Beautiful Bonds with Kids & Pets
"Pets are not our whole life, but they make our lives whole."
As the summer sun reaches its peak, August brings a unique blend of warmth and excitement, a perfect time to celebrate the joy and happiness that kids and pets bring into our lives.
This month, we celebrate the first anniversary of Sonoran Sky Pet Hospital, with Dr. Landon Brough and his team. Not only is Dr. Brough one of the best doctors in our community, he also sees that my one-year-old “squirrel girls”, (Brynn and Blair) are healthy, along with many other pets in the community. Speaking of furbabies, Camp Bow Wow celebrates their 6th “Campiversary”. This is a heartwarming reminder of the community that Julie-Rae Steinmeyer and her team have built over the years.
We follow Tempe’s Scout Troop 172 to the beautiful Sangre de Cristo Mountains in northern New Mexico, where Scoutmaster Eric Flottmann shares the highlights of this transformative adventure. We also catch up with Tempe Preparatory Academy junior, Natalia Cruz, on how she finds fulfillment through shelter & zoo service.
DTC owner, Mike Meyers, talks about how he and his team brought a locally driven sports grille with a unique edge to Tempe. We will be hosting our August community mixer this month at the DTC Tempe. If you would like to receive an invitation to our quarterly events, please send an email to wendy.bates@citylifestyle.com.
As you flip through the pages of this issue, I hope you find stories that resonate with your experiences and inspire new adventures. Thank you for being a part of our community. We cherish the opportunity to share the stories and we look forward to celebrating the many ways that kids and pets bring light and love into our lives.
Enjoy!
WENDY BATES,
PUBLISHER
August 2025
PUBLISHER
Wendy Bates | wendy.bates@citylifestyle.com
EDITOR
Jett Arredondo | jett.arredondo@citylifestyle.com
PUBLISHER ASSISTANT
Skye Wagner | skye.wagner@citylifestyle.com
CONTRIBUTING WRITERS
Jett Arredondo, Andrea Broockherd
CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS
Janie Jones, Eric Flottmann
Corporate Team
CEO Steven Schowengerdt
COO Matthew Perry
CRO Jamie Pentz
VP OF OPERATIONS Janeane Thompson
VP OF SALES Andrew Leaders
AD DESIGNER Rachel Otto
LAYOUT DESIGNER Meredith Wilson
QUALITY CONTROL SPECIALIST Brandy Thomas Learn
city scene
and hoomans alike!
1-7: Dr. Landon Brough and his team at Sonoran Sky Animal Hospital celebrate the one-year anniversary of the clinic. The celebration included special treats for the patients
Photography by Christina Dorann
8-10: Celebrating 6 years of wagging tails and wonderful memories! From longtime campers growing up with Camp Bow Wow, to bubbly bath times and creative fun at the DIY bandana bar—this Campiversary was so heartwarming.
Kiwanis Dog Park Now Open
The new park features four distinct pods, including a small dog area, an agility course, water features, and two shade structures. New trees, sidewalks, and lighting create an ultimutt experience. Parking is available along Ash Avenue or in the lot next to The Cloud. The park is also accessible via the Western Canal Multi-Use Path. Learn more about park projects happening throughout the city at tempe.gov/ParkUpdates.
Drive benefiting Lost Our Home Pet Rescue—an organization close to their hearts.
They’re collecting pet food, litter, leashes, cleaning supplies, and more to support pets in need. All are welcome to donate—just stop by 1232 E. Baseline Rd. in Tempe.
Proudly serving Arizona since 1929 as its first credit union, First Credit Union cares about community and pets alike!
Tempe Community Council’s Threadz Program Supports Local Teens
Threadz is a free resource offering clothing, shoes, hygiene items, and school supplies to help Tempe teens feel confident and prepared for school. Any middle or high school student living in Tempe or attending a Tempe school is eligible to shop. By meeting basic needs in a welcoming space, Threadz helps remove barriers to learning and empowers youth to succeed. You can support the program by donating items from their Amazon Wishlist. Learn more at tempecommunitycouncil.org/threadz
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TREK, TEACH transform
Troop 172's Philmont Adventure
ARTICLE BY JETT ARREDONDO | PHOTOGRAPHY BY ERIC FLOTTMANN
In the Sangre de Cristo Mountains of northeastern New Mexico, 12 scouts and leaders from South Tempe’s Troop 172 set out on a journey that would test their endurance, teach lifelong lessons, and ignite a deeper appreciation for the wilderness. Chartered by American Legion Post 64 and meeting weekly at Dayspring United Methodist Church, Troop 172 is known for its adventurous spirit—and they put that to the test at the iconic Philmont Scout Ranch.
Philmont, a 214-square-mile stretch of rugged backcountry owned by Scouting America, is one of the most revered high-adventure bases in the nation. Getting there wasn’t as simple as packing a backpack and heading west. Planning began over 18 months in advance.
MORE THAN A HIKE
Preparation began with the trek lottery system—just getting selected is a feat in itself.
“Once selected, we built our crew, trained hard, managed logistics, and prepared for every scenario—physically and mentally,” says Eric Flottmann, Scoutmaster of Troop 172. Logistics and training included CPR and outdoor first aid certifications, transportation, route planning, training hikes, shakedown trips, gear decisions, and even the designing of custom T-shirts.
“Philmont is truly a transformative experience,” Flottmann explains. “It requires crews to be self-sufficient. The effort you put into preparing directly impacts the fun and confidence you feel once you’re on the trail.”
Scouts carried their own food—often up to four days’ worth at a time—as well as all gear, water, and supplies. In true bear country fashion, “smellables” had to be hoisted into trees each night in bear bags.
“Meals weren’t fancy, but they were substantial,” Flottmann says. “Dehydrated dinners, snacks like trail mix and jerky—it was enough to fuel our days, but you definitely look forward to the rare hot meal.”
REACHING NEW HEIGHTS
The physical peak of the trek came with the summit of Baldy Mountain, the highest point on the trail at 12,441 feet. The crew set off at 4 a.m. from their camp at Baldytown, determined to beat the notorious afternoon storms.
“The climb was challenging, but the scouts crushed it,” Flottmann recalls. “The views from the top were incredible. You could see Taos to the southwest and endless plains to the east. It gave you a real sense of where you were in the world—and how far you’d come.”
CONTINUED >
CAMPFIRES, COWBOYS, AND COW BALL
Over 13 days (including 10 nights on the trail), the crew camped at both staffed and backcountry sites. One highlight included a campfire at historic Pueblano Camp, where staff dressed in period clothing reenacted 1800s logging life through storytelling and live bluegrass music—featuring mandolin, upright bass, and three-part harmonies.
Other nights brought simpler joys. At Ringtail Camp, the crew arrived just before the midpoint of the trek and were rewarded with sweeping views of Baldy Mountain, wild turkeys in the meadow, and a muchneeded moment of quiet reflection.
“That evening was unforgettable,” says Flottmann. “After everything we had already accomplished, sitting down to dinner with that view—it really hit us.”
Another highlight? A quirky Philmont tradition called Cow Ball, a zany twist on volleyball involving silly costumes and intentionally chaotic rules. “The boys had a blast,” says Flottmann. “It was the perfect release after so many days of serious hiking.”
ADVICE FOR FUTURE TREKKERS
His key advice? Train early and often—both physically and mentally, participate in shakedown hikes to test your gear and endurance, and bring a camera and journal to capture the memories. “So much happens in 12 days,” he says. “You’ll want those stories to look back on—for yourself and for the next generation of scouts behind you.”
“Philmont is truly a transformative experience— the effort you put into preparing directly impacts the fun and confidence you feel once you’re on the trail.”
LEARNING BY DOING
Each Philmont crew is also required to complete a service project, and Troop 172’s contribution was trail building. Scouts dug into the hillside, removed boulders, and cut switchbacks— learning firsthand about the importance of trail sustainability and land stewardship.
“The work was tough, dusty, and absolutely rewarding,” Flottmann says. “You could physically see the impact you were making.”
The next evening, the crew enjoyed a hearty chuck box dinner at a staffed camp—chili, cornbread, and cobbler. “After days of trail food, that hot meal was everything,” Flottmann adds.
A TASTE OF CIVILIZATION
After ten days in the backcountry, even the simplest luxuries felt extravagant. On the way home, the crew made a stop at Cree-Mee Drive-In in Cimarron, New Mexico. Burgers, fries, and soda with ice never tasted so good.
Favorite activities among the scouts included western action shooting, spar pole climbing, bouldering, and— unsurprisingly—Cow Ball. But for Flottmann, the best moments were more personal.
“My favorite photo is one of me and my son, Logan, sitting at Ringtail Camp,” he shares. “That moment of stillness, surrounded by everything we’d accomplished, is something I’ll treasure forever.”
Passion, Patience, and Animal Care
TEEN VOLUNTEER, NATALIA CRUZ, FINDS FULFILLMENT THROUGH SHELTER & ZOO SERVICE
ARTICLE BY NATE BURD AND SCOTT EVANS
PHOTOGRAPHY PROVIDED
Animal aficionada and Tempe Preparatory Academy junior, Natalia Cruz, found something even better than volunteering at just one place—she helps both at the Phoenix Zoo and at the Arizona Humane Society animal shelter.
“The Arizona Humane Society stood out to me because of its commitment not just to rescuing animals, but also to providing critical medical care and promoting adoption over euthanasia,” says Natalia. “Their dedication to giving every animal a second chance really resonated with me.”
“The Phoenix Zoo appealed to me for a different but equally important reason: their focus on conservation and educating the public about endangered species,” she adds.
Natalia is happy that volunteering at both the shelter and the zoo allows her to explore her passion for animals on two fronts—caring for pets at a local level and raising awareness about global wildlife issues.
Her love for animals runs in the family. She remembers watching her uncle, a veterinarian in Mexico. “I loved the work he did because he did it out of passion and love,” says Natalia.
She began volunteering at the Humane Society shelter by doing laundry. This helped her meet the minimum nine-hour basic-help requirement before she could move on to working directly with animals. New volunteers at the shelter can also expect to clean feed dishes and kennels, in addition to laundry duties.
Qualified helpers at the shelter are allowed to walk dogs, train dogs and cats in sociability, assist with photography, and help visitors select their new pets.
Natalia holds the highest training certification, which, she says, allows her to work with dogs that have a harder time coming out of their kennels due to fear or stress.
A high point for Natalia was meeting an Australian
cattle dog named Lynda. Chained outside as a pup, Lynda came to the shelter aggressive and wary of people. Noticing that Lynda “needed a little bit of extra help,” but was an “amazing dog,” Natalia helped train her to develop the “sweet and playful demeanor” that soon attracted a loving new owner.
For Natalia, the most rewarding part of volunteering at the shelter is seeing animals like Lynda change— helping them regain trust. Sitting with or near a fearful animal, offering treats and gentle words, and being patient are Natalia’s favored techniques for winning animals’ confidence.
The changes that most reward Natalia at the zoo are the ones she prompts in visitors—connecting them to wildlife through education. She finds her bilingual skills particularly useful. “Some kids get really excited when I start to speak Spanish because it engages them on a more personal and understandable level,” she says. She especially enjoys talking with visitors about the rattlesnakes—her favorite zoo creatures.
Natalia particularly enjoys working at her “spotting scopes” station, where she sits with a “giant scope” and helps visitors view animals as though they are “incredibly up close.” Her favorite animals to spot-view are the African painted dogs. “With the scope, visitors can even see the tiniest details on their coats,” she says.
Helping make a positive difference for animals—and for people—has changed Natalia, too. Interacting with dogs like Lynda has cultivated her empathy and patience and sharpened her awareness of our responsibilities toward animals, whether wild or domestic. Natalia’s volunteer experience has made such an impact that she’s now exploring career paths in animal science, conservation, veterinary medicine, or wildlife education. Natalia’s enthusiasm and experience certainly make her a winning ambassador!
To potential volunteers, Natalia advises:
“Start small, because even a few hours a week can make a big difference.” She recommends both the Arizona Humane Society and the Phoenix Zoo as “great opportunities.”
Zulema Valenzuela President
DRINK. TALK. CHEER.
ARTICLE BY JETT ARREDONDO | PHOTOGRAPHY PROVIDED
“WHERE ELEVATED CUISINE, HANDCRAFTED COCKTAILS, AND A VIBRANT COMMUNITY ATMOSPHERE COME TOGETHER.”
DTC Sports Grille is shaking up the East Valley’s dining and entertainment scene with two thriving locations in Chandler and Tempe, Arizona. Born from a vision to elevate the traditional sports bar, DTC delivers more than just a place to watch the game—it’s where elevated cuisine, handcrafted cocktails, and a vibrant community atmosphere come together.
At the core of the DTC experience is a deep commitment to culinary excellence. From TriFecta Wings to the bold Diablo Smash Burger and classic Philly Cheesesteaks, the menu strikes a flavorful balance between comfort food and creative
flair.Behind the bar, expert mixologists craft cocktails designed to complement every flavor on the plate, making each visit a dynamic sensory experience.
“We started DTC as a concept rooted in Downtown Chandler,” says owner Mike Myers. “But from day one, we knew our long-term vision was bigger. We wanted to bring a locally driven sports grille with a unique edge to the entire East Valley— Chandler, Tempe, and eventually Queen Creek was always on our radar.”
DTC is built for both sports enthusiasts and culinary adventurers. Every location is outfitted with high-definition screens, so
fans catch every moment—from last-minute touchdowns to buzzer-beater three-pointers.And for those who prefer to soak up the Arizona sun, the smoke-friendly patios offer a perfect open-air retreat.
The Tempe location, which opened in May 2024, builds on the success of the Chandler flagship. While “DTC” originally stood for “Downtown Chandler,” the brand has seamlessly expanded, bringing its signature blend of food, fun, and fandom to new corners of the Valley.
What truly sets DTC apart, however, is its commitment to community. From weekly trivia nights to daily food and drink specials, DTC is designed to be a local gathering place—a welcoming space where friends, families, and fans come together.
Whether you’re catching the big game, exploring bold new flavors, or just looking for a neighborhood hangout with heart, DTC Sports Grille offers something for everyone. Some say DTC originally stood for “Downtown Chandler”—or was it? These days, it’s all about Drink. Talk. Cheer. A place with community spirit and local flavor. It’s more than a name—it’s where the locals go.
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
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).
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.
Birthday Cake for Your Pup
Ingredients:
• 1 egg
• 4 tablespoons peanut butter
• 1/2 cup apple, finely chopped
• 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
Directions:
Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Grease a ramekin and set aside. Combine all ingredients and mix well. Pour batter into ramekin and sprinkle a few apple slices on top. Bake for 20 minutes.
events
THROUGHOUT AUGUST
Comedy Shows at Tempe Improv
Tempe Improv | 930 E. University Drive
If you're in the mood for a good laugh, head to the legendary Tempe Improv Comedy Theatre. This iconic spot brings in top comedic talent from across the country—right here in the heart of Tempe. Their August lineup is packed with can’t-miss performances, so grab your tickets early! For more details, visit: tempeimprov.com/events
AUGUST 4TH - 12TH
Mullett Arena Pickleball Club
Mullett Arena | 411 S. Packard Drive Tempe, AZ 85281
Mullett Arena is hosting pickleball this summer, August 4th -12th. Join them for an indoor option to beat the heat while engaging with fellow pickleball enthusiasts! $40/court/hour – REGISTRATION OPEN SOON! Visit: mullettarena.com/events.
AUGUST 21ST
Jazz Jam Summer Oasis
Darkstar on Mill Avenue | 526 S. Mill Ave. #201, | 6:30 PM
Escape the heat and tap into Tempe’s Jazz Jam Summer Oasis on August 19th. This series brings together creatives and the community to play, sing, connect and scheme. Visit: tempetourism.com for more details.
