The Young, the Furry, and the Fabulous
There's something timeless about August - the last sweet stretch of summer, when the days are long and the routines are still a little loose. It's during this time the bond between kids and their pets seem to shine brightest. Barefoot backyard adventures, lazy naps with a cat curled up nearby, shared popsicles (whether we meant to share or not!) - these are the little moments that shape childhood.
This month, we celebrate that sweet bond in our Kids & Pets issue. From pet lovers to a family raising baby goats on backyard farms, we have an issue full of stories, tips and snapshots of joy these little companions bring to our lives. You'll learn about the products these charming little goats help produce - like creamy cheeses, handcrafted soaps, and even lotions and meet the family who help care for them.
We will take you to a second chance animal rescue that is a refuge for abandoned and abused dogs. These precious pups are fully nursed back to health, loved and ready to welcome their new adopted family. After a visit, you'll be asked, "Can we keep him?" Also, you'll get a tour and introduced to two local veterinarians at Gage Animal Hospital who's main goal is keeping your pet happy and healthy for a lifetime.
In our kid's spotlight, meet a soon to be 12-year old local singer and guitar player whose star power is impossible to miss. Whether she's practicing with her coach or captivating a crowd in one of our Golden City's coffee shops, her passion reminds us that big dreams often start young.
So here's to muddy paws, sticky fingers, baby goat bleats and memories that will last a lifetime.
Many blessings,
KATHY GRAHAM, EDITOR @TOPEKALIFESTYLE
August 2025
PUBLISHER
Brian Rodehorst | brian.rodehorst@citylifestyle.com
EDITOR
Kathy Graham | kathy.graham@citylifestyle.com
STAFF WRITERS
Linda Ditch | lindaaditch@gmail.com
Kelsey Huber | khuber2@gmail.com
Amanda Knowland | amandalanum@gmail.com
STAFF PHOTOGRAPHERS
Kristol Kumar | kristol@kristolkumar.com
Lindsey Wagers | info@wagersphotography.com
Tara Helton | theupside@taraheltonphotography
SOCIAL MEDIA COORDINATOR
Tara Helton | theupside@taraheltonphotography
CONTRIBUTING WRITER
Angela Broockerd
CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHER
Janie Jones
Corporate Team
CEO Steven Schowengerdt
COO Matthew Perry
CRO Jamie Pentz
VP OF OPERATIONS Janeane Thompson
VP OF SALES Andrew Leaders
AD DESIGNER Mary Albers
LAYOUT DESIGNER Jamie Housh
QUALITY CONTROL SPECIALIST Marina Campbell
Gage
New Doctor at Family Eye Care of Topeka
Family Eye Care welcomes Dr. Alexander Ziegler as their newest doctor. Dr. Ziegler, born and raised in Topeka, graduated from Hayden High School and Kansas State University. He completed his doctorate at the University of Missouri-St. Louis College of Optometry with awards for clinical excellence in ocular disease and binocular vision/vision therapy. The doctors and staff at Family Eye Care are committed to high-quality, compassionate eye care. Call 785-271-8989 for an appointment. Visit: visionsource-topeka.com Scan to
Restore Physical Therapy Helps Kids Be Their Best
Help your child be their best. Restore Physical Therapy offers a variety of techniques designed to help your child build strength, increase mobility, improve motor skills, and address a wide range of diagnoses. They're excited to introduce Interactive Metronome. IM is a cutting-edge tool that uses rhythm and timing exercises to improve brain and body communication. This innovative therapy service promotes focus, body awareness, and cognitive performance in a fun, engaging way. Visit restorephysicaltherapyks.com
Scan to read more
Service & Guidance Center Works of Heart Online Auction
Help thousands of people living with mental health and substance use challenges by bidding in the 19th annual Works of Heart auction, a fundraiser for Family Service & Guidance Center. Browse professional artwork, photography, pottery, jewelry, unique experiences and valuable gift cards at FSGCtopeka. com/art Every online bid = a chance to win $100! DATE: August 1-16, 2025. TIME:
Closes at 7 p.m. on Saturday, Aug. 16
COMPASSION. CONNECTION. CARE.
Gage Animal Hospital: where pets are family and personalized care comes first
ARTICLE BY AMANDA KNOWLAND
PHOTOGRAPHY BY
TARA HELTON/
THE UPSIDE PHOTOGRAPHY
Since 1950, Gage Animal Hospital has been a trusted name in veterinary care for Topeka families. Originally founded by Dr. J. Alan Bradbury, the clinic has served generations of clients and their beloved pets. In 2023, longtime owner Dr. Robert Shipman passed the torch to a new leadership team: Dr. Bob Thayer, Dr. Kate Schoemann, and Dr. Joy Cress.
“I love the family atmosphere and the camaraderie of the staff,” says Dr. Schoemann. “We all share the same goals.”
“Through the years the hospital has seen thousands of pets and multiple generations of clients but has always remained dedicated to providing high quality and compassionate care to our patients,” says Dr. Schoemann.
New clients are often struck by Gage’s clean, modern space – free of odors and filled with calm energy. Behind the welcoming environment is a team of dedicated veterinarians offering a full range of services for dogs and cats, including wellness exams and vaccinations, dental cleanings, vaccinations, diagnostics (including in-house labs and radiographs), emergency and planned surgeries, and hospitalization and treatment for sick patients.
“We provide wellness care with annual examinations, vaccination and preventative medication recommendations tailored to each individual patient,” Gage veterinarian Dr. Karie Ledbetter shares. “For our sick patients we are able to run in-house labs, take radiographs, perform ultrasonography, provide hospitalization and treatments, and provide a variety of surgical procedures.”
An in-house pharmacy ensures quick access to medications, while upgraded lab equipment delivers most test results within the hour—critical for quick diagnosis and treatment.
But what truly sets Gage Animal Hospital apart is the relationship-based care.
“Our primary goal is to be able to educate our clients about their pets’ needs then offer high quality care to meet those needs,” says Dr. Schoemann. “We understand that not everyone can afford all the recommendations that we advise, but we are here to modify the recommendations to remain within the means of our clients.”
Dr. Ledbetter agrees. “Communication is essential to achieve the best care option for each patient, as our treatment recommendations will vary based on not just the needs of the pets but also the needs of their owners.”
This philosophy of compassion extends to the pets themselves.
“We give positive reinforcement throughout the visit and use distractions during vaccines to minimize discomfort,” the doctors say. “For our nervous patients, we use fear-free techniques and sometimes medications before their visit to minimize their anxiety.”
Behind the scenes, the Gage team fosters the same trust and camaraderie with each other.
“I love the family atmosphere and the camaraderie of the staff,” says Dr. Schoemann. “We all share the same goals.”
Dr. Ledbetter adds, “We joke with each other and have fun, but when things are urgent or stressful everyone comes together to help.”
The clinic also has its share of personality-packed pets. Scrubs, the mischievous clinic cat, enjoys retirement with the receptionist and now has two feline companions. Dr. Schoemann’s French bulldogs are regular fixtures at the clinic, providing comfort and comic relief.
“They are good for de-stressing, at least for me. My heart swells every time I see them,” she says.
Dr. Ledbetter’s family recently adopted Simba, a once sick orange kitten nursed back to health at the clinic.
“My kids immediately fell in love,” she says. “My husband was a little harder to convince and pretends to just tolerate him, but he enjoys his orange cat antics, too.”
While Gage already provides comprehensive care, the team is excited to expand services to include small mammals like rabbits, ferrets, and guinea pigs. With Dr. Ledbetter’s background in exotic pet medicine, the clinic aims to bring expert care to more of Topeka’s pet families. The team also strives to improve diagnostic and treatment options as the clinic grows.
As one of the few remaining locally-owned veterinary hospitals in the area, Gage Animal Hospital is proud to remain grounded in personalized, community-focused service. For the team at Gage, it’s not just medicine: it’s a calling, a connection, and a commitment to the pets and people of Topeka.
To learn more or schedule a visit, go to gageanimalhospital.com or visit them at 4000 SW 12th St, Topeka, KS 66604
At GageAnimalHospital, we believe preventative care is as important as critical care. Our mission is to keep your furry family members healthy and comfortable.
• INDIVIDUALIZED VACCINATION PROTOCOL & PARASITE CONTROL
• MEDICAL & SURGICAL CARE
• CLIENT EDUCATION
When unexpected health concerns arise, you can count on us for compassionate, professional care. (785) 272-8876 | gageanimalhospital.com 4000 SW 12th St, Topeka, Kansas 66604
Sing BORN TO
ARTICLE BY LINDA DITCH
PHOTOGRAPHY BY LINDSEY WAGERS/ WAGERS PHOTOGRAPHY
Ellie Oliva’s Stunning Talent Amazes Local Audiences
Ellie Oliva is causing a stir in the Topeka music scene. She has performed at venues such as the Celtic Fox's Jam for Dan, Classic Bean, and Evergy Plaza, featuring a lineup of cover songs from her favorite pop and country performers, including Megan Moroney, Taylor Swift, Olivia Rodrigo, Noah Kahan, and Luke Combs. Recently, she rocked the Happy Basset Brewing Co. as the opening act for Chance Encounter with an hour-long set featuring her versions of Shaboozey's "The Bar Song (Tipsy)" and Gwen Stefani's "Just a Girl."
Ellie turns 12 years old this August, just before starting seventh grade at Seaman Middle School.
Surprised? That's a common reaction when Ellie takes the stage with her teal guitar--until she starts to sing. Sometimes the audience doesn't even realize her age until she tells them. The reactions are typically looks of disbelief.
Ellie remembers when playing at Evergy Plaza, "It was a little funny. They were kind of like, 'Sure, we'll let an 11-yearold up there to play a couple of songs.' Then, not even halfway through my first song, the guy running it came up to my mom and said, 'She can keep playing if she wants.'"
Her mom, Cory Oliva, says singing was a part of her daughter's life since day one. "We would go on a family trip and be singing along to music in the car. Then the rest of us would get quiet and listen to Ellie."
When Ellie was around two or three years old, a neighbor gave her a pink Minnie Mouse guitar that she carried everywhere to strum it, along with a fake microphone. Then, when she was five, she got her first guitar.
Finding guitar lessons for someone that young is difficult. Most teachers prefer to wait until a student is at least 10 years old. However, Marc Houser was willing to take a chance on Ellie when she was seven.
CONTINUED >
"I had an attitude," Ellie says, with a smile. "When I was little, I just wanted things to go the easy way, and that's not how it goes. So, there were a lot of tears. I just love the patience that Mark had with me. I don't see him as much now. I have apps on my phone that will show me the chords to a song and how to strum them. But sometimes it's not clear, so I do text or call him. I love how I can just always talk to Marc."
The first time Ellie's talent was recognized in public was at a Kids' Jam with Kyler Carpenter at Doughboyz Pizzeria. She got up and sang Lauren Daigle's "Hold on to Me", crushing the song. From that point on, he started helping Ellie secure performance opportunities.
Cory is both Ellie's manager (Ellie calls her Momager) and Director of Clinical Education in the Physical Therapist Assistant Program at Washburn University. She is serious about overseeing Ellie's singing career, particularly considering her age. While there is a TikTok account for Ellie's music (@guitargirlmom37), Cory does the posts since Ellie is not yet allowed on social media. She is also careful about selecting the performance venues and, much to her daughter's dismay, the lyrics of the songs.
While music is Ellie's primary focus, she also lives a well-rounded life. At school, she's an honor roll student, and she plays on a club volleyball team. She's also aware of how challenging a music career can be, so her backup plan is veterinary school.
But for now, music is her focus. She says, "I just love hearing the applause. The first gig that I ever had, just hearing that applause made me feel like, oooohhh, maybe I actually can do this. All of the gigs that I've gotten, I'm forever grateful for how everyone has taken a chance on me."
Ready FOR A NEW Best Friend?
On 50 acres of quiet countryside near Auburn, Kansas, you’ll find the Second Chance Animal Refuge Society (SCARS)—a dog rescue no-kill shelter that offers not just second chances, but often last chances, to dogs who have been discarded, abused or neglected. At the heart of it all is Maureen Cummins, a retired high school teacher of 25 years, author, and tireless advocate for dogs in need.
Maureen founded SCARS in 1999 with her late husband, Terry, a certified public accountant and educator who shared her deep love for dogs. The two met in a storybook-worthy way—Maureen was featured in the Topeka Capital-Journal for her work in dog rescue, and Terry, charmed by both the dog and its rescuer, reached out with an adoption offer… but only if Maureen came along with the dog. Their shared passion quickly became a life mission.
Together, they built SCARS into a true sanctuary. Today, it is the only state-licensed dog rescue shelter in Shawnee County, and it remains operational thanks in part to Terry’s meticulous financial planning before his passing in 2022.
CONTINUED >
Maureen Cummins and the No Kill Shelter Giving Dogs a Second Chance
ARTICLE BY AMANDA KNOWLAND
PHOTOGRAPHY BY KRISTOL KUMAR PHOTOGRAPHY
“I couldn’t do it if he hadn’t left us financially stable,” Maureen says. “SCARS is our legacy, and I honor him by continuing the work we did together.”
THE SHELTER LIFE
At any given time, SCARS cares for approximately 50 dogs—and often has a waiting list. These aren’t easy intakes. Many of the dogs are brought in from abuse cases, neglectful environments, or simply abandoned in rural areas with nowhere to go. Maureen refers to them as “end-of-the-road dogs.” They often arrive emaciated, infested with fleas, suffering from infections, untreated medical conditions, or simply too frightened to be handled.
Each dog receives a personalized care plan. Some go directly to a local veterinarian in Auburn; others Maureen can initially treat on-site. All are placed in heated or air-conditioned indoor/ outdoor spaces—no full-time kenneling. The property includes large runs with doggie doors, blankets, toys, and access to nature. Volunteers play a crucial role, helping walk the dogs, bathe them, and offer socialization—especially important for animals afraid of human contact.
“It’s a slow process,” Maureen explains. “Some dogs never fully recover emotionally. And that’s okay—they stay here and live out their lives in peace.”
She speaks of dogs like Kane, who only trusts Maureen, and Max, a severely abused dog featured in her first book who never regained trust in people but found safety and routine at SCARS.
A LIFETIME OF STORIES
Maureen’s work as an author is deeply intertwined with the shelter. Her books, Under a Kansas Sky and On a Kansas Prairie, include dozens of stories of transformation, heartbreak, and resilience. One of Maureen’s favorites is the story of Blue Bell, a puppy brought in by a student who found her dumped in a parking lot. Diagnosed with hydrocephalus, Blue Bell had just 5% normal brain tissue. Still, she recovered after a high-risk surgery and lives a happy, energetic life at the shelter.
“She’s a miracle dog,” Maureen says.
Another story is that of a silver lab rescued from a hoarding situation. Her legs were weak but with time, patience, and lots of swimming, she regained strength and was eventually adopted into a loving home.
ROOTED IN DISCIPLINE AND COMPASSION
Her days start early and end late. With the help of a small team of volunteers, three staff members, and a reliable maintenance man named Keith, and with the help of Kevin, a loyal volunteer, Maureen keeps the operation running. But she recalls being alone with 50 dogs to care for during a recent blizzard—a grueling, emotional time that took her weeks to recover from.
“I cry a lot,” she admits. “But I also keep going. I was raised to be strong, and I know these dogs need me.”
Maureen credits her resilience to the way she was raised. Her father was a graduate of the Naval Academy and WWII veteran who instilled discipline, strength, and a deep sense of duty in Maureen and her sister.
“They teach Midshipmen at the Naval Academy to live for a cause greater than themselves, and my father passed that to my sister and me,” she says. “I like to think being a teacher and rescuing dogs fit into that category.”
HOW TO HELP
Other than Terry’s visionary planning for the financial future of the shelter, SCARS receives some funding from donations and a couple of annual grants. The newsletter remains the primary
source of financial support. Adoption fees are low, and Maureen says she is mindful to never charge more than she thinks people can afford. Donations can be made at www.scarsusa.com or by mail to SCARS, P.O. Box 22, Auburn, KS 66402.
Maureen shares available dogs on the SCARS website, Facebook page, and Petfinder. The adoption process requires an application and in-person visit to ensure a good match.
“These dogs are worthy of patience and love,” she says. “They’re not going to know your rules on day one—but they’ll learn, if you give them the chance.”
A QUIET RECOGNITION
Over the years, Maureen and SCARS have earned recognition from organizations like the YMCA Women of Excellence, the Jefferson Award, and even a feature in César Millán’s magazine. But for Maureen, the spotlight isn’t the point.
“I’ve never cared much about awards. I just want to contribute something meaningful,” she says, adding that she is proud of her years as a public school teacher and an animal advocate. She knows her father would be proud that she chose to live for a cause greater than herself.
WHISKING UP CONFIDENCE
ARTICLE BY ANGELA BROOCKERD
PHOTOGRAPHY BY JANIE JONES
There’s something truly special about inviting your child into the kitchen—not just for the cookies or cupcakes, but for the confidence, creativity, and connection that come with it. Cooking with your children isn’t just a fun way to pass the time; it’s an opportunity to build lifelong skills and memories that stick.
Sure, teaching a young child how to crack an egg or measure flour can test your patience—but hang in there. With a little trial and a fair amount of error,
Why Cooking with Kids is More Than Just Making Meals
they’ll start to develop the fine motor skills that allow them to prep a recipe all on their own one day. The best part? They’ll gain confidence along the way, one scoop, stir, and sprinkle at a time.
Cooking together also taps into something a little magical—memory. The smell of cookies baking or chili simmering on the stove can instantly transport us back to childhood. That’s not just nostalgia talking—science backs it up. Our sense of smell is closely tied to autobiographical memory, especially memories formed early in life. So those sweet, savory scents? They’re more powerful than you might think.
The key is to start simple. Let your toddler play with mixing bowls, spoons, and measuring cups. These little moments of pretend play actually help build the fine motor skills needed for real kitchen tasks. Begin with small jobs—scooping flour, flattening cookie dough with a rolling pin—and gradually add more steps as your child becomes more confident.
It won’t be perfect. The flour might fly, the sugar might spill, and the measurements might be slightly off—and that’s okay. Embrace the mess, stay patient, and focus on the fun. A dash of encouragement and a sprinkle of praise go a long way in keeping your little chef engaged and excited.
Over time, you’ll see the magic unfold: a child who’s not only learning how to cook but also growing more independent, capable, and proud of what they’ve created. And who knows? Maybe one day, they’ll pass those same recipes—and memories—on to their own kids.
ANIMAL Crackers
Ingredients:
• 1 cup and 2 tablespoons white flour
• 1/4 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/2 cup oatmeal
• 4 tablespoons honey
• 1/2 teaspoon vanilla
• 4 tablespoons buttermilk
• 1/2 teaspoon almond extract
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 cup whole wheat flour
• 1/4 cup unsalted butter, room temperature
• Optional: add 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg or cinnamon
Steps:
1. Preheat the oven to 400 degrees.
2. Put the oatmeal in a blender or food processor and pulse for about a minute, until it’s reduced to a rough powder. Add the ground oatmeal to the whole wheat and 1/2 cup of the white flour, baking soda and salt to the bowl of an electric mixer affixed with a paddle attachment, and turn on to mix. Add butter and blend on medium speed until the butter has been incorporated and the mix looks a little like wet sand. Add the buttermilk, vanilla, honey and almond extract and blend. If the dough looks too wet to roll, add the remaining flour 1/4 cup at a time until the dough forms a ball and pulls away from the sides of the blender.
3. Turn the dough out onto a piece of plastic wrap and flatten into a disc. Cover completely and chill in the fridge for at least one hour, up to overnight.
4. When ready to bake, preheat the oven to 400 degrees and place dough on a lightly floured surface (using the remaining 2 tablespoons of flour). Roll out until 1/8 inch thick. Cut out with desired cookie cutters and bake for five to seven minutes, based on your preference. Five minutes will get you a softer cracker, while seven will get you a crisp cracker.
Enjoy!
Enjoying The Little Ones On the Farm
Goats With A View
ARTICLE BY LINDA DITCH | PHOTOGRAPHY BY LINDSEY WAGERS/WAGERS PHOTOGRAPHY
Two things compete for a visitor's attention at Flint Hills View Farm. One is the stunning 360-degree view of the region the farm is named after.
Owner Connie Wagers says, "We kind of joke that we bought the property because of the view. Every place you look has a beautiful view of the Flint Hills."
The other is the cuteness overload caused by baby goats. This year, 10 little ones were born on the farm, with the average typically being between 10 and 12, although last year they had 14 babies. Goats typically have two babies at a time, but last year the farm had one that delivered quadruplets.
The farm currently houses eight milking goats. Connie says, "As far as farm animals go, they're a lot easier to manage than the bigger cows because you can move them around fairly easily. They become very attached to you, and they're very smart. We milk our goats twice a day. They learn the order they're supposed to be in, so when we open the gate, they know exactly which ones go first. When one comes out, the next one knows it's their turn."
One of the farm's superstars is Milo, a non-breeding male goat. He is on the blood donor list for the Kansas State Veterinary Hospital. If an animal is extremely anemic or needs blood, the hospital has Milo come over to donate.
Connie says, "He's a big guy, but he's the sweetest goat because we bottle fed him from the beginning. So, he's just as kind as can be. He also babysits all the new baby goats when their mommas need a break. They just send them over to Milo."
Wagers and her husband, Curtis, bought the farm in 2017. The property, located north of Paxico, consisted of only a house and one building at the time. Today, it has grown to not only accommodate the goat herd, but also chickens, ducks, bees, miniature donkeys to guard the goats, and guinea fowl to eat pests and serve as a natural alarm system.
"If they hear or see something, they start squawking like there's no tomorrow," Connie says, with a laugh. Products from the farm are sold on summer Saturdays at the Breadbasket Farmers Market located at the West Ridge Mall. They offer a variety of goat milk soaps and lotions, as well as meat sticks and eggs. Once they are certified as a grade A dairy, they will sell goat's milk and cheese. Connie is already working with taste testers on perfecting five or six different flavors of chevre so she's ready when the time comes.
For those who are uncertain about drinking goat's milk, Connie notes, "Honestly, I can't tell the difference from cows' milk. We've had people in our family and some friends who are sensitive to dairy
“How can you resist baby goats, even when it’s chore time?”
products, but they can drink goat's milk and consume goat dairy products without any problems. And I've had people come up to us at the farmers market and say their dermatologist told them to get goat milk soap to help with issues such as dry skin or eczema."
Like many modern-day farmers, both the Wagers have jobs off the farm, too. Connie does administrative work at the Stormont Vail Flint Hills campus in Junction City, and Curtis works for John Deere. Two of their four children still live on the farm and assist with the daily chores, although their other grown children and grandchildren also help out.
"How can you resist baby goats, even when it's chore time?" Connie says. "I like the fact that we're able to have products at our fingertips. It's nice to know where our milk, eggs, and meat come from and to provide that to our kids. Growing stuff and knowing where it comes from is pretty awesome."
realty report
JULY 10TH - AUGUST 9TH
National Night Out
Stormont Vail Events Center | 12:00 PM
The City of Topeka invites you to Ag Hall to enjoy a Car Show, Food Trucks, Face Painting, Talent Show, Resource Fair and Touch a Truck to kick off National Night out! stormontvaileventscenter.com/events
AUGUST 21ST - 24TH
Capital City Cluster Dog Show
Stormont Vail Events Center
Join us August 21–24 at the Stormont Vail Events Center for the Capital City Cluster Dog Show, featuring all-breed conformation, obedience, rally, and specialty competitions. This free, family-friendly event is a must-see for dog lovers of all ages! stormontvaileventscenter.com/events
We’ve added to our team to better serve you! Introducing Dr Alex Ziegler, seeing new patients in September!
