G u a d a l u p e C o u n t y l i v i n g
AUGUST 2026
THE
Wild
WITHIN
RESCUE IS JUST THE BEGINNING Through rescue, rehabilitation and community support, Kingdom Rescue is changing lives for pets and the people who love them.
Part wolf, part dog, these remarkable animals require specialized care and experienced owners willing to understand their unique needs.
FINDING HER PACK The journey of a Rotary exchange student led her back to the community where she found both a career and a second family.
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IN THIS ISSUE AUGUST 2026
FEATURES 10 RESCUE IS JUST THE BEGINNING
Through rescue, rehabilitation and community support, Kingdom Rescue is changing lives for pets and the people who love them.
18 FINDING HER PACK
The journey of a Rotary exchange student led her back to the community where she found both a career and a second family.
26 THE WILD WITHIN
Part wolf, part dog, these remarkable animals require specialized care and experienced owners willing to understand their unique needs.
CULINARY CREATIONS 32 TREATS FOR A BEST FRIEND
Inspired by one beloved Labrador, this homemade dog-friendly macaron recipe turns birthdays into lasting memories.
AROUND TOWN 36 FACES OF SEGUIN Submitted photos from our readers.
38 SAVE THE DATE See what events are coming up.
ON THE COVER Photo by Felicia Frazar
Anikan peeks his head through the fence and greets guests of Wolf Tracks Rescue Rehabilitation as founders April and Joshua Gilmore give a tour.
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FROM THE EDITOR
've always been an animal person — the kind who talks to cats like they understand every word, waves at cows as I drive by and pulls over without hesitation when a turtle decides today's the day to cross the highway. I have an appreciation for all kinds of creatures. Birds. Frogs. Insects. Fish. Big or small, if it's alive, there's a good chance I'll stop to admire it. Lately, that appreciation has turned into a daily routine at the office. Every morning, a squirrel visits the balcony outside my window. It started with a few pecans. Now she taps on the glass if she thinks I'm taking too long. I'm not entirely sure who's in charge of this arrangement anymore, but if I'm not in the office, she'll make the rounds to every other window hoping someone else will answer her demands. We've settled into a routine neither of us seems interested in breaking. It's funny how quickly an animal can become part of your everyday life. One small interaction turns into a routine and before you know it, you've got stories to tell. I realized while putting together this issue that nearly everyone we spoke with had a story that began the same way. Rarely was the story just about the animal. It was about the people whose lives had been changed by them. Sometimes it was a rescue. Sometimes it was a pet who became family. Sometimes it was a wolfdog waiting for someone who truly understood what it needed. Every story started with an animal, but every one of them became a story about how quickly the ordinary becomes meaningful. Whether they greet us with a bark, a purr, a chirp or an impatient tap on an office window, animals have a remarkable way of weaving themselves into our lives. Before long, they're no longer just passing through. They become part of our routines, our conversations, our families and our favorite stories.
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| FE ATURE |
RESCUE IS JUST THE BEGINNING THROUGH RESCUE, REHABILITATION AND COMMUNITY SUPPORT, KINGDOM RESCUE IS CHANGING LIVES FOR PETS AND THE PEOPLE WHO LOVE THEM.
STORY BY ALEX LOWE PHOTOS COURTESY OF KINGDOM RESCUE
S
ince she was a little girl, Melissa Hardy has always loved animals and has been devoted to helping those in need. It is no surprise then that she helped establish Kingdom Rescue, a 501(c)(3) organization dedicated to rescuing animals at risk of being euthanized. Currently serving as Kingdom Rescue’s vice president, she explains how the whole thing started. “In the Luling area, we became aware of a problem with the overpopulation of cats. We decided to begin a program called TNR, which stands for trap, neuter and release. That is how it all started,” Hardy said. “We found a colony of about 20 to 30 cats behind a gas 10 SEGUIN ~ GUADALUPE COUNTY LIVING
station off of I-10 and we started solely as a TNR group. We saw that there was a need to expand. From there, we would go into shelters and pull dogs who were on the euthanasia list, and we would work on putting them in with fosters. We don’t have a brick-and-mortar location. We are a foster-based rescue. We solely rely on volunteers and fosters to help house the cats and dogs that we rescue.” In 2026 alone, Kingdom Rescue facilitated 65 successful adoptions through its efforts. Eleven dogs and 54 cats found homes because of the organization’s interventions. Sixty-seven others were transported to northern states where their chances of adoption improved.
Driven by compassion and powered by volunteers, Kingdom Rescue is working to create a brighter future for pets across Guadalupe County through rescue, foster care, adoption, education and spay and neuter initiatives.
GUADALUPE COUNTY LIVING ~ SEGUIN 11
“We have volunteers and fosters throughout Guadalupe County, including from Seguin and we pull animals from the Seguin Animal Shelter,” said Ari Arias, president of Kingdom Rescue. “We will also take animals out of Guadalupe Animal Control. As an official 501(c)(3), we got our designation letter in February of 2022, but we were operating individually off of our own dime for about four years prior to that.” Kingdom Rescue serves a vital purpose and addresses a glaring need within the community. The challenge is keeping up with the ever-growing population of abandoned stray dogs and cats. “It used to be a situation where we would just check Facebook or go into a shelter and fill out paperwork and take in animals that were on the euthanasia lists,” said Hardy. “Now we have a contact, Sgt. Travis Caddell of the Guadalupe Animal Control, who reaches out to us and lets us know of a situation where they are running out of space and they need us to come down there and pull some animals. So, usually, one of us or one of our volunteers will go down there and pull the animals.” A day in the life of a Kingdom Rescue staff member can be hectic. There is a huge animal overpopulation problem in the county and these dedicated folks with day jobs are often spread thin. Hardy paints a picture. “It can start out as a normal Monday and then you get a text from Sgt. Caddell saying (the shelter) just had an intake of 10 dogs along with their photos,” she said. “So, we look at them and decide which ones are at the highest immediate risk and we do behavior assessments before we even consider fosters.” Safety is a top priority for Kingdom Rescue and that goes for the dogs and potential foster families, Hardy said. There is a lot of ground work made before dogs are transitioned from the shelters to foster homes, the vice president said. “As a rescue, we have to do our due diligence to ensure that we are setting (Above) Raphael was found abandoned near a dumpster in Seguin, frightened, severely up the dogs for success. If a dog has underweight, suffering from a head wound, and infested with worms. (Right) After nearly a year aggression issues, it is not going to be in foster care, Raphael found his forever home, becoming one of Kingdom Rescue's many success stories and a powerful reminder of how compassion and second chances can transform a life.
12 SEGUIN ~ GUADALUPE COUNTY LIVING
GUADALUPE COUNTY LIVING ~ SEGUIN 13
an easy transition to find them a home, especially one where there are other dogs,” she said. “Guadalupe (County) is overrun with animals so there may not always be a lab tech available to do an assessment so we may send one of our volunteers. When we get the behavior assessment, we will put out a post describing the animal, confident that we know it can transition safely.” Kingdom Rescue provides all the shots and pre-adoption necessities before posting dogs online, Hardy said. For new animal owners, the non-profit is there to help with food and essential tips to help dogs and cats live their best lives, she said. “The animals also get the necessary vaccines and flea treatments prior to any foster,” she said. “These people are required to fill out an application so we know who is taking care of our animals and we can track them. After that, we coordinate food and supplies for the foster.” Kingdom Rescue is 100% donor supported receiving good partnership from Pet Supplies Plus, Hardy said. The rescue does house visits after dogs are placed in foster homes and the organization sets up medical visits, she said. Once an animal is placed in a foster home, team members at Kingdom Rescue put that animal's profile on Pet Finder and other sites. If local efforts begin to lag in generating leads for placing the animal after a couple weeks, the group starts working with rescues in other areas of Texas and up north attempting to secure an adoption through transporting the pet, Hardy said. "We've had a couple go as far north as Canada," she said. Given the rural expanses in the area and the culture, Texas presents challenges that other states do not face when it comes to getting dogs and cats successfully placed. “Down here in Texas it is very difficult to keep up,” Arias said. “You get 10 out of the shelter and 20 come in. Up north, they have stricter regulations and they get a better adoption success rate so 14 SEGUIN ~ GUADALUPE COUNTY LIVING
(Top) Every adoption begins with a chance. Kingdom Rescue's adoption events bring together volunteers, foster families and future pet owners, helping more animals find the loving homes they deserve. (Bottom)These kittens were discovered abandoned in a trash bag along the roadside at just a few weeks old. Thanks to the quick actions of compassionate community members and Kingdom Rescue, they were given the second chance every animal deserves.
(Top) Whether orange, Siamese, or somewhere in between, every rescue deserves the opportunity to grow, thrive, and find a loving home. (Bottom) Once facing euthanasia and later becoming Kingdom Rescue's longest-stay dog, Regal's story is a reminder that the right home is always worth waiting for.
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if a dog is not moving here, we will try to get them up north.” Every successful transport comes with mixed emotions for the dedicated staffers. There is happiness for succeeding in getting the animal a better shot at finding a forever home. But, there is also sadness at parting with those they come to care for and love. “Ari just had a dog in her care for several months and we had to move it up north to Wisconsin,” Hardy said. “So, you spend a long time in the car knowing you are going to be saying goodbye, even though it is in the animal’s best interest. It can be very emotional. But I will take all the little paw prints that have traveled over my heart in exchange for them making it into the perfect home.” The challenge of keeping up with an increasing number of animals being brought into shelters has caused Kingdom Rescue to switch its focus moving forward. “We are going to be focusing on spay clinics moving forward,” Arias said. “Spays are more costly for people. If we can focus our efforts on that, then we can make a difference in the amount of cats and dogs being born. We will be doing business as Lady Spay Society. We will still be fostering but it will be on a smaller scale. We simply do not have the resources, nor enough volunteers to handle the demand. Kingdom Rescue will still exist but we are focusing on what we think will help the animal overpopulation situation decrease.” Despite the long hours, the heartbreak and the struggles to keep up with a never-ending flow of animals in need, the folks at Kingdom Rescue take comfort in knowing that their work is helping make lives better, not only for dogs and cats, but also for humans. “We are not looking for any accolades,” Arias said. “But there is a lot of hard work put in here by people behind the scenes to help these animals, things that go unnoticed. We are just thankful to God to be able to help make positive changes in the lives of these dogs and, in turn, make positive changes in the lives of people who take them in.” 16 SEGUIN ~ GUADALUPE COUNTY LIVING
Kingdom Rescue's spay and neuter clinics unite volunteers, local partners, and pet owners in a shared effort to reduce pet overpopulation. Every procedure helps prevent unwanted litters and gives more animals the opportunity to find safe, loving homes.
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| FE ATURE |
Finding HER PACK
THE JOURNEY OF A ROTARY EXCHANGE STUDENT LED HER BACK TO THE COMMUNITY WHERE SHE FOUND BOTH A CAREER AND A SECOND FAMILY.
STORY BY BIANCA RAWLINGS PHOTOS BY VICTORIA GAYTAN
F
rom Latvia to Seguin, veterinarian finds her way back home When Dr. Ieva Romenkova Jansky first came to Seguin, she was a high school exchange student from Latvia spending only one year in Texas. At the time, she did not know the year would become the beginning of a much longer story with the community. “I was assigned to be an exchange student with the Seguin Rotary Club,” Jansky said. “That was in 2006-07. I’m born and raised in Latvia, in Europe.” Jansky grew up in a small hometown of about 700 people. Veterinary medicine was already part of her life before she ever came to Texas. “My mom and both of my grandparents on my mom’s side, and then a great-great-grandfather, all veterinarians,” Jansky said. “My mom’s clinic was like 15 steps from our house.” She grew up around the clinic and decided around eighth grade that she 18 SEGUIN ~ GUADALUPE COUNTY LIVING
wanted to become a veterinarian, too, she said. That interest in veterinary medicine became part of her exchange year in Seguin. The Rotary Club seemed to keep that in mind when arranging her host families, Jansky said. “I think Rotary Club tried to, for that reason, kind of nudge the Conovers to host me,” she said. During her exchange year, Jansky lived with three host families: Donny and Marty Keil, Mike and Candi Andres, and Ward and Dianne Conover. Rob and Dawn McMillan also became an honorary host family. The Conovers owned Conover Veterinary Hospital, which gave Jansky a close look at veterinary medicine in Texas. “That was obviously a good time in the clinic with them, and just got to see how things are done here,” Jansky said. Her year in Seguin was not just a
Dr. Ieva Romenkova Jansky poses with patients Tootsie and Timmie at Conover Veterinary Hospital. Every visit is built on a foundation of compassionate care, preventive medicine and a commitment to helping pets thrive at every stage of life.
GUADALUPE COUNTY LIVING ~ SEGUIN 19
school experience. It became a turning point. “I spent a year here, which obviously changed my life,” Jansky said. “Rotary Club is absolutely amazing for all they do, and the youth exchange is a small portion but so important.” Jansky attended high school in Seguin during what would have been her senior year in Latvia. Because the school systems were different, she returned home afterward and completed one more year of school there. “I had to do another year of school and graduate with a year younger class,” she said. “But it was still worth it. In the grand scheme of things, with the experiences and the connections and everything, that’s nothing.” When Jansky returned to Latvia, she realized how much Texas had stayed with her. “I went home and had reverse homesickness for Texas pretty much,” she said. During her time in Seguin, she learned about Texas A&M University. With her goal of becoming a veterinarian, A&M started to feel like the right path. “That just seemed like the right progression,” Jansky said. “Especially after I went home and was kind of homesick for Texas.” At first, she did not necessarily know whether she would stay in the United States permanently. She thought maybe she would earn her education and return to Latvia. “I think at that point I still didn’t really know,” she said. “Maybe I would come back and have that amazing education and then go back home and take over my mom’s clinic.” But as she moved through undergraduate studies, the decision became more complicated. Veterinary school was expensive, and she had to think practically about what it would mean to return to a small-town practice in Latvia after that kind of investment, Jansky said. “Realizing how expensive education is, if I’m going to invest so much, I could never earn what I need to make 20 SEGUIN ~ GUADALUPE COUNTY LIVING
Conover Veterinary Hospital team members Arianna and Dr. Jansky demonstrate a routine wellness exam with Tootsie, highlighting the gentle, attentive care that helps keep pets healthy throughout every stage of life.
GUADALUPE COUNTY LIVING ~ SEGUIN 21
it worthwhile,” she said. “Medicine is definitely not the same level in my home country, maybe bigger cities, but not in my small town.” There were other challenges, too. She learned during college that Texas A&M’s veterinary school did not accept international students the way she had first understood, Jansky said She researched other options, including schools in Europe and other states. “There were definitely layers of complexity to be able to go to vet school,” she said. Then, during her freshman year in College Station, she met Dustyn “Dusty” Jansky. “We’re both very goal oriented and serious,” Ieva said. “You date to know, is this person the one for you to spend the rest of your life with.” The two married at the end of her undergraduate studies. Ieva later attended the Texas A&M College of Veterinary Medicine and continued building a life in Texas. Dusty’s career as a Texas Game Warden eventually took their family to Rockport. They had been away from Seguin for a long time and did not expect to move back quite when they did, Ieva said. “With his job, you can’t just up and move,” she said. “You have to wait for an opening.” Then life pushed the question forward. They recently had their daughter Elizabeth, and their childcare plan fell through months before she was born, Ieva said. They could cover leave until April, but the closest childcare availability was not until December. “What, you can’t do that,” she said. “We have to work.” Around the same time, an opening came up in Guadalupe County. “We’re like, is this our sign?” Ieva said. “Is this it? It’s too soon from when we thought we would move from Rockport.” They came back to visit Seguin and the answer became clearer. “Our host families were like, come,” she said. “What other signs do you 22 SEGUIN ~ GUADALUPE COUNTY LIVING
(Top) Veterinary medicine extends beyond the exam room. Dr. Jansky and Emily collaborate as they review patient records and discuss the next steps in care. (Bottom) From left to right: Arianna with Tootsie, Sydney with Tate, Ieva with Timmie, Aleyna with Sarah and Emily with Ash.
(Below) From wagging tails to routine checkups, patients like Ash remind the Conover Veterinary Hospital team why preventive care is one of the greatest gifts owners can give their pets.
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need? We need to just move here and be with pretty much family.” For Ieva, returning to Seguin meant returning to people who had remained part of her life long after her exchange year ended. “So much has changed and so much hasn’t,” she said. “It’s been amazing.” It also brought her back to the Conovers. Ward Conover had long told her she would always have a job at the clinic, Ieva said “I remember him saying that,” she said. “He’s always been my mentor.” Now, Ieva works at Conover Veterinary Hospital, the same clinic connected to one of her host families from her exchange year. “As far as work and career pertains at present day, I’m blessed to work in this community,” Ieva said. She said she enjoys building relationships with clients and seeing them return, whether for yearly wellness visits or medical issues. For her, veterinary medicine includes not only caring for pets, but helping owners understand what is happening and why. “I enjoy educating clients on various topics, hoping they are going to actively participate in the decision-making process, management or treatment at home,” Ieva said. “I hope they understand the recommendations and our reasoning.” Ieva and her husband now have two children, Christopher, 5, and Elizabeth, 3. Their family previously had two dogs and a cat, but after losing them and moving to the countryside, she said they are waiting until they can add a fence and safely have animals again. “Currently, we’re what I say petless, which is crazy to think,” she said. “But at the same time, I get to have my fix for animals every day at work.” Eventually, she said, the family hopes to have chickens, barn cats and dogs. For now, Ieva’s days are spent caring for other families’ animals in the community that first welcomed her as a teenager. “We truly have each pet’s health and wellbeing at heart,” she said. 24 SEGUIN ~ GUADALUPE COUNTY LIVING
Every checkup is a team effort. Dr. Jansky and Sydney examine Ash as part of a routine wellness visit designed to keep pets healthy and thriving.
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| FE ATURE |
THE
Wild
WITHIN
PART WOLF, PART DOG, THESE REMARKABLE ANIMALS REQUIRE SPECIALIZED CARE AND EXPERIENCED OWNERS WILLING TO UNDERSTAND THEIR UNIQUE NEEDS.
STORY BY ALYSSA STAUNCH PHOTOS BY FELICIA FRAZAR
T
he sounds of yips and barks mixed with howls filled the air in the far southeast corner of Guadalupe County. Tucked away in the countryside resides a couple whose goal is to help wolfdogs find a safe place in the world. Wolf Tracks Rescue and Rehabilitation seeks to house and protect members of the canine family, more specifically captive-born northern dog breeds and wolfdogs. Of these animals, the rescue prioritizes wolfdogs — a cross breed of domesticated dogs and wolves. This combination produces a variety of appearances and temperaments depending on the ratio. A wolfdog that is mostly dog, or low content, can present 26 SEGUIN ~ GUADALUPE COUNTY LIVING
as, and even be mistaken for, the average dog. High-content wolfdogs often look and act like untamed wolves. Portrayals of fictional wolf pets like Ghost from “Game of Thrones” or Dog from “Mortal Engine” paint a picture of an animal that is majestic and wild yet still servile to its owner. And, there is a market to meet the demand those portrayals create. When the term ‘high-content wolfdog’ is searched on the internet, options include “for sale,” “breeders” and “puppies.” As a result, the wolfdog industry is thriving. However, the reality of owning wolfdogs is more complex and dangerous than most people realize, said April Gilmore, founder of Wolf Tracks.
Anikan peeks his head through the fence and greets guests of Wolf Tracks Rescue Rehabilitation.
GUADALUPE COUNTY LIVING ~ SEGUIN 27
“Even a low-content wolfdog can have a lot of wolfiness to them,” she said “They are extremely smart and curious animals. They can be unintentionally destructive and, if you have small animals, it’s best to keep them separate.” Wolfdogs require specialized veterinary care, diets and environments that few people are able to provide. Due to this difference in fantasy and reality, many wolfdogs face neglect or abuse, Gilmore said. Several of the wolfdogs at the rescue have complex medical and social needs. One of the wolves, Artemis or “Ari,” was found chained to a house’s floor and survived living on human food like pizza crusts, Gilmore explained. At the time of his rescue, Ari weighed 57 pounds. Since his rescue, he’s received medical treatment, now weighing 112 pounds. But the effects of abuse are still evident with Ari, Gilmore said “Artemis used to come up to the kennel and be very aggressive toward both my husband and I to the point where we cannot go into his enclosure,” she said. “The ultimate goal is to be able to be up close and personal with him inside the enclosure or be able to take him out... . Over the years, we should be able to spend time with him inside of his enclosure and be able to take him out of his enclosure to go on walks and enjoy life.” Gilmore grew up with wolfdogs and has cared for them most of her life. Now, she and her husband, Joshua Gilmore, have more than 30 under their care on their property in Guadalupe County. All live in enclosures with enough room to run, shade and a water trough to play in, Gilmore said. The specially built enclosures are also tall enough to ensure the dogs can’t easily climb or jump out and run free. Several of the wolfdogs the couple cares for came from dire situations like Ari’s, April said. When owners realize they are in over their heads, animal control sometimes has to step in. Unfortunately, few animal rescues are able to handle such complex creatures. 28 SEGUIN ~ GUADALUPE COUNTY LIVING
(Top Left) Wednesday, the wolf dog, watches as Wolf Tracks of Texas founders April and Josh Gilmore walk visitors around the wolf dog rescue. (Bottom Left) Joshua Gilmore gives Obadiah, a wolf dog of Arctic wolf decent, some love in his enclosure at Wolf Tracks of Texas, a wolf dog rescue and sanctuary. (Above) A trio of wolf dog pups eagerly await attention from Wolf Tracks of Texas founders April and Josh Gilmore as the couple walks with guests through the wolf dog rescue. GUADALUPE COUNTY LIVING ~ SEGUIN 29
Because of the dog’s genetics, finding proper placement is difficult, April said. Usually, when a wolfdog is surrendered to a local animal shelter, there is a period of time in which the shelter can attempt to place the dog with an accredited rescue before they are required to euthanize it, she said. There are only four rescues accredited to handle wolfdogs in Texas and, according to Wolftracks, every one is at capacity. But, it’s not only through rescue efforts or animal control that wolfdogs find their way to the sanctuary, April said. One of their dog’s, Anakin, was listed on a website for sale. The wolfdog’s owners weren’t aware of their pet’s true ancestry, believing Anakin to be a German Shepard, April said. But, looking at photos, it was clear Anakin had physical traits associated with wolfdogs and Wolf Tracks made contact to ensure Anakin wasn’t passed along to other unsuspecting owners. He has since found a permanent home at Wolf Tracks. Beyond caring for these creatures, the rescue also prioritizes educating the community about its mission. Every month, April and Joshua attend a community event with a booth where members of the public can meet an ambassador dog like Bob, a low-content wolfdog. The rescue is also available to the general public for planned tours and gatherings. Wolf Tracks also uses social media to share information about the canines in its care and awareness about the local nonprofit’s mission. In the future, Wolf Tracks intends to create outreach programs for veterans and foster children. In the meantime, the team at Wolf Tracks has self-published a book called “Rayne and Moon,” which fictionalized a real girl’s visit to the rescue and her bond with the wolfdogs. Still, Wolf Tracks’ priority lies with the wolfdogs themselves, and ensuring they are given the lives they deserve. “For me, living with a wolfdog isn’t just owning a pet. It’s a daily reminder of resilience, trust and the quiet power of earning someone’s love when the world has already written them off,” April said. 30 SEGUIN ~ GUADALUPE COUNTY LIVING
(Top) Wolf Tracks of Texas wolf dog ambassador, Bob, looks for belly scratches. (Bottom) Wolf Tracks of Texas founder April Gilmore shows how the Wolf Tracks of Texas ambassador dogs are trained and given treats.
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INSPIRED BY ONE BELOVED LABRADOR, THIS HOMEMADE DOG-FRIENDLY MACARON RECIPE TURNS BIRTHDAYS INTO LASTING MEMORIES.
STORY AND PHOTOS BY DANNY STORY
S
o, how many of you have a best friend? You know, the kind that is there for you through thick and thin. The kind of friend that has seen you on your worst days and still stays right next to you. The kind that only silently judges you when you make mistakes, is always happy to see you, isn’t afraid to share your food and gets a little anxious if they haven’t seen you in... 30 minutes. That’s right. The one and only canine companion. As we really get into the dog days of summer (pun intended), I’m reminded of the 15 years I spent with my pup, Jaz. She was a lab mix with a heart of gold and her birthday just passed at the end of July. Since getting her as a 10-week-old pup, she was probably the only constant in my 32 SEGUIN ~ GUADALUPE COUNTY LIVING
life. She saw me through ugly breakups, five moves and more hard times than I could count, but she was always happy. To thank her for her unwavering support, every year, I’d make her something special on her birthday. I feel like it’s the least I could do for her having my back. That way, I could share my love of cooking with her, and she could enjoy something besides just boring dog food. The question becomes, which recipe do I share with y’all. She had a few favorites. Cupcakes were fun, but I never could get the icing quite right. Dog ice cream is a blast but, alas, I don’t know how many people have an ice cream machine. No, I think I’ll share both mine and her favorite doggy macarons or, as I like to call them, the puparons.
GUADALUPE COUNTY LIVING ~ SEGUIN 33
- INGREDIENTS Cookies 2 ½ cups whole grain flour 1 cup creamy peanut butter (make sure there’s no artificial sweetener) 1 cup water 1 large egg 2 tbsp honey Filling 1 cup peanut butter 3 tbsp honey 2-4 tbsp cold water (for consistency) - INSTRUCTIONS 1: These almost couldn’t be easier to make. Preheat your oven to 350 F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. In a large bowl or mixer, mix all of the cookie ingredients. 2: Once everything is mixed thoroughly, take the mixture out and knead it until it’s completely smooth. This shouldn’t take more than a minute or two. Form small, ping-pong ball sized balls then flatten them out to about ¼ inch thick. 3: Arrange on the baking sheet and don’t worry about getting them too close. These cookies don’t spread or rise much. Then place them in the oven for 20-25 minutes. They should be almost bready in texture with a nice crust. 4. While they cool, mix together the peanut butter and honey for the filling. Then, one tablespoon at a time, mix in the cold water until you’ve reached the perfect consistency. Once the cookies are cool, assemble your puparon sandwich cookies with the filling in the middle and you’re all done. These cookies will keep in a sealed container on your counter for a week or in the fridge for two to three weeks. I will admit, though, I’ve never been able to keep them from my pups that long. I really hope your furry friends enjoy these as much as mine always did. Thank you all for helping me celebrate Jaz’s birthday and her memory this year. Until next time, my friends. 34 SEGUIN ~ GUADALUPE COUNTY LIVING
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C A L E N D A R HEROES ACADEMY BACK-TO-SCHOOL BASH: FIRST – 10 AM - 4 PM Start the school year with a day designed to help local students feel prepared and confident. RISE Up Youth Initiative will provide free school supplies while supplies last, free haircuts and a familyfriendly market filled with local businesses and organizations. Location: Steps of Hope, 1202 N Camp St, Seguin
RISING STARS RECEPTION & BUSINESS NETWORKING: THIRTEENTH – 5:30 - 7 PM Spend the evening celebrating some of Guadalupe County’s brightest young professionals during the Rising Stars Award Reception and Seguin Area Chamber of Commerce Business After Hours. Guests can connect with local leaders, colleagues and community members while recognizing this year’s honorees for their leadership, accomplishments and impact throughout the county. Admission is free, but registration is required. Location: Stephen & Mary Birch Texas Theatre, 425 N. Austin St., Seguin
ANNUAL SEGUIN’S BIRTHDAY GOLF TOURNAMENT: FOURTEENTH – 9 AM Tee off in celebration of Seguin’s birthday while supporting the Seguin Conservation Society and its work to preserve the community’s history. The annual tournament features a two-person, shotgun-start scramble at Max Starcke Park Golf Course. Registration is $110 per player and must be submitted by Aug. 7. Registration forms are available at Starcke Furniture. Location: Max Starcke Park Golf Course, 650 River Drive West
SEGUIN’S 188TH BIRTHDAY PARTY CELEBRATION: FOURTEENTH – 5:30 - 8:30 PM Gather with friends and neighbors for an evening celebrating 188 years of Seguin history, community and hometown pride. Guests can enjoy dinner, fellowship and festivities honoring the people and traditions that continue to shape the city. Dinner will be served from 5:30 to 7 p.m. Location: Stephen & Mary Birch Texas Theatre, 425 N. Austin St., Seguin
GCCAC CASINO BASH: FIFTEENTH – 5:30 - 9:30 PM Dress in your brightest colors and get ready for an energetic evening of games, food and fundraising in support of the Guadalupe County Children’s Advocacy Center. The event brings together Casino Night and the Let’s Make Their Future Bright Bash with casino games, heavy hors d’oeuvres catered by Blue Bonnet Catering, Plinko, cornhole, inspirational rock painting, a live auction, silent auction and bucket drawing. Guests wearing bright colors may even receive an extra casino chip. General admission is $50 per person. Location: McQuenney Lions Club Hall, 3211 FM78, McQueeney
THIRD THURSDAY: TWENTIETH – 10 AM - 8 PM Enjoy food, music and shopping. We’re all open until 8 p.m. and offering great deals and fun. Find shop and restaurant specials galore throughout downtown. Location: Central Park, 201 S. Austin St.
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