GERBER INJURY LAW
The Arizona Personal Injury Law Firm Where Everybody Knows Your Name
At Gerber Injury Law, our commitment to excellence extends far beyond the courtroom. We are not just a law firm; we are a ded icated member of the community we serve. Our passion for justice is paralleled by our deep-rooted commitment to making a positive impact in our local community.
How Can Our Lawyers Help You?
Hiring a Phoenix personal injury lawyer to oversee your case can be the best decision you make after an accident. You cannot tru st an insurance company to handle your claim fairly unless you have a lawyer p rotecting your best interests. Insurance companies are more interested in their bo ttom line than your recovery.
“I Remain Committed To The Highest In Client Service.” – Ken Gerber
Lifestyle Letter
There’s a reason kids and pets seem to bring out the very best in one another. Their relationships are built on curiosity, unconditional love, and the simple joy of being present. Whether it’s a game of fetch in the backyard, or sharing quiet cuddles after a long day, these moments often become the memories we cherish most. I've been fortunate to experience the incredible impact animals can have on our lives. I've always believed every pet deserves a chance to feel safe, loved, and wanted. Over the years, rescuing and fostering animals has shown me just how resilient they are and how transformative a little patience and kindness can be. One of the most rewarding parts of fostering is watching an animal learn to trust again. Seeing a shy dog wag its tail for the first time or a frightened kitten finally curl up beside you is a reminder that love has the power to heal. Even sweeter is knowing they'll soon find a family to call their own, where they'll become a child's best friend, a loyal companion, or the newest member of a loving home. This issue celebrates those beautiful connections. Inside these pages, you'll discover local families creating lasting memories, inspiring young people making a difference in their communities, organizations dedicated to helping animals find forever homes, and stories that highlight the joy of growing up with furry companions by your side. Whether your home is filled with little footsteps, muddy paw prints, or a little bit of both, we hope this issue reminds you that kindness is one of the greatest gifts we can share. Sometimes, all it takes is opening your heart to a child, to a pet, or to someone who simply needs a second chance. Thank you for being part of our community and for celebrating the people and pets who make it such a special place. We hope this issue leaves you inspired to create new memories, spread a little extra kindness, and appreciate the unconditional love that surrounds us every day.
SAVANNAH MORELLO, PUBLISHER ASSISTANT
@SURPRISECITYLIFESTYLE
August 2026
PUBLISHER
Faith Morello | faith.morello@citylifestyle.com
PUBLISHER ASSISTANT
Savannah Morello | savannah.morello@citylifestyle.com
CONTRIBUTING WRITER
Kylie Strawn-Badger
CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS
Doodle Kidz Bakery, Danielle Muccillo & Bailey Orthodontics
Corporate Team
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 SPECIALIST Megan Cagle
Pawsitive Smiles
Discover how two four-legged friends help patients feel calmer, happier, and excited for every orthodontic visit.
Small Bakers, Bighearted
Meet the young siblings behind Doodle Kidz Bakery, where homemade dog treats, entrepreneurial spirit, and monthly donations are making tails wag while supporting local animal rescues.
Growing Together
From furry friends to family adventures, explore local stories and expert tips celebrating childhood, companionship, and community
Departments
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Photography: Danielle Muccillo
city scene
Grand Opening Big Air Glendale
Grand Opening Big Air Glendale! Discover over 31,000 square feet of indoor adventure featuring wall to wall trampolines, thrilling zip lines, dodgeball courts, climbing challenges, interactive attractions, giant slides, obstacle courses, and a dedicated toddler play area. Whether you’re planning a family outing, birthday celebration, or a day of nonstop fun, Big Air Glendale has exciting attractions for every age and adventure level.
Photography by Big Air
Nite Creamery Coming to Surprise 2026
Nite Creamery is bringing its premium, freshly made ice cream to Arizona! As part of a new five location expansion across the Greater Phoenix area, the beloved brand will open locations in Surprise, Chandler, Buckeye, Peoria, and Goodyear over the next three years. Known as “Earth’s Creamiest Ice Cream,” Nite Creamery serves handcrafted ice cream made fresh daily with high quality ingredients, creating a rich and unforgettable dessert experience.
Photography by Nite Creamery
West Valley Mavericks Specialty Plate Is Now Live!
Grand Opening Big Air Glendale! Discover over 31,000 square feet of indoor adventure featuring wall to wall trampolines, thrilling zip lines, dodgeball courts, climbing challenges, interactive attractions, giant slides, obstacle courses, and a dedicated toddler play area. Whether you’re planning a family outing, birthday celebration, or a day of nonstop fun, Big Air Glendale has exciting attractions for every age and adventure level.
Photography by West Valley Mavericks
letter from the PUBLISHER
As a mom of four daughters, I've spent the better part of my life watching little moments grow into lasting memories. What once felt like endless days of bedtime stories, school drop-offs, and scraped knees has somehow become a house filled with smart, compassionate young women and teenagers finding their own paths. Watching them grow has been the greatest privilege of my life. One of the things I'm most proud of isn't just who they've become, but the kindness they've chosen to carry with them. We've always believed that compassion starts at home, whether that's helping a neighbor, standing up for a friend, or caring for an animal that has nowhere else to go. If you know our family, you know we have a hard time saying no to an animal in need. Our rescue puppy quickly became part of the family, reminding us every day how much love and joy can come from giving a second chance. Over the years, we've opened our home to countless foster dogs and cats, each with their own story, each teaching us something about resilience, trust, and unconditional love. While saying goodbye is never easy, there's nothing quite like knowing they've found a forever family where they'll be safe and cherished. Our daughters grew up helping bottle-feed kittens, walking nervous rescue dogs, cleaning up messes, and celebrating adoption days. Those experiences shaped their hearts in ways that can't be taught from a textbook. They learned responsibility, patience, empathy, and that sometimes the smallest acts of kindness can completely change a life. This Kids & Pets issue celebrates those very connections. Inside these pages, you'll find stories of families, local organizations, inspiring young people, and the incredible animals that remind us to slow down, laugh often, and love unconditionally.
Faith Morello
AZ 85326
From the Low $300s 1,315 - 3,241 Sq. Ft. | 2 - 6 Beds
25334 W. La Salle St. Buckeye, AZ 85326 From the Low $400s 2,113 - 2,712 Sq. Ft. | 4 Beds
12545 N 300th Ln. Buckeye, AZ 85396
Located in the Teravalis Masterplan
From the Low $400s 1,880 - 2,712 Sq. Ft. | 3
5651 N. 205th Dr. Buckeye, AZ 85396 Active-Adult Community
From the Low $300s 1,070 - 1,324 Sq.
8931 E. Caballero St. Mesa, AZ 85207 From the
7049 E. Bushy Tail Ln. San Tan Valley, AZ 85143
PAWSITIVE SMILES
Discover how two four-legged friends help patients feel calmer, happier, and excited for every orthodontic visit.
ARTICLE BY KYLIE STRAWN-BADGER PHOTOGRAPHY BY DANIELLE MUCCILLO & BAILEY ORTHODONTICS
For many children and even adults, walking into an orthodontic office can feel intimidating. The unfamiliar sounds, anticipation of treatment, and even a routine appointment can create anxiety. At Bailey Orthodontics, however, patients are often greeted first by a wagging tail, transforming what
"You just never know what patients are carrying with them when they walk into our office." - Dr. Bailey
could be a stressful visit into something they genuinely look forward to. Over the years, two very special team members, Vader and now Snickers, have proven that compassion sometimes comes on four legs.
The idea began in 2016 after Dr. Bailey heard about his brother’s orthodontic practice in Utah, where patients loved having a puppy in the office. Around that same time, one of Dr. Bailey’s young patients struggled with dental anxiety. His mother mentioned that her son loved dogs, and it sparked an idea.
“My brother is an orthodontist in Utah and had taken his puppy to the office and told me how patients really liked having the dog in the office,” Dr. Bailey says. “I had a patient who did not like coming to the office, and his mom told me he really loved dogs, so I decided to bring Vader in for this one patient every time he had an appointment.”
The difference was immediate.
“It totally changed this patient’s attitude,” Dr. Bailey recalls. “He really opened up, started talking and loved spending time with Vader.”
Soon, other patients noticed Vader and began asking if he could join them during their appointments too. What started as a thoughtful gesture for one child quickly became part of the Bailey Orthodontics experience.
“Other patients saw this and then said they wanted the dog when they had their appointments, so from that day forward Vader came to the office every day.”
Vader soon became much more than the office mascot. He helped create an environment where children felt more comfortable, parents saw anxious kids relax, and appointments felt less stressful. As Dr. Bailey explains, “It really makes the office environment so much fun. The patients and parents love to come and see the dogs and play with them.”
CONTINUED >
The impact lasted well beyond treatment.
“To this day, I still have patients who have been out of treatment for many years stop by just to say hi to Vader and now to Snickers,” Dr. Bailey says. “They have made such an impact in our office.”
After nearly eight years of greeting patients, Vader gradually eased into retirement in 2024 before officially passing the torch to Snickers in 2025.
“Vader slowly embraced retirement once he showed Snickers the ropes of how to help patients.”
Today, Snickers has happily stepped into the role. When he isn’t greeting patients, he enjoys playing fetch, going on walks, and riding in the front seat of Dr. Bailey’s golf cart around Verrado. At the office, though, he’s all business—unless someone offers him a snack.
“Snickers definitely has his favorites,” Dr. Bailey laughs. “Anyone willing to sneak him a snack instantly becomes his fave.”
One of the most memorable stories involving Vader serves as a reminder that healthcare providers never truly know what someone may be carrying with them.
In 2018, the office jokingly asked patients on social media why Vader’s “contract” should be renewed. One mother shared that the night before her daughter’s appointment, one of her close friends experienced a mental health crisis. Her daughter arrived heartbroken and overwhelmed.
Without anyone directing him, Vader quietly walked over, climbed beside her, and simply stayed close.
“Her mom felt like in that moment, Vader could feel her grief,” Dr. Bailey remembers. “We thought this story was so beautiful because you just never know what patients are carrying with them when they walk into our office.”
The dogs have also become an important part of the team culture.
“The dogs make the mood in the office very fun,” says Dr. Bailey. “They are always excited to see everyone.”
"It totally changed this patient's attitude. He really opened up, started talking, and loved spending time with Vader. — Dr. Bailey
That energy is contagious, helping create an atmosphere where patients, parents, and staff all feel more relaxed. It is a reminder that while orthodontics is about creating healthy, confident smiles, it’s also about making people feel comfortable every step of the way.
Looking back, Dr. Bailey says both Vader and Snickers have each left their own unique mark.
“Both pups are different in their own way, but both of them are so loving and bring such fun and energy to the office,” he says. “It has been a
pleasure to have them interact with everyone who comes through the doors at Bailey Orthodontics.”
For many families, braces may have been the reason they first walked through the doors, but the kindness they experienced is what they remember years later. Whether it’s a reassuring wag of the tail or a quiet moment of comfort, Vader and Snickers have shown that small gestures can make a lasting impact. To learn more about Bailey Orthodontics and its team, visit www.baileyorthodontics.com.
DOG gone GOOD
Try these simple and healthy homemade treats for your furry friends. Not only are they easy to make, they are nutritious and seemingly delicious.
ARTICLE BY ANGELA BROOCKERD | PHOTOGRAPHY BY JANIE JONES
No-Bake Peanut Butter Balls
Ingredients:
• 1 cup pumpkin puree
• 1/4 to 1/3 cup peanut butter
• 1/4 cup milk or half and half
• 3 cups oatmeal
Directions:
In a bowl, mix pumpkin puree, peanut butter and milk on medium for 1 minute. Gradually add 2 1/2 cups oatmeal and stir. Use a small scoop or spoon to create 1/4 inch balls. Roll balls into remaining 1/2 cup oats to lightly top. Place into a closed container and refrigerate.
Peanut Butter Dog Treats
Ingredients:
• 2/3 cup pumpkin puree
• 1/4 to 1/3 cup peanut butter
• 2 eggs
• 2 1/2 cups flour (whole wheat preferred)
Directions:
Preheat oven to 350 degrees and line baking sheet with parchment paper. In a bowl, mix all ingredients except flour and blend well. Gradually add the flour until the dough isn’t sticky. Roll dough into a ball. Lightly flour your surface and lightly knead. Use a rolling pin to roll dough to ¼-inch thickness. Use cookie cutters and place dough on baking sheet. Bake for 20-25 minutes. Drizzle with peanut butter (optional).
ARTICLE BY KYLIE STRAWN-BADGER PHOTOGRAPHY BY DOODLE KIDZ BAKERY
Meet the young siblings behind Doodle Kidz Bakery, where homemade dog treats, entrepreneurial spirit, and monthly donations are making tails wag while supporting local animal rescues.
Small Bakers,
Big Hearts
For many kids, playing bakery means mixing imaginary ingredients in a toy kitchen. For siblings Alice, 6, and Cooper, 4, it means measuring real ingredients, rolling dough, packaging treats, greeting customers at community events, and making dogs across the Valley wag their tails.
At Doodle Kidz Bakery, childhood creativity has become something much bigger than a fun afternoon activity. It’s a family-run business where the youngest team members are also the owners, proving that entrepreneurship, generosity, and responsibility can start at any age.
With mom Lizzy Cunningham proudly serving as their “assistant,” Alice and Cooper truly lead the way. They brainstorm new treat ideas, create playful product names, weigh ingredients, mix recipes, roll dough, package treats, and proudly meet customers at local events. Mom’s biggest job? Helping with the oven.
It’s an approach that teaches far more than baking.
Every batch helps the children practice reading recipes, measuring ingredients, problem-solving, teamwork, customer service, and the value of following through on a commitment. Those lessons naturally become part of everyday life because they’re doing something they genuinely love.
The bakery’s menu is filled with creative, pet-friendly snacks designed for dogs of all ages. Their best-selling Cheddar Fishes are a dog-safe twist on the classic goldfish cracker, while Doggie Pretzels have quickly become another customer favorite. They also make Doggie Gummies, created especially with senior pups in mind.
Perhaps the most surprising part? Every treat is made with ingredients safe for both dogs and humans.
That means Alice and Cooper proudly tastetest every recipe before it heads out the door. It’s one of their favorite parts of the job.
But baking delicious treats isn’t the bakery’s only mission.
Each month, Alice and Cooper select a featured cookie, and 50 percent of every sale from that treat is donated to a local animal rescue. Rather than choosing every organization themselves, the process creates a chain of kindness. At the end of each month, the receiving rescue nominates another local rescue to become the next month’s beneficiary, allowing support to spread throughout the community.
It’s a simple idea with a meaningful impact. Children often learn about giving through school fundraisers or occasional donation drives. Alice and Cooper experience generosity in real time by watching their work directly benefit
WATCHING DOGS
ENJOY TREATS THEY MADE IS ALICE AND COOPER'S FAVORITE REWARD, PROVING THAT EVEN THE SMALLEST ENTREPRENEURS CAN CREATE SOMETHING MEANINGFUL FOR THEIR COMMUNITY, ONE HOMEMADE TREAT AND ONE WAGGING TAIL AT A TIME.
homeless pets waiting for forever families. They see firsthand that even small businesses can make a big difference when they choose to serve others.
For families looking for ways to teach compassion, Doodle Kidz Bakery offers an inspiring example. Kids don’t have to wait until they’re older to volunteer, raise money, or support causes they care about. Sometimes giving back starts with something as simple as baking a batch of treats.
The children’s favorite reward isn’t counting sales or seeing full shelves.
It’s opening messages from happy customers.
Nothing brings bigger smiles than watching videos of dogs eagerly enjoying treats they helped create. Whether it’s an excited puppy doing tricks for a Cheddar Fish or a senior dog happily chewing one of their special gummies, every video reminds them why they love what they do.
Those joyful moments have become the fuel that keeps the young entrepreneurs excited for every new batch.
Community events have also become an important part of the bakery’s journey. Alice and Cooper enjoy talking with customers, answering questions about their treats, and proudly explaining how the business works. Those conversations help build confidence while teaching communication skills that many adults spend years developing.
The business itself also shows parents that entrepreneurship doesn’t have to begin with a perfect business plan or years of experience. Sometimes it begins with encouraging children’s interests, giving them real responsibilities, and allowing them to learn through doing.
As Doodle Kidz Bakery continues to grow, the family is preparing to launch online ordering through
their website, making it even easier for pet owners to support the young business. Until then, customers can order directly by text, with free local pickup and delivery available throughout the area.
Outside the bakery, the family’s playful personality shines just as brightly. They’re devoted Toy Story fans, and their furry family includes Woody, their newest puppy, along with beagles Jessie and Bullseye, names that perfectly match their favorite movie.
In many ways, those beloved characters capture the spirit of Doodle Kidz Bakery itself: imagination, friendship, adventure, and a whole lot of heart.
Alice and Cooper may still be in elementary school, but they’re already proving that age isn’t what defines an entrepreneur. Passion, kindness, curiosity, and the willingness to work hard can begin long before adulthood. And sometimes, the sweetest success story starts with tiny hands, wagging tails, and a kitchen filled with homemade treats.
To learn more or place an order, visit doodlekidsbakery. com, text 480-410-0663, or follow @DoodleKidzBakery on Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok.
From furry friends to family adventures, explore local stories and expert tips celebrating childhood, companionship, and community connections.
GROWING TOGETHER
There’s something special about the bond between children and their pets. Whether it’s a loyal dog waiting by the front door after school, a curious cat curled up during story time, or a backyard flock teaching responsibility one chore at a time, these relationships often become some of childhood’s most meaningful memories. Across Surprise, families are discovering that pets are more than companions. They help children build confidence, learn empathy, embrace responsibility, and create moments of joy that last a lifetime. In this special Kids & Pets issue, we’re celebrating the local businesses, families, and organizations helping nurture those connections while sharing stories and ideas that inspire more adventures together.
1. Serenity M. with Freya
2. Blooklyn C. & Roxy
3. Emily. R. with Shomo
4. Natasha L. with Ruby & Bubbles
5. Kassy &. Micah K with Pumpkin
6. Aiden C. with Toby
7. Alice & Cooper with Woody
8. Ryder P. & Kash
TREY & KATIE KENNEDY
ON MARRIAGE, KIDS, AND THE COMEDY OF REAL LIFE
Trey Kennedy makes a living finding comedy in regular life. Marriage. Toddlers. Yoga pants. The Thursday-night scramble between school dropoffs, soccer practice, and whatever has to be done by morning. Twelve years in, it shows: millions of followers across every platform, three stand-up specials, a sold-out Relatable Tour, and a style of humor fans send each other captioned, “Are you watching me?” He delivers the kind of comedy that travels because everyone’s living some version of it.
Katie, his wife of six years, is a former biomedical engineer who also built a modeling career. She’s now raising their kids and co-hosting Correct Opinions alongside Trey — the show where the two of them swap takes on marriage, parenting, and whatever came up that week.
Trey has been at this longer than people realize. An Edmond, Oklahoma kid who grew up playing basketball described himself as a “shy kid who never thought he’d be an entertainer.” He started making videos while attending Oklahoma State University. After building millions of followers on Vine before the platform shut down, he gave himself six months on Instagram and Facebook to see whether he could rebuild from zero. He did. Stand-up soon followed. His first special, Are You For Real?, streams on YouTube; the second, Grow Up, on Amazon Prime; the third, built around the Relatable Tour, wrapped earlier this year. “I’ve been trying to be funny every week for like twelve years now,” he says. A slow climb, made one bit at a time.
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.
HAIR & MAKEUP BY MIKAYLA CRANE
PUP -SICLE
As we all try to stay cool during the scorching dog days of summer, our furry friends need a break from the heat too. Pamper your pup with a refreshing “pup-sicle.” These dog-friendly frozen treats are sure to make your canine companion’s tail wag!
INGREDIENTS:
• 1 cup of plain, unsweetened yogurt (or dog-safe yogurt alternative)
• 1/2 cup of unsweetened, plain applesauce
• 1/4 cup of water or low-sodium chicken broth
INSTRUCTIONS:
1. Mix the yogurt, applesauce, and water or chicken broth in a bowl until well combined.
2. Pour the mixture into ice cube trays or silicone molds.
3. Freeze for several hours or until solid.
4. Serve the frozen treats to your dog to help them cool off!
ARTICLE BY KRISTEN HAFNER
PHOTOGRAPHY PROVIDED
Beating the Dog Days of Summer with a Canine Treat
events
A SELECTION OF UPCOMING LOCAL EVENTS
AUGUST 8TH
Hot Wheels Monster Trucks Live!
Desert Diamond Arena | 9400 West Maryland Ave, Glendale | 11:30 AM
Rev up for an action-packed weekend at Hot Wheels Monster Trucks Live: Glow-N-Fire! Experience giant monster trucks, jaw-dropping stunts, thrilling freestyle competitions, dazzling special effects, and fan-favorite Hot Wheels vehicles brought to life. Perfect for the whole family, this high-energy show delivers nonstop excitement, interactive entertainment, and unforgettable moments for fans of all ages.
AUGUST 12TH
Surprise Day Of Service Event
St. Mary's Food Bank | 13050 W Elm St, Surprise | 7:15 AM
Volunteer at St. Mary’s Food Bank on August 12, 2026 by sorting and packing food, assisting clients, and preparing Kids Café meals. Volunteers ages 12 and older are welcome. Registration is required through St. Mary’s Food Bank.
AUGUST 15TH
Cause For Paws With Audrey
Lake Pleasant Towne Centre | 9940 W Happy Valley Pkwy, Peoria | 9:00 AM
Cause for Paws is back! 100.7 KSLX and Fulton Homes are giving away one free pair of dog booties per household to help protect pets from Arizona’s dangerously hot pavement. Meet Audrey to pick up a pair and learn how extreme sidewalk temperatures can quickly burn dogs’ paws and cause permanent damage.
AUGUST 21ST
Healthy, Happy, and Bright: Kids Matter Wellness Program 2026
ASU West | 7000 University Way North, Glendale | 6:00 PM
The Healthy, Happy, and Bright: Kids Matter Wellness Program supports West Valley children through wellness education, fitness, and hands on activities that promote healthy habits, emotional resilience, and stress management. Serving over 300 children annually, the program partners with families and community organizations to provide preventive education and resources that help kids thrive physically, mentally, and emotionally.
AUGUST 26TH
Top Golf
6101 N 99th Ave Glendale | 6:00 PM
Get ready for a fun filled night at Top Golf hosted by Mariah’s Miracle! Reserve a private bay for $135 or purchase individual tickets for $25. Enjoy golf, games, food, unlimited soda, and a great evening supporting the community.
AUGUST 28TH
Summer Family Fun Nights
6800 N 95th Ave, Glendale | 6:30 PM
Join us the last Friday of each summer month from 6:30–8:00 PM for FREE Family Fun Friday Nights! Enjoy themed entertainment, interactive games, music, prizes, and live performances, including Huntrix, Toy Story, The Little Mermaid, and Bluey. Each event features a DJ, emcee, and activities for all ages perfect for making lasting family memories.
