month. Contact us for information on how you can be included in upcoming articles and share your events and ideas. We would love to partner with you to host our events in your neighborhood! Just give us a shout. We want to meet you.
August 2024
PUBLISHER
Angi Burns | angi.burns@citylifestyle.com
PUBLICATION DIRECTOR
Hang Le | hang.le@citylifestyle.com
PUBLISHER ASSISTANT
Kathy Moreno | kathy.moreno@citylifestyle.com
STAFF PHOTOGRAPHERS
Lovelyn Photography, Adeline Merrick
STAFF WRITERS
Kathy Moreno, Fatima Durrani, Cortney Wilbanks
Corporate Team
CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER Steven Schowengerdt
CHIEF OPERATING OFFICER Matthew Perry
EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR OF HR Janeane Thompson
AD DESIGNER Rachel Chrisman
LAYOUT DESIGNER Rhiannon Coffman
Learn how to start your own publication at citylifestyle.com/franchise.
city scene
1 - 7: In honor of our annual Kids & Pets Issue we asked our readers to submit their favorite photos of their kiddos with their precious pets. Thank you to all who shared your loved ones with us. Follow Plano City Lifestyle on social media for your next opportunity to share your photos in the City Scene. 1: Brantley, Brylee and Whisky 2: Blake and Maisy 3: Mallory and Torrie 4: Hillary and Rexx 6: Samantha and Brodie 7: James and Max
8 - 14: In honor of our annual Kids & Pets Issue we asked our readers to submit their favorite photos of their kiddos with their precious pets. Thank you to all who shared your loved ones with us. Follow Plano City Lifestyle on social media for your next opportunity to share your photos in the City Scene. 8: Stephanie and Barkley 9: Robin and Winston 10: Antonio, Bella and Chico 11: Winston, Biscuit, Taro-Kai and Poppy 12: Emily, Cesar, Alexa and Max 13: Liliana and Tres Beaux 14: Gabby with Guiliana and Hank
Hope Restored Missions Has a New Home!
Hope Restored Missions celebrated with Mayor John Muns and Councilmen Rick Smith and Rick Horne at the grand opening of its new facility. The organization has been serving the community with compassion and dedication, providing essential services to the unhoused. The new facility is located at 1947 K Ave #B100 Plano, TX 75074. Find out more about how you can support the organization by visiting hoperestoredmissions.org
Friends of the Farmstead
The annual Friends of the Farmstead event was a huge success! Filled with engaging activities like Chicken Poop Bingo and the Pick a Pig game, guests had the opportunity to participate in unique experiences. The event featured both a live auction and a silent auction in the Historic Young House, creating an atmosphere of excitement and generosity. The event successfully raised significant funds to support their latest initiative, For the Love of the Creek.
Girls Want to do More Than Just Have fun!
The Girl Cave Social Club located in The Shops at Willow Bend offers access to knowledge, connectivity, and inventiveness from the world’s most inspired women doers and thinkers. We are a movement FOR women with a potent social mission to incubate selfhood, sisterhood, and livelihood. The social club is a stylish and unique space, both intimate and grand, designed for the way we blend work and play.
We have such amazing, innovative business leaders in our community who are proud to serve you, our residents, with class and quality. We’ve compiled some of our top company picks for the services that might be on your mind this month in an effort to make your lives a little easier.
Veterinary Practice
Legacy Drive Animal Hospital legacydriveah.com | 972.517.2828
Advanced Veterinary Care of Plano advancedvetcare.com | 972.618.0301
Animal Medical Center of Plano amcofplano.com | 972.985.8448
Windhaven Veterinary Hospital windhavenveterinaryhospital.com | 972.403.7373
UrgentVet urgentvet.com | 469.609.8400
Tutoring Center
C2 Education of Plano c2educate.com | 972.943.9500
Victory Prep Tutors victorypreptutors.com | 214.447.0706
Academic Solutions planoacademicsolutions.com | 972.758.1909
Want to suggest a monthly pick?
Eye Level Learning Center Plano Central myeyelevel.com | 972.398.6284
Mathnasium mathnasium.com | 214.618.0558
Children's Store
Southern Stork Baby + Children's Boutique southernstorkboutique.com | 469.814.9786
Lyla's Clothing & Gifts lylasclothing.com
The Toy Tree toytreetx.wixsite.com | 469.929.6009
Stacy’s Sensory Solutions stacysss.com | 972.599.1220
Bricks & Minifigs Plano bricksandminifigs.com | 972.618.2343
Pet Shop
Pettito pettitodallas.com | 682.255.2406
JeTT Pets Club for Dogs jettpetsdfw.com | 469.389.0099
Exotic Aquatics exoticaquaticstexas.com | 972.519.9559
Birdiac's Bird Shop birdiacs.com | 972.612.0923
Three Dog Bakery Plano threedogdfw.com | 972.473.2275
Private School
Canyon Creek Day School canyoncreekdayschool.com | 972.964.8798
Fusion Academy Plano fusionacademy.com | 972.403.9018
The Einstein School theeinsteinschool.com | 972.564.8040
Coram Deo Academy coramdeoacademy.org | 469.854.1300
Castle Montessori of Plano cadence-education.com | 972.781.2333
ARTICLE BY KATHY MORENO
local experiences
DISCOVER LOCAL GEMS, CREATE MEMORIES AND EMBRACE AUTHENTIC COMMUNITY EXPERIENCES.
Explore our comprehensive guide to the best dog parks in your locality. Whether you seek sprawling green spaces or specialized agility courses, our curated list ensures you'll find the ideal place for your canine companion to exercise and socialize. Discover amenities, leash policies, and more to plan your next outing with ease.
Dog Park at Bonnie Wenk | This fenced, 2-acre park features a splash pad and separate areas for small and large dogs. 2996 W Virginia Pkwy, McKinney, TX 75071
Bark Yard | The eight-acre park features open fields for both smaller and larger dogs to ensure the safety of all animals. 510 S. Jupiter Road Allen, TX 75002
Dog Park at Natural Springs Park | a double-gated, fenced, seven-acre area where pups can play off-leash. It features separate spaces for large and small dogs. 2300 Shiloh Rd, Plano, TX 75074
Jack Carter Dog Park | Pets love the chance to get some off-leash exercise here with this fenced dog park, which includes water fountains for both people and dogs. 2215 Pleasant Valley Dr, Plano, TX 75023
Dog Park at Windhaven Meadows Park | With five acres of grassland, this dog park is a fully fenced, double-gated space with separate enclosed sections for large and small dogs. 5369 Spring Creek Pkwy, Plano, TX 75093
Maintaining the Health of your Pets
Tips and Tricks from Veterinary Emergency Group
As a pet owner, ensuring your pet’s health is in prime condition requires attention to their diet, exercise, environment, and regular veterinary care. We sat down with Joshua Adkins and Dr. Zachary Croslin of the Veterinary Emergency Group to discuss proactive measures that you can take to keep your furry friends happy and healthy.
Just like human health, nutrition is the foundation for the longevity of your pet’s health and it begins with prioritizing a well-balanced diet. “For dogs, this typically means sticking to veterinarian-approved foods. While there is the debate about kibble, trusting the advice of your vet can ensure that your pet receives the necessary nutrients without the risk associated with some commercial foods,” Dr. Croslin advises. Dr. Croslin also touched on the benefits of vitamins for your pets and contrary to popular belief, vitamins are usually not necessary if your pet is already on a balanced diet. “The key is to avoid excessive treats or human food like bacon scraps. Just as with humans, maintaining a healthy weight through proper nutrition and regular exercise is crucial if you want your pet to live happy and healthy,” Dr. Croslin adds.
ARTICLE BY CORTNEY WILBANKS
“Just as with humans, maintaining a healthy weight through proper nutrition and regular exercise is crucial if you want your pet to live happy and healthy” states
Dr. Croslin.
Along with nutrition, exercise is essential, but please remember how seasonal weather conditions may affect your pet’s well-being. For example, during summer, you should plan walks early in the morning or late in the evening to avoid the heat. For added paw protection while walking your dog on hot asphalt, consider having them wear boots, such as those from Ruffwear. These can prevent injuries from hot surfaces or rough terrain.
Regular dental care is often overlooked but is crucial for your pet's overall health. Ideally, you should brush your dog's teeth daily, though this can be challenging. Dental chews are a practical alternative to help reduce tartar buildup but consult your vet for advice on this and consider regular professional dental cleanings, which typically require anesthesia.
Many veterinary visits result from pets ingesting something they shouldn't have; such as synthetic materials from toys or medication. To stay on top of environmental risk as a pet owner, Dr. Croslin suggests regularly inspecting toys for durability and safety, and always storing medications securely out of reach, as animals are naturally curious.
From a medication standpoint; monthly heartworm, flea, and tick preventatives are especially important in regions like the South, where mosquitoes and other pests are prevalent. These medications can be lifesaving, as heartworms are transmitted by mosquitoes and can be detrimental to your pet’s health.
Lastly, staying alert to changes in your pet's behavior can help you spot health issues early. Common signs of fatigue and dehydration include lethargy, discomfort, and unresponsiveness. If your pet shows these symptoms despite having access to water, it could indicate an underlying problem that needs veterinary attention.
Being cautious of your pet’s health can keep you from frequent emergency room visits and ensure a long, happy, and healthy life for your fur pal. If you have a medical emergency or would like to speak with the team about a potential medical emergency for your pet, please visit: 1975 N Central Expy, Allen, TX 75013 or online at veterinaryemergencygroup.com.
CODING for KIDS
Navigating a Digital Future Through Creativity, Problem-Solving, and Innovation
ARTICLE BY KATHY MORENO | PHOTOGRAPHY PROVIDED
In today’s fast-paced digital age, coding has emerged as a powerful tool for nurturing essential skills and preparing young minds for the future. Here’s a deep dive into how coding, integrated with STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Mathematics) learning, enriches the educational journey and equips children with invaluable abilities.
At Code Wiz Plano “they believe that learning to code is the easiest way to shape your child’s future. Their students develop programming skills along with invaluable approaches to critical thinking and problem-solving. Best of all, anyone can learn to code—no matter their age, tech proficiency, or personal interests. They’ve designed fun, flexible programs to ensure every child becomes a wiz!”
Coding challenges children to break down complex problems into manageable parts, fostering systematic and logical approaches to finding solutions - a skill that is foundational in computer programming. By engaging in coding exercises early, children learn to analyze problems methodically, identify key components, and develop step-bystep solutions.
Beyond technical proficiency, coding encourages children to t hink critically and creatively. They must conceptualize solutions from different angles, anticipate potential issues, and adapt their strategies accordingly. This creative problem-solving approach extends beyond programming tasks, influencing their approach to academic subjects and real-life challenges. Through coding, integrated with the arts, and the design principles of STEAM, students engage in creative experimentation and project development. This freedom to innovate nurtures their creative thinking abilities, offering a balance to traditional education by encouraging originality and outsidethe-box thinking.
Moreover, the process of coding instills patience and perseverance, which are essential traits for tackling challenges in any field. In programming, encountering errors or bugs is common, requiring patience to identify and correct them. At Code Wiz, children learn that persistence pays off as they debug their code, test different solutions, and refine their approach until the desired outcome is achieved. This iterative process not only reinforces problem-solving skills but also cultivates resilience in the face of setbacks.
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Coding teaches children that mistakes are opportunities for learning and growth. Each debugging session reinforces the idea that setbacks are natural steps toward improvement, promoting resilience and a positive attitude towards challenges.
STEAM principles are seamlessly integrated into coding education, emphasizing the importance of interdisciplinary learning. For instance, coding projects often involve designing and building physical structures (Engineering), applying artistic elements in user interfaces (Arts), and analyzing data patterns (Mathematics), enriching the educational experience with a holistic approach.
Coding is pivotal in preparing children for a technology-driven future. It equips them with skills that are indispensable in various careers, ensuring they are ready to navigate and contribute to a digital society. It fosters an innovative mindset by demystifying technology and encouraging experimentation. Children learn to embrace change, explore new technologies, and view innovation as a catalyst for personal and societal progress.
Its pivotal to get your child off their handheld electronics and into collaborative environments where they learn the importance of teamwork. Communication and collaboration skills are honed as they work together to solve coding challenges, fostering effective teamwork. It helps to introduce children to cutting-edge fields like machine learning, artificial intelligence, and robotics, igniting their curiosity and helping them discover potential career passions early in life.
Integrated with STEAM education is more than a technical skill—it’s a gateway to creativity, problem-solving, and limitless opportunities. By embracing this multidisciplinary approach, empowers children to excel in a digital world while fostering essential cognitive and social-emotional skills. Coding and STEAM education prepare children not only to thrive academically but also to develop into innovative thinkers and lifelong learners prepared for the challenges of tomorrow.
If you’re interested in getting your child involved in a fun interactive STEAM program, contact Code Wiz at (469) 8243463 or visit www.thecodewiz.com/plano-tx
Unveiling Plano’s Premier Luxury Pet Hotel
K9 RESORTS SETS THE STANDARD FOR POSH PUP LODGING
ARTICLE PROVIDED BY SUZANNA AUSTIN
COURTESY OF STAR LOCAL MEDIA
PHOTOGRAPHY PROVIDED
“Studies have shown that today’s pet owners think of themselves as pet parents, and as parents, they want only the best for their fur babies when they need to be away from home,” explained K9 Resorts Franchisee, Suzanna Austin. “Given Plano’s fast-growing population and ranking as one of the top 10 cities for pet owners, according to Forbes, the need for something different, something special, was clear. So, my daughter and I decided to open a K9 Resorts to meet that need.” Led by the mother-daughter duo of Suzanna and Madyson Austin, K9 Resorts of Plano is the first location of the K9 Resorts Luxury Hotel franchise catering exclusively to dogs for both doggie daycare and overnight boarding to open in Texas.
The Austins, residents of Plano for nearly a decade, know a little something about pet parents. Long-time pet owners, their family currently includes four dogs, including three Golden Doodles ranging in age from 4 to 13, and a 7-year-old Pug named Smalls. Suzanna has spent her career in the nonprofit space, primarily working with organizations focused on helping children in need. With a bachelor’s from The University of Texas at Dallas in sociology and a master’s from Arizona State University in human development and family studies, Suzanna has a deep understanding of working with the public. Madyson has worked in the pet-care industry for several years, working as a pet technician, guest services representative and, most recently, for two years as a manager for a nearby pet facility.
“I’ve worked in the pet care industry,” noted Co-owner and Manager Madyson Austin. “I love working with dogs, and having worked in this space before, I understand what’s missing. I think the K9 Resorts model addresses the gap in care and training where the pet lodging industry has fallen short. Our customers are going to be amazed by the aesthetics of our resort and fall in love with the level of care and service we provide.”
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Known as the Ritz-Carlton of the pet hotel industry, the 13,900-square-foot K9 Resorts of Plano invites both its two- and four-legged guests to enter through a beautiful wrought-iron and glass doorway that leads to brilliant Italian-tiled floors, rich architectural mouldings and an intricately designed reception desk with crystal pendant lighting reminiscent of only the finest hotels. Refined sconces and crystal chandeliers set the tone of the resort, and welcome guests to the elaborate executive suites – complete with lush Kuranda bedding and flat screen televisions. Microban is built into the floors to help eliminate bacteria, while a hospital-grade air purification system further protects every dog in K9 Resorts’ care. Inviting play spaces – indoors and out – make clear K9 Resorts was built to impress and entertain every furry guest, sending them home happy and tired from their adventures away from home.
Plano’s new luxury resort for dogs is located at 2201 McDermott Road, formerly home to the InTouch Credit Union, and is located at the intersections of the cities of Plano, Allen and McKinney. The Custer McDermott Animal Hospital shares the same parking lot as the new pet resort. K9 Resorts of Plano has boarding capacity for 122 dogs, and its maximum daycare capacity is 150. For more information or to make a reservation, please call (469) 702-8925 or visit www.k9resorts.com/plano.
ARTICLE BY FATIMA DURRANI | PHOTOGRAPHY BY LOVELYN PHOTOGRAPHY
FRANKLIN GOES BIG AND WIDE IN THE COMMUNITY
MAKING A DIFFERENCE
At age 21, Franklin C. Edwards began writing children’s books in an effort to change the future for the next generation. This lofty goal was inspired by a vision to be better and do better and influence the behavior of children early on so that they grow into adults who can truly serve the world.
It began at age 18 when Franklin’s father took him to a toy drive, where
Today, at age 24, Franklin is a Christian author, public speaker, and entrepreneur and the proud author of 15 children’s books and one poetry book (called the Poems of Life) intended for all ages. “I feel I’ve done a lot, but need to do much more,” he reflects.
Sometimes, the proof is in the pudding—or rather, in the carefully
“I FEEL I’VE DONE A LOT, BUT NEED TO DO MUCH MORE.”
he witnessed needy kids receiving Christmas gifts. This was a defining moment, one that not only warmed his heart but simultaneously provided the impetus for the birth of the “Franklin the Helper” series. Its content explores faith-based social and emotional skills, such as honesty, gratitude, forgiveness, and proximity to God.
The concepts of self-empowerment and resiliency are embedded in easyto-read stories, the spirit of which is captured by the accompanying expressive illustrations. What started with just a handful of books, Franklin the Helper has now bloomed into a fullfledged bookstore in Willow Bend Mall. Here, youngsters are coached on how to write and/or publish through interactive, hands-on workshops.
crafted chapters that young ones hold in between their hands. For example, a few months ago, a mother shared a story about her 7-year-old child. The child was about to lie, but recalling the kernels of wisdom in the book Franklin the Helper, which reminds us to always tell the truth, the child changed her behavior. And it’s feedback like this that fuels the “why” behind both the bookstore and the business.
Besides managing the brick-andmortar store in Plano, you will see Franklin with boots on the ground elsewhere. He speaks frequently at over 25 schools in the DFW area and has a partnership with Kroger. This enables him to travel locally, set up his book stall at various stores, and meet people face to face.
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He also is partnering with Chef Adriana Williams in Houston, TX, on a book on the topic of healthy eating—yet another way to influence positive behavior and set up lifelong habits in young children. “It was challenging to write a cohesive story that rhymes too. All my books rhyme because rhyming helps you remember better and helps the message to hit harder.”
The community will have another opportunity to benefit from Franklin’s work in October 2024 with the launch of a mobile bookstore. Much like an ice cream truck, the bookmobile will drive around various local neighborhoods and allow kids to have their treats and purchase books. “I prefer going out to where people are in the community rather than have people come to me.” The bookmobile will visit sporting events, libraries, farmers markets, social gatherings, etc.
The radius of impact will expand even further in the coming months as the books are being translated into Spanish and other languages to reach a global audience.
Franklin’s favorite quote from one of his books? “Just be yourself and don’t try to be like anyone else.”
For more information, visit franklinthehelper.com or call 346-278-8575.
NON-PROFIT OF THE MONTH
ARTICLE BY HANG LE
The Assistance Center of Collin County, a non-profit organization, is dedicated to providing comprehensive services that address the immediate and long-term needs of those in crisis. Their mission is to enhance the stability, health, and well-being of the community through compassionate care and resources.
One of the core services offered by the Assistance Center is the utility financial assistance program. This program provides critical aid to those struggling to meet basic needs, such as rent, utilities, and food. By offering this financial support, the center
helps prevent homelessness and ensures that families can maintain a stable living environment during times of crisis.
During the back to school season, an initiative called "Tools 4 School" provides over 900 backpacks each year to students within the Plano Independent School District (PISD) and surrounding schools. This initiative started in 1986 by Resurrection Lutheran, who has now partnered with the Assistance Center and continues to equip our younger generation with the supplies they need to succeed. Supplies are distributed to students either through the Assistance Center or via their PISD elementary, middle, or high school counselors.
Further, the Assistance Center provides a range of supportive services designed to empower individuals and families. These include case management, referrals to other social service agencies, and educational programs that promote self-sufficiency. The center's holistic approach ensures that clients receive not only immediate relief but also the tools and resources needed to achieve long-term stability.
How is this possible? The Assistance Center is extremely proud of those organizations, corporations, churches, foundations, and individuals that have joined us in our efforts to stabilize families allowing them the peace of mind to move forward. If you would like to learn more on how to get involved, please visit assistancecenter.org Assistance Center of Collin County: Empowering the Community
In 1977, Plano's population was under 60,000, and Collin County's was just over 121,000. By 2020, Plano reached 285,494 residents, and Collin County soared to 1,064,465, with rapid growth continuing. The Assistance Center faces rising demand and must often turn down hundreds of qualified requests due to limited resources. As inflation costs and rental rates climb, wage earners increasingly struggle to make ends meet.
Expanding their donor base remains crucial to support the growing number of individuals in need and address the significant demand for assistance in our rapidly growing community. Every contribution helps bridge the gap and provides essential support to those facing hardship.
Population data provided by: census.gov
Perfect After-school Snack
A CHARCUTERIE BOX BUILT FOR KIDS
ARTICLE BY KATHY MORENO
charcuterie box
This kid-friendly charcuterie box is perfect for an after school snack. Here’s a simple recipe to assemble your box, that includes crackers, berries, cookies, and cheeses that kids will love.
Ingredients
• Cheeses: mild cheddar or cheddar jack (cubed) , string cheese (peeled), Babybel cheese
• Crackers: mini Ritz crackers, graham crackers and pretzels
• Crisp Berries: strawberries (sliced), blueberries, raspberries
• Cookies: mini chocolate chip cookies, animal crackers, Teddy Grahams
• Extras: mini pepperoni slices, apple slices, baby carrots and gherkin pickles, or olives of your choice.
Directions
1. Prepare Ingredients: Cut cheeses, wash berries, slice strawberries, and cut apples.
2. Arrange in box: Place cheeses, crackers, berries, and cookies in separate sections. Fill gaps with extras like pepperoni, apple slices, carrots, olives, and pickles.
3. Enjoy!
Involve kids in the preparation for added fun!
STAY CONNECTED TO YOUR COMMUNITY
Student of the Month:
Kaia Kantor
SPONSORED BY TALAMANTEZ THERAPY
Being named Student of the Month is a distinguished honor that goes beyond academic success; it acknowledges the recipient as a role model and a genuinely good person. It celebrates their kindness, compassion, and integrity, traits that shine through in their interactions with peers and teachers alike. This recognition not only highlights their academic achievements but also their positive impact on the school community.
ARTICLE BY LORIE BURCH | PHOTOGRAPHY BY LOVELYN PHOTOGRAPHY
Kaia Kantor is an incredible 14-year-old. She has excelled at the Einstein School, and for the 2024-25 school year she will be part of the inaugural Wildcat Collegiate Academy at Vines High School. Kaia is an avid horseback rider and competes on the horseback riding drill team. It's a lot of time and dedication, but she's driven and passionate. To pay her way, Kaia works at the stables and helps with camps.
Most importantly, Kaia has an incredibly generous heart. She is a tremendous help to her family and two little sisters. First thing in the morning, she always asks, "What can I do to help?" Kaia’s outlook on life is beyond her years, and she cares deeply about how she can make the world a better place.
Ultimately, being named Student of the Month underscores the importance of character and values in addition to academic excellence, inspiring others to follow in their footsteps of both achievement and integrity.
Fun Tricks To Teach Your Puppy
A list of exciting new tricks to teach your puppy
ARTICLE BAILEY MORRIS
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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A SELECTION OF UPCOMING LOCAL EVENTS
AUGUST 2ND
Genesis Children's Theatre Presents "Fiddler on the Roof"
Genesis Children's Theatre: 3100 Independence Pkwy, Suite 324B, Plano, 75075 | 7:00 PM
Set in Anatevka, "Fiddler on the Roof" follows Tevye, a poor milkman, and his five daughters. Tevye strives to uphold traditional values amidst changing social mores and rising anti-Semitism in Czarist Russia. Rich in historical and ethnic detail, its universal theme of tradition resonates across race, class, nationality, and religion.
AUGUST 2ND
Karaoke at McCall Plaza
McCall Plaza: 998 E. 15th St, Plano, TX 75074 | 7:30 PM
Come sing your heart out on our outdoor stage in Downtown Plano at this family-friendly event.
AUGUST 3RD
City of Plano Presents "Back to the '80s: Adult Prom (21+)"
The Nature & Retreat Center: 5901 Los Rios Blvd Plano, TX 75074 | 7:00 PM
Step into a time machine and transport yourself to the era of neon colors, shoulder pads, and iconic music! Dust off your leg warmers, tease up your hair, and get ready for an evening filled with nostalgic fun at The Nature & Retreat Center’s first annual Adult Prom Night! Dress to impress in your '80s fashion best!
AUGUST 7TH
The Mat Yoga Studio Presents "Yoga by the Pool"
The Texas Pool: 901 Springbrook Dr, Plano, TX 75075 | 11:00 AM
These 45-minute lessons are FREE to Texas Pool members, guests and visitors (not including the price of pool admission). Please bring your own mat and a water bottle.
AUGUST 9TH
Quilt Plano 2024
Plano Event Center: 2000 East Spring Creek Parkway, TX 75074 | 9:00 AM
The Quilters Guild of Plano proudly presents one of the biggest and best 2-day quilt shows in Texas featuring hundreds of judged quilts, vendors, skill sessions & more. August 9-10, 2024.This event will highlight over 300 judged quilts and 45+ vendors from across Texas showcasing fabrics, sewing machines, notions and other quilt-related items for purchase.
AUGUST 16TH
U2 Tribute "Pride in the Name of U2"
Legacy Hall: 7800 Windrose Ave, Plano, TX 75024 | 7:00 PM
Relive the iconic hits and high-energy performances of U2 in this unforgettable live show. Get your tickets now for a night of incredible music and memories!
AUGUST 22ND
City of Plano Presents "Reuse Workshop"
Environmental Education Center: 4116 W. Plano Parkway, Plano, TX 75093 | 6:00 PM
Join the Plano Parks and Recreation for an innovative workshop on reusing common household items and repairing clothing. Discover creative ways to reduce waste and give new life to everyday items, while also learning practical skills to fix and maintain your favorite clothes. Don't miss out on this exciting opportunity to learn new skills and reduce your carbon footprint.
AUGUST 25TH
Divine Consign Plano Fall '24 Sale
Plano Event Center: 2000 East Spring Creek Parkway, TX 75074 | 9:00 AM
Join DFW’s favorite consignment event for gently-used children’s and maternity clothing, shoes, toys, books, puzzles, baby equipment and more…just about everything you need for your kids!
AUGUST 31ST
Love & War in Texas Presents "UNWOUND - A Tribute to George Strait"
Love & War in Texas: 601 E Plano Pkwy Plano, TX 75074 | 8:00 PM
Experience an unforgettable night celebrating the King of Country. Grab your tickets now on Outhouse Tickets and enjoy George Strait's greatest hits live!
First Responder of the Month
Chris Bianez
A Legacy of Innovation and Dedication: Patrol Officer to Community Educator
Chris Bianez is no ordinary hero. Starting his career with the Plano PD in 1997, Bianez spent seven years on patrol. Two years into his career, he transitioned into the D.A.R.E. program, where he passionately educated fifth graders about the dangers of drug use. His enthusiasm for guiding young minds was evident through the love and dedication he instilled throughout the duration of this program, until it was dissolved in 2001 due to budget cuts.
Back on patrol, Chris had a brilliant idea. He conceived a groundbreaking initiative and presented it to the police chief—a martial arts and trampoline road show with a message promoting drug-free and bully-free lifestyles. This creative approach
resonated deeply with students, leading to a remarkable achievement: selling out every school assembly for 18 consecutive years, making a lasting impact on countless young lives.
For the past 17 years, Bianez has channeled his expertise into crime prevention, focusing on safety education for both individuals and organizations. His work encompasses vital topics such as active shooter preparedness, identity theft, scam prevention, and college safety. Through his efforts, Bianez has significantly contributed to the safety and well-being of the Plano community.
Bianez’s career is a testament to the profound impact one dedicated individual can have on a community. His innovative programs and tireless work in crime prevention have left an indelible mark, helping to protect and educate generations. Plano is fortunate to have a first responder who embodies such passion and commitment to public service .
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