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There is something special about the bond between children and pets.
For many children, a pet is their first best friend. Long before they understand concepts like responsibility, empathy, or unconditional love, they experience them through the daily companionship of an animal. Pets become playmates, protectors, confidants, and loyal companions through every stage of childhood. They are present for backyard adventures, family milestones, difficult days, and countless ordinary moments that quietly become treasured memories.
As I worked on this Kids & Pets issue, I found myself reflecting on just how meaningful those relationships can be.
The day I photographed our cover for this issue—a boy resting peacefully beside his best friend—I unexpectedly said goodbye to mine. My beloved little Rocco passed away just nine days shy of his seventeenth birthday.
Nearly seventeen years is a lot of life to share with one small dog.
He was there through moves, career changes, heartbreaks, celebrations, and all the ordinary days in between. Looking back, I realize it was never the big moments that mattered most. It was the quiet ones—the walks, the routines, the comfort of simply having him nearby.
His passing reminded me of something we often forget in the busyness of everyday life: the greatest gift our pets give us isn't simply companionship. It's presence. They teach us to celebrate the ordinary. A walk around the block. A game in the backyard. A familiar face waiting at the door.
Throughout this issue, you'll discover stories that celebrate the relationships that shape our lives—from beloved pets and childhood passions to the anticipation of welcoming a new family member. Each reminds us that some of life's most meaningful connections are built through love, trust, and shared experiences.
This issue celebrates those relationships and the countless ways they enrich our lives. It celebrates the lessons they teach our children, the memories they help create, and the joy they bring to our families.
While some chapters may be shorter than we'd like, the love they leave behind has a remarkable way of lasting forever.
In fond friendship,
ASHLEY
HATHAWAY, PUBLICATION DIRECTOR
August 2026
PUBLISHER
Candice Johnson | candice.johnson@citylifestyle.com
PUBLICATION DIRECTOR
Ashley Hathaway | ashley.hathaway@citylifestyle.com
CO-PUBLISHER
Chris Johnson | chris.johnson@citylifestyle.com
CONTRIBUTING WRITERS
Dawn Moncrief, Ashley Hathaway
CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS
The Social Edit Co. by Ashley Hathaway
CEO Steven Schowengerdt
President Matthew Perry
COO David Stetler
CRO Jamie Pentz
CoS Janeane Thompson
AD DESIGNER Andrew Sapad
LAYOUT DESIGNER Liz Nixon
QUALITY CONTROL
Megan Cagle
With City Lifestyle’s co-branded print + digital packages, your business captures attention wherever our community is looking. Build unmatched local credibility on the page, and drive immediate action online. Ready to double your local reach? Contact your local publisher by scanning below.
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WHERE NEIGHBORS CAN SEE AND BE SEEN
1: Back Nine Anthem celebrates its Ribbon Cutting Ceremony with the Anthem Area Chamber of Commerce. 2: Musical Theatre of Anthem brings You’re a Good Man, Charlie Brown to the stage. 3: The North Valley BNI Group enjoys breakfast while building business relationships. 4: A Wild Hair Salon & Day Spa during a Sonoran Foothills City Lifestyle Content Day. 5: Luxury travel advisor Doris Gilles tours the newly renovated Canyon Suites at The Phoenician. 6: Roadrunner Saloon hosted the Morgan Julian Memorial, where family became the night’s greatest winners. 7: Harold’s Cave Creek Corral hosted the Town of Cave Creek’s 40th anniversary celebration.
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4D Baby Studio has expanded with a second Phoenix location in partnership with The Motherhood Co., creating a welcoming space for prenatal and postpartum support. Both studios also offer cash-pay, HSA/FSA-eligible wellness screening ultrasounds—including first-trimester, reassurance, viability, abdominal, breast, thyroid, and vascular scans—with every exam interpreted by a radiologist.
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Burns Integrative Wellness Center is pleased to welcome esthetician Jaden Weimer to the team. Jaden offers facials, microdermabrasion, microneedling, dermaplaning, chemical peels, and brow and lash tinting using PCA Skin products. These treatments help combat the effects of Arizona's dry climate by promoting exfoliation, hydration, and healthier-looking skin. Cherry Financing is available for treatment packages.
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Rose James Salon is now an official IBE® Certified Salon, reflecting its commitment to advanced education and exceptional extension services. The salon's highly trained team includes Elite IBE® Artist Krystal, Master IBE® Artist Meaghan, and Certified IBE® Artists Bernie, Crystal, and Ava. Clients can expect seamless, comfortable extensions that prioritize hair health while delivering beautiful, natural-looking results.
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ARTICLE BY CANDICE JOHNSON | PHOTOGRAPHY BY THE SOCIAL EDIT CO. BY ASHLEY HATHAWAY
Hello, Sonoran Foothills City Lifestyle readers, and welcome to our August Kids & Pets Issue!
I hope you have had a wonderful summer! Every year, when August arrives, I find myself asking, “Where did the summer go?” As a mom of two young adults, I still remember the hustle and bustle of the back-to-school season—the shopping trips, school supplies, and the excitement of wondering what a new school year would bring.
Today, those days are behind us. My daughter, Robin, is an ASU graduate, and my son, Brenden, is currently attending UTI as he pursues his dream of becoming a mechanic. While the back-to-school season looks a little different in our home these days, the memories are ones I’ll always cherish.
August is also a time to celebrate our furry family members. Our two Shih Tzus, Vinny and Bodhi, are such a special part of our family, and we couldn’t imagine life without them. They fill our home with love, laughter, and plenty of smiles.
As you flip through the pages of this special issue, you’ll meet Dawn Moncrief, owner of 4D Baby Studio in Anthem, where she helps expectant parents create unforgettable memories through the incredible experience of 4D ultrasound.
You’ll also meet many of our partners’ beloved pets. They’re much more than animals—they’re family members, faithful companions, office coworkers, interns, and emotional support. Their stories are sure to make you smile.
Thank you for being part of our Sonoran Foothills City Lifestyle community. I hope you enjoy this special Kids & Pets issue and all the heartwarming stories it has to offer.
With gratitude, Candice
Senior year is filled with excitement, big decisions, and new beginnings. As your daughter prepares for graduation and whatever comes next, one investment will outlast every milestone—her relationship with Christ.
Bloom Senior Experience is more than senior portraits. It’s a Christ-centered mentorship community created to help high school senior girls build a lasting foundation of faith before stepping into adulthood.
Over ten months, Bloom girls grow alongside other senior girls through Bible study, mentorship, inspiring guest speakers, meaningful friendships, service opportunities, and authentic conversations that point them back to Jesus. Along the way, each girl receives a one-of-a-kind senior photography experience that celebrates who God created her to be—not who the world tells her she should be. Throughout the year, special moments are beautifully documented, creating memories she’ll treasure long after graduation.
Senior year lasts only a moment. A foundation built in Christ lasts a lifetime.
Registration for the 2026–2027 Bloom Senior Experience is now open.
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AN INTIMATE LOOK AT THE MOMENTS PARENTS CHERISH BEFORE DELIVERY.
“THE FACE, THE MOVEMENTS, THE LITTLE FEATURES— THAT’S WHEN IT BECOMES REAL FOR THEM.”
Long before a baby’s first cry fills a delivery room, another moment changes everything—a moment of recognition, relief, and connection. For Dawn Moncrief, owner of 4D Baby Studio in North Phoenix and its newly opened Phoenix location, that moment happens when expectant parents see their baby for the first time.
After nearly three decades in ultrasound, Dawn has witnessed thousands of reactions, yet they never lose their impact. She recalls one couple who came seeking reassurance. When the image revealed not one baby but two, the mother bolted upright and shouted, “Are there TWO?” Her husband jumped to his feet, high-fiving Dawn while his wife laughed through tears. It was pure joy—the kind of memory a family never forgets.
Many parents arrive carrying equal parts excitement and uncertainty. Some have endured infertility or pregnancy loss. Others simply want reassurance between medical appointments. One mother, after multiple miscarriages, booked an appointment in the middle of the night and arrived the next morning unsure whether she was far enough along to see anything. During the scan, Dawn found a healthy gestational sac and yolk sac.
“THE GREATEST PRIVILEGE HAS BEEN GIVING PARENTS THE TIME AND SPACE THEY NEVER REALLY GET IN A MEDICAL SETTING—TIME TO SLOW DOWN, CONNECT, AND SIMPLY MEET THEIR BABY.”
“You could see her whole body relax,” Dawn recalls. “She went from holding her breath to actually smiling.”
Weeks later, the mother returned to watch her baby’s continued growth as hope gradually turned into confidence.
These transformations happen every day. While mothers often feel connected through pregnancy, fathers frequently bond differently.
“Dads often connect the moment they see the baby on the screen,” Dawn says. “The face, the movements, the little features—that’s when it becomes real for them.”
Gender reveals bring cheers, tears, and laughter. Siblings point excitedly at the screen. Grandparents cry. Sometimes babies even provide comic relief with unexpected expressions. But beyond the celebrations, Dawn believes ultrasound’s greatest gift is reassurance.
Earlier in her career, Dawn worked in hospital settings where tight schedules left little time for families to simply enjoy seeing their baby. That experience inspired her to create a place where parents could slow down, ask questions, and focus on connection.
“The greatest privilege has been giving parents the time and space they never really get in a medical setting,” she says.
That vision is now expanding. Dawn and her team recently opened a second studio in Phoenix in collaboration with The Motherhood Co., creating a nurturing space where families can access prenatal and postpartum support under one roof.
Both studio locations also offer wellness screening ultrasounds with radiology-interpreted reports, including first-trimester, reassurance and viability scans, plus abdominal, breast, thyroid, and vascular screenings. All services are cash pay and HSA/FSA eligible.
For Dawn, “The First Hello” isn’t the day a baby is born. It’s the moment an expectant parent sees a tiny face, stretch, yawn, or familiar expression and realizes they’re meeting someone they already love.
“It’s the moment the waiting turns into bonding,” she says.
With two studios and a growing network of maternal-care partners, Dawn is creating more opportunities for families to experience that first hello—and feel supported every step of the way.
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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.
ARTICLE BY KALI KASPRZYK PHOTOGRAPHY BY JANIE JONES
“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.
FEATURING TREY & KATIE KENNEDY
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.
How pets help shape childhood through companionship, loyalty, adventure, and unconditional love.
Childhood is often remembered through milestones—first days of school, family vacations, birthday parties, and championship games. Yet woven quietly between those memories is another constant presence: the family pet. For many children, pets become some of their earliest and most meaningful companions. They are there for backyard adventures, lazy summer afternoons, bedtime routines, and countless moments in between. They CONTINUED >
listen without judgment, offer comfort without expectation, and somehow have a way of making even ordinary days feel a little more special.
Long before children fully understand concepts like loyalty, responsibility, or unconditional love, they experience them through their relationships with animals. A child learns that a dog eagerly waits at the door after school, that a cat finds its favorite spot nearby during quiet moments, or that a rabbit depends on them for care and attention. These daily interactions may seem simple, but they help shape important lessons that often last a lifetime.
One of the most remarkable things about the bond between children and pets is its authenticity. Animals do not care about social status, grades, athletic ability, or popularity. They don’t notice bad haircuts, awkward phases, or mistakes made along the way. They simply show up as themselves every single day. For children navigating a world that is constantly changing, that kind of consistency can be incredibly meaningful.
Pets also encourage curiosity and imagination. A neighborhood walk becomes an expedition. The backyard transforms into an unexplored
wilderness. A game of fetch becomes an adventure worthy of storytelling. Whether they’re building obstacle courses, exploring trails, or simply lying in the grass together, children and pets have a unique ability to turn ordinary moments into lasting memories.
Parents often witness this connection firsthand. There is something special about watching a child form a friendship built entirely on trust. Many families can recall moments when a nervous child found confidence through a beloved dog, or when an energetic pet became a constant playmate for a child with endless imagination. These relationships often develop naturally, growing stronger with each passing year.
Beyond companionship, pets can also teach valuable life skills. Feeding schedules, daily walks, grooming, and routine care help children understand commitment and responsibility. They learn that caring for another living being requires consistency, patience, and compassion. While these lessons may begin with filling a food bowl or tossing a tennis ball, they often help children develop empathy and confidence that extends far beyond the family home.
Perhaps what makes these relationships so memorable is that they are built on the simplest things: shared time, trust, and affection. There are no expectations, no complicated conversations, and no conditions attached. Just a child and a faithful companion enjoying life’s everyday moments together.
This month’s cover featuring Wyatt Boehland and his best friend, Patches, beautifully captures that spirit. Their connection serves as a reminder that some of childhood’s greatest friendships don’t happen in classrooms or on playgrounds. Sometimes they happen in backyards, on living room floors, during evening walks, and in the quiet moments that become treasured memories years later.
Long before children fully understand loyalty and compassion, their pets are teaching those lessons through shared adventures, unwavering companionship, and unconditional love every single day.
The toys may eventually be forgotten, and childhood bedrooms may one day sit empty, but the friendships formed with beloved pets often remain among the most cherished memories of growing up. They are companions, confidants, adventure partners, and family. Most of all, they remind us that some of life’s most meaningful relationships are also its simplest.
AUGUST 1ST
Harold's Cave Creek Corral | 6895 East Cave Creek Rd, Cave Creek, AZ 85331 | 7:30 PM
Put on your dancing boots and join the Boots & Dukes Dance Group for complimentary line dance lessons at 7:30 p.m., followed by live country music from the Silver Sage Band at 8:30 p.m. Whether you're a seasoned dancer or stepping onto the floor for the first time, it's a fun-filled evening of music, dancing, and community. No cover charge.
AUGUST 1ST
The Phoenix Theatre Company | 1825 N. Central Ave., Phoenix, AZ 85004 | 1:30 PM
Experience the power of Les Misérables, the award-winning musical that has captivated audiences worldwide. Set in 19th-century France, this epic tale of hope, love, sacrifice, and redemption features beloved songs including “I Dreamed a Dream,” “On My Own,” and “One Day More.” Performances take place at the Dr. Stacie J. and Richard J. Stephenson Theatre. Tickets start at $60.
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CONTINUED
AUGUST 5TH
Pay What You Wish Wednesday at the Phoenix Art Museum
Phoenix Art Museum | 1625 N. Central Ave., Phoenix, AZ 85004 | 3:00 PM
Explore the Museum every Wednesday during voluntary donation hours, when guests can enjoy general admission and discounted access to special exhibitions. Your contribution helps support educational programs, exhibitions, and the Museum's ongoing mission to inspire curiosity and learning throughout the community.
AUGUST 6TH
Art & Connection for Heroes
Sonoran Arts League Studio | 7100 E Cave Creek Rd, #144, Cave Creek, AZ 85331 | 10:00 AM
The Sonoran Arts League invites Veterans and First Responders to a free weekly art workshop led by artist Joanie Wolter and sponsored by the Kiwanis Club of Carefree. Participants of all skill levels can explore fiber clay in a supportive, creative environment designed to foster connection, relaxation, and artistic expression. Limited space available.
AUGUST 8TH
The Weatherford Hotel | 23 N. Leroux St., Flagstaff, AZ 86001 | 11:00 AM
Beat the heat and head to Flagstaff's Wild Music Festival, where the historic Weatherford Hotel transforms into a free, all-day celebration of global music, dance, and creativity. Enjoy interactive performances, workshops, and jam sessions spanning cultures from around the world while supporting community arts at this vibrant, family-friendly event in the heart of downtown Flagstaff.
$6,200
Furry Faces of the Foothills: Meet the pets behind local businesses
ARTICLE BY ASHLEY HATHAWAY
Cookie is an answered prayer. After praying for a cat to help with a scorpion problem, Dusty Perez discovered a tiny calico kitten on the backyard fence. Today, Cookie is affectionately known as the family's "Bible cat," always curling up on an open Bible—a gentle reminder that God's gifts often arrive unexpectedly.
Dutchess and Cove are Reliance AC's fourlegged welcome committee, happily greeting everyone who walks through the door. Cove is the energetic adventurer, always ready to play, while Dutchess prefers soaking up affection and never turns down a tasty treat. Together, they bring warmth, personality, and plenty of tail wags to the office.
Chief is the lovable 2-year-old Bernedoodle belonging to Dr. Alexandra Burnham of The Smile Studio. Gentle, affectionate, and always eager to greet a new friend, Chief is as cuddly as he is playful. His happy-go-lucky personality and boundless enthusiasm bring smiles to everyone he meets.
A 9-month-old golden Scottish Fold, Larry is the Blind Bear's official greeter and self-appointed CEO. Known for standing like a meerkat, riding in the car, and hiking in his backpack, Larry charms everyone he meets. Follow his adventures on Instagram: @ceoofblueberries.
Meet Moose, Jax, and Dink, Heather Pranitis’s three Miniature Australian Shepherds behind Coordinated Escapes. Moose, Director of Guest Comfort, is the gentle pack supervisor. Jax, Head of Security & Adventure Operations, brings speed, swimming, and attention-loving charm. Dink, Director of Independent Escapes, adds solo-time sweetness, tiny kisses, and coffee froth licks.
Vinny, 9, and Bodhi, 3, belong to Sonoran Foothills City Lifestyle publishers Chris and Candice Johnson. Though diabetes took Vinny’s vision last year, his affectionate spirit never changed. Goofy Bodhi keeps everyone laughing with his rubber ducky obsession. Together, they fill their home with unconditional love and complete the family.
