The Stroll M Streets- March 2023

PHOTO CREDIT: APRIL

IMPORTANT PHONE NUMBERS

NUMBERS YOU NEED EMERGENCY & HELPLINE CONTACTS:

Fire, Police, Ambulance

North Texas Poison Center

City of Dallas Services Helpline

Information Assistance

Information and Referral of Greater Dallas

Suicide and Crisis Lifeline

HOSPITALS/EMERGENCY ROOMS:

Lakewood ER 24/7

Children’s Health

Medical City Hospital of Dallas

Parkland Hospital

Presbyterian Hospital-Dallas

Doctor’s Hospital of Dallas

Baylor University Medical Center

SCHOOLS

Mockingbird Elementary School

Geneva Heights Elementary

J. L. Long Middle School

Woodrow Wilson High School

LIBRARY:

Skillman Southwestern Branch Library

strollmag.com

PUBLISHER:

PUBLISHING ASSISTANT:

CONTENT COORDINATOR: CREATIVE DIRECTOR: ACCOUNT EXECUTIVE

PHOTOGRAPHY:

Kirsten G. Swanson

Sue Hunyady

Ashley Westfall

Josh Crothers

Linda Huffaker

April Barnes Photography

www.AprilBarnesPhotography.com

FOR ADVERTISING INQUIRIES:

MStreets@n2co.com

504-296-8664

www.MStreetsLifeMagazine.com

CHECK US OUT ON FACEBOOK, @STROLLMSTREETS, AND INSTAGRAM, @STROLLMSTREETS.

Be sure to “like us” and follow us, so you are in the know regarding upcoming events, announcements, contests, and more.

DISCLAIMER: This publication is also known as M Streets Life is owned by The N2 Company, and is not affiliated with or sponsored by any club, developer, or homeowners association. Articles and advertisements in this publication and opinions expressed therein do not necessarily reflect the views of N2 but remain solely those of the author(s) or advertiser(s). The paid advertisements contained within this magazine are not endorsed or recommended by N2.

Delivering Neighborhood Connections © 2023 The N2 Company, Inc.

This section is here to give our readers easier access when searching for a trusted neighborhood partner to use. Get to know the businesses that make this magazine possible. Please support them in return and thank them if you get the chance!

ADVERTISING INQUIRIES

Stroll M Streets / M Streets Life

Kirsten Swanson (504) 296-8664

MStreetsLifeMagazine.com

ANIMAL ER 24/7

Dallas Animal Emergency (214) 520-2222

dallasanimaler.com

BANKING/INVESTMENTS/INSURANCE

Frost Bank (Lakewood Branch) (214) 515-4870

FrostBank.com

CHURCH

Greenland Hills UMC (214) 826-2060 greenlandhills.org

DENTIST - FAMILY

Henderson Family Dental (214) 823-2182

HFDentist.com

DOG TRAINING & BEHAVIOR

Good Dog Fetch (214) 253-9016

GoodDogFetch.com

ELECTRONICS/ENTERTAINMENT

Star Companies (214) 545-0163

www.star-power.com

EMERGENCY MEDICAL CARE

Lakewood ER (469) 372-2040

LakewoodEmergencyRoom.com

FAMILY LAW/PROBATE

Paula Lock Smyth Law Office - M Streets Resident (214) 420-1800

DallasFamilyLawAttorney.com

HAIR SALON

Johnny Rodriguez the Salon (214) 987-1919

JohnnyRodriguezSalon.com

HEALTH, WELLNESS & FITNESS

Pilates214 (214) 775-9505

Pilates214.com

HEATING & AIR

Cool Air Mechanical (972) 245-1158

coolairtx.com

HOME REMODELING AND HOME IMPROVEMENT

Evander’s Construction (214) 686-2953

EvandersConstruction.com

LANDSCAPE DESIGNER/ LANDSCAPE CONTRACTOR

The Gardener Dallas (214) 516-1053

TheGardenerDallas.com

MASSAGE/SPA

The NOW Massage (214) 764-6980

TheNowMassage.com

MEDICAL

Texas Health Center for Diagnostics & Surgery (972) 543-1249

THCDS.com

MEDICAL - PEDIATRICS

Pecan Tree Pediatrics Lakewood (214) 214-3100 pecantreepediatrics.com

MORTGAGE / HOME LOAN & REFINANCE

Dave Smith Home Loans - MStreets Neighbor (214) 202-2685 RockMyMortgage.com

PHOTO BOOTH/EVENT ENTERTAINMENT

DFW Selfie Mirror (817) 584-1418

DFWSelfieMirror.com

PHOTOGRAPHY

April Barnes Photography (972) 965-8173

AprilBarnesPhotography.com

PHYSICAL THERAPY

M Power Physical Therapy (214) 538-2559 mpower-pt.com

PLUMBING SERVICES

Black Tie Plumbing (682) 717-8086 BlackTiePlumbing.com

PLUMBING SERVICES & WATER QUALITY

Intown Plumbing (469) 207-1400 intownplumbingtx.com

POWER WASHING

Park Cities Power Wash (214) 390-3377 parkcitiespowerwash.com

PRIVATE SCHOOL

White Rock North School (214) 348-7410 WhiteRockNorthSchool.com

REAL ESTATE

Damon Williamson Real Estate (214) 325-9827 WilliamsonDallas.com

Jason Bates- Perry Miller Streiff Group (214) 369-6000 jbates@daveperrymiller.com

Ryan Streiff - Perry Miller Streiff Group (214) 369-6000

REAL ESTATE AGENT

Dave Perry-Miller Real Estate. Paige and Curt Elliott (214) 675-8353 daveperrymiller.com

RESTAURANT AND BAR

Piggie Pies Pizza (214) 821-6465

PiggiePiesPizza.com

Terilli’s (214) 827-3993

Terillis.com

SENIOR LIVING COMMUNITY

Juliette Fowler Communities (214) 515-1336

FowlerCommunities.org

SHOPPING PLAZA

The Shops of Highland Park TheShopsOfHighlandPark.com

SOCIAL CLUB, POOL, & EVENTS

KayCee Club (214) 348-7940

KayCeeClub.com

TRAVEL / VACATIONS

Destined Globetrotter (214) 701-8145

DestinedGlobetrotter.com

VETERINARIAN My Pets Wellness (972) 707-0791

mypetswellness.net

www.StrollMStreets.com

FOLLOW US ON INSTAGRAM @STROLLMSTREETS OR FACEBOOK @STROLLMSTREETS FOR NEIGHBORHOOD PHOTOS AND UPDATES!

THANK YOU

Thank our sponsors!

If you’re enjoying Stroll M Streets, please thank our valued local business partners you see in this issue. This magazine would not exist without their partnership and support. The best way to thank them is to consider their company when choosing products or services for your family. Shop local!

Michael and Brittany Grose

GREENLAND HILLS NEIGHBORHOOD ASSOCIATION

On

of

a few responsibilities. Please check out the QR code to learn more about our Conservation District for home changes, alley clean-ups and yard/tree responsibilities. To learn more about the history of Greenland Hills and how you can be involved with your neighborhood, visit www.mstreets.org.

NEW TO THE NEIGHBORHOOD?

When you join GHNA, you’ll become a part of the fabric of this warm, proactive neighborhood that families, empty nesters and singles all call home. GHNA works tirelessly to build a safe alcove in which neighbors can grow lasting bonds and, perhaps even more importantly, create a “feeling” of belonging to something good.

Follow us on Facebook, @theGHNA, and Instagram, @greenlandhills1. Use this QR code for our “Welcome Packet” of membership information.

KEEP YOUR FAMILY AND OUR NEIGHBORHOOD SAFER

Help us keep our neighborhood safe by participating in Crime Watch! Crime Watch facilitates an active, close community of neighbors and fosters abilities in keeping the neighborhood friendly and crime-free.

GHNA MEMBERSHIP:

Crime Watch Participation: $200

GHNA Membership Only: $30

UPCOMING BULK TRASH REMINDER: NEW TRASH DAY!

Each Wednesday is trash/recycling day.

March 9-12: Bulk trash item set out

March. 13-17: Brush and bulky item collection

Aprirl 6-9: Bulk trash item set out

April 10-14: Brush and bulky item collection

March 21: GHNA Regular Mtg. (BOD Only)

April 1: Easter Egg Hunt at Glencoe Park: Hunt Starts at 10 a.m. Sharp!

April 18: GHNA Member Mtg and Board Elections 7:30 p.m.-8:30 p.m.

Visit MStreets.org for the most up-to-date activities!

GHNA 2022-2023 BOARD:

President: Laura Pratt

VP Membership: Alison Walker

VP Communications: Brian Harkins

Secretary: Wes Butler

Treasurer: Jennifer Davis

Members at Large:

Sarah Parsons

Mack Haisten

Mac Kelly

Kevin Burton

Scott Jordan

Kathleen Seacat

The GHNA board of directors is an allvolunteer board that meets once a month.

The GHNA is a registered 501(c) (4) organization. Its mission is to promote the social welfare of the Greenland Hills, Dallas, Texas, neighborhood. Questions about the GHNA or its activities can be emailed to greenlandhills@gmail.com.

behalf

the GHNA board of directors and its members, welcome to the neighborhood!”

— LAURA PRATT, PRESIDENT

the husband and wife team behind Intown Plumbing.

Owners Michael

and Brittany Grose

We Are Lucky To Be A Part Of This Community

I love the month of March because it means the start of spring is here! With the famous Dallas St. Patrick’s Day Celebration, Daylight Savings, Spring Break, and the community events that are coming up we already have a lot on our calendars and we look forward to hearing about your spring adventures. It seems like 2023 just started, and here we are, three months in and getting ready for the warm-”er” weather in Dallas! We have some exciting events coming up this spring – Easter, Mother’s Day, Graduation, and more. Send us a photo of you and your mom for a chance to win a “Mother’s Day” special prize on us!

We love the number of stories we get every month and would love to encourage even more of our great residents to get involved. That’s what makes Stroll M Streets magazine so special! It’s about you, telling your stories! Feel free to reach out to me at any time with nominations or story ideas.

As we are in the month of good luck, we would like to send some welcome wishes to all of our participating

business partners. Without your support, Stroll M Streets would cease to exist!

The businesses in this publication make your monthly newsletter possible by sponsoring your resident article pages, so they support our community in this way. Please consider using their services when you can and if you have any recommendations for high-quality businesses, let us know. Sending lots of good luck from our Stroll M Streets team to you and your families this month!

Kirsten

Kirsten G. Swanson Publisher of Stroll M Streets

504.296.8664

Kirsten.Swanson@n2co.com

We are currently looking for volunteers who would like to take a more active role in contributing to Stroll MStreets. If you like to meet fellow neighbors, you can help! We are looking for:

EVENT TEAM ASSISTANTS - this involves helping to plan/coordinate neighborhood social events throughout the year! Restaurant Reviews, Yappy Hours, Home Tour, Wine Walk, Wine/Beer Tastings, DIY events, and more.

WRITERS/JR. WRITERS (ADULTS OR STUDENTS) - A great way to participate in your neighborhood magazine and for students to gain valuable resume experience. Many neighbors are excited to tell their stories, but just need help writing them. Moms & Dads - check with your child’s school about earning volunteer hours by contributing to their community newsletter!

RECOMMENDATIONS - Is there a local business you love to support? Do you own a business and live in the M Streets? We would love to support you! Business owners in Greenland Hills are eligible for a FREE resident business spotlight and we always love to collaborate and support other local businesses doing high-quality of work.

Please contact Kirsten.Swanson@n2co.com and we will be happy to help develop a plan of action that is right for you!

YOU’RE INVITED: MEET & GREET AS WE STROLL THROUGH 2023

Please join our entire DFW community for a night to celebrate our amazing communities and kick off 2023 right with our new rebranding of Stroll and Greet magazines. Join neighbors, business partners and friends for a night you won’t forget! Enjoy drinks with a one-ofa-kind mixologist, fine dining bites and sure-to-be amazing connections and conversations, and win some great prizes, while we roll out the red carpet for our newly rebranded neighborhoods and community magazines: Stroll and Greet

GHNA ANNUAL EASTER EGG HUNT

Please make sure to RSVP today with the QR code and stay up to date with more announcements and surprises for the evening!

When: March 23, 2023 | Time: 5:30-8 p.m.

Where: Starpower 15340 Dallas Parkway, Dallas, TX 75248

Friends and Neighbors, join us at Glencoe Park on Saturday, April 1, 2023 for the annual GHNA Easter Egg Hunt! The “Hunt ‘’ will kick off at 10 AM SHARP. There will be two areas, one for babies through preschool age and the other for our bigger kids!

Eggs are filled with ageappropriate surprises. Don’t forget to charge up your camera! The Easter Bunny will be making a special visit to Glencoe Park! Plus, we’ll have extra coffee on hand. This event is FREE.

SCAN ME

This will be a night you won’t want to miss!

Lucky To Have Found Each Other:

JENNIFER DEVORE &

of Boyd popped up and Jennifer couldn’t resist. She contacted the rescue group affiliated with the program and submitted an application for Boyd. When the call finally came that her application was accepted, and she could adopt Boyd, she was given two days to travel to northeast Arkansas to pick him up.

“I worked with the county shelter and the Prison coordinator to schedule my travels.” There weren’t any motels near the prison, so Jennifer opted to stay in Mountain View Arkansas, “I so enjoyed my overnight stay in beautiful Mountain View Arkansas. Such a charming little town and everyone was so friendly.” The next day Jennifer continued her journey to Calico Rock, where the prison was located. Jennifer didn’t know what to expect. But all her trepidation faded away as soon as she saw Boyd. They spent a few minutes getting acquainted, but with the impending long journey home, she loaded him in the backseat and started on her way.

BOYD

At 11 months old, Boyd’s journey is not short on adventure. His young journey started at a shelter in Arkansas where he waited for his forever home. Day after day passed and other puppies were adopted, including his sister, but hope was fading for the young puppy. The staff at the shelter decided he would make a good candidate for the Paws in Prison Program. Boyd was assigned to an inmate for a two-month in-house training program.

Now, Texas is Boyd’s forever home. He is settling in nicely. He has an occasional newspaper chew fest, but otherwise is a happy 11-month-old puppy. When asked about the experience, Jennifer said, “it was such a wonderful experience, a trip I will never forget.” She has sent in pictures of Boyd to the Prison to keep everyone updated. She knows the prisoners/trainers must miss Boyd, “he had two inmate trainers and they loved him and taught him well.”

These days Jennifer tries to keep up with Boyd’s training he learned at the prison. He goes for walks twice a day and is eager to explore his surroundings. When not

walking Boyd or working in the Loan industry, Jennifer and her mom Shirley run JDeVoreDesigns, a booth at Lula B’s Oak Cliff, where they specialize in unique furniture, original art and vintage and designer clothing. As for the Paws in Prison program, since December 8, 2011, 2,000 shelter dogs have been trained and adopted out to the public. The training and socializing ensure a loving adoptable dog, which, reduces the number of dogs euthanized each year in Arkansas.

To learn more about the Paws in Prison Program, go to https://pawsinprison.org

BY: CHERYL BERGER, RESIDENT CONTRIBUTOR

Around the same time, Jennifer DeVore was getting over the sudden loss of her 8-year-old Rottweiler/Boxer mix, named Brownie. Jennifer a mortgage loan officer at Planet Home Lending, and a longtime resident of the M Streets, was scrolling on Facebook one day (Jennifer followed Paws in Prison on Facebook after hearing rave reviews of the program from a relative and friend) and a picture

Evade the Evolving Threat of Financial Fraud

For years, the public has been warned about the dangers of identity theft and financial fraud. By now, you probably know to be wary of opening unsolicited email attachments or sharing account details with strangers. But make no mistake – the fight against fraud is never over. Criminals are always inventing new scams to steal money and today’s fraudsters are more organized, technologically advanced and convincing than ever. Safeguarding your finances requires constant vigilance.

While scams come in many forms, here are four increasingly common cons to keep on your radar:

• SPEAR PHISHING. With phishing, perpetrators send an attempted scam to the masses through email, phone or text, hoping someone will bite. Spear phishing is more

sophisticated and may target you specifically, using personal details (often found online) to impersonate a trusted party like your banker or broker. Think twice before complying with any urgent requests to supply your account information or move money around.

• ELECTRONIC PAYMENT SCAMS. As more people use services such as Zelle, PayPal or Venmo to transfer money, scammers have devised countless tricks to get you to pay them. As a rule of thumb, only send money to people/businesses you know and trust to be legitimate.

• PACKAGE DELIVERY FRAUD. If you shop online often, you’re used to seeing emails/texts about your pending delivery. But if the message asks you to verify information such as your address or credit card number, it’s likely a scam. When in doubt, ignore the request and visit the merchant’s or shipping company’s website to contact customer service.

• MOBILE MALWARE. Many phone users unwittingly install malicious apps that can capture data from their screen or skim information from other programs (including banking apps). Only download apps from your phone’s official app store, and close all other apps before using your banking app.

What else can you do?

While it’s not always possible to prevent fraud all together, catching it early and acting quickly can minimize the damage. Get in the habit of monitoring your credit card and bank accounts for any suspicious transactions. You can also set up fraud alerts to have your bank contact you regarding abnormal activity. Finally, make sure to bank at an FDIC-insured institution, which limits your liability to just $50 if you’re a victim of fraud.

Would you like more information? Contact Joel at 214.515.4982 or joel.doolen@frostbank.com.

Member FDIC

Joel Doolen, Senior Vice President, Frost Bank

One Eyed Jack

Meet Jack! He is a delightful fellow waiting for a forever home with the SPCA of Texas. Jack has a whole blender full of breeds going on, but he’s a very large dog at 96 pounds, and he is just over 6 years old. He’s got the basic black-over-tan coat of a Shepherd, though he has a very different head structure. Jack ran into a bit of misfortune and had to have one of his eyes removed. He doesn’t let that stop him though and he loves to get out and get his exercise. He also loves hanging out with other dogs and people, and he seems to do just fine with kids under 12. Jack is waiting at the Jan Rees-Jones Animal Care Center so no appointment is necessary.

WHITE ROCK NORTH SCHOOL GREAT SCHOOL & SUMMER PROGRAM

White Rock North School has been the best choice we made for our daughter. She started at the Corner Cottage when she was 9 months old and is now in the toddler program at 20 months old. She loves going to school and seeing her teachers and friends. I love the updates and photos we get all day and you can tell she is happy there. She also learns so much and develops more and more each day. I would highly recommend WRNS if you are looking for a place for daycare/school.

White Rock North School has been family owned and operated since 1964. We are a valuesbased, secular school for children, infants through 6th grade. We are accredited by Cognia and recognized by the Texas Education Agency. Summer Camp is filling up! www.whiterocknorthschool.com

SPONSOR SHOUTOUT

THE DALLAS CHILDREN’S THEATER AND THE “DON’T LET THE PIGEON DRIVE THE BUS” MUSICAL

BY: GEORGE LEU, WITH HELP FROM HIS MOM, ERIN LEU

I had a behind-the-scenes tour of Dallas Children’s Theater (DCT). I got to interview three people: Nancy Schaeffer (Director), Glory Sprinkle (Costume Designer), and Josh Smith, (Set Builder).

I saw the musical “Don’t Let the Pigeon Drive the Bus,” and have seen many other DCT plays including, “The Very Hungry Caterpillar,” “Island of the Skog,” and “Schoolhouse Rock Live.”

Plays are more interesting than movies because you get to see real live people acting them out. The Pigeon play is a great play to see because it benefits all ages and has cute puppets such as a puppy, pigeon, and duckling. The play also features people such as a businessman, a bus driver, a movie-loving teenager, and a lady who throws birdseed.

I thought it was really fun to interview Nancy Schaeffer about what the director of a show does. A director gives his or her overall view of how a play should be. For example, Nancy decides what emotions actors should show through their lines.

After interviewing Nancy, I got to talk to the costume designer, Glory Sprinkle. She uses a binder to hold the sketches of her different costumes. Sometimes she buys a pattern and then alters it to fit the actor who wears it. Sometimes she even adds badges and other things to make it look more like her vision for the costume!

Then I got to see the set builder, Josh Smith. I thought it was interesting that he uses a CNC Wood Router, which is a kind of machine that uses a computer program to cut materials. I also found it interesting that DCT employees recycle many of the materials that they use.

The theater is better than movies because children benefit more from plays than screens, and theater is more enriching because you see real people, not just recordings, and the story comes to life more. I had a great time seeing the play and getting the

Wedding Receptions Rehearsal Dinners School Fundraiser College Reunion Quinceanera

With Josh Smith and Elizabeth Roberts Ross

With Glory Sprinkle, costume designer

With Nancy Schaeffer, Director

ALISON WALKER

GHNA Position: VP of Membership

Block: 5600 Merrimac Ave

How long have you served on the GHNA Board?

I have proudly served on the GHNA Board since May of 2021.

Why did you join the GHNA?

In 2021 I volunteered to give back to the neighborhood and get to know more neighbors.

I started as Member at Large, pinch-hit for Treasurer, and was board-elected mid-year to VP Membership. Having learned so much that term and feeling like I did contribute valuable service, I was eager to continue this year and to see the positive impact of the GHNA on the neighborhood. The recent enhancements to the infrastructure of the organization support improvement in communication with the neighborhood, enabling more neighbor involvement and bringing us together. As the VP of Membership, I get to see first-hand the positive support for what the GHNA does for Greenland Hills. Thank you, neighbors, for recognizing how valuable the GHNA is to you!

When did you move to the neighborhood, and how long have you lived here?

I moved here in October 1988. You can do the math.

What is the best part about living in your community?

The neighbors, location, historic value, access to local amenities, walkability, trees and landscaping. It is so nice when walking to be able to smile and greet neighbors as well as wave at those walking passed as I am working in my yard. It takes so little to smile and wave, yet it makes a difference.

I’ve really enjoyed all the activities that are coming back to enable more neighbor interaction and involvement like NNO, the Easter Egg Hunt, the Halloween Parade, meetups and happy hours. Having our Extended Patrol Officers attend our events is a treat, too.

A little about Alison:

My remaining housemate Oscar Wiley, Coyote, a basenji/chihuahua mix, was a foster failure. I’m considering fostering again to help four-legged friends find fur-ever homes. It’s okay if I fail again.

As the VP of Membership, I get to see first-hand the positive support for what the GHNA does for Greenland Hills.

WALKING YOUR DOG IS AN ACT OF LOVE FOR BOTH OF YOU!

Taking your dog on a daily walk is a great way to get your dog (and you) some exercise. Having leash obstacles preventing your young, or senior, dog from being able to enjoy walks? Check out my loose leash blog from the QR code. Give me a call or send me an email and let's get you and your dog to enjoy your walks.

The GHNA 2nd Annual Volunteer Appreciation Night

Many of “The Many” volunteers that power the GHNA and Crime Watch were on hand to enjoy this evening set aside to thank them for their time and talents provided to the GHNA during 2022. Each volunteer was awarded a goodie bag showering them with appreciation from several of our local business partners, including Stroll M Streets for contributing to the Grand Prize Drawing! From Block Captains to event helpers, board members and so many other jobs in between, the GHNA is nothing without its volunteers!

Cheryl Berger

Ron Berger

Emily Black

Kim Boudreau

Kevin Burton

Wes Butler

Jeannie Canright

John Crawley

Irene Davies

Jennifer Davis

Lauren DiLivio

Mary Dryden

Ben Eakes

Melissa Eakes

Sheila Ewing

Cristina Fernandez

Peter Ferris

Mack Haisten

Brian Harkins

Harriet Holleman

Virginia Holleman

Gretchen Huddleston

Tina Irvin

Tracy Jager

Becky Johnson

Clara Johnson

Scott Jordan

Mac Kelly

Cindy Klymov

Donna Kostuck

Sherry Lawson

Ashley Leecock

Ryan Leecock

Elva Lewis

Amanda Lombardi

Michael Malouf

Austin Maxey

Vicky Maynor

Matt Mitchell

Tim Myrick

Kelly Newman

Kyle Newman

Andy Nguyen

Mike O’Dwyer

Amanda Owens

Sarah Parsons

Becky Pederson

Ann Pierce

Emily Potts

Dave Pratt

Laura Pratt

Monique Pruitt

Meagan Ranallo

Joel Reynolds

Ron Rohde

Beverly Scheriffius

Kathleen Seacat

Justin Sellman

Marsha Semple

Kellee Shoemaker

Michele Stephens

Thomas Tarsia

Ted Thompson

Cori Todd

Carlos Valles

Natalie Valles

Alison Walker

Amber Walls

Catherine Watson-Ferris

Lea West

Kristen Westeinde

CONTACT ROBIN

OLLIE-CHUNGUS

BY: LINDA HUFFAKER, RESIDENT CONTRIBUTOR

What’s your origin story, Ollie?

I have been with Ann & Mark Patten since I was a playful and prankish pup of 8 weeks old. They drove halfway across the country to pick me up from an excellent and reputable breeder. Now I’m 3 years old and I’ve loved riding in cars ever since.

What is the story behind your breed? They call us Labradors even though we’re originally from Newfoundland. Hmmm. We likely got that name after retrieving so many ducks out of the Labrador Sea that our name became synonymous with our environs. But the big story is, we love water! In fact, our tail is so thick that it acts as a navigational rudder when we’re swimming. Personally, if I can’t be IN the water, I like to instead carry around a bottle of water in my mouth – for hours. Maybe Ann and Mark will eventually get the hint.

Any nicknames you go by, Ollie? As a matter of fact, yes. I am very big, some might say, humongous. Others might say, Chungus. How about OllieChungus? Well, that’s the one that stuck, so I’m using it. Check out my Instagram page to see me in action! You can see me fetching a stick – make that a TREE BRANCH – in the water, while swimming, doing the dog-paddle, AND smiling all the while. (No stunt dogs were used.) I know you’ll be an insta-fan: @OllieChungus

Any funny stories? Besides being big, a social media star and all-round best-boy-ever, I’m also super friendly. I love people and people love me. I can often be found sitting at an outdoor table at Toulouse on Knox St. We pass by there on our walk along the Katy Trail sometimes. Wait, what do they mean, ‘this table is taken?’ Oh well, no matter, I’ll just mosey on over to Hari Mari – I know they’ve got some treats for me there. And, I think I see another restaurant that has left its kitchen door open. Hey, what does that waiter mean by ‘bad boy?’

Favorite Memories? Ann & Mark took me on a fishing trip with them to New Mexico last year and I got to splash around in shallow streams, run along the embankments of the Rio Grande and use my outside voice all day long. It was the best day of my life.

What else should we know about you OllieChungus?

One thing you should know is I’m proud to be an excellent food-finder, swimmer and M Streets resident but I’m even prouder to be Mark and Ann’s one and only precious pet.

ROBIN ASHMAN-TERRELL, GOOD DOG FETCH

BY: CHERYL BERGER, RESIDENT CONTRIBUTOR

I have a confession to make. The first time I spoke to Robin Ashman-Terrell, I was a little short with her. I had run through the gamut of dog trainers with my rescue Logan, and I was frustrated with their laissez-faire attitude. I dismissed Robin very quickly when she said she was healing from a leg injury (how could she handle a 70-pound dog that pulled). So, I moved on down the list and subsequently had to release two more trainers from my inventory. Yet, time and time again, Robin’s name kept popping up.

Finally, a friend of mine, a respectful dog mom, told me once again to contact Robin. I caved in and called Robin that evening. Robin and I sat on the phone for an hour talking about Logan’s history. Logan has a long history.

The day I rescued him, he was scheduled for euthanasia at 3 pm and I picked him up at 1 pm. He had acid burns down his back and was lame in all four legs (maybe that was my trepidation on finding a trainer for Logan). The trainer had to be patient and understanding. Logan required a gentle touch, someone with lots of experience.

After Robin and I talked, I knew I’d found my match. Robin is a fear-free positive trainer. She has over 19 years of experience in training, rescue, behavior management & animal therapy. Unlike most trainers who use shock collars, prong collars, and/or choke chains on your dog, she will not use force or intimidation. In fact, Robin has worked hard to earn multiple certifications, including her CPDT-KA (Certified Professional Dog Training Certificate). Not only could Robin help train Logan, but she also knew why he responded the way he did to outside stimuli. She was just what we needed.

We’ve been using Robin for over a year. Logan has responded positively to Robin. We still consider him a work in progress, after all, he’s had a lot to overcome. But we know Robin is there with us every step of the way. She has proven that. From last-minute appointments to many phone calls, and yes, even emotional support.

I have been so impressed with Robin’s work, she’s now training Logan’s fur brother for therapy work (yes, another one of her many specialties). I see a beautiful future for

“My business is all about the dogs. To help them achieve their fullest potential and then teach their humans how to communicate with them. My goal is to be able to help dogs become so well-mannered, they can go lots of places with their humans.”

Good Dog Fetch offers all types of training, multiple-week classes, one-hour workshops and private training sessions in someone’s home. Robin is one of the few trainers that will allow reactive dogs in her classes. Since she trains outside, she has to have enough space to allow the reactive dog some space so they can learn how to become neutral to seeing other dogs. They do not have to like other dogs, but being able to look at another dog and move on, is really healthy for the dog and the person at the other end of the leash.

Robin is known for her out-and-about classes. She takes human/dog teams out into public settings to teach them appropriate behavior for them and their dogs.

Have kids? Robin is an expert at working with kids and dogs. She allows, and encourages, whole families to come to class to learn together. “I think it is very important for the children in a home to learn how to communicate with their dog and learn the rules of owning a dog. Kids are some of the best trainers.”

Robin is proudest of earning her CPDT-KA, which is her professional dog training certification. It is not an easy task and there are not a lot of certified trainers in the Dallas area. Robin continues to study, take workshops and seminars as well as read all she can to continue to grow as a trainer.

Your tips & great teaching are wonderful! I highly recommend your classes for people and dogs of any age.

- BECKY

Neighborhood Gems

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