Vegas Family Insider January 2025

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chef soars to new heights on `Hell's Kitchen'

#14AMagical Place

Insidethetreasurethatis theRitaDeaninAbbey ArtMuseum

#16SteadyRise

KeshaTatroonworking behind-the-sceneswith iconicchefsandTV shows

#20GarlicKnots

Asoftandcheesypuff kidswilllovetomakeover andover.

#21AnywayYou SliceIt

NationalPieDayoffersa glimpseintowhoweare asacountry

#22CleanHous

Getyourspaceinord withthiseasytofollow andimplementclean tipsandadvice

#26Homeschoo

Locally

Learnaboutthelocal historyandculture.w done-for-youstudyu andlessonplans

#30TrainYourD

Tipstokeepyourdog happywithsimple commandsfromone thetoptrainersintow

#32RescueTales

Eachmonthwedelve intoalocalanimalrescue.

#35VKZOut&

About

Comeseeusandgetin onallwedoeachmonth!

Publisher’s Note

HappyNewYear!Aswestepinto2025,Iwanttotakea momenttothankeachofyouforbeingapartofour journeywithVegasFamilyInsider Yoursupportand enthusiasmhavebeenthedrivingforcebehindourgrowth, andwecouldn’thavedoneitwithoutyou

ThisJanuaryeditionispackedwithresources,inspiration, andopportunitiestoconnectwithourvibrantVegas community.Fromfamilyfocusedeventstoexcitingfeatures onlocalkidpreneurs,weaimtokickofftheyearwithstories andideasthatempowerandinspire.

Wehavecreateda specialspaceattheFantasticIndoor SwapMeetJan.11forVKZKidpreneursANDourguests! EverysecondSaturday,we’llhavefreefacepainting,crafts andascavengerhuntforkidstocollectstickersandwina prize!!!Everykidwalksawayawinner RSVPheretogetyour scavengerhuntcardandseeyounextthere!

Cleaningandorganizingisaconstanttopicinthegroup andemails Ihearya!SinceIwalkedintothebathroomand foundmysonscrubbingthecounterwithasponge smashedunderhiselbow,Irealizedclearinstructionswould saveusbothtime,andaddyearstomylife.Itoldhimtouse someelbowgrease,mymistake.These CleaningCardsfor eachroomofthehouse.areeasytoread,clearandmake cleaningthespacesinyourhomeatotalbreeze.Ha!They aren'tmagic,buttheydohelp.Check'emoutandletme knowhowyouliked'em.Momtip-laminatethemandstick 'emtoawall.Theytendtotravelandgetlostveryeasily. Huh.

ThankyouformakingVegasFamilyInsiderapartofyour lives Here’stoanotherincredibleyeartogether!

F R E E F O O D ,

D R I N K S , &

D I S C O U N T S

O N Y O U R

B I R T H D A Y VIEW ENTIRE LIST HERE

It’s our favorite time of the year, birthday time! Whether it’s all month or simply that special day, get out there and indulge in all the birthday treats free in Las Vegas! We have found 20+ places to get a free goodie or gift during your birthday month or only when you arrive on your actual birthday.

From a cookie or a Bundlet to lipstick, eye makeup and candles, there is an abundance of goodies for you to grab on your birthday!

Here’s a handy map so you can plot your quickest route to get great goodies!

Nominatea LocalHero

For the Vegas Kids Zone Heart of the Community Award!

Do you know a person or small business in the Las Vegas Valley that goes above and beyond to make our community a better place?

Vegas Kids Zone is shining a spotlight on those whose kindness, generosity, and hard work uplift others. This is your chance to help us celebrate the everyday heroes who make a difference!

Individuals: Someone who consistently spreads kindness, supports others, or inspires positive change.

Small Businesses: A local business that gives back to the community through outreach, donations, or initiatives that make life brighter for Las Vegas families.

Award Criteria:

Acts of Kindness: Demonstrated examples of generosity, compassion, or community impact or other act of service.

Deadline is January 12th!

Community Focus: Positive influence on families, kids, or neighborhoods in the Las Vegas Valley. Consistency: A proven track record of making a difference over time.

Rules for Winning:

Nominations are open to Las Vegas Valley residents and small businesses. Nominees must exemplify kindness through verifiable actions Nominations should include a brief description of why the individual or business deserves recognition (100-200 words)

Let’s celebrate the kindness that exists every day across our beautiful valley Together, we can inspire others to spread joy and generosity! Nominate a deserving hero today and let their story inspire others!

MEETTHE KIDPRENEURS

Howlocalkidsa theirpassion!

A new wave of young entrepreneurs is making a remarkable impact on the community.

This is a trend with significant results that last a lifetime! Young trailblazers, aged 7-17, are gaining invaluable life skills, boosting their confidence, and building a network of friends through their participation in the Vegas Kids Zone (VKZ) Kidpreneur Market and the monthly workshops in the VKZ Kidpreneur Club.

Come see what it’s all about Jan. 11, 12-3 p.m. at Fantastic Indoor Swap Meet!

The Rise of Young Entrepreneurs

The VKZ Kidpreneur Market is a monthly event that brings together young business owners, providing them with a platform to showcase their products and services.

These markets are colorful, fun, and bustling with creativity. From handmade crafts to innovative tech gadgets, the young entrepreneurs offer a diverse array of products, demonstrating their entrepreneurial spirit and creativity.

BuildingConfidenceandLifeSkills

Participating in local markets helps kids to gain confidence and the experience teaches them resilience, problem-solving, and the importance of hard work and perseverance.

“Watching my child gain confidence and friends has been the best part of her journey as a kidpreneur so far,” Triana

so e ay, do at g u ds, p oducts a d their time at local nonprofits.

What: VKZKidpreneurMarket

Scavengerhuntforallkidstowinaprize Freefacepainting

Where: 1717S.DecaturBlvd,

When: Saturday,February8,from12-3pm

RSVPtogetyourgiftfromVKZ!Wanttobea VKZKidpreneur?Signuphere!

VegasBites

FlavorfulFindsandCulinaryCreations

Welcome to "Vegas Bites: Flavorful Finds and Culinary Creations", your guide to exploring the Las Vegas food

scene. I started as a self-proclaimed food critic at the age of 5, while trying out as many restaurants and foods as I could while living in New Orleans

Each month, we’ll spotlight the city’s best eats, from budget-friendly bites and decadent desserts to hidden gems and iconic restaurants. We’ll discover “Eat and Play” spots, where good food meets great fun, and explore local farmers’ markets, food trucks, and behind-the-scenes chef stories

But this journey isn’t just about what I find it’s about what you want to discover! Participate in our monthly Vegas Bites poll to vote on upcoming themes, share your favorite spots, or suggest hidden gems you’d love to see featured. I also want to hear your feedback on my recommendations, tell me what you enjoyed and what you weren’t a fan of

I’m very much looking forward to experiencing the flavorful finds of Vegas with you all, one story at a time

Visit the VKZ Fave of the Month here to share your ideas or vote on next month’s topic. Let’s discover the best Vegas bites together!

When I moved to Las Vegas about three years ago, I was super excited to try out all the different restaurants and have the opportunity to continue to develop my palate Since being here, I’ve been to more restaurants than I can count and eaten some really good food but also some not so great things too I pride myself on giving honest critiques, so you can trust that I am going to tell you the truth as I guide you through my culinary adventures, uncovering the best dining experiences and foodie scenes that Vegas has to offer.

AUTHOR SPOTLIGHT

Favorite Foods: alligator, octopus tacos, swordfish, and oxtails

Most adventurous foods: turtle soup, grilled octopus, quail, foie gras, frog, and rabbit

Favorite Restaurants: Ocean Prime, Toca Madera, Milpa, Herbs & Rye Join the Conversation!

VKZ Favorites

A Hidden Gem for Families

RitaDeaninAbbey ArtMuseum

A magical place in the serene desert of northwest Las Vegas offers families a perfect blend of education, inspiration, and recreation Whether sketching a favorite sculpture or simply soaking in the tranquility, the Rita Deanin Abbey Art Museum is an inspiring fusion of nature, art, and creativity

The Rita Deanin Abbey Art Museum is the only single-artist museum in Las Vegas and celebrates the legacy of the remarkable Rita Deanin Abbey. Rita was an incredibly gifted multidisciplinary artist that dedicated her life to art up until her passing in 2021. She was also a beloved art professor at UNLV for more than 20 years whose work spans seven decades. A visit to RDAAM is an enriching experience that appeals to all ages.

An extensive outdoor sculpture garden greets guests,wheretoweringmetalworksandintricate stone carvings invite exploration and awe Childrencanmarvelatthescaleandtextureofthe sculptures,whileparentscanstrollandponderthe artistryandvisionofthesenature-inspiredpieces

Pull open the ornate wooden doors of the museum and wander through more than 200 works of art, each providing an intimate glimpse into Abbey's evolving creative process. The natural themes in her work echoing the desert landscape surrounding the museum offer families a chance to connect with art and the environment.

The museum also hosts workshops and events, encouraging creativity and fostering an appreciationforartandthenaturalworld

Born in Passaic, New Jersey, Abbey attended Goddard College in Vermont before moving on to the University of New Mexico, Albuquerque, where she earned a Master of Fine Arts degree in 1954 andfellinlovewiththeAmericanSouthwest

"The innate wonder of nature has had the greatest influence on my work," she said. "I have explored desert landscapes and have been deeply affected by rock formations, vistas, sunsets, rivers, and the colors and textures of secret canyons."

She and her husband moved to Las Vegas in 1965, settling in the far reaches of the valley to create art As an art professor at the University of Nevada, Las Vegas, she inspired countless students before retiring in 1987 Abbey's artistic legacy is as diverse as it is captivating, featuring everything from paintings and prints to sculptures and mixed-media installations

Free art day at the RDA Museum!

Click here to get your FREE admission to the museum & VKZ scavenger hunt!

When: Feb. 1, 10 a.m. - 4 p.m.

Where: 5850 N Park St.

About Rita Dean Abbey

BEHIND THE FIRE

WORKING ALONGSIDE WORLD-RENOWNED CHEFS LED KESHA TATRO TO A HIGH-PROFILE ROLE

Recently, I sat down with Kesha Tatro, a renowned chef who works with Gordon Ramsay on Hell’s Kitchen We met at one of my favorite restaurants, Ocean Prime, over some perfectly seared scallops and truffle sea bass. Over the course of two hours, we talked about her life, her grueling work on Hell’s Kitchen, and how she went from cooking in restaurants behind the scenes to her national TV debut this month

Meeting Mr. Ramsay

She started cooking in restaurants when she was younger, but after a while, she felt super burned out She was working for Wolfgang Puck at the time, but she wasn’t sure if she wanted to keep cooking. Then, she got a job at Gordon Ramsay’s first restaurant in Las Vegas

“I wanted to see if I could fall back in love with cooking,” she said.

A call from Christina Wilson, one of Ramsay’s chefs who had won Hell’s Kitchen, changed everything

“She knew I didn’t want to work in restaurants anymore, but she knew I loved food,” she said. Kesha started working behind the scenes on Hell’s Kitchen, and she hasn’t looked back since

The Real Hell’s Kitchen

Before each show airs, Kesha is part of a team that creates menus, writes recipes, and makes sure everything is ready for the contestants.

“We film 16 episodes in just three weeks,” she said. “It’s like running a real restaurant, but everything is happening super-fast ”

It can be tricky to balance everything. “If one station is slammed with orders and the others are just standing around, it’s a problem,” she explained.

And working with Gordon Ramsay? She says he’s amazing. “If you’re dedicated and believe in what he’s doing, he’ll give back to you 100%,” she said

Why She Loves Cooking

Kesha really loves cooking but not just because it tastes good.

“If your heart isn’t in what you’re cooking, it shows on the plate,” she said. It’s important to stay curious and try new things. “The thing you think you want to do might not be where you end up, and that’s okay,” she added

When she switched from working in restaurants to being on TV, it was a big transition. But she learned there are lots of ways to be creative in cooking, like teaching, catering, or even doing pop-ups

Overcoming Challenges

As a woman of color in a male-dominated industry, it wasn’t always easy. For instance, getting a job interview was harder with her full name, Lakeisha, on her resume

“Once I took it off, it was easier to get callbacks,” she said.

Even when she was promoted into high-level positions in kitchens, some of her colleagues didn’t think she could handle the job This made her work even harder. “I had to prove that I belonged, and that struggle made me stronger,” she said.

Our Ocean Prime Dinner

As we talked, Kesha shared what she thought about the food we were eating. She loved how the scallops were cooked.

“They’re perfectly seared, with a great balance of texture,” she said. The little things, like the citrus flavors in the sea bass, showed how much care went into making the dishes

What’s Next for Kesha?

As she prepares for the show to debut and her star to continue its rise, Kesha is focused on her work in culinary TV and exploring new ways to share her love of cooking

“Whether you’re in the kitchen or on TV, as long as you love what you’re doing, it will shine through,” she said.

Catch her on the Finale Challenge episode of Hell's Kitchen as a sous chef airing on Thursday, February 6. on Fox.

Easy Cheesy Garlic Knots

Soft, fluffy and fun to make, cheesy garlic knots are a breeze to throw together with kids in the kitchen! They get very excited to show how they can make this beautiful dish to their friends for lunch This is almost as easy as the Rainbow Cheesecake Bars that were the top kids recipe last year in The Homeschool Cafe!

Ingredients:

(Yield: 10 balls)

Dough

1 can Grands Biscuits

1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese

1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese

Garlic butter sauce

1-2 Tbsp unsalted butter, melted

1/2 tsp garlic powder

1/4 tsp garlic paste

1/2 tsp. Italian seasoning

Directions:

Preheat the oven to 375 degrees. Combine dough ingredients in bowl (minus 1-2 tsp. mozzarella cheese). Split the biscuits in half and lightly stretch dough. Then add a handful (1-2 tsp.) of mozzarella cheese. Tuck and fold the biscuit dough over and roll in your hands to ensure the cheese won’t seep out Spray pan with butter spray or butter the pan

Mix together the ingredients for the garlic butter sauce and brush balls with butter. Sprinkle with salt. Bake for 18-20 mins. (check around 15 min.). Brush with garlic sauce after they’re done. Serve warm and enjoy. If you reheat in the microwave, cover with a cloth towel with a spritz of water, and they should fluff right back up.

Any Way You Slice It

National Pie Day is Jan. 23

Pie is the perfect food. There, we said it. Don’t believe us? Then ask the American Pie Council, which is serving up a heapin’ helpin’ of stats in honor of National Pie Day on Jan. 23. So, grab a fork and an extra-large can of Reddi-Wip and dig in.

If you consider pie strictly an after-dinner treat, not only are you mistaken but you’re also missing out Even uptight Victorian-era folks recognized its multitasking abilities when, during the 19th century, fruit pies were a popular breakfast item These days, the council reports 35% of Americans have eaten pie as their first meal of the day, and another 66% say it’s suitable for lunch. Heck, go all out: Slap some cheddar atop a slab of apple pie and tell everyone it’s grilled cheese sandwich. No judgement.

Apparently, your choice of pie filling reveals a lot about your personality.

Speaking of apple pie, is anyone surprised that a survey conducted by the American Pie Council revealed it’s the preferred pie flavor of one out of five Americans? The runners up were pumpkin, pecan, banana cream and cherry (Come on: No love for lemon meringue?) Meanwhile, 32% of people say they prefer pies without a top crust. Wait, it gets weirder: 9% say they eat the pie crust first. All righty, pal you do you.

We get it you’re busy. Ain’t nobody got time to roll out buttery pastry dough and shape a blue ribbon-worthy pie crust. So, it makes sense that some $2 billion worth of pies are sold at U.S. grocery stores each year (more than enough to circle the globe when lined up crust to crust). To that end, it seems among the 7% of Americans who admit they’ve passed off a store-bought pie as their own homemade treat, the phrase “Fake it ‘till you make it” is a life choice.

Finally, we’re gonna go out on a limb and guess you aren’t aware your choice of pie filling speaks volumes about your personality (or lack thereof) According to the pie council, pecan pie purists are viewed as thoughtful and analytical while blueberry fans are dependable Chocolate pie devotees tend to be more light-hearted than those alleged hordes of apple pie people who claim to enjoy the simple things in life In other news, the dispositions of those who like mincemeat pie (“Ew, David!”) remains an absolute mystery Go here for a full list of National Food Days to celebrate and find where to get free and discounted items!

FreshStartforaCleanHome

Erica Hernandez of Picky Performance Cleaning offers these tips to keep the chaos at bay and get your home in order in a flash this month.

Declutter First

1

2 3

Start Small: Begin with one drawer, one shelf, or one room to avoid overwhelm Follow the “One-Year Rule”: If you haven’t used it in the past year, consider donating or discarding Sort Into Categories: Use "Keep," "Donate," and "Trash" bins to streamline the process.

Deep Clean Hidden Areas

Refrigerator: Toss expired items, wipe shelves, and clean the exterior. Baseboards and Walls: Use a damp cloth or a mild cleaner for a fresh look. Windows: Wash windows and wipe down frames for extra light and clarity.

Refresh Fabrics & Furniture

4

Create a Cleaning Schedule

Set Priorities: Focus on areas that impact your daily life, like the kitchen, bedroom, or entryway. Daily Habits: Spend 10–15 minutes each day tidying to maintain progress. Weekly Focus: Assign deeper cleaning tasks to specific days (e.g., Monday: bathrooms, Tuesday: living room)

Focus on High Traffic Areas

Entryways: Clean and organize shoes, jackets, and keys. Kitchen: Scrub the sink, disinfect counters, and organize the pantry Bathroom: Replace shower liners, clean grout, and sanitize surfaces

5

Wash Curtains and Upholstery Covers: Use a gentle cycle and hang dry when possible. Vacuum Mattresses and Cushions: Sprinkle baking soda, let it sit, and vacuum to remove odors. Flip and Rotate: Flip mattresses or cushions to extend their life

6

Organize Closets and Storage Spaces

Seasonal Swap: Pack away out-of-season clothes and accessories Invest in Storage Solutions: Use bins, baskets, and labels to keep everything tidy Purge Excess: Donate items you no longer need or wear.

Incorporate Green Cleaning

Maintenance: Schedule a monthly "reset day" for bigger tasks Involve the Family: Make cleaning a shared responsibility with clear assignments 7 8

DIY Solutions: Use vinegar, baking soda, and lemon for non-toxic cleaning. Reusable Tools: Opt for microfiber cloths instead of disposable wipes.

Houseplants: Add air-purifying plants to reduce indoor toxins.

Set Goals for the Year

Minimize Accumulation: Commit to a "one-in, oneout" rule to maintain decluttering. Regular

Celebrate Progress

Take Breaks: Reward yourself after completing major tasks Track Achievements: Keep a checklist to see your accomplishments. 9

A meal planner, daily chore list, and master cleaning list planner can help you stay organized and efficient in managing your household tasks Birthday Club members get this free!

BrightSideofSolar-TipsFromaPro

Switchingtosolarismorethanjustatrend;it’sa smart,sustainablewaytopoweryourhome.Itcan alsobeconfusingandoverwhelming.Wetalked toJimWenzl,alongtimelocalandsolarexpert whohashelpedlocalsmaneuverthesolar landscape,saveonenergycostsandboosttheir home’svalue.

“Whendonecorrectly,solarcanprovideyouwitha lowermonthlypayment,guaranteednoprice increasesinthefuture,couldaddappreciationto yourhomeanditsgoodfortheenvironment,”he said Jimoffersafree,no-stressestimateandzero moneyoutofpocketand100%financing,savingyou 25%-40%amonthonyourpowerbill.

“Everythingiscoveredguaranteed!Noheadaches, noadditionalexpensesandnodeductible” hesaid,notingthe30-yearwarrantyBonus,:There’sa30% FederalTaxCredittogosolaruntil2035.

CallortextJimTheSolarGuytodayandjointhe conversationintheVegasKidsZoneFacebook grouptogetuptospeedonsolar

Planning, organizing and doing the actual move in or out can be stressful. Keep all your info together in one space with a moving organizer!

The 40+ page moving organizer includes:

Utility Providers

Local Handymen and Contractors

Trash and Recycling Info

Local Schools and Childcare

Emergency Contacts

With a moving organizer by your side, you can skip the chaos and step into your new chapter with ease They’ll handle all the heavy lifting both literally and figuratively while ensuring you have all the local links and numbers to make your transition seamless.

Installedby:

Knowledge Academy of Public Speaking Grades K-12

At Explore Knowledge Academy of Public Speaking, we give our students a powerful voice. Our unique, K-12 public speaking program transforms even the most timid students into confident speakers. If you want a school that is academically rigorous, prepares students for real world success, and has open enrollment all yearlong, EKAPS is here for you. Join our community of learners today! Contact Information 5871 Mountain Vista St. Las Vegas, NV 89120 admissions@ekacademy.org 702-870-5032

For homeschoolers, Southern Nevada is an unparalleled classroom We have explored the rich culture, history and land as homeschoolers and curious learners You can create a comprehensive curriculum with VKZ Education Packets and local resources that bring the region’s past and present to life while immersing students in its unique environment

Hoover Dam: You can walk along the top of Hoover Dam for free! While parking on the Nevada side costs $10, you can save by parking in a free lot on the Arizona side, past parking lot 9, and enjoy your visit without breaking the bank.

Springs Preserve: Visit this living museum to learn about the Indigenous peoples of the Mojave Desert and how early settlers adapted to the harsh environment.

Clark County Museum: Dive into exhibits on Nevada’s development, from its extensive mining roots to its role in modern tourism

Lost City Museum: Explore artifacts and exhibits on the Ancestral Puebloans who once thrived in the area

Big Horn Sheep: Southern Nevada is home to a remarkable population of bighorn sheep, a species that epitomizes the rugged beauty and resilience of the desert. The Ram Cam at Hemenway Park in Boulder City is trained on the four-legged visitors that hang at the family-friendly park regularly.

Donkeys and Nevada: Donkeys, often overlooked in the annals of the American West, played a crucial role in the development of Nevada The Peaceful Valley Donkey Museum in Mesquite is a perfect day trip to explore the honorable animal

Pair these visits with VKZ history packets, which include timelines, interactive projects, and quizzes to reinforce their passion for learning

Homeschool study units for the region here.

VKZ Education Packets: Your Gateway to Engaging Lessons

VKZ Education Packets are thoughtfully designed to provide homeschool families with interactive, hands-on learning experiences. Tailored for different age groups, these packets include lesson plans, activity sheets and field trip guides.

Get your free VKZ Education Kits and Study Units

VEGASKIDSZONE

The Mindful Momma

Gentle Beginnings: A Mindful Approach to the New Year

As we step into January, the world seems to buzz with an urgency to “start fresh” and become something new. But what if we chose an approach centered around self love? Instead of chasing change, we could honor what’s already within us.

This isn’t a call for reinvention Instead, it’s an invitation to pause To reflect. To listen.

Winter: A Season of Reflection

Nature reminds us that not all growth is visible. Winter is a time of restoration and quiet preparation. In nature, plants and animals are resting and storing energy, acknowledging that it’s not yet the season for high levels of activity. What if you embraced this season not as a time for rushing forward but for reflecting inward?

The Beauty of Small Beginnings

Transformation doesn’t require dramatic leaps Often, the most profound changes start small a quiet decision, a single deep breath, a kind word to yourself. What small beginning could you honor today?

Keeping What Matters

Instead of focusing on what to fix or let go of, ask yourself: What will I keep?

What relationships, rituals, or qualities already bring you joy? This year, focus on amplifying what aligns with you and brings you joy and fulfilment.

Releasing the Need to Rush

Life unfolds in its own timing. There’s no rush to arrive anywhere. Trust that you are exactly where you need to be. In letting go of the need to hurry, you create space for ease, patience, and authentic connection

Tuning In

In the noise of daily life, it’s easy to miss the whisper of your intuition. But that inner knowing your soul’s voice is always there, waiting for you to tune in. This year, commit to listening. Maybe it’s through journaling, a morning walk in silence, or a few minutes of mindful breathing. These small practices can create space for clarity and connection.

About the Author

Antoinnette Majors is the owner of Momma Mindframe, a prenatal mindset coaching practice that helps expecting mothers access their innate power and intuition so that they are empowered to create the birthing experience they desire

A Year of Gentle Strength and Quiet Confidence

Strength doesn’t always equate to grit, just as confidence doesn’t have to be loud Strength can be grounding Confidence can be soft, intuitive, and tender. This year, let your strength be rooted in stillness, resilience, and selfcompassion and your confidence be rooted in being, not doing. Gentle strength and quiet confidence is just as powerful and just as transformative.

As you move into this New Year, remember, you don’t have to become something new. You are already enough. Honor the sacredness of beginnings, the joy of being, and the quiet power of trusting yourself.

Affirmation: I trust the timing of my life and honor the wisdom within me. I am enough as I am, and every small step I take is a reflection of my gentle strength and quiet confidence.

Benefits of Dog Training

It’s up to us to communicate to build a solid relationship with our dog(s) and to help them learn the rules of the household and develop good manners.

Having a relationship without communication is a recipe for disaster. The dog can’t do this alone, and we can’t assume it knows what to do! Imagine being placed in the middle of a city where you do not know the language and have no family or friends It’s getting dark and cold, and you’re hungry How are you going to function? Feel the panic? Now, imagine your dog coming home to a foreign place with different communication skills, and the humans have no clue. Add to that, the dog has come from a rescue and has had a traumatic experience. This is where training comes in.

The first step to create a better relationship with your dog through training is to figure out what you want Are dogs allowed on the furniture? What basic commands are appropriate for the household? Will you crate train the new furry family member? Is barking at the door ok? Will the dog sleep in your room or the children’s bedrooms?

Is Fido allowed to play with the children? Really think about it; there are many scenarios to consider. This is the basis of rules and boundaries Dogs NEED structure and love schedules and predictability Less room for Fido to make a bad decision

The next step is to write down all the commands the dog must know to function in your household Now, we have a basis for clear communication! I suggest hand signals for the following commands if possible.

Sit

Down Stay Come Off Outside

Speaking of communication, how will Fido know when it’s doing something right or wrong? What sounds are appropriate to convey good or bad behavior or choice? “Good” is used often for obvious reasons “No”, “Eh Eh”, “Sh” or “Hey” are examples of bad sounds Figure out as a family what works, and stay consistent with those sounds. Fido is learning the language. Be kind and patient! When communication is used correctly, this gives direction and builds trust and confidence with the dog!

There you have it The benefits of dog training are communication, relationship, learning the rules, and developing good manners. This foundation helps to limit any bad behavior.

VEGASKIDSZONE

This gives the dog direction and builds trust with confidence and Fido is on its way to being the BEST DOG EVER!

How do we get there? Can training be handled on your own? Sure! There are plenty of books and YouTube videos to answer your questions. I know, I know, most of us do not have time for that research. Depending on your commitment level and budget, there are plenty of options. How about hiring a local professional to train your dog? Another option is to send Fido to a board and train for a few weeks Have questions or need some hands-on advice? Contact me and mention this article. I am happy to schedule a free consultation and answer any questions.

$25OFF

ASanctuaryfor FeatheredFriends

Just after the pandemic, more than 100 macaws were found flying loose in a home packed to the rafters with hoarded items. One brightly colored bird made it out after a lengthy fight for her life. Safire is missing clumps of her once bright blue and gold feathers, and an obvious wing injury has left her unable to fly The kindness of strangers helped Safire find her kind and gentle nature after such a traumatic start

“Safire is an amazing creature,” Skye Marsh, president and cofounder of Southwest Exotic Avian Rescue (SWEAR), said. Through all the horrors, she’s still a sweet bird.

“You can hand her to anyone, even kids; she is just the most laid back, sweetest soul.”

The transformation of Safire from broken bird to community ambassador is due to SWEAR

“It’s not just taking in parrots, but it’s helping find them the next chapter of their life because of the fact that they live so long,” Marsh said, adding parrots can have a lifespan of 50 to 70 years

Safire’s Journey

Safire’s lower jaw was broken and cracked from a tussle with another bird She is missing part of her beak and her wing suffered permanent damage.

“One of her wings doesn’t quite work right, so she’ll never fly,” Marsh said

Safire plucks her feathers as a result of the trauma. She has damaged follicles, so her feathers will never grow back.

“We have tried laser therapy, sprays, and collars,” Kim Bauer-Schaub, SWEAR board member and volunteer, said. “The first months, Safire made sounds at night like she was crying. She would yell ‘stop it!’ in a deep and angry voice It makes your heart hurt because that is what she heard ”

Safire fell into the routine of BauerSchaub’s household.

“I was walking by, and I was like, ‘Goodnight, I love you,’ and she goes, ‘I love you,’ Bauer-Schaub said. “And she kept saying it.”

“I sat upstairs, and my son fell asleep in my lap, and I had her up there,” BauerSchaub said Safire sat on the back of the rocking chair, walking down the arm to gently brush his hair with her beak. “She loves my kids and plays all activities with them.”

“Safire lives her days as a full family member,” Bauer-Schaub said After two years, Safire settled in with her new family. “She loves rides, travel, dressing up, and steals any snacks when she can.”

Safireisaneducationambassadorbirdto helppeopleunderstandproperbird husbandryandgetcomfortablearoundbirds.

“When we go to shows, people will come up and find me, ‘Is Safire here?,’” Bauer-Schaub said

Safire has an extensive wardrobe, with sweaters to wear to cleverly cover up her missing feathers. Together, BauerSchaub and Safire teach the community about the care and training for healthy birds, and a little more “Wealsohelppeoplekeeptheirbirds,” Bauer-Schaubsaid.“Ifsomeonehasa questionaboutfoodordietorbehavior,we actasaconsultantwherewecandiscuss thingstodoandthingstochange”

Southwest Exotic Avian Rescue, SWEAR

Currently, there are 127 birds in the care of SWEAR In 2024, 60 birds found forever homes Donations of food, toys and money for medical expenses are always appreciated Gift cards to Chewy, Amazon, Petco and PetSmart help with emergency cases such as ICU units, specialty lighting, and PetFlex for wrapping perches

VKZ OUT & ABOUT

NOON YEAR’S EVE!

Wehadarockin’goodtime,withgiftbags,crafts andgoodiesforkidstoopenthroughoutthebig event!Therewasdancing,craftingandcupcake decoratingamongotherfuneventsat Yuzu& Space!Thanksto SimplyKimberlyforputting togetherthisone-of-a-kindholidayevent!

OurnextpartyisJan 25,sostaytunedand come findoutwhatVKZisallabout!

BIRTHDAY CELEBRATION HEADQUARTERS!

Birthday Month kicked off with a trip to Spy Ninja Headquarters and exploring ALLLL they have for kids of all ages! From the arcade downstairs and the escape rooms and VR bay upstairs to the zipline and obstacle course suspended above the bottom floor, this is a perfect place to celebrate!

We joined Ladies of Las Vegas, Creating Community in Centennial Hills, Las Vegas Parent Connection, Uptown Jungle, Gather Threads and Code Ninjas for a FREE community event with hot cocoa bar, free gift wrapping and a fun time for the whole family one of the many events they create each month to build community. Love that!

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Vegas Family Insider January 2025 by Kimberley McGee - Issuu