Pet Perch: Exercise? Or Over Excitement?

By Terie Hansen

While there is no doubt that dogs need exercise, many dog owners turn to running and racing around in a yard or a park as the only form of exercise their dog gets. The problem is that if the only interactions you have with your dog are of high excitement, that is what you are patterning – a dog whose mind doesn’t know how to settle down; a dog that is always looking for the next high-energy engagement activity; a dog that typically demands attention from you on a pretty consistent basis.

On the other hand, training burns a ton of energy, both physical and mental, and has many positive side effects such as creating a calm, relaxed state of mind. Your dog learns to focus. Your dog is learning valuable commands. Your dog has your undivided attention, so it is less likely to demand your attention at other times during the day. Your dog views you as the leader, which can significantly reduce and/or eliminate anxiety, stress, fear, and other negative states of mind and behaviors. All of which, in the long run, equal a well-trained dog!

Moreover, if you’re going to spend time with your dog, what is the difference if you spend fifteen to twenty minutes throwing a ball versus fifteen to twenty minutes training? Time is time, right? Simply doing sit drills burns both mental energy (because your dog needs to focus) and physical energy (because your dog is doing squats) and will tire your dog out. Down drills are push-ups for your dog. Recalls (coming when called) has your dog running back and forth, but in a controlled manner. Kennel drills also include push-ups because you will teach your dog to enter their kennel and lie down. Even duration commands such as Down and Place burn a tremendous amount of mental energy as your dog practices impulse control while holding those commands.

All drills are done with a leash until your dog consistently follow commands without engaging the leash. You can even use their food (not treats) as a reward. Doing these simple drills will burn tons of energy and sharpen your dog’s obedience skills. In a couple of weeks, you will be rewarded with a much calmer, better behaved dog.

I am not saying don’t play with your dog. I am saying, even if you did 50-50, or better yet, one out of every four interactions with your dog, you played and the other three you trained. The outcome would be a tremendous difference in your dog’s overall behavior, equaling an amazing difference in your relationship with your dog.

Terie Hansen is the Owner of Good Dog! Coaching & Pet Care. More information at www.gooddogcoaching.com

Lilly Hart

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Songs have a way of transporting listeners to a different time and a different place.

“I just remember connecting songs to different points in my life,” Lilly said. “So when I hear a song now, I’m like, ‘Oh, that song reminds me of this time.’”

Lilly said that when people listen to her songs, it’s not about what the lyrics mean to her, but what the lyrics mean to the listener so that the listener creates his or her own connection with the song. She stressed that good lyrics make a song personal and that’s what keeps people listening. Her musical influences include genres such as alternative and R&B, and her current favorite song is Always by Canadian R&B artist Daniel Caesar.

Lilly Hart has a unique musical style all her own. Her debut EP, Overrated:Complicated dropped on June 16th, and look for her new song, Summertime Feels, to follow. You can find Lilly Hart on all the popular social media platforms.

More information at https://lillyhartmusic.com/.

Shakespeare in the Park to the community. Tyler says it’s hearing about these “aha moments” that’s most rewarding.

Over the years, the Kenyon family has learned a thing or two about putting on a performance like this. And as with most things, there’s been a learning curve, especially when it comes to sets.

“Massive sets are a pain to move in the 90-degree Georgia summer heat,” Tyler says. “And microphones have also been added so performers can be heard over the other sounds around the park.”

And then there’s just being prepared for anything, including inclement weather and wildlife.

“It seems like every year there’s something new and totally unexpected,” Tyler explains. “We’ve had kids and squirrels and birds and other things run and fly across the stage in the middle our shows. So really we’ve learned to be prepared for absolutely anything.”

The number of participants needed each year depends on the show.

Sharmele West-Smith

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Sharmele’s mother’s story could have been different.

Now armed with more education, awareness, and with the knowledge that colon cancer is the third most common cancer for men and women in the United States according to cancer.net, the family hopes to bring awareness and help others in their fight against the disease.

The foundation holds an annual fundraiser in March, which also coincides with Colon Cancer Awareness Month. Past events have garnered modest attendance, but they hope to ramp up next year’s event by promoting it earlier. The annual event includes a 5K walk with proceeds going directly to the Colorectal Cancer Alliance.

More information at www.smile4newlifefoundation.org. or www. smileyshairclinic.com.

This year they’ll need about twenty people, which includes performers and backstage help. And the city, including the mayor, are always very helpful and generous with the production needs.

“And then the audience,” Tyler adds. “It’s more fun to put on a show when people are around to watch. The beautiful thing about performing in the park is that the majority of the audience is already in the park that day. They see the show and wander over. It’s nice to have people supporting the events and to give back to the community with free theater.”

Bring your chairs, blankets, a picnic, and the family to the park July 21st through 23rd.

More information at https://www.graysonshakes.org/.

Lettum

Eat!

ple they serve.

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“I understand what it’s like to have a family and struggle in silence,” Chef Hank says. “I’ve been in the co-op lines for food. To be a mom or a dad and trying to take care of your family when you’re struggling is hard. We want to be able to offer dignity to people who are trying to get help. We make an effort to serve differently; we try to replace that negative emotion with hope.”

With the first MPK launching this summer and the food trucks continuing to make their rounds, Chef Hank is hopeful that he can help more and more people elevate above the struggles of food insecurity in the near future. And if you want to help, there are several ways you can support this ever-expanding dream of love and service to the community grow even larger. Just check out lettumeat.com for information on how you can be part of the Lettum Eat! community.

“It doesn’t matter who does it, as long as it gets done,” says Chef Hank. “Lettum Eat! will be here whether we are feeding five people or five thousand people.”

More information at https://lettumeat.com/, info@lettumeat.com