August celebrates those that complete our families: our kids and pets!
Welcome to the August kids and pets issue! We hope you're having a wonderful summer. It's amazing that back-to-school time is already just around the corner.
This month, we take a look at some new, unique and exciting things going on around Southlake. You may have heard about, or passed by, the Loving Long Ears Donkey Therapy & Sanctuary, but you may not have heard the full story about how the organization was founded and all the good that it does for children, adults and the donkeys who are rescued. The organization has an amazing story to tell about the love that donkeys give people, and how that love, in turn, can help heal, bring happiness to people, and bring positive vibes back to those donkeys. Loving Long Ears is touching so many people and animals in so many impactful ways.
Speaking of giving back to others, we are so honored to share the stories of the children of St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital® who are helping to inspire an incredible fundraising project by five local luxury homebuilders. These homebuilders - Atwood Custom Homes, Beckett Graham Luxury Homes, Heritage Homes, Kensington Custom Homes and Willow Tree Custom Homes - are creating a Dream Home Showplace Community in Southlake's Carillon Parc neighborhood to raise funds for St. Jude and its lifesaving mission of finding cures and saving children. St. Jude is leading the way the world understands, treats and defeats childhood cancer and other life-threatening diseases. Along with their trade partners, vendors, suppliers and other campaign sponsors, these five homebuilders have committed to collectively raise at least $1 million for the children of St. Jude. This program is a pilot for St. Jude and is the first of its kind in the nation - with each builder giving toward the project in honor of their team's child. You'll read more about these extraordinary kids, and the builders who have committed to support St. Jude in its lifesaving mission, within this issue.
Other features this month take a look at tips from Creekside 24/7 Pet Care Center on kids caring for their pets, the new ULETE premier multisport facility that opened in Southlake this past spring, happenings this fall at Gymboree Play & Music of Southlake, and a young Southlake resident who has received the highest honor in Texas, as the state's #1 high school flutist.
Happy August and happy reading!
JON CALVIN, PUBLISHER
August 2024
PUBLISHER
Jon Calvin | jon.calvin@citylifestyle.com
EDITORIAL COORDINATOR
Mandy Calvin | mandy.calvin@citylifestyle.com
EDITOR
Sally Crocker | sally.crocker@citylifestyle.com
Corporate Team
CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER Steven Schowengerdt
CHIEF OPERATING OFFICER Matthew Perry
EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR OF HR Janeane Thompson
AD DESIGNER Matthew Endersbe
LAYOUT DESIGNER Kirstan Lanier
KeyCity Capital is a values-based, growth-oriented, financial services company built on principles of integrity, trust, and communication.
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city scene
IS
BY THE
1: Rotary members Funmi Akintade Fadayomi and Alan Fisher celebrate their Southlake Leadership Academy graduation. 2: Ribbon cutting celebration for Southlake’s new Capital Grille restaurant. 3: Southlake Rotary Club members participated in the charitable Run4Elise 5K/1Mile Fun Run/Walk benefitting local foundations. 4: The Southlake Chamber’s May luncheon celebrated Leadership Southlake graduates. 5: Experience Southlake “Meet the Counselors” event at Bob Jones Nature Center and Preserve. 6: Southlake Chamber of Commerce ribbon cutting for WOOF GANG BAKERY & GROOMING. 7: Congratulations to Cecily Altshuler, May 2024 Southlake Chamber of Commerce Ambassador of the Month.
SOUTHLAKE ROTARY CLUB/ LEADERSHIP SOUTHLAKE
SPONSORED
SOUTHLAKE CHAMBER OF COMMERCE
SOUTHLAKE CHAMBER OF COMMERCE
SOUTHLAKE CHAMBER OF COMMERCE
SOUTHLAKE CHAMBER OF COMMERCE
SOUTHLAKE ROTARY CLUB - DISTRICT 5790
St. Jude Dream Home Showplace at Carillon Development
John Webb Founder Heritage Custom Homes
Jon Atwood Atwood Custom Homes Founder
Travis Franks
Jody Alumbaugh Willow Tree Founders
Nick Smith Kensington Homes Founder
Paul Moss Founder Kyle Moss Beckett Graham Luxury Homes
1: Phyllis Catton sharing her experiences and her 38 years of being part of Rotary International. 2: Senior Center members recently enjoyed a behind-the-scenes tour at Lone Star Banners and Flags. 3: The Southlake Police and Fire departments visited Camp Mania with hands-on learning and demonstrations. experiencesouthlaketexas.com/353/Camp-Mania 4: A great time with Southlake Rotary Club members at the Chamber of Commerce awards banquet. 5: The Southlake Newcomers Club “Out and About” group visiting Gainesville’s Lavender Ridge Farms & Café. 6: Hilton Southlake Town Square hosted the Southlake Chamber of Commerce June business exchange. 7: Celebrating the Southlake Chamber of Commerce Rockstar Awards Banquet!
SOUTHLAKE ROTARY CLUB - DISTRICT 5790
SOUTHLAKE NEWCOMERS CLUB
SOUTHLAKE CHAMBER OF COMMERCE
SOUTHLAKE ROTARY CLUBDISTRICT 5790 FACEBOOK PAGE
SOUTHLAKE CHAMBER OF COMMERCE FACEBOOK/BAILEY MAY
APN IS CHANGING THE HEALTH AND WELLNESS LANDSCAPE
in DALLAS-FORT WORTH
Home to several Fortune 500 companies, The DallasFort Worth metroplex is no stranger to cutting-edge innovation. Now, Colorado-based brand All Points North is bringing something new to DFW to help locals find total, sustainable health in mind and body.
With core behavioral health services from All Points North, neurotechnology and integrative psychiatry from Plus by APN, and mind-body group classes and personal training from 9x Fitness, All Points North (APN) Dallas-Fort Worth is a sanctuary of healing and recovery, dedicated to transforming the lives of those battling addiction, trauma, and mental health issues. This stateof-the-art facility combines luxurious accommodations with cutting-edge treatment modalities, making it a premier destination for comprehensive care.
Each APN Dallas-Fort Worth client receives personalized care tailored to their unique needs. The facility offers a range of services, including medically supervised detox, intensive outpatient and partial hospitalization programs, and innovative therapies such as hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBOT), deep transcranial magnetic stimulation (dTMS), stellate ganglion blocks, and ketamine-assisted therapy.
APN’s multifaceted approach addresses not only the symptoms but also the underlying causes of addiction and mental health disorders, paving the way for longterm healing.
The dedicated care team at APN Dallas-Fort Worth understands that achieving optimal health requires a comprehensive approach. There’s no silver bullet, and there’s no one-size-fits-all treatment. Total health requires a custom approach for the mind and the body. By offering so many mental health services under one roof, APN Dallas-Fort Worth makes it easy for the local community to prioritize health and well-being.
Schedule a free consultation at apn.com/southlake
business monthly
Scholars & Athletes Serving Others earn President's Volunteer Service Award
Scholars & Athletes Serving Others (SASO), a service organization for high school students and their mothers who reside in Southlake and/or attend Carroll ISD, recognized and celebrated 42 SASO students who earned the President's Volunteer Service Award, the U.S. premier volunteer awards program encouraging citizens to live a life of service. Nineteen students received gold medals, seven received silver medals, and 16 received bronze medals. These 42 students volunteered a combined 4,891 hours of service.
Launch the weekend with lunch at Truluck's
Truluck's Southlake location now offers lunch service on Fridays and Saturdays, and has launched a new ALL DAY happy hour on Sundays. Truluck's specially-curated lunch menu includes the ocean’s finest seafood and crab, prime steaks and Chef Selects entrées, plus lunch favorites like soups, salads and sandwiches. Cheers and happy dining!
Photography: Scholars & Athletes Serving Others/Yvonne Bryce
Photography: Truluck's Southlake
DISTRE ED
Founder and CEO, Ann Hambly, spent years of her career developing and leading some of the largest servicing shops known today. With this knowledge and experience, we provide inside access to real deal terms being approved by lenders and CMBS servicers. We work on all property types nationwide with any amount of debt, and with all lenders and servicers (bank or CMBS). We are here to become a part of the team and provide you with real solutions to the most complex commercial real estate issues.
How Lake Grapevine put Southlake on the Map
An exhibit running through Aug. 24 at Southlake Town Hall, presented by the Southlake Historical Society, tells the stories of people impacted by Lake Grapevine and showcases historical U.S. Army Corps of Engineers photographs, aerial maps and family photos. "Making a Splash: How Lake Grapevine put Southlake on the Map" will be in the Town Hall lobby from 10 am-8 pm MondayThursday, and 10 am-6 pm Friday-Saturday. The exhibit is free and open to the public. southlakehistory.org
Photography: Portal to Texas History
C A L A B R E S E
BOOK OUR PATIO
Searching for the ideal patio spot this summer? Look no further! Our patio offers a semi-private, fully enclosed, and climate-controlled environment, perfect for any occasion. Reserve your spot today by scanning the QR code or visiting our website to fill out a booking form.
Loving Long Ears Donkey Therapy & Sanctuary
THE MIRACLE OF ANIMALS HEALING
PEOPLE AND PEOPLE HEALING ANIMALS
ARTICLE BY SALLY CROCKER | PHOTOGRAPHY BY LOVING LONG EARS DONKEY THERAPY & SANCTUARY
Donkeys are both gentle and intelligent.
Jules Peterson, founder and director of Loving Long Ears Donkey Therapy & Sanctuary, Inc. in Southlake.
Jules Peterson has been around animals all her life. She started riding horses at age five. During the summers at her grandparents’ home in the North Dakota Hills, she rode western saddle and always loved being on ranches and around farm animals.
Jules grew up in Minneapolis, where she became involved in English riding, or dressage. She quickly grew into hunter/jumper equestrian riding, also known as the highly competitive sport of show jumping.
An accident that seriously injured her neck and spinal cord took Jules out of the sport. She ended up on a walker and then a cane, suffering excruciating pain. But her medical treatment was only part of what helped Jules recover. She continued to love being around horses, and also children, so she volunteered for equine therapy in Arizona. Eventually, she started riding again, sitting up straight in the saddle as a rider must do, which helped to alleviate her pain. Amazingly, what ended up bringing Jules back was the very thing she loved – and it showed her the power of healing through equine therapy.
Today, Jules is founder and director of Loving Long Ears Donkey Therapy & Sanctuary, Inc. in Southlake, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization supported 100% through donations.
Loving Long Ears rescues donkeys that are unwanted, neglected, abused, need rehoming or are headed for slaughter. The organization rehabilitates them for donkey assisted therapies and activities that inspire, renew and heal the human spirit for children, adults, veterans, first responders and mental health conditions.
“After my injury, I could hardly move my neck. I suffered from sciatica and intense pain down my leg. I didn’t know if I would ever walk again. Experiencing this kind of trauma gave me so much compassion for others who may be in physical or emotional pain, or both,” Jules says.
RENEWING THE SPIRIT
“Too often donkeys come to us broken in spirit and without a safe place to live, or grieving the loss of their human partners and longtime homes. Some come to us ill or physically broken down. The story is repeated time and again. With the hard work of our volunteers and the community’s support, these loving animals can once again be healthy donkeys filled with life and promise,” Jules says.
In getting their own lives back, these donkeys are also able to help people regain theirs.
Donkeys, Jules says, are incredibly intelligent animals who are docile but quite friendly and social. They’re not intimidating and are less likely to get spooked than a horse might. Jules likens a donkey’s brainpower to that of a dog or dolphin.
Loving Long Ears Donkey Therapy and Sanctuary works with children and adults to create a synergy between donkeys and humans that inspires and heals.
“Our purpose is to brighten someone’s day or facilitate one’s future. Donkeys are natural at expecting and modeling behavior that aids in communicating wellness skills to clients. We provide the love, care and training to rehabilitate and train these animals for donkey-assisted activities and therapies,” Jules says. “Rescue donkeys are probably some of life’s best teachers.”
“They show us how to love unconditionally, to slow down, to appreciate the simple things and to learn to trust again … even after terrible hurt. Where we live is a much happier place because of these donkeys,” she adds.
SUPPORT, LOVE, HEALING
People gain so much from interacting with these animals.
“When you pet a donkey, they release the oxytocin hormone that relieves stress and helps people relax and feel better. Just petting and brushing a donkey can give such comfort,” Jules says.
“We provide the love, care and training to rehabilitate these animals for donkeyassisted activities and therapies … rescue donkeys are probably some of life’s best teachers.” — Jules Peterson
Two lucky residents at Loving Long Ears.
True friends.
One emotional support donkey at the sanctuary has the ability to understand when a person is grieving and allows people to hold her and cry on her.
Buffy, who is especially attuned to children and how they are feeling, can sense if they’re sad, depressed or happy. She’s called “the kissing donkey” because she offers nurturing and love as kids hug her and will actually offer a kiss if children want one. One of her special friends is a boy who has been visiting for three years – as soon as he gets out of the car, Buffy starts braying to say hello.
Peaches, one of the sanctuary’s newest additions, recently had a baby, who’s called Georgie Peaches.
Three mammoth donkeys also live at the sanctuary. While rare and very large – they can weigh anywhere from 1,200 to 2,000 lbs., about the size of a Clydesdale horse – these donkeys are so gentle that small children feel comfortable hugging them around the legs. One mammoth named Bud will push a soccer ball back to you if you kick it in his direction.
Seven donkeys currently live at the Southlake sanctuary, and they’re so friendly that they will eagerly follow people around like a pet dog.
“Donkeys accept people for what they are and offer their love and support in such genuine ways,” Jules notes.
Donkey-assisted therapy is a therapeutic, educational or preventive accompaniment practice, often with a qualified professional connecting the human and the donkey. It can also be recreational and fun.
“It’s a beautiful thing to see these donkeys give so much joy to people’s lives,” Jules says.
GOOD WORK – AND GROWTH –THROUGH SUPPORT
Not only to do the donkeys work with veterans, special needs adults and children, individuals who are grieving, those diagnosed with ADD/ADHD, people experiencing anxiety, depression or aggressive behaviors, but the sanctuary is also open at certain times to the public.
The organization’s website ( lovinglongears.org) provides information on how to register for therapy, where Loving Long Ears serves as a facilitator in partnership with licensed therapists and clinicians.
The donkeys can also be scheduled for birthday parties and special events.
Since the organization operates without staff salaries, primarily through the kindness of volunteers who are always needed, visitors are asked for a $50 “love donation” that goes 100% to the donkeys’ feeding and care. The organization hosts events at Easter, Christmas and Halloween and gains support from local businesses. Loving Long Ears also participates in North Texas Giving Day, Go Fund Me efforts and grant writing.
CAN YOU HELP?
Since the organization has outgrown its current space, funds are now being raised for a larger property, climate-controlled barn, a covered therapy training and special events arena, a learning and education center, and other needed features.
Loving Long Ears has outgrown its small barn and is very much in need of a larger facility more conducive to donkey-assisted therapies. The organization is seeking individuals who would like to be a part of the mission going forward by helping to support future expansion with land and a new facility ( lovinglongears.org).
Loving Long Ears is also very grateful, Jules says, for donations of any amount to help the organization continue to feed and care for the donkeys.
“It’s so inspiring to watch these animals healing people and people healing animals. We see miracles every day,” Jules says.
Volunteers are always needed. For more information on volunteering, visit the Loving Long Ears Donkeys website at lovinglongears.org.
“We couldn’t do it without our volunteers, who help in so many ways. They’re here on the hottest, the coldest and the rainiest days of the year. They volunteer because they have heart.”
— Jules Peterson
Texas’ #1 high school flutist
Carroll ISD student David Zachariah wins top in the state
Southlake Carroll ISD student David Zachariah has been recognized as the #1 Texas high school flute player by the Texas Music Educators Association (TMEA). David was selected for the top all-state band and was ranked 1st chair of all flutists who auditioned statewide. This is one of the greatest achievements any high school musician can attain.
Top: #1 Texas high school flute player David Zachariah. Middle: David Zachariah.
Bottom: The All-State Band performing in the Lila Cockrell Theatre at the TMEA Convention in San Antonio.
Creative Elements
Thinking about making some changes in your home? Dreaming about a new kitchen or bathroom you saw on Pinterest or Houzz? Whether it is changing your current look for more modern, clean lines, updating the traditional to more transitional,or simply making your space more functional, Creative Elements is ready to make your next step a reality
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ARTICLE BY SALLY CROCKER | PHOTOGRAPHY BY SOUTHLAKE’S ULETE PREMIER MULTISPORT FACILITY
Developing The Athlete In U
Southlake’s ULETE is a premier multisport facility where athletes develop their talents and competitive skills
John Davis has made a career as a business entrepreneur, working in Los Angeles and locally for over 20 years in the world of media, sports and branded opportunities. He has produced a number of sports TV series for ESPN, FOX Sports Network, NBC Sports, Disney XD, Discovery, Ultimate Fighting Championship and more.
During that time, the different sports entertainment programs he produced led to partnerships with sports-related brands like TaylorMade-Adidas, NERF, Under Armour, Monster Energy Drinks, GoPro and other big industry names.
ULETE is here in Southlake!
John has worked with some of the top athletes in the world, and now he has built an incredible multi-sport facility for young athletes in Southlake and surrounding areas. ULETE focuses on further developing these young athletes in soccer, futsal, football, baseball, softball and lacrosse.
ULETE also offers speed, strength and agility training with Shon Peace of Pro-Formance Training, and health recovery with Dr. Jack of ChiroFit Advanced Recovery – collectively, with sports, training and health all in one location, athletes can maximize their efforts to excel to high-level competition and chances for exposure.
This multi-sport facility offers a premium experience for all participants, with a 44,000 sq. ft. indoor artificial turf building, a 34,000 sq. ft. outdoor artificial turf field, training walls, batting cages, a 70-ft. velocity-sloped cage, strength and conditioning space, health recovery, a retail store and more. The facility’s name, ULETE , stands for “The Athlete In U."
A goal of this family-owned business is to become one of the top athletic development facilities in the U.S.
John was raised in the DFW metroplex and returned home from California in 2015, becoming part of the Southlake community. His wife, Julie, is actively involved in Southlake schools and community activities, and his parents, Michael and Jan Davis, are residents of Southlake, as well as his sister and her family. Together, Julie, Michael and Jan are all involved in running ULETE with John.
“ULETE has helped us bring together our love for the Southlake community and our desire to fill a need for young athletes,” John says.
The family bought the land adjacent to Dragon Stadium in 2020, and launched ULETE with a huge grand opening in March 2024. Since then, thousands of boys and girls from ages 4-18 have come to ULETE for the premium experience it provides – whether for a camp, to play in a league or tournament, or to have fun developing their talents under the guidance of experienced trainers and coaches.
“We want to be sure that while children and teens are developing their athletic skills, the fun isn’t being lost in the process,” John says.
For more information on all that ULETE provides, visit uletesports.com
FINDING CURES. saving children.
SUPPORTING ST. JUDE CHILDREN’S RESEARCH HOSPITAL® IN ITS LIFESAVING MISSION
The children of St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital® are helping to inspire an incredible fundraising project by five local luxury homebuilders.
These homebuilders - Atwood Custom Homes, Beckett Graham Luxury Homes, Heritage Homes, Kensington Custom Homes and Willow Tree Custom Homes - are creating a Dream Home Showplace Community in Southlake’s exquisite Carillon Parc neighborhood to raise funds for St. Jude and its lifesaving mission of finding cures and saving children. John Terrell with Carillon Parc is the developer of this unique project.
Along with their trade partners, vendors, suppliers and other campaign sponsors, these five homebuilders have committed to collectively raise at least $1 million for the children of St. Jude. This program is a pilot for St. Jude and is the first of its kind in the nation - with each builder giving toward the project in honor of their team’s child, and all five spectacular homes being built next to each other in the same neighborhood.
This Dream Homes neighborhood will be located in the heart of Southlake at the northeast corner of N. White Chapel Blvd. and E. State Highway 114.
ARTICLE BY ST. JUDE CHILDREN’S RESEARCH HOSPITAL®,
OPENING BY SALLY CROCKER | PHOTOGRAPHY PROVIDED BY ST. JUDE
CHILDREN’S RESEARCH HOSPITAL®
St. Jude is here to help.
Coraliz is being sponsored by Kensington Custom Homes.
Carillon Parc is a welcoming, walkable 42-acre mixed-use development featuring a luxury boutique hotel, innovative office spaces, upscale residences, advanced health and wellness offerings, chef-driven dining and luxury shopping, anchored by an expansive park with water features and a beautifully landscaped central plaza. When completed, these beautiful Dream Homes will be for sale.
The children of St. Jude are the reason for this outpouring of so many hearts, hands and talents. Featured here are the stories of Coraliz, Clayton, Kenzie, Rinoa and Ty.
CORALIZ
Coraliz was 10 years old when she became a patient at St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital®. Her treatment for a type of bone cancer called osteosarcoma included chemotherapy and surgery to remove the affected bone. She also underwent physical therapy to help her regain strength and mobility in her leg. Coraliz returns to the hospital every 3-4 years as part of the St. Jude Study. She’s a senior in college, studying medical laboratory science and loving her major. Her dream is to return to St. Jude, work with the research team and help save kids as they saved her. When Coraliz is not busy with her classes, she loves to paint and draw.
CONTINUED >
St. Jude artwork designed by Coraliz.
“St. Jude is leading the way the world understands, treats and defeats childhood cancer and other life-threatening diseases.”
CLAYTON
In 2018, blood tests indicated that Clayton had a rare type of blood cancer called hypodiploid acute lymphoblastic leukemia. He began treatment at St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital®. But even with chemotherapy, there were still detectable amounts of disease in Clayton’s body. Seeking a lasting remission for Clayton, St. Jude doctors placed him on a type of immunotherapy called CAR T-cell therapy. The CAR T-cell therapy, though, did position Clayton to receive a bone marrow transplant with his mother as the donor. Today, Clayton is in remission and doing great. He’s outdoorsy and athletic and “loves life and doing all the fun things,” said his mom.
Clayton is being sponsored by Heritage Custom Homes.
Clayton's St. Jude artwork.
KENZIE
In October 2017, when Kenzie was diagnosed with acute lymphoblastic leukemia, her family turned to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital®. “We knew St. Jude offered care for free, but we didn’t realize the extent of it,” said Kenzie’s mom Paige. “The doctors and cures are beyond anything I’ve seen anywhere. They’re amazing.” After two and a half years of chemotherapy, Kenzie finished treatment in July 2020. She graduated from high school in 2022 and plans to pursue a career in nursing. Kenzie’s dream job? “I want to be a nurse at St. Jude,” she said. “St. Jude is my second family. It 100% means the world to me because they saved my life.”
Kenzie is sponsored by Beckett Graham Luxury Homes.
Kenzie's beautiful purple bird.
RINOA
In the summer of 2022, Rinoa was scheduled for an MRI due to headaches and other symptoms. The night before the scan, she developed double vision, and her mother, Kary, knew they would find something wrong in her daughter’s brain. It was a cancerous tumor called medulloblastoma. Following surgery at the hospital near her home, Rinoa had posterior fossa syndrome, a condition that severely limited her functioning. When they were offered a referral to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital®, her parents didn’t hesitate. Not only did St. Jude relieve the financial burden of treatment, but St. Jude offered proton therapy, one of the most advanced and precise forms of radiation treatment today, as part of Rinoa’s treatment plan. She has also received chemotherapy. “I love St. Jude, and I am thankful for it,” she said.
Rinoa is being sponsored by Atwood Custom Homes.
Rinoa's St. Jude fighting dragon, ridding the world of cancer!
“The children of St. Jude are the reason for this outpouring of so many hearts, hands and talents.”
TY
When Ty was two years old, his family noticed that in certain lighting conditions, there appeared to be a flat whiteness in the center of his right eye. The eye doctor recommended Ty be taken for scans, which confirmed he had a rare eye cancer called retinoblastoma. After a referral to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital®, his family learned exactly what was at stake. The tumor filled Ty’s eye socket and spread to the surrounding tissues. It was necessary to remove Ty’s right eye. After surgery, he underwent chemotherapy. Even at his young age, Ty had a special interest that seemed to take his mind off treatment: art. St. Jude staff always made sure to have art supplies waiting for him in recovery from procedures. Cancer has been in Ty’s past for more than a decade now. But art is still very much a part of his life. So is St. Jude.
Ty is being sponsored by Willowtree Custom Homes.
Ty's beautiful butterfly.
CREEKSIDE PET CARE
ARTICLE BY SALLY CROCKER PHOTOGRAPHY BY MANDY CALVIN
CREEKSIDE 24/7 PET CARE CENTER OFFERS TIPS TO HELP KIDS CARE FOR THEIR PETS
Creekside Pet Care Center is a full-service 24/7 Keller/Southlake-area veterinary hospital with onsite grooming, daycare and boarding services. Creekside’s veterinary services are available 24 hours a day, seven days a week, with a state-of-the-art emergency care facility. Creekside’s professional and courteous healthcare team aspires to excellence in medical treatment, quality and client service, utilizing cutting-edge knowledge, equipment and techniques to care for pets and exceed their families’ expectations. The Creekside family loves pets!
A pet can be a wonderful friend and companion, as well as a source of love, support, laughter, play and togetherness. For children and teens who are helping to care for family pets, Creekside offers helpful advice for year-round care, especially during the hot summer and early fall months, when temperatures and humidity can be high.
Doctors operate on one of the many patients Creekside helps daily.
The many patient rooms available 24 hours a day.
New Creekside patients coming in with their momma, a Creekside family member herself!
BEING OUT AND ABOUT
When crossing a street, always keep your dog secure to your side. Make sure you have a tight, close grip and that the dog is near your body with no slack in the leash while you cross. Stop the dog at the curb as you look both ways before crossing.
While kids often enjoy taking their pets for walks, they should be made aware of the extreme heat potential of walking their pet on a hot summer day, especially in Texas, where temperatures can reach 100 degrees or more. If you can put the back of your hand on the concrete and feel a burn, then it’s not safe to walk your pet.
A good tip for walking, when it’s safe to do so, is to bring a water canister on your belt or leash with a small bowl. Keeping your dog hydrated while out on warm days can protect your pet’s health.
Make sure your dog is secure, close to you and in control when you walk by other people with pets – and don’t assume that just because your dog is friendly, the other dog is too. Never pet someone else’s dog without asking first, and hopefully the other owner will extend the same courtesy to you and your pet.
BIKING
Riding a bike with your dog on a leash can be dangerous, the Creekside staff advises.
“Some dogs, if so trained, can run with a bike, but it’s like sprinting at full speed while their companion is riding. Pets aren’t able to stop the way a bike can, and the intense speed of running to keep up causes tears and rips in their paws,” Creekside notes.
Leashes can also get caught in bikes, and dogs can unexpectedly cross in front of bikes while they’re in motion.
BACKYARD, PARTY AND POOL CONSIDERATIONS
Bulldogs, pugs, French bulldogs, Boston terriers and even some pit bulls - basically dogs with what are called “smooshy” faces - shouldn’t be walked at all during the day. They’re not very strong breathers, and their short snouts don’t allow them to pant fast enough to keep up with the heat.
It’s also advisable to be cautious if you’re having a pool party or enjoying time in your backyard. Many dogs like to be in the water and swim, but if they are inhaling or taking in
Creekside carries only the best products for your pet: food, treats, supplements and more.
too much chlorinated water, it can create serious health issues. Give your pets access to fresh water while outside, and encourage them to drink that instead of pool water, the Creekside team says.
Dog drownings can occur when people aren’t paying attention, or when a dog has been swimming for long periods of time. Give their cardiovascular system a break and bring them inside for a rest.
Be careful with ribs and chicken bones at barbecues, as they can splinter and harm a dog’s tummy. Hot dogs and fatty meats should also be avoided and placed out of an inquisitive dog’s reach.
NO HOT CARS
“A car can reach 120 degrees in a matter of minutes, and a partially rolled-down window is of no help – your dog could suffer a heat stroke very fast, so please don’t leave dogs alone in cars for any reason,” Creekside recommends.
Creekside has its own fully stocked pharmacy.
Kind and knowledgeable front desk staff, there to help you around the clock.
Creekside has several operating tables, allowing staff to handle more than one or two emergencies at a time.
A pet can be a wonderful friend and companion, and a source of love, support, laughter, play and togetherness. Creekside 24/7 Pet Care Center strives to give pets the longest and happiest life with the people who love them.
OTHER HEALTH PRECAUTIONS
Parasites, roundworms, hookworms and other parasites live in soil and water. If you’re going camping and your pets will likely be playing in a lake or muddy water, be sure they are on regular preventative heartworm medications.
Chocolate is one of the top “people foods” that dogs should never have. Their bodies are unable to break down chocolate treats, causing heart damage or other serious complications.
“Don’t share your s’mores around the campfire, no matter how much your dog might beg, and keep other chocolates away from your pet,” Creekside offers.
ROUTINE CARE
For kids helping to care for the family pet, parents should encourage them to freshen the pet’s water bowl every day with clean, cool water.
Routine is good, Creekside Pet Care Center notes, especially when it comes to feeding, walking and encouraging your pets to potty at regular times throughout the day and before bedtime. Giving treats as rewards for following a regular schedule encourages your pet to keep up the positive training.
WARM WEATHER CATS
While cats are resilient and not as susceptible to heat intolerance as dogs, they should still have indoor access or a shaded outdoor area with clean, fresh water. When temperatures soar to 100 degrees or more, cats should come inside to an air-conditioned environment.
FINAL THOUGHTS
Creekside Pet Care Center has been named an accredited facility by the American Animal Hospital Association (AAHA). Only about 15 percent of veterinary facilities in the U.S. and Canada are AAHA accredited, and Creekside takes great pride in being included in such an exclusive group of vet clinics. If you have questions or need advice on your pet’s care and maintenance, choose the friendly team at Creekside to serve you and your furry companion.
GYMBOREE IS THE PLACE FOR KIDS
Gymboree Southlake
Kids learn while having a ton of fun at Gymboree Play & Music of Southlake
ARTICLE BY SALLY CROCKER
PHOTOGRAPHY BY GYMBOREE SOUTHLAKE
Gymboree is fun for all ages, for kids from 0-6 years old. Year-round classes offer the opportunity for play, learning, music and art.
From September-May, Gymboree offers school readiness programs for ages 2.5-4, preschool play and prep programs
where kids ages 2-3 explore their ABCs and ease into independent learning, and school skills programs for children ages 4-6.
In addition to small class sizes, hands-on and movement learning experiences, kids can also engage in early literacy, math, science, arts and crafts, and more.
This fall, kids and their families can take part in fun events including a full-day of author readings, and “Gymboween,” a Halloween event for the very young.
“Play-based activities are how children learn best,” says Jessica Fagin, Southlake franchise owner. “Play, the cornerstone of our programs, is a fundamental component of early childhood education.”
FALL PROGRAM REGISTRATIONS BEGIN IN AUGUST
To register, learn more about all that Gymboree offers, and read outstanding reviews from local parents, visit: gymboreeclasses.com/en/locations/TX/Southlake
Together time is learning time.
Learning is fun.
The joy of learning in a way that best fits preschoolers.
