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AU G U S T 2 022

CALL O R V IS IT U S O N L IN E TO DAY TO SCHE DU L E YO U R CO MPLIMENTARY VI RT UA L O R IN - H O M E D ESI G N CO N SU LTATI O N 8 0 0 . 2 74 . 6 7 5 4 LO CAL DES IG N ER AVA IL A BL E CA L I FO R N I AC LO S E TS . C O M

MAKE ROOM FO R A L L O F YO U

LIFESTYLE LETTER

An Ode to Nettie

August 2022 PUBLISHER

Kali McNutt | kali.mcnutt@citylifestyle.com EDITOR

Denise K. James | denise.james@citylifestyle.com

I wasn’t really aware of how much I love dogs until Gertrude joined our family. Gert was my parents’ human-like English Setter. We couldn’t take her anywhere without someone exclaiming, “that is the prettiest dog I’ve ever seen!” But more than being pretty, her droopy eyes, stubborn ways, separation anxiety and slobbery love of French cheese and “puppy lattes” made her incredibly special. About a year after Gertie’s untimely death, I decided we needed our own dog. So, in August 2020, we (me + my husband + my mom) found ourselves road-tripping to Dodge Center, Minnesota to pick up two female French Spaniel puppies. I had convinced my parents that they, too, needed a dog. Time and a tendency to over-research led me to the French Spaniel. Emails back and forth with the breeder—an avid hunter who has worked with just about every kind of hunting dog—made me certain about this decision. He let us know that, first and foremost, these are affectionate family dogs. Our girls—Clementine and Choupinette—were perfect angels all the way back to Birmingham. They snuggled; they slept through the night; they frolicked at rest stops throughout the Midwest. We held them to our chests like infants as we strolled the streets of Madison, Wisconsin. They began to show their true colors and unique personalities as the days went on—Choupinette, or “Nettie,” is more vocal. Her barking can be intense. She will sit in your lap like a child. She jumps in 360-degree circles over and over to show her excitement and affection. Her attention span is non-existent—she is more likely to remember to eat if you sit beside her and hand-feed her. Clementine, or “Cleme,” has a lady beard and is a little more serious—at least when it comes to food and retrieving tennis balls. Unlike her sister, she doesn’t bark, but has a unique whine. Cleme gets to sleep in a human bed. Nettie only gets that privilege when her human dad is out of town… Our girls turned two this June. And yes, we had a little paw-ty. The shedding, barking, eye boogers and vet bills are absolutely worth it for the joy this sweet soul brings—Nettie is this girl’s best friend. Our August issue is all about celebrating every member of the family— young, old, four-legged or two-legged. We hope you enjoy reading it as much as we loved putting it together!

K A L I M C N U T T, P U B L I S H E R @BIRMINGHAM.LIFESTYLE

Scan QR code to visit our Instagram CIT YLIFEST YLE.COM/BIRMINGHAM |

INTER N

Maya Kitchens AD DESIGNER

Mattew Endersbe LAYOUT DESIGNER

Antanette Ray CONTR IBUTING WR ITER S

Pastor Rich Webster CONTR IBUTING PHOTOGR APHER S

Sam Evans, Mary Fehr, Chris Davis

Corporate Team CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER Steven Schowengerdt CHIEF SALES OFFICER Matthew Perry CHIEF FINANCIAL OFFICER DeLand Shore CHIEF OPERATING OFFICER Randy Radosevich DIRECTOR OF SOCIAL MEDIA Mindy Hargesheimer ART DIRECTOR Sara Minor OPERATIONS DIRECTOR Janeane Thompson AD MANAGER Chad Jensen WEB APPLICATIONS Michael O’Connell

Learn how to start your own publication at: citylifestyle.com//franchise Proverbs 3:5-6 Birmingham Lifestyle™ is published monthly by Lifestyle Publications LLC. It is distributed via the US Postal Service to some of the Birmingham area’s most affluent neighborhoods. Articles and advertisements do not necessarily reflect Lifestyle Publications’ opinions. No portion of this magazine may be reproduced in any form without written consent. Lifestyle Publications does not assume responsibility for statements made by advertisers or editorial contributors. Information in Birmingham Lifestyle™ is gathered from sources considered to be reliable, but

L I F E ST Y LE LE T T E R

the accuracy of all information cannot be guaranteed.

A favorite season of the year: back to school.

B RO O K E @ B RO O K E WA H L .C O M

205.447.1704

AUGUST 2022

inside the issue The Kids and Pets Issue

F E ATU R E D

D E PA RTM E NTS

14 Recent Grads with Goals

Lifestyle Letter

City Scene

Business Monthly

Local Experiences

Local Limelight

Our Town

Inspired By

Artist’s Palette

Giving Back

LO CA L S ERV I C ES

Pet Friendly

LI FE + C U LT U R E

Locally Sourced

Meet a Few Gen Z Movers and Shakers

18 Friends for Life

A New Alabama Nonprofit Gives Families Hope

22 A Real-life Storybook

At Home with William McClure, Artist and Animal Lover

32 Family Photos

Leigh Ann Edmonds Honors Her Photographic Legacy

HO ME + DES I GN A RTS + C U LT U R E

O N T H E C OV E R

Illustration: “Finnegan” by Chris Davis Graphic designer, comedian and improv teacher Chris Davis paints exuberant watercolors of Birmingham’s beloved pets. Email

drawdogart@aol.com for your custom portrait and follow on Facebook @Drawdog . Congrats Finn and mom @lindsayrroberts!

EDU CAT I O N

WELLNES S

L E I G H

A N N

E D M O N D S

T w o Wo r l d s , O n e J o u r n e y A N E X P LO RAT I O N O F T H E W O R K S O F P H OTO J O U R N A L I ST L E I G H A N N E D M O N D S W I T H T H AT O F H E R G RA N D F AT H E R , D AV I D A L L E N M C C L U S K E Y I N A N U P C O M I N G E X H I B I T

T H E E X H I B I T W I L L B E O N D I S P L AY AT C A N A RY G A L L E RY U N T I L A U G U ST 25, 2 022 2 0 5. 224 . 53 0 0 // C A N A RYG A L L E RY L L C . C O M // 22 01 2 N D AV E N // B I R M I N G H A M , A L A B A M A , 352 0 3

C E L E B RAT I N G A RT & M A K I N G L I F E ’ S J O U R N E Y A C E L E B RAT I O N FO R 7 Y E A R S !

AUGUST 2022

city scene

Where neighbors can see and be seen. 1

7 5

1-7: Photographer Leigh Ann Edmonds, in the dark blue dress, welcomes art patrons to the opening of her show, “Two Worlds, One Journey,” at Canary Gallery in Birmingham. Photography by Sam Evans, Rhythm Creative

Want to be seen in the magazine? Tag your Instagram photos with @Birmingham.Lifestyle

C I T Y SC E N E

Love the Smile You’re With PRESLEY KAUFFMAN PAT I E N T, H O M E W O O D FA M I LY & C O S M E T I C D E N T I S T RY

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AUGUST 2022

business monthly A round-up of exciting news from local businesses. CASA Program Coordinator Promoted to Assistant Director CASA of Jefferson County recently promoted former Program Coordinator Leilany Noel to Assistant Director. Noel has been with the organization since January 2020 as an Advocate Coordinator. "Leilany, again, proved that she can be a leader and trained all new employees and oversaw the interns within the program. Due to her fundraising, grant writing and leadership abilities she was promoted to Assistant Director," said Executive Director Lindsay Landrum.

Crittenden Partners Marketing Director Joins Junior Board Crittenden Partners Marketing Director Meredith Hutcheson has recently been accepted onto the Friends of the Botanical Gardens Junior Board. To celebrate her achievement, Crittenden Partners sponsored the Friends of the Botanical Garden's June event, “Rosé” in the Roses." 2022 was the inaugural year for this event.

“I enjoy understanding the uniqueness of each individual that I serve. I listen to your story and goals and make an actionable plan to get there.” Mary Meadows Livingston, CFA, CFP® - Founder, Abeona Wealth

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Lynlee strongly believes in and supports residential growth in Birmingham. Since obtaining her license in 2014, Lynlee has completed over 400 transactions totaling over $155 million dollars of real estate sold in the area. "I have made a huge effort to be intimately engaged in the central city and surrounding "city suburbs" from Forest Park to Homewood, Mountain Brook and Vestavia, so that I can provide the greatest benefit to my clients, which I strongly believe is market knowledge". Her greatest motivation is her clients: She says, "Success to me is doing what I love every day and knowing that my contributions positively impact my clients, my company, and my city and that I have produced the highest quality work."

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AUGUST 2022

local experiences The best places and things to do in our area.

As the end of summer approaches, cool off and satisfy your tastebuds at these go-to spots around town. Treat yourself, your kids or your fur-kids to a frozen treat that bids adieu to summer.

Sweet Treats DR EAMCAKES: Ready to make your dreams come true? Visit Dreamcakes

Bakery in Homewood for all your cupcake and cake needs. Follow their mouth-watering Instagram, @dreamcakesbham. 960 Oxmoor Road, Homewood, Alabama MOUNTAIN BR OOK CR EAMER Y: Take your tantalizing pick among ice cream, malts, shakes, sundaes and cakes at Mountain Brook Creamery. 2715 Cahaba Road, Mountain Brook, Alabama STEEL CITY POPS : Steel City Pops are named for Birmingham’s legacy in the steel industry and are crafted with natural ingredients, creating tons of unique flavors. Check them out on Instagram, @steelcitypops. 329 Summit Boulevard , Birmingham, Alabama COOKIE FIX: Check out unique, delicious cookies on a constantly rotating menu at Cookie Fix, located in the heart of Homewood. Follow their photogenic sweets on Instagram, @cookie_fix. 2854 18th Street South, Homewood , Alabama BIG SPOON CR EAMER Y: For seasonal ice creams made with wholesome, local ingredients, visit Big Spoon Creamery's original location in Avondale, and get a sweet sneak peek on Instagram, at @bigspooncreamery. 4000 3rd Avenue South, Birmingham, Alabama Dreamcakes

Scan for more photos and the full list.

Want to recommend a local experience? Scan the QR code and message us on Instagram.

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Recent Grads with Goals Birmingham native Dan Rice has always loved theater. From Red Mountain Theatre Company summer camps to Virginia Samford Theatre shows and beyond, Rice is always in the spotlight one way or another. Rice graduated from The Altamont School in May 2020 without any ceremonies or goodbyes. Despite the pandemic, he was able to attend Baldwin Wallace University in Berea, Ohio, to study music theater and pursue his dreams. He had a little piece of home only 25 minutes away at Case Western Reserve University: his sister, Mary. Getting into Baldwin Wallace University was no easy task. Luckily for Rice, he had already set up his auditions for his top two schools during the first semester of his senior year at Altamont: Elon University and Baldwin Wallace University. Rice ended up getting accepted to both, and his decision was difficult. Rice will be a junior in the fall, still studying at Baldwin Wallace as one of 22 people in the class of 2024 for Music Theatre. During his time at Baldwin Wallace, he’s attended dozens of master classes, specifically those with agents, managers and casting directors, to further his career. He credits the master classes as one reason for the university’s 100% signing rate after graduation. Another opportunity Baldwin Wallace students have is Summerstocks, in which theaters all over the country come to watch the students audition for each of the shows for the summer months. Rice was selected to perform at the Clinton Area Showboat Theatre in Clinton, Iowa. He is in three shows this summer: Sister Act, State Fair, and Wedding Singer. He’ll also have his first leading male role in State Fair, playing Wayne Franke. After Rice graduates, he does not have a specific plan in mind, although he is leaning toward acting and knows he will move to New York. He aspires to create his own work, so others can see what he does: the presence of humanity, in places it might be overlooked.

LOCA L LIM E LIGH T | ED UCATI ON

Dan Rice

MEET A FEW GEN Z MOVERS AND SHAKERS ARTICLE BY MAYA KITCHENS PHOTOGRAPHY PROVIDED

Ayona Roychowdhury

Roychowdhury

graduated

from

Homewood High School in May 2021 and is currently enrolled at the University of Alabama at Birmingham studying affecting disease outcomes: neuroimmunology, which is a major she created herself.

Ayona Roychowdhury has been a Girl Scout since the fifth grade and has dreamed of receiving the Gold Award as most Girl Scouts do. Today, Roychowdhury has officially achieved her goal and received the prestigious award for her project, Teaching Teenagers about Consent and Reproductive Health. Her project consists of educating teenagers, specifically those in grades six through 12, about consent and healthy relationship education. She was assisted by Safe and Healthy Homewood Coalition, Healing Medical Crisis, The Crisis Center, Strive Counseling and her school district in Homewood. The coronavirus pandemic heavily impacted her project — she was unable to start hospital initiatives, due to COVID-19 restrictions, which ultimately led to lots of changes. Fortunately, she was able to regroup and create resources for the public to use. In high school, Roychowdhury was a part of GirlSpring, a local girl empowerment organization. She was able to write for GirlSpring and educate young girls through that platform. Roychowdhury graduated from Homewood High School in May 2021 and is currently enrolled at the University of Alabama at Birmingham studying affecting disease outcomes: neuroimmunology, which is a major she created herself. CONTINUED >

AUGUST 2 0 2 2 | C I TYL I FE STYL E . C OM/BI R M I N G HA M

Nathan Tozzi

Nathan Tozzi graduated less than three months ago from Indian Springs School but will not be attending college like many of his peers. Instead, he will be playing soccer for Legion FC, alongside professionals. Tozzi has played club soccer for over 13 years and high school soccer for four years. In those four years, Tozzi has led the Indian Springs’ Swans to two back-toback state soccer championship victories, including the winning goal in the championship game in May 2022. Tozzi was previously on the Birmingham Legion FC Academy team but sparked interest among the coaching staff for a position on the Legion FC first team. “I am training every single day with the first team. Hopefully, I play good enough so I can get some time on the field,” he said. After his year at Legion FC, Tozzi plans to enroll in college to further his education and study business, plus continue playing soccer. He has offers from multiple universities but is keeping his options open for now.

“I am training every single day with the first team. Hopefully, I play good enough so I can get some time on the field,” - Nathan Tozzi 16

LOCA L LIM E LIGH T | ED UCATI ON

Emma Lembke

Emma Lembke founded the Log Off Movement in June 2020, less than two months before the start of her senior year of high school at The Altamont School. She found herself addicted to her phone after downloading popular social media applications in the sixth grade. As someone predisposed to mental health struggles, Lembke found herself in limbo. “I’m allowing these apps to have so much control over me and negatively impact me when I am someone who really values health and well-being,” she said. The Log Off Movement creates different initiatives to pursue healthier usages of social media, whether that be through her podcast, a team leadership council or her blog. It is a movement run by teenagers, made for teenagers. Lembke credits GirlSpring, a girl empowerment organization in Birmingham, for successes in her movement, as she modeled Log Off similar to the way

GirlSpring runs: creating spaces for different communities to come together and converse. After graduating in May 2021 from Altamont, Lembke enrolled at Washington University in Saint Louis, Missouri, studying political science and psychology. She is now a rising sophomore and loves the university, as it supports her passion for her work as well as ensures she’s a successful student. Lembke also recently kickstarted a lobbying youth campaign called Tech(nically) Politics, which works to leverage youth storytelling around social media usage — basically, push regulations from a top-down angle against big technology companies. Lembke has since been featured on CBS News, Jubilee Media via YouTube, MTV, The New York Times and many more outlets for her work and activism with the Log Off Movement. She plans to continue working with the media to reach more viewers and promote more change.

AUGUST 2 0 2 2 | C I TYL I FE STYL E . C OM/BI R M I N G HA M

ARTICLE BY DENISE K. JAMES | PHOTOGRAPHY PROVIDED

The Hagan family

FRIENDS FOR LIFE A NEW ALABAMA NONPROFIT GIVES FAMILIES HOPE

O UR TOWN | WEL L N ESS

Eight years ago, the Hagan family’s first-born child, Libby, almost died from a medical error which deprived her brain of glucose for 18 hours. The newborn had already suffered birth trauma and was in the NICU when she was overdosed with insulin — an adult-strength dose that had not been diluted, according to her father, Lane Hagan. Following this catastrophe, the Hagans were told that their precious baby girl would likely only live a few months. “Fortunately they were wrong, and she began proving them wrong quickly,” Hagan said.

Libby (8), Drew (6), Grace (4), Ann Curtis (4 months).

THE HAGAN FAMILY

The strength of this family — now larger with the arrival of Libby’s three siblings — is in their faith and perseverance — not only on a personal level but what they’ve given numerous other families in difficult situations. Though the Hagans were able to take legal recourse for what happened to Libby and regain financial stability, many families are not so fortunate. This realization became the inspiration behind their Alabama nonprofit, Libby’s Friends. “I had the idea to give back — so many people have been invested in Libby’s life, and I wanted to help other special needs families,” said Hagan, who is now the nonprofit’s executive director. “I had my idea saved in my phone, and I showed it to my wife, and she said, ‘What can we do to make this happen?’” Though the pandemic slowed things down slightly, Libby’s Friends was “off the ground and running” by August 2020. The nonprofit’s ambitious goal is to raise money to assist families with equipment, devices and therapy costs for special needs children. As of press time, about 75 families had been helped. “Libby’s Friends was introduced to us by [our son] Brooks’ speech therapist, Francie Clark at Let’s Play Therapy,” said Kali Belyeu, a resident of Fairhope. “We were getting close to the max number of therapy visits that insurance would pay for, and she gave us the information for Libby’s friends and suggested we reach out to see if they could help. Which they did, and it was the biggest blessing to us!’ Hagan looks forward to additional families benefiting through grants. After a colleague who runs another nonprofit shared how invaluable grants have been for her, Hagan set about researching and applying. As you read this, Libby’s Friends has been accepted into the Tum Tum Tree Foundation.

CONTINUED >

AUGUST 2 0 2 2 | C I TYL I FE STYL E . C OM/BI R M I N G HA M

Andrew Hagan with daughter Libby

Kali Belyeu and her son, Brooks

“They applied in January, and we had a committee meeting, and they were a great fit,” said Ashley Blomeyer, executive director of the Tum Tum Tree Foundation. “We love to support grassroot startups in the area that many people haven’t heard about — that are impacting the lives of children who face illnesses and complications. This will be Libby’s Friends’ first year with us, and we’re hoping to develop a lifelong partnership with them.” “The majority of money that comes in our doors goes back out into the special needs community,” Hagan said. “We strive to spend more than 90% of our funds on the community that needs it most. I am hopeful that we can use grant money this year to impact at least 20 families across the state.” Belyeu felt that the Hagans’ own personal journey has allowed them to address the mission of Libby's Friends with unparalleled levels of compassion and understanding. “Nobody knows the emotional and financial burden of having a child with special needs or development delays until you become a parent of one,” she shared. “The Hagans are some of the most kind, generous people I have ever met, and the work they are doing is incredible. To have an organization like Libby’s Friends come in and take part of your burden away is just an indescribable feeling of joy and relief.” To learn more or donate, visit libbysfriends.org.

O UR TOWN | WEL L N ESS

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A R E A L-L I F E S TORY B O OK At Home with William McClure, Artist and Animal Lover

ARTICLE BY DENISE K. JAMES PHOTOGRAPHY BY MARY FEHR

I NSP IR E D BY | HOM E + DE S I GN

CONTINUED > AUGUST 2 0 2 2 | C I TYL I FE STYL E . C OM/BI R M I N G HA M

Alice Wahl, age 3

I NSP IR E D BY | HOM E + DE S I GN

At a certain estate just outside of Birmingham, there’s an environment of freedom and artistry many others do not share. Geese are able to honk their boldest opinions; pigs paint their feelings into the rich Southern mud; cows moo and chew the afternoons away; and goats perform joyfully to an ever-present audience. Meanwhile, up the driveway inside the house, local artist William McClure brainstorms his latest masterpieces — taking time here and there to admire the yard-full of animals who inspire and regale him on a regular basis. These lucky beasts trust their human owner with a

depth found only in children’s storybooks; they are McClure’s creative muses, none doomed nor mistreated, all cherished and loved. McClure lived in the heart of Mountain Brook until about two and a half years ago, when he realized a more pastoral existence beckoned his spirit. The lifelong animal-lover said he pondered becoming a veterinarian as a child, adored visiting zoos, and appreciates animals for their unconditional love and entertaining personalities – and he felt it was high time to give one or two (or more) a home. So, he got in touch

CONTINUED >

AUGUST 2 0 2 2 | C I TYL I FE STYL E . C OM/BI R M I N G HA M

with Realtor Brooke Wahl, a family friend he knew would be able to help him locate the perfect piece of property. With Brooke’s knowledge and expertise, McClure discovered a few acres in Vincent, Alabama, where he and his animals are surrounded in lush, natural beauty. Though McClure has painted “all his life,” his former career was with an architecture firm, living paycheck to paycheck, until one day he idly posted a few shots of his interior on Instagram and got incredible feedback. Folks wanted to know “who painted the art,” and before McClure knew it, he’d made more money than his annual salary in just five months. Today, McClure is a full-time artist and continues to create art at his Birmingham studio during the week, looking forward to his peaceful retreat at the end of each day. Along with goats, cows, pigs, chickens, turkeys, geese, pigeons and a

I NSP IR E D BY | HOM E + DE S I GN

CONTINUED > AUGUST 2 0 2 2 | C I TYL I FE STYL E . C OM/BI R M I N G HA M

Charlotte Wahl, age 7

I NSP IR E D BY | HOM E + DE S I GN

Hobbs Wahl, age 5

rather saucy macaw named Sisqo, McClure has two dogs who help him run the estate: Ran, a Weimaraner who “much prefers the air-conditioned house,” and Della, a former stray who isn’t afraid to boldly chase off a snake, rat or coyote and defend her multi-species pack. The artist maintains that leaving city life behind for the tranquility of nearby countryside (disregarding the

Brooke and Alice Wahl

errant bird noise) feels like “a permanent vacation any time he’s home" and helps him be a better, less distracted artist. As for his animal companions, does living without fear make them better as well? One visit to the McClure estate and the answer becomes clear: everyone here is living happily ever after.

CONTINUED >

AUGUST 2 0 2 2 | C I TYL I FE STYL E . C OM/BI R M I N G HA M

Hobbs and Louisa Wahl, age 1

I NSP IR E D BY | HOM E + DE S I GN

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Leigh Ann Edmonds Honors Her Photographic Legacy

Family Photos Edmonds and McCluskey

"Ropeswing" by Edmonds

A RT IST ’S PA LE T T E | A RT + CULTURE

"Caregiver" by McCluskey

Soon after business slowed for Leigh Ann Edmonds during the early days of the pandemic, unexpected down time proved to be a creative blessing in disguise. Edmonds had worked as a freelance commercial photographer for 20 years and been at it full-time for 10 — and suddenly realized she was quite burned out in her profession. “A few weeks went by, and I started thinking about how much I missed shooting,” she confessed. “So I started photographing random places in my community, and it started becoming fun again.” Edmonds is not the first of her family to pick up a camera. Her grandfather, David Allen McCluskey, who died seven years before her birth, had also been a gifted photographer. One day, Edmonds’ mother presented her with a special gift: a collection of photo negatives,

"Spit Rag" by McCluskey

CONTINUED > AUGUST 2 0 2 2 | C I TYL I FE STYL E . C OM/BI R M I N G HA M

taken by her grandfather during the 1950s and ‘60s. “I started studying them, and I noticed similarities to the way I shoot,” Edmonds said. “Our photos seem to match up almost seamlessly.” Now, these artistic, familial resemblances are on display at Canary Gallery for lovers of photography to view and admire in the aptly-named exhibit, "Two Worlds, One Journey." Gallery Founder Libby Pantazis met Edmonds years ago at a fundraiser and immediately felt like the young photographer was noteworthy. “Since then, I've followed her work and reveled in it,” Pantazis explained. “I’d been searching for a photographer for the gallery for about seven years.” “Photography, to me, doesn’t have to be about earth-shattering news or a pretty event,” commented Edmonds. “It's just as important for photography to document those in-between moments.” Edmonds and her grandfather clearly share the penchant for capturing “in-between moments” – that is, when people aren’t posing or expecting a camera to appear. In one of McCluskey’s most memorable shots — taken at the funeral of his wife, Nola

"Graveside" by McCluskey

A RT IST ’S PA LE T T E | A RT + CULTURE

McCluskey, in Birmingham’s Jefferson Memorial Cemetery — a handful of Edmonds’ family members, including her mother, are showing raw feelings or “the pain in their own way,” as it's described in the show notes. This haunting photograph is one example of how McCluskey, like his granddaughter, used the art form to capture the human condition at its truest and most vulnerable. Sadly, this would be McCluskey’s last photograph; after his wife’s passing, his creative inspiration dwindled until his death in 1974. His own photographic career would be far briefer than his granddaughter’s, lasting just a decade, and Edmonds considers it a privilege to share their collective work with the public and honor the immortality of art. “I will now complete his journey,” she mused. “ I don’t have children of my own, so my photography is my baby — and I want to leave my work behind for future generations the way my grandfather did.” To learn more about Two Worlds, One Journey, visit canarygalleryllc.com.

A life well-lived should continue at home with loved companions

The research we’re doing is making it possible for kids like Allie to survive, grow up and make things happen. WE DO WHAT WE DO B E C AU S E C H I L D R E N H AV E D R E A M S .

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AUGUST 2 0 2 2 | C I TYL I FE STYL E . C OM/BI R M I N G HA M

Left to right, Dr. Jenny Biehunko and Abigail Witthaur.

ARTICLE BY BIRMINGHAM LIFESTYLE | PHOTOGRAPHY BY SAM EVANS

HOW WELL DO YOU KNOW Y O U R F O U R - L E G G E D FA M I LY ? Advice from Local Pet Behavior Experts

We spoke with Abigail Witthaur, founder of RoverChase, and Dr. Jenny Biehunko at Veterinary Behavior Consultants of Alabama to learn secrets of dog and cat behavior. Read on, and get to know your four-legged family better.

CATS • Provide your kitty with multiple opportunities for marking territory with scratching posts of varying textures,

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heights, and locations. This both enhances kitty’s security and saves your furniture! • Provide your cat opportunities for stalking, chasing, climbing, pouncing and dissecting, and rotate toys frequently. Schedule time to play with your cat, as play will help avoid issues like play aggression and destructive behavior, plus medical issues like obesity.

• Studies show indoor cats are healthier and live longer lives. However, indoor confinement, especially in multicat homes, can be stressful and is correlated with health issues such as urinary tract and gastrointestinal issues. Have these addressed by a vet, and assess the living environment, as it might be a sign your cat needs more enrichment or is being bullied by housemates. • Almost all commercial litter boxes are too small for comfort. Most cats prefer boxes with a large surface area, not enclosed in any way with a hood or cover. They also prefer non-scented, clumping litter, scooped multiple times daily. Provide multiple box locations that are quiet, welllit and easily escaped. • On-the-go cats will be more comfortable if they have a carrier that smells like home and doesn’t only come out for scary trips. Purchase a nice carrier that can double as a bed and leave it in the cat’s preferred rest area. When it’s time to travel, just zip on the top and go. You can also offer small treats in the carrier to create a pleasant association.

DOGS • When establishing your relationship with your dog, keep in mind it’s about cooperation and family — not the “dominance theory”, one of the most damaging myths in dog behavior. Dogs are responsive to people and situations that meet their needs and that they find positive and reinforcing. • Use creative solutions to prevent unwanted behavior while presenting a more desirable behavior. For instance, if your dog is pulling on the leash, rather than putting him on a prong collar, which causes discomfort, teach him that taking one or two steps on a loose leash gets him a tasty treat and a break to sniff that cool mailbox! • Did you know socialization in dogs happens from birth to 16 weeks? All major veterinary/training organizations recommend puppies begin socialization classes the same time they are receiving their vaccination series. Ideally, your puppy will come from a rescue or a responsible breeder that focused on socialization from birth to adoption day.

• If your trained dog suddenly begins to have new behavior problems, the rule of thumb is “medical before behavior.” If your adult dog suddenly begins having accidents in the house, visit the vet. If your senior dog is growling when you pet him, see a vet. Often, pain and disease are primary causes of sudden behavior changes. When in doubt, opt for a checkup. • If your dog gets upset in a situation and cannot relax and perform tasks, they need a skilled Certified Behavior Consultant or Veterinary Behaviorist and not a trainer. If your dog hasn’t learned basic skills such as walking on a loose leash, a Certified Professional Dog Trainer can help. AUGUST 2 0 2 2 | C I TYL I FE STYL E . C OM/BI R M I N G HA M

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OUR FIRST PRIORITY OUR FIRST PRIORITY IS YOUR PRODUCTIVITY IS YOUR PRODUCTIVITY On the jobsite, there’s no standing still. There’s rarely an

On the jobsite, there’s no standing still. There’s rarely an

extra pair of hands to help you get ahead. So, call us. Our first

extra pair of hands to help you get ahead. So, call us. Our fi

priority is to provide solutions that help keep you on track.

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Truman Feeny

Finnegan aka “Finn”

Dixie (and Kadie)

Toby Boo Boo

Kennedy

Mila

Tucker

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Well-Loved Pups in the Ham

Otis

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Sallie

Sims and Stella

Bug

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Love Must Win ARTICLE BY PASTOR RICH WEBSTER, ST. LUKE’S EPISCOPAL ILLUSTRATION BY CAMILLA MOSS DESIGNS

REFLECTING ON THE EVENTS OF JUNE 16, 2022

In the land of the Bible, sheep graze in the fields but sleep safely in caves at night. The shepherd sleeps outside at the entrance, protecting the flock and becoming a sort of living gate. As a shepherd — which is to say, as a preacher — which is to say, as a preacher of a suburban, idyllic neighborhood where nothing bad ever happens — I’m now faced, in the wake of the horrific murders at St. Stephens, with a new reality. I’ll never forget the evening of June 16, 2022. One minute I was eating dinner at home, and suddenly I was throwing on a black shirt and joining a prayer circle in front of the Publix. We all knew the rector was out of the country and their other clergy were overwhelmed, and I was heartened to see other preachers and laity all gathered close. In hindsight, it’s better to say the reality was always there; I’m just awakened to it now. Churches are friendly places, or at least supposed to be. My church sits in a quiet neighborhood. Our people are Galapagos Island Tortoises — they eat out of anyone’s hand because they have no predators. Until they do. What happened to our sister congregation of St. Stephens suddenly brought those of us belonging to the cloth into a universe long-inhabited by school teachers and airlines: it is not enough to grow a flock; we must protect it, too. And while we offer our thoughts and prayers or wring our hands in frustration or post our outrage on Social Media, maybe a thought or two on how we got here will help. I’m convinced that we Americans have great capacity to love, except when it comes to each other. We have

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become divided to the point that we cannot trust or even bear differing points of view. That’s not exactly a news flash, but I’m learning things are more complicated than a sound bite. I heard an interview the other day that spoke volumes: an earnest reporter was pressing a 2nd amendment advocate to defend his position in the face of the school shooting in Texas. It was our national divide, writ large. “You don’t get it,” the man replied. “I would die for those children.” Meanwhile, we can yell at each other until we are blue in the face; we can scream for reform; we can demand legislation to end mass shootings; and so on. But let’s be honest — gun regulation is a dead issue for those who don’t trust the ones trying to regulate. The inertia of our elected leadership is merely a reflection of us: two sides of a zero sum culture with opposing sides to win at all costs. And while we are busy doing nothing, evil slips in and kills three churchgoers at a potluck. So what to do? At my church, at least, we will train our ushers and check on doors and try to be more vigilant. Our world has changed forever. And while we are working on our emergency response, I’ll keep preaching about love. Love that heals wounds and bridges gaps and strengthens the brokenhearted. That is what I can do. We must not lose hope. And love must win. For more about the illustrator, visit Instagram @camillamossdesigns.

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