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Play and Stay Camp Bow Wow Treats Your Pup Like Family
By Amy Morgan
H
as your hectic post-holiday schedule left your furry family member feeling lonely and bored? Why not arrange for some personalized attention and playtime for your pup at Camp Bow Wow, San Antonio’s premier doggy day camp. The location at Stone Oak Parkway just west of 281 has been providing boarding, daycare and light grooming for North Central San Antonio pups and their pet parents since 2015. While the dogs are afforded plenty of time to romp to their hearts’ content, Camp Bow Wow’s Certified Counselors tailor the experience to suit every canine camper. Each new pup must pass a socialization test and health screening and is carefully evaluated to determine personality and activity level. “We don’t just throw them into group play,” said Tamara Wetegrove, who owns the San Antonio Camp Bow Wow franchise with her husband, Frank. “We form a playgroup around a new dog. We’ll base the group on size, temperament, play style, personality and energy.” Dogs of all sizes are welcome at Camp Bow Wow. Dogs smaller than 10 pounds have a special tiny tots area all their own in which to play. Your pup’s
experience will be highly customized for your dog. Sometimes a dog needs a cabin to allow space to acclimate first, others like to run up and down the aisles. Some high energy breeds like Huskies even enjoy running on a specially adapted treadmill to help them expend their inexhaustible energy. There’s nothing better than seeing a racer sprinting around the yard playing a game of tag.
Once a routine is established, Camp Bow Wow staff will treat your precious pup like a member of their own family. They’ll know their quirks and their pack pals. Camp Counselors will even throw Fido a birthday party. Pup parents can bring in gift bags and a dog-friendly cake while Camp Bow Wow Counselors gather the birthday star and his running buddies for photos and special play time in the ball pit or with bubbles. Camp Bow Wow offers day camp and overnight boarding that includes daytime play. They also specialize in enrichment, one-on-one service tailored to your pup’s specific likes and dislikes. Some dogs enjoy solving a puzzle or individual games of fetch or tug of war. Others just want to snuggle. “We try to do as much as we possibly can,” Tamara said. “We provide cuddle time before we tuck them into bed on our comfort cots with soft fleecy blankets. We’ll read to them and pipe in special dog-friendly music to help them relax.”
If Fido doesn’t need to stay, but you just want help with training, tooth brushing, nail clipping, bathing or de-shedding, Camp Bow Wow offers those services, too. “People love to bring their dogs in to make sure they smell clean before the weekend or when company comes,” Tamara said. All of Camp Bow Wow’s staff members work hard to make sure every pet receives personalized attention and feels at home. “Our staff is so important to us,” she said. “They do a wonderful job every day caring for our furry friends. We love doing this because we love the dogs and their parents, too,” Tamara said. “We have such awesome customers. We all feel like family.” In addition to the Stone Oak Camp Bow Wow location that opened in 2015, the Wetegroves own four other camps in San Antonio and Austin, beginning in 2007. Camp Bow Wow offers discounts for military members and first responders.
Boarders bring their own food and treats and are allowed a small comfort item to keep routines as normal for the pup as possible. Camper Cams encourage parents to monitor their furry family member’s play. Ten special suites are available for an additional charge that include dog television. The Stone Oak facility is completely indoors to maximize safety. One large play yard is carpeted in canine grass, flooded with natural light, and painted to mimic an outdoor environment. It even includes piped-in outdoor air so scents can waft through to stimulate your pup’s sense of smell.
So, if you are longing for a getaway now that you’ve gotten through the COVID crunch, need some help grooming your pup or want to introduce Fido to a new pack of pals, book your visit or find out more at www.campbowwow-SA.com.
PET TIP
Puppy Love
7 Ways to Show Fido He’s Your Valentine
By Camp Bow Wow
F
ebruary - the month of love. Don’t overlook man’s best friend when you think of Valentines. A quick internet search yields many ways you can make sure Fido knows he has the key to your heart. 1. Lean on him. When your pup jumps close to you on the couch, lean back into him. Did you know that is the doggie version of a hug? 2. Look into his eyes. We all know the value of human eye contact in showing love and attention, but did you know that looking into the eyes of your furry family member will also make him feel secure. One caveat: don’t try this with a dog that doesn’t know or trust you well. A nervous or aggressive dog will interpret direct eye contact as a threat. 3. Rub behind his ears. Stroking that sweet spot releases endorphin hormones that relieve stress and promote feelings of well-being. 4. Snuggle. Dogs are pack animals, and they feel safe and secure in close contact with others. You’ve seen pictures of a passel of puppies sprawled over each other. Allow your furry family member to use you as their lounge.
5. Nap (or sleep) with your pup. Sharing your space when you are most vulnerable really conveys love and trust to your pup. If you are a light sleeper and cringe at the thought of sharing your bed, consider a cuddly nap on the couch or move his cushion into your room so he can be close by while you slumber. 6. Raise your eyebrow. Did you know dogs show emotion by raising their eyebrows, and especially the left one, as it is controlled by the side of the brain that regulates emotions. Check it out the next time you come home and greet your furry family member. Lift your left eyebrow to him and see how he responds. 7. Feed their instinct for food (literally). Dogs are hardwired to seek food. You can tap into their cravings by rewarding them with small amounts of nutritious treats. Carrots, apple, peanut butter or healthy dog treats can really speak Fido’s love language. The bond of love between furry family members and their human pack benefits all involved. So get inspired by St. Valentine and learn to speak doggy love language. You and your pup will be glad you did.
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MEDICAL MINUTE
Health for Your Heart Good Habits Part 2 By Amy Morgan
L
ast month, professionals at Physicians Premier offered some healthy lifestyle strategies to jump start your fitness routine. You followed the advice of Aaron Terry, M.D., and started to move, whether walking 30 minutes, five days a week, or something more strenuous. You may have even seen your waist circumference shrink. Dr. Terry is just one of the board certified physicians at Physicians Premier, a free-standing emergency room located west of Highway 281 on Highway 46 near the HEB Plus. To keep your momentum moving in the right direction, let’s address your food choices. Regional Marketing Manager Jennifer Meachum, R.D.N., L.D., knows this subject well. She changed her life with a successful fitness journey. More than 20 years ago, Jennifer set a goal to lose weight that resulted in a loss of 100 pounds! That New Year’s resolution turned her life in a new direction, including leading to a career path as a dietitian. Here are her tips: 1. Set yourself up for success by setting small measurable goals. This can help build your confidence and avoid burnout. When you achieve a goal, set the next one and keep going. Before you know it, all the small goals, changes, and consistency will end up making a huge impact.
2. The average American diet is low in fiber. Fiber can not only help with weight loss and management but also with gut and immune health, as well as heart health. Aim for 25 to 35 grams per day, remembering to gradually increase your fiber and drink plenty of water. Fiber can be found in whole grains, nuts, legumes, beans, fruits, and vegetables. 3. Prepare more meals at home to drastically reduce your calories, fat, and sodium. Making your meals will help with portion control and also can save money. Use healthy cooking techniques such as grilling, broiling, air frying, and roasting. Add flavor with fresh herbs and spices. 4. Swap out high calorie drinks with water or unsweetened beverages. If you struggle with drinking enough water, try adding a wedge of lemon, orange slice, or sprig of mint for a flavor explosion. 5. When you first set out to make diet changes, consider journaling everything you eat or drink. It can be time consuming initially, but it really helps to reveal portion size and items of which you are eating too much or not enough. There are many free apps to track your diet, or good, old fashioned pen and paper will do the trick.
6. The final nutrition recommendation has nothing to do with what you eat but how much you sleep. Sleep remains extremely important for weight loss and overall wellness. Sleep is our body’s opportunity to restore, build muscle, and break down unwanted fat. Find Jennifer, Dr. Terry and other Physicians Premier professionals at MDpremier.com. Minestrone Soup Recipe: Number of Servings: 8 2 tablespoons olive oil 1/2 cup white onion (about 1 small onion), chopped 1/4 cup zucchini, chopped 1/4 cup celery, chopped 2 teaspoons minced garlic 4 cups vegetable broth 1 (15 ounce)can Italian Cut green beans, drained 1 (15 ounce)can red kidney beans , drained 1 (15 ounce)can Great Northern beans , drained 1 (14 ounce) can diced tomatoes 1/2 cup carrots, matchstick 2 tablespoons minced fresh parsley 1 teaspoon salt 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning 1 Bay leaf 2 cups hot water 3 cups fresh baby spinach 1/3 cup small shell pasta Directions: 1. Heat two tablespoons of olive oil over medium heat in a large stock pot. 2. Saute onion, zucchini, celery, and garlic in the oil for 5 minutes or until onions begin to turn translucent. Add vegetable broth to pot, plus tomatoes, green beans, beans, carrots, parsley, hot water, and spices. 3. Bring soup to a boil, then reduce heat and allow to simmer for 20 minutes. 4. Add spinach leaves and pasta and cook for an additional 20 minutes or until desired consistency.
Makes about eight 1 1/2 cup servings.
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20475 Highway 46, Suite 100 Spring Branch, TX 78070 (830) 438-6911 MDPremier.com
STUDENT SPOTLIGHT
Laus Deo
Friendships, Faith Motivate Reagan Senior Student By Amy Morgan
W
hen classrooms at Ronald Reagan High School opened for students last year, senior Braden Walls was one of the first to return. Braden, who hopes to major in psychology, so enjoys social interactions he could not wait to get back to campus. His parents teach at Lopez and Bush, and he recognized the value of in-person instruction for him. Last year’s reduced class sizes allowed him to bond with peers and teachers in a way not possible when Reagan’s population of more than 3500 students are on campus. A top academic achiever — Braden ranks 35 in his class of 842 — relished the personalized attention. He particularly enjoyed his Economics teacher, Mr. Desmarais, playing the piano at the beginning of class and sharing real world experience from his practice as an attorney. Braden is interested in a career in counseling, as he’s always willing to lend an ear and help others find solutions to their problems. “The reason people are the way they are and act the way they do intrigues me,” he said. Braden serves as Senior Class Treasurer as well as Treasurer of Winner’s Circle, a club dedicated to making positive choices. He and others from Winner’s Circle visited Stone Oak schools for Red Ribbon Week to encourage younger students with their good example. This fall’s Peanut Butter Bowl provided Braden an opportunity to connect his Reagan activities with his service at church. He recruited friends to join him collecting jars of peanut butter during the Reagan vs Brennan football game. The jars pass through churches like his, Heights Community Church, to end up at Snack Pak for Kids, where they are distributed to students across San Antonio to stave off hunger over the weekends when school meal programs are not available. Braden also has served meals at Church Under
the Bridge and packed goods for the Food Bank with fellow members of the church’s youth group. A former Reagan basketball player, Braden’s always ready for a pick-up basketball game with friends on one of Stone Oak’s neighborhood courts. He recalls as a highlight the game he played during the Latin Club Area Competition his sophomore year. He and his fellow competitors were able to break from taking quizzes and blow off steam in the open gym. Braden competes in the Mottos, Abbreviations and Quotes category, naming Laus Deo (Praise Be to God) as his favorite. Braden’s been part of Reagan’s Model UN and is a member of the National Honor Society, the Science National Honor Society, and Mu Alpha Theta – the Math Honor society. Academic clubs provide opportunities both for competition and camaraderie, a win-win for this serious, but social student.
DENTAL DIGEST
Caring for Community 7to7 Dental Provides Day of Free Service
By Amy Morgan
I
t’s back! This February 7to7 Dental & Orthodontics once again will offer their day of free dental care. Last year, due to COVID restrictions, the offices each made a dream come true for five patients who needed extensive dental work. But this year, Dental Hope returns to business as usual and will mark the ninth time its professionals provide free dental care for hundreds of adult patients at the Braun Road 7to7 Dental Office located at 10103 W. Loop 1604. On February 19, the other offices divert all their staff and equipment to dedicate the entire day to give back to the community. 7to7 Dental’s 34 doctors and 250 staff members will be busy from dawn to dusk offering a cleaning, extraction and/or filling at no charge to each person in line by 10 a.m. Some patients wait in their cars overnight to secure their place, said Director of Marketing Travis DeZuba. 7to7 Dental has recruited professional peers, dental supply companies and local businesses to donate goods and time to allow them to give every patient what they need. “It’s everyone’s favorite day of the year,” Travis said, “because of how many people we get to help — we’re expecting more than 300 patients!” Dental Hope is reserved for adults, because often parents will sacrifice their oral health care when money is tight. Dental Hope is a way to relieve the financial burden and be a good neighbor to the community. Travis remembers one patient who literally slept in her car in front of the office all night several years ago so she could be the first in line for Dental Hope. She had been in great pain with a toothache, but she couldn’t afford the dental treatment. She ended up needing an extraction, which relieved the problem. She was so pleased to be out of pain that she hugged everyone repeatedly as she left, thanking them again and again for helping her. The event could not take place without the help of partners and supporters from the community, Travis said. Check 7to7’s website and social media pages to find shout-outs and thanks to all whose contributions make Dental Hope possible. The professionals at 7to7 Dental & Orthodontics care about your oral health and are available 7 a.m.- 7 p.m., seven days a week, for dentistry for the whole family and emergencies. 7to7 Dental is a local business, grown in 14 years from the practice of one dentist and six staff. Co-Owners Tiffany Winburn, D.M.D., and Justin Coke, and many of the 250 staff members live in Stone Oak with their families and are part of the community.
210-495-2000
www.7to7Dental.com
Facebook: 7 to 7 Dental & Orthodontics Instagram: @7to7Dental Call or book online with ease
Community Calendar Presented by Frost
Culinaria's St. Patrick’s Day 5K Beer & Wine Run Saturday, March 12, 7 a.m.-noon. Runners will trot through shops at La Cantera and celebrate at a post-race reception with plenty of sips and tastes. The Shops at La Cantera, 15900 La Cantera Parkway 78256; www.culinariasa.org. NCAA Men’s Basketball South Regional – Thursday, March 24, Saturday, March 26, times TBD. Watch Men’s March Madness, Sweet 16 and Elite Eight games. AT&T Center, 1 AT&T Center Parkway 78219; www.ncaa.com/ news/basketball-men/article/2022-march-madnessschedule.
San Marcos Half – Sunday, Feb. 6, 13.1, 10k, 5K, 7:30 a.m. The second of the Texas Hill Country Challenge Series. Start at the Tanger Outlets, 4015 135 N., San Marcos 78666; www.scallywompus.com. Disney Princesses – The Concert Tuesday, Feb. 8, 7:30- 10 p.m. Experience your favorite Disney Princess songs performed live by Broadway stars. Tobin Center for the Performing Arts, 100 Auditorium Circle 78295; www.tobincenter. org/box-office/2022-02/disney-princessconcert. 2022 San Antonio Stock Show and Rodeo - Feb. 10-26. Established in 1949, the San Antonio Stock Show and Rodeo has grown to one of the largest, most prestigious events in the city. AT&T Center, 1 AT&T Center Parkway 78219; www.sarodeo.com.
Single Professional Networking Meeting - Thursday, Feb. 17, 5-7 p.m. Join other 55+ widowed, divorced and single mature professional for a relaxed social event. Music by Paul Davis. Vallarta Grill & Bar, 14814 Jones Maltsberger Road 78247; www.spn-sa.org. 13th Annual Historic Homeowner Fair Saturday, Feb. 19, 10 a.m. -3: 00 p.m. Free annual event to bring together homeowners with service/construction/preservation professionals. Tripoint Event Center, 323 N. St. Mary’s St. 78212; www.sanantonio.gov/historic.
Fredericksburg Wanderlust Run – Saturday, March 26, 13.1, 10k, 5K, staggered start 8:01-9:01 a.m. The third of the Texas Hill Country Challenge Series. Start at the Marketplatz Square, 126 W. Main St. Fredericksburg 78624; www.scallywompus.com. Dash to the VTO – Saturday, March 26, 9 a.m. 5K, 1 mile run/walk to kick of the Valero Texas Open. The Oaks, JW Marriott Resort and Spa, 23808 Resort Parkway 78261; www.valerotexasopen.com. Valero Texas Open – Monday, March 28 – Sunday, April 3. Venerated golf tournament will celebrate its 100th anniversary in Texas. TPC, 23808 Resort Parkway 78261; www.valerotexasopen.com. SA Hope Center Golf Tournament – Friday, April 1, 1:30 p.m. Shotgun start. Tournament benefits the SA Hope Center. Canyon Springs Golf Club, 24405 Wilderness Oak 78260; www.sahopecenter.org/event/ golftournament.
Single Professional Networking Meeting – Wednesday, March 2, 4:30-7 p.m. Join other 55+ widowed, divorced and single mature professional for a relaxed social event. Embers Wood Fire Kitchen & Tap, Fiesta San Antonio —March 31- April 10. San 819 N. Loop 1604 E. 78232; www.spn-sa.org. Antonio’s biggest party is back, with events to please everyone. Fiesta San Antonio Commission, 110 Single Professional Networking Broadway, Suite 350 78209; info@fiestasanantonio.org. Meeting - Friday, Feb. 11, 5-7 p.m. Join Run the Alamo – Sunday, March 6, 6:45 other 55+ widowed, divorced and single a.m. The original, home grown, spring 1/2 th mature professional for a relaxed social and full marathons in San Antonio start with Valero Texas Open 100 anniversary concert event. Tomatillo, 1827 N. Loop 1604 E. a multiple musket volley at the historic cradle Saturday, April 2, 6 p.m. Outdoor concert featuring Jason Aldean, Darius Rucker and Walker County. Driving 78232; www.spn-sa.org. of liberty, the Alamo, then wind past San Antonio’s cultural icons to an amazing post- Range, TPC, 23808 Resort Parkway 78261; Chocolate Festival – Saturday, Feb. 12, 10 race party. The Alamo, 400 S. Alamo 78205; www.valerotexasopen.com. a.m. – 2 p.m. Explore the world of the tropics www.runthealamo.com. Battle of Flowers Parade – Friday, April 8, 9:30 a.m. – during this tasty, family-friendly exploration 2:30 p.m. Fiesta San Antonio’s founding event. Grayson of chocolate. San Antonio Botanical Gardens, NEISD Spring Break - March 7-11 and Broadway 78205; www.battleofflowers.org. 555 Funston Place 78209; www.sabot.org/ events/celebrate-chocolate. 9th Annual Shamrock Shuffle 5K and Fun Run –Saturday, March 12, 8 a.m. Kick Ronald Reagan High School Theater off your St. Patrick's Day celebration with a Thursday, Feb. 17 - Saturday, Feb. 19, 7 dog/family friendly run. 9606 Bandera Road, p.m. The Sound of Music. Gloria Jennings 78250; www.iruntexas.net. Robinson Auditorium, Ronald Reagan High Send your upcoming events School, 19000 Ronald Reagan Drive 78258; to StoneOakInfo@gmail.com. www.reaganstage.org.
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The Good Neighbor of the Month presented by Travis Slaydon State Farm Insurance
Cori Smelker: Selfless Surrogate Mother Helps Six Couples Bring Home their Baby
By Amy Morgan
W
hat does it mean to be a good neighbor? For some, it might be taking a meal when a friend is sick, others might return a missing dog or bring in a trash can. However, Cori Smelker has extended the concept of a little farther. She acts on words founded in her Christian faith. “Suppose a brother or a sister is without clothes and daily food. If one of you says to them, 'Go in peace; keep warm and well fed,' but does nothing about their physical needs, what good is it? … faith without action is dead.” James 2:15-17 To Cori, the application of these verses means her specific calling to fulfill the hearts’ desires of couples to become parents by providing a womb in which their baby can grow until the child is ready to be born. The process is not without sacrifice. Surrogates or, more modernly named, gestational carriers, dedicate their entire bodies to the birthing process for almost a year. Pregnancy is not without physical risk, especially when factoring in months of hormones injected into the body necessary to convince the body it's physically ready to nourish an implanted embryo and carry the baby for 40 weeks.
Cori first became acquainted with the idea of surrogacy in South Africa more than 30 years ago. The British native was a 22-year-old single mother raising her first child when a chance encounter with a friend’s childless sister opened her eyes to the depth of despair experienced by those whose dream of having a child remains unrealized. That experience made a lasting impression she never forgot. Fast forward ten years. Cori had emigrated to San Antonio with her American husband, Terry, and had expanded her family to include four more children. She met a pregnant woman at the school bus stop who revealed that she served as a gestational carrier providing a host womb for childless couples. The lightbulb went off in Cori’s head. She knew by then that she became pregnant easily, carried well and delivered quickly. She consulted her husband, and Terry wholeheartedly supported the idea. (A decision to become a gestational carrier must be made jointly). Cori subsequently carried seven babies for their intended parents – the last in 2016 at age 49. Although she’s retired from physically carrying, she and Terry run Surrogate Angels, an agency that screens potential surrogates with psychological evaluations, background checks, medical tests and
home visits, completes all the legal paperwork, then matches them with intended parents. Gestational carriers are compensated for their experience and their medical expenses are covered. The government considers their pay renumeration for “pain and suffering,” Cori said, for which there is no price determined or tax collected. While the sum runs in the tens of thousands of dollars, Cori notes that in reality, pregnancy last 24 hours, seven days a week, so the hourly compensation breakdown ends up being quite small. A pregnancy affects every member of the family. While Cori said she never felt sick or moody, a fullterm body slowed her down and precluded some activities like taking her own kids to the amusement park (especially in 2005 when she carried twins.) She and Terry would reward their family with an extended vacation as a thank you for their support at the completion of each pregnancy journey. Their children now range in age from 32-22. All of them have supported their parents’ decision to allow others to share the joy of family. A daughter hopes to someday follow Cori’s footsteps.
Do You Know Someone Doing Good In Your Neighborhood? Nominate them for our Good Neighbor of the Month presented by Travis Slaydon State Farm Insurance
Email your nominations with their full name, phone number and email address to: StoneOakInfo@gmail.com
Cori Smelker and her husband, Terry, enjoying a meal at a local restaurant with their five children and four grandchildren. I’m very practical,” Cori said. “I saw a need, and I’ve got to fulfill that need.” She compared her service to the tale of a man throwing starfish back in the sea. He couldn’t save every starfish, but he made a difference in the life of each one he touched. “I’ve been able to change the world for six families. I’m really blessed to be the hands and feet of Jesus.”
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Travis Slaydon, Agent 19190 Stone Oak Parkway Ste 112 San Antonio, TX 78258 Bus: 210-496-3276 travis.slaydon.mv2l@statefarm.com Monday - Friday 9:00 - 5:00 After Hours by Appointment 24 Hour Customer Service State Farm Mutual Automobile Insurance Company State Farm Indemnity Company State Farm Fire and Casualty Company State Farm General Insurance Company Bloomington, IL State Farm Florida Insurance Company Winter Haven, FL State Farm County Mutual Insurance Company of Texas State Farm Lloyds Richardson, TX 2101550
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Stone Oak Church - Your Neighborhood Church
Stone Oak Church Sunday Service @ 10:30 a.m. Children’s Sunday School @ 10:30 a.m. Adult Bible Study Sunday @ 9:00 a.m. Youth Group Meetings Tuesday @ 7:00 p.m. 20024 Crescent Oaks San Antonio, TX 78258 (across from Stone Oak Elementary School) 210-497-7974
www.stoneoakchurch.org
The youth group meets at 7:00 p.m. on Tuesdays
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