Birmingham, AL August 2024

Lynlee strongly believes in and supports residential growth in Birmingham Since obtaining her license in 2014, Lynlee has completed over 595 transactions totaling over $236 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 my contributions positively impact my clients, my company and my city and that I have produced the highest quality of work ”

Kids & Pets Issue

Our August issue is all about kids, pets, and the people who love them. It’s also about the local non-profit organizations that help bring joy, healing, advocacy, and critical funding to kids and pets who need it most.

These pages contain stories depicting how individuals, families, and organizations (and, in one case, Tune the dog!) love and serve children and animals. I’m often struck by the passion, dedication, and empathy of Birmingham’s people. Bringing awareness to bright lights like the Bowen family, Valerie Hanks, and Caroline Drummond is my favorite aspect of publishing Birmingham Lifestyle. And I’d be remiss if I didn’t mention how Mountain Brook and the broader Birmingham community (and world!) have come together to love and support Lulu Gribbin and McCray Faust in their healing journeys. Bright lights abound in Birmingham, and I hope you enjoy learning about a few of them here.

Cheers!

August 2024

PUBLISHER

Kali McNutt | kali.mcnutt@citylifestyle.com

EDITOR

Kali McNutt | kali.mcnutt@citylifestyle.com

CONTRIBUTING WRITERS

Denise K. James, Denise George, Loyd McIntosh

CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS

Dawn Gagye, Mary Fehr, Loyd McIntosh

Corporate Team

CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER Steven Schowengerdt

CHIEF OPERATING OFFICER Matthew Perry

EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR OF HR Janeane Thompson

AD DESIGNER Mary Albers

LAYOUT DESIGNER Kathy Nguyen

made at HOME.

business monthly

Grace House Groundbreaking

Grace House Ministries recently broke ground on the Lois G. Coleman Mission Center. At the time of writing, the Growing in Grace capital campaign has raised $4.463 million towards its goal of raising $4.75 million to expand its residential campus and enable transformational change to better serve more Alabama girls in foster care. More than 700 girls have been cared for since Grace House Ministries opened in 1992.

Jennifer Jaquess named Executive Director of Red Mountain Theatre

Jennifer Jaquess has been promoted to Executive Director of Red Mountain Theatre after serving 12 years, first as Director of Development and most recently as Managing Director. Keith Cromwell, who has held the post of Executive Director for the last two decades, is stepping into a new position as RMT’s Director of Institutional Advancement. Roy Lightner continues to lead as Singh Artistic Director.

Lizzie Maymon named new Executive Director of Mountain Brook Chamber

The Mountain Brook Chamber of Commerce recently named Lizzie Maymon new Executive Director. Maymon previously served as the Chamber’s events and membership coordinator. Maymon is a Birmingham native, whose passion for community and growth encouraged her to step into the role of Executive Director. Maymon looks forward to building deeper connections and serving the Mountain Brook community.

Studio Lucid Now Open

Studio Lucid’s new studio is now open. Located at 2212 Morris Avenue within Mercantile on Morris, the studio space features abundant natural lighting, 15-foot ceilings, a seamless backdrop wall, and a cyclorama wall. Professional lighting and C-Stands are included in studio rental. Studio Lucid may be booked for photoshoots and events. Learn more studiolucidbhm.com

The Power of Expression

ART THERAPIST VALERIE HANKS BELIEVES IN HEALING WITH CREATIVITY

ARTICLE BY DENISE K. JAMES

PHOTOGRAPHY BY

ERIC GRAY/CHILDREN’S OF ALABAMA

More than a decade ago, Valerie Hanks watched over her daughter’s bedside at UAB Medicine, praying for a miracle. Inspired by the doctors, nurses, therapists, and hospital team members who sustained her child’s life after a car accident, Valerie decided, in a pivotal moment, to explore a career where she could make a similar difference.

A native of Louisiana and a lifelong proponent of self-expression, Valerie leaped into the first iteration of her art career as a high school graduate when she decided to attend the Art Institute of Houston’s two-year program. She worked as an art director for creative agencies, then pivoted to a freelance business to raise her kids and give back to causes she valued – which included adopting from international orphanages and helping her new family members thrive. As the mother of three biological children, seven internationally adopted children, and five “bonus children” with her husband, Valerie focused on family until that day at UAB when she decided to return to school in her 50s.

Though she initially considered becoming a nurse –“it wasn’t for me,” she admits – the choice to major in psychology and minor in art studio was well-thoughtout once she learned more about UAB Arts in Medicine.

A fledgling program at the time, Valerie was enticed by the idea of sharing her art skills in a medical setting – she’d seen firsthand how visual art had lifted her daughter’s spirits as well.

“I did the research on UAB Arts in Medicine while I was an undergrad, and I decided to volunteer with the program,” she says. “Then, Kimberly Kirklin, director of the program, accepted me as an artist in residence.

She knew I was in school, and my planned trajectory was to get a Master’s in Art Therapy.”

Valerie completed her Master’s of Art in Art Therapy with an emphasis in Counseling at St. Maryof-the-Woods College in Indiana, one of the only schools nationwide to offer an American Art Therapy Association-approved hybrid art therapy program. She was studying for her upcoming board certification exam the day we spoke. She explains that board certification isn’t mandatory to practice, but it was her personal goal to complete this highest distinction in the art therapy journey.

“This calling came out of a tragedy – my daughter’s accident,” she muses. “But beautiful things can come out of tragedy, and there’s strength in its aftermath.”

UAB’s Arts in Medicine program, which includes other therapeutic forms of self-expression such as theater, dance, and writing, has received “wings” since the Covid pandemic, at least from Valerie’s perspective. “The pandemic highlighted the need for creative services,” she says. “It’s beautiful to see how creative and expressive arts have been newly valued and appreciated. And we can be a part of the team –the research shows it works, which is exciting.”

With support from Kimbery Kirklin and Amy Brown, who worked in art therapy already and “passed the baton,” Valerie flourished in her new profession. As a contract employee for the UAB program, she works with patients in pediatric oncology at Children’s of Alabama, adult patients at UAB Hospital, and patients in Palliative and Supportive Care – and more on the way as UAB Arts in Medicine gains traction and forms partnerships.

CONTINUED >

“Beautiful things can come out of tragedy, and there’s strength in its aftermath.”

“They can be reminded with positive affirmations of all the amazing things they can still do and be.”

The opportunity to promote healing through artistic expression is a sacred calling for Valerie. She has witnessed, over and over, how children who struggle to stay well and stay motivated can break into a smile or feel less alone once offered a set of paints or modeling clay. She describes walking into the room of a child around 8 or 10 years old who misses friends and family and is battling medical issues. On those occasions, the creative opportunity can make a world of difference.

“They need their favorite superhero painted on a banner and words of encouragement,” she says. “They can be reminded with positive affirmations of all the amazing things they can still do and be.”

Some children are unable or unwilling to speak, but tactile media helps them make sense of their feelings, she adds. “If they can’t express emotions, they can perhaps sculpt what their anxiety looks like. When you take care of the well-being of a person

and give them outlets for their expression, it opens communication. We all have stories. Art cuts through barriers, and I love that.”

When prompted for an example of the power of art, Valerie replies that there are “too many” but soon begins sharing an experience she had with one little girl whose prognosis was terminal. Even as the child’s physical abilities declined, her spirit for creating art with her loved ones stayed strong.

“I hung up a huge cloth canvas. Her extended family and two little brothers would add to it, and she would wheel over in her chair and add to it,” Valerie shares. “Even later, when nurses didn’t know if she would get out of bed again, she opened her eyes, pointed, and her parents knew – she wanted to add to that canvas. She would ask to be taken out of her wheelchair to reach it. It was heartbreaking to know the child’s life was ending . . . but it was an honor to know that a work of art serves as a legacy and a gift.”

VALERIE HANKS, ART THERAPIST:

To learn more about UAB Arts in Medicine, visit https://www.uabmedicine.org/specialties/arts-in-medicine

SCORE A TOUCHDOWN with camp!

BATHSHEBA’S STORY

ARTICLE BY DENISE GEORGE | PHOTOGRAPHY BY DAWN GAGYE

RESCUED FROM A WAR ZONE, ONE DOG FINDS NEW LIFE IN ALABAMA

The ongoing Israel-Gaza conflict has forced many families to evacuate their homes, leaving behind their beloved pets. These abandoned animals struggle to find food, water, and shelter in the war-torn region.

In March, Sonya King, executive director and founder of Two by Two Animal Rescue in Alabama, received a call from an international animal rescue organization asking her to take in homeless dogs evacuated from Israel and Gaza. The dogs, a mixed Canaan breed, were in desperate need of care and adoptive homes. Sonya and her team agreed to take 17 dogs.

Sonya’s love for homeless dogs began as a seven-year-old when she found Blackie, a stray in her neighborhood. She quickly became passionate about helping abandoned animals.

After graduating from law school, Sonya created  Two by Two Animal Rescue, a non-profit animal rescue service in Birmingham. Named to describe the way biblical Noah loaded animals “two by two” onto the ark, her goal is to save unwanted, abused, and abandoned animals and care for them until they find their forever homes. Sonya and her team rescue about 1400 animals each year— mostly dogs, but also cats, goats, horses, and other animals.

Transporting the dogs from Tel Aviv to Birmingham proved a difficult, lengthy process. At the Tel Aviv airport, the SPCA had to inspect the travel crates ahead of time, checking for bombs and chemicals.

The dogs flew to New York City in a gutted 747 cargo plane provided by  Race for Life Rescue, a non-profit organization of pilots who fly dogs at no cost to save their lives. One dog was physically unable to travel.

In New York, after a three-day delay and much paperwork, the dogs passed through animal customs and took the mandatory shots. After a quarantine period, the 16 dogs received CDC clearance and were driven to Birmingham.

Upon their arrival, Sonya and her team welcomed the dogs warmly. “Welcome home! Your long travels are over,” Sonya told them. The dogs were immediately assessed for their emotional and physical health, received necessary medical care, and were spayed and neutered. A veterinary ophthalmologist provided eye surgery for one injured dog.

Two by Two Animal Rescue has already placed six dogs in foster and adoptive homes, providing food, toys, and their other needs. They are working with an emotional behavioral specialist to prepare the other dogs for adoption.

Erica Bowen, an Alabama teacher and the mother of six, provides a foster home for Bathsheba, one of the dogs. “Sheba” has adjusted well in her new foster home, cuddling on the couch with Erica’s three-year-old and welcoming her 16-year-old when she comes home from work each day.

“Sheba crate-trained easily and quickly bonded with our children,” Erica says. “She’s a sweet, gentle, calm, and loyal dog with no signs of aggression.”

Paul Bates, a lawyer from London who settled in Marion, Alabama, adopted Abraham. “Abraham is a sociable, incredibly affectionate dog who gets along fantastically with my other dog,” Bates says. “He is protective of his new home and has already established himself here. And he’s learning to get along with my cat after a few chases around the house.”

Bates adopted Abraham because of the dog’s background. “I wanted to help him because of where he came from,” Bates says.

Mia Awad, a Lebanese French teacher living in Georgia, saw a Facebook announcement about the dogs coming to the U.S. Intrigued, she contacted Two by Two Animal Rescue. She adopted Sabak, whom she later renamed Olive. She welcomed Olive into her home with open arms, speaking to her in Arabic.

“Olive seemed happy to hear me speak to her in Arabic, a language she seemed to understand,” Mia says, noting the special bond that this shared language created.

At first, Olive was shy and hesitant to explore her new surroundings. She spent most of her time snuggled in her comfortable crate with her stuffed toys. After a time of patience and love, Olive began to bond with Mia and her grown children. She also became friends with Mia’s other dog.

“Now she is really attached to us,” Mia says. “She follows me like a shadow and is always at my heels. Olive has grown comfortable enough in our home to wander freely throughout the house.”

With love, care, and the dedication of their new families, these dogs are on their way to happier lives. Sonya and her team at  Two by Two Animal Rescue continue to work tirelessly to make sure every animal finds its forever home.

In a bittersweet turn of events, Sheba was adopted by a family living on 100 acres in Walker County as this magazine went to print. “Sheba will be the only dog in the house, which she prefers,” says Erica Bowen. The adoptive family has opened their home to visits and dog-sitting from the Bowen family.

“WITH THEIR DEDICATED NEW FAMILIES, THESE DOGS ARE ON THEIR WAY TO HAPPIER LIVES.”

RACING FOR CHILDREN’S RAISES AWARENESS, FUNDS, AND HOPE

Handprints of Purpose

“It’s all about the handprints on that car and the kids that made them. Our kids are worth more than five percent.”

The Kellymoss Racing crew is busy preparing the Racing for Children’s Porsche for the final race of the day — the Porsche Sprint Challenge North America, GT3. The car’s driver, Efrin Castro, is checking out the green and white racing machine, decked out with the Children’s of Alabama logo and, more importantly, handprints from children undergoing treatment for cancer and blood disorders.

Moments later, a group of children, all cancer and blood disorder patients at Children’s of Alabama, arrive to meet Castro and other Kellymoss racing drivers and to gawk at the car that will close out the first day of competition of the 2024 Children’s of Alabama Indy Car Grand Prix at Barber Motorsports Park. The kids are honorary crew chiefs, Children’s of Alabama cancer and blood disorder patients selected to serve as ambassadors for Racing for Children’s.

As the kids walk up to Castro for pictures and a chance to see him and the car up close, the smile on his face is a mile wide.

"When I see these kids coming up to the car, my heart just melts, and my tears just start coming out,” says Castro.

Born in the Dominican Republic, Castro now resides in Palisades, New Jersey, where he runs the Fine Fair supermarket chain his father founded in the 1970s. When not running a successful business, Castro indulges his true passion — racing. During his pro-am career, Castro has raced in some of the world’s most prestigious races and courses, including Monza in Italy and 24 Hours of Daytona. He was also Pro-Am champion of the 2021 Porsche Carrera Cup North America.

Now 48 years old, Castro tried to retire after a limited 2023 season but was lured back by Racing For Children’s, their 2023 Pro Champion Riley Dickinson, and Kellymoss team owner Victoria Thomas.

"I wanted to come back for something with a purpose. This inspired me to continue and give it one more push,” Castro explains.

Racing for Children’s evolved organically after the parent of a little girl with cancer asked friends–all local driving instructors at Barber–to show his daughter around the garage during a race event as a distraction. The men were happy to do so and added a few laps on the track in a Porsche. Since then, Racing For Children’s has raised almost $4 million for research and support programs for childhood cancer and blood disorders at Children’s of Alabama. According to Executive Director of Racing for Children’s Allison Turner, less than five percent of National Cancer Institute (Federal) medical funding goes toward pediatric cancer and blood disorders, a motivating metric for everyone involved in the core mission of the charitable organization.

"It's taken off in a way that we couldn't have predicted. It was very grassroots," says Turner. "It’s all about the handprints on that car and the kids that made them. Our kids are worth more than five percent,” Turner adds. “So we are in a race to fund the research to find a cure.”

Today, Racing for Children’s has grown into a recognized and well-respected name within the racing community. It is the only non-profit charity to sponsor an Indycar race, and the Kellymoss racing team is racing two cars on the Porsche Carrera Cup circuit in 2024 driven by Castro and Loek Hartog, a 21-year-old from the Netherlands.

At the Indy Car Grand Prix at Barber, Castro fights hard behind the wheel of the Racing for Children’s Porsche, handling the 16-turn road course like a boss.He finishes the race in second place, less than two seconds behind winner Jared Thomas, a 26-year-old from North Vernon, Indiana.

This autumn, the Racing for Children’s team will compete at racetracks across the country, racing Porsche GT3s, Karts, and a Honda Odyssey van. The season’s finale will take place October 18-20 at the Circuit of the Americas Formula 1 Grand Prix in Austin, Texas

Win or lose, Castro and the entire Racing for Children’s team are the ultimate champions for children fighting cancer and blood disorders.

To learn more, visit racingforchildrens.org

I wanted to come back for something with a purpose. This inspired me to continue and give it one more push. “ ”

Tune’s Impact

How

a Facility Dog Is Transforming Lives at Lakeshore Foundation

ARTICLE BY DENISE GEORGE

BY DAWN GAGYE

When John Kemp became President of Lakeshore Foundation in Birmingham, he hired a new employee—Tune, the yellow lab support dog. In Kemp’s previous position in New York, he saw how impactful a facility dog was to the organization’s staff and members. He decided to provide the same kind of canine support to those at Lakeshore.

Born, raised, and trained through America's VetDogs in Smithtown, New York, Tune took her basic obedience training in Athens, Georgia. She returned to America's VetDogs to receive her formal specialized training to work as a facility dog. Tune’s two handlers are Lori Watkins, Lakeshore’s Coordinator of

Recreation and Athletics, and Emily Mallard, the Coordinator of Aquatics.

The Lakeshore Foundation, established in 1923 as the Jefferson Tuberculosis Sanatorium, began providing opportunities for people with physical disabilities in the early 1970s, completing its transition to Lakeshore Rehabilitation Hospital in 1973. When the Lakeshore board decided that the hospital’s sports and recreation work with people with disabilities needed to have its own facility, in 2001 they built and opened the Lakeshore Foundation Fieldhouse. Two years later, the facility was designated as a

U.S. Olympic and Paralympic Training Site offering a heated indoor aquatics center with two pools, a 6,000-square-foot fitness area, a gym, track, spacious men’s and women’s locker rooms, and so much more.

“Our mission at Lakeshore is to enable people with physical disabilities and chronic health conditions to lead active, healthy, and independent lifestyles through physical activity, sports recreation, advocacy, policy, and research,” Emily Mallard explains.

Over the past two years, Tune has been a wonderful addition to Lakeshore’s staff as their Chief Canine Officer.

CONTINUED >

THE CHI LDREN LOVE AND TRUST TU FACES LI GHTING UP WHEN THEY SEE

“She has been part of many different areas of the organization, including aquatics, fitness, recreation, athletics, and children’s summer camps,” Lori says.

Tune helps promote a variety of programs and activities hosted by Lakeshore. She often welcomes members as they come into the front lobby, helps guide tours of the facility with guests and potential members, visits with athletic teams, attends tournaments, and retrieves balls and equipment for staff.

Tune has also attended events at several community schools, helping with sports programs and physical education classes.

Last summer, she attended the closing ceremonies of the national sports competition held in Birmingham. Tune has her own business card as well as a social media account on Instagram, with over 700 followers!

“She has also changed the environment for staff at Lakeshore,” Lori says. “She makes coming to work so much more fun.”

One of Tune’s favorite roles is her work with Lakeshore’s youth programs. She is trained specifically to work with physically disabled children of all ages and stages of disabilities.

“The impact she has made on our youth has been exciting to watch,” Lori says. “She has helped break the ice with kids who are shy about coming to Lakeshore for the first time and with children who have been apprehensive about pool therapy.”

A gentle dog, Tune befriends the children, helping them to overcome their initial fears of therapy. She often sits beside the more nervous children, encouraging them to do their exercises. The children love and trust Tune, their faces lighting up when they see her.

“Kids bring her treats and prizes all the time,” Lori says. “They give her treats when she obeys commands well. And Tune gives them the best kisses!”

Tune has proven herself a much-loved ambassador of Lakeshore, creating the kind of atmosphere that encourages and supports youth and children, and helps their dedicated staff better fulfill Lakeshore’s mission.

UNE, THEIR EE HER.

ARTICLE BY DENISE K. JAMES

PASSION FOR THE MISSION

Alex LaGanke can look back to 2015 and recall the first time she met Caroline Drummond. At the time, Alex, now president of the board for CASA of Jefferson County, was a senior at UAB and joined a pilot program called Standards of Excellence. The program paired students with local nonprofits, and when Alex sat down at the CASA table and met Caroline, it was a serendipitous match.

“She sold CASA really well,” Alex laughs. “I was interested in law, too, and Caroline is a lawyer.”

Today, the two have a fruitful professional relationship and friendship, and Alex isn’t the only one. Others involved with CASA share similar sentiments about Caroline, who has been a leader within the advocacy organization since 2012. Board Vice President Suzanne Ashe, a founding member, explains that when CASA broke away from local government in 2009 (Previously, Jefferson County handled court advocates for children) and a new board formed, friends suggested Caroline to be executive director for the fledgling nonprofit. Fortunately, Caroline accepted the position, which offered no pay at the time.

“The very fact that she was willing to serve when we had no money was a lifesaver,” says Suzanne. “If she hadn’t done it, I don’t know if we would have made it.”

CAROLINE DRUMMOND’S INDELIBLE

MARK ON CASA OF JEFFERSON COUNTY

But they did make it through the growth phase and the rebuilding period after almost four years of being managed by CASA of Alabama. During that era, CASA of Jefferson County had a state-appointed executive director and no board, Suzanne explains. Later, in the fall of 2019, when the national CASA decided to forgo states managing state chapters, Caroline was the first person they called. By early 2020, a small board of five members — Caroline, Suzanne, Alex, Drew Barnett, and Katy Ottensmeyer — revived CASA of Jefferson County, led by Caroline as president. A few things shifted, such as changing staff titles from “Case Managers” to “Advocate Coordinators,” but the mission to protect and support children has never faltered.

For Caroline, CASA’s mission is personal. Her parents divorced when she was 12 years old, and she was asked to speak in the courtroom all those years ago. Though she had a guardian ad litem, she wishes she’d experienced the incredible support CASA strives to give children — support she has been proud to witness over the last 12 years.

“The family court guardians are fantastic, and these kids need people to go to bat for them,” she says. “Children in domestically compromising situations need advocacy. They need a grown-up to help them communicate their thoughts.” CONTINUED >

“Children in domestically compromising situations need advocacy. They need a grown-up to help them communicate their thoughts.”

While it was a personal decision to devote time and energy to CASA, Caroline has been consistently inspired by the talent of staff and volunteers. “It's not a position for the faint of heart,” she says. “You have to be a special person to do what our advocate coordinators do on a daily basis. To work with these cases and get to know these children can be emotionally and mentally taxing.”

As much credit as Caroline readily bestows on CASA staff and board members — crediting Alex as an “incredibly well-humored, patient person” whom she admires deeply and Suzanne as “the historian, glue, and keeper of knowledge” — they, in turn, feel the same about her. Caroline's influence continues to be present since stepping down from the board in December 2023.

“Even though I’ve succeeded her as board president, I couldn’t have done it without her leadership and modeling of what a good president looks like,” Alex says. “It's weird to think that I’m in this role at just 31 years old, but I attribute that to Caroline.”

Current executive director Kelly Burke says that she, like so many other people, was drawn to the organization by Caroline’s enthusiasm and multifaceted service as a volunteer, executive director,

and board president. Even now, Kelly says, they know Caroline won’t be a stranger. “She’s a vault of institutional knowledge and always makes time for us. We miss her, but we know that we can always call with a question or an idea.”

Alex agrees, admitting that she has “picked Caroline’s brain” a time or two since December.

“It's been great to talk to her about personnel matters or how she handled things. She is gracious, thoughtful, and wise and knows how to support our executive director and navigate the board.”

Even with new projects on the horizon — going back to school to pursue a career in biotechnology and having another baby — Caroline continues to give her time and resources to CASA. Whether fundraising or managing the holiday gift program, the organization can count on her support.

“We have a ways to go to make CASA truly a household name, but she helps us spread the word,” Alex says. “Anyone involved in any capacity knows Caroline; that says a lot about her passion for this mission.”

Support CASA of Jefferson County on October 29 at their fundraising luncheon at the Birmingham Botanical Gardens through the Friends of CASA.

In keeping with August’s theme of “kids and pets,” we highlight one local author, one nonprofit, and one veterinary practice we think you should know.

Making a Difference

ARTICLE BY BIRMINGHAM LIFESTYLE

Small Magic

Small Magic supports the future stability and prosperity of Birmingham by focusing on our most precious resource—our children. Small Magic’s innovative programs embrace cutting-edge technology and the deep involvement of parents, community partners, and teachers to ensure all the children in our community are prepared for kindergarten and a lifetime of economic mobility. Research shows that the earliest support for kids can have the most positive and cost-effective lifelong impact. Alongside donors, partners, and volunteers, Small Magic is ensuring that Birmingham can become the best city in America to raise a child under five. To learn more, visit smallmagic.org

Photo by Bob Miller

Compassionate Crossings

Compassionate Crossings is a locally owned and operated business founded by Dr. Lindsay Floyd, DVM, which caters to families seeking a peaceful in-home transition for their pets. Compassionate Crossings takes care of everything so owners can focus 100% on their pets in their final moments. Since its launch in October 2022, Compassionate Crossings has helped 650 families and added two additional veterinarians. This service allows families to say goodbye in the comfort of their home, minimizing stress by handling all aftercare arrangements, including cremation and memorial returns. Compassionate Crossings caters to urgent needs with potential same-day appointments for critically ill pets.

Photo by Erin Nelson Sweeney

“You Can See Him, Little Eyes Looking at a Big God”

In her latest creation, “You Can See Him, Little Eyes Looking at a Big God,” Anna Nash, known affectionately as “Nanna Anna,” draws upon her extensive experience as an author, speaker, and teacher to address the challenge of conveying the complexities of faith to young minds. Fueled by her own experiences as a grandmother and a lifelong fascination with children, Nash offers a captivating narrative that effortlessly intertwines simplicity with profound truths. Through vibrant illustrations by her friend, Jane Lazenby, and carefully crafted storytelling, “You Can See Him” not only introduces children to the wonders of God but also equips parents, educators, and caregivers with a valuable resource for fostering faith and curiosity in the next generation.

Photo by Novel Photos

Afternoon

Whether your pup has the obedience of a dog show finalist, or social behavior that makes you want to play dead around others, you can develop more owner confidence with help from this expert trainer.

ARTICLE BY LISA MOYER

PHOTOGRAPHY BY JANIE JONES

STYLED BY ANGELA BROOCKERD

“Socializing your dog is beneficial for both dogs and their owners,” says Taryn Tyler, a certified dog trainer. “It creates confidence for both dogs and owners and displaces the anxiety we feel when our dogs aren’t behaving like we want them to.”

Taryn stresses that teaching a dog to sit or stay is less about tricks and more about the relationship that builds between animal and owner. “That, in turn, fosters an environment where the next time a family hosts Thanksgiving or has friends over, the owner and their dogs fall into the habit of obeying commands because of the confidence built through all the work put in beforehand.”

Even dogs with a troubled history can achieve improvement.

“We all love our dogs, but they can be stressful when they can’t seem to click in our home environments.

• Socializing is more than taking your dog in public. A guy can dump a bunch of mulch in your driveway and spread it , but he’s not a landscaper until he’s following a plan. When the doorbell rings or a visitor comes into the house, what’s our expectation for the dog? When we’re in public and the dog’s attention is diverted, what’s our plan to refocus them? Socialization is 99 percent working on small steps as part of a larger plan.

• Socializing isn’t about our dogs being the center of attention in public. Everyone loves seeing a dog, but our best outcome for the dog is to go unnoticed. Sitting by our side, ignoring external stimuli, remaining calm—those are things we strive for when socializing a dog.

DOG

SOCIALIZING TIPS:

• When socializing dogs with other dogs, start small. Take a walk with another dog to get them to just exist in the same vicinity. Once they’re able to not be excited by the other dog, work on limited playing in controlled environments.

• If someone comes into your home, let them know what boundaries you’re working on with your dog. You can even suggest asking them to carry a few treats and work on some of the behaviors your dog is already comfortable with.

Once your dog is able to socialize with other pets, playdates are a great way to encourage good play behavior. One way to celebrate your pup’s birthday is to celebrate with their favorite furry friends. Here are a few helpful tips for making your gathering a success.

• Set up play areas for your furry guests to enjoy. This can include a doggy pool or splash pad, chew toys, frisbees, and don’t forget the pet-friendly bubbles.

• Offer party guests birthday attire such as a birthday hat, bandana or party outfit. Set up a photo wall for pet owners to get photos with their furry friends in their birthday outfits. Better yet, make it a costume competition, and invite guests to come dressed up ready to show off their pup’s attire.

• Create a treat display with a pet-friendly birthday cake and various chewy snacks for guests to give their pups.

• Party favors are a must to end your festivities with a bang. Fill party bags with bouncy balls, treats, and pet-friendly bubbles to send your guests off with a smile.

HOW TO THROW A BIRTHDAY BASH FOR YOUR FOUR-LEGGED FRIENDS:

events

AUGUST 17TH

Picasso Pets

The Harbert Center | 6:00 PM

The 23rd Annual Picasso Pets will take place on Saturday, August 17, from 6-10 p.m. at The Harbert Center. Benefitting Hand in Paw, Picasso Pets helps bring Animal-Assisted Therapy to those who need it most. Wild Woof West is the theme of this year’s gala, so break out those rhinestones and come ready to promenade!

AUGUST 19TH–25TH

Sidewalk Film Festival

Birmingham’s Historic Theatre District

This year marks the 26th Annual Sidewalk Film Festival, which will screen over 250 films by independent filmmakers.

SEPTEMBER 10TH

“To Life” L’Chaim 2024: The Power of Conversation

Samford University’s Wright Center | 6:30 PM

The annual “To Life” L’Chaim benefit celebrates the work of the Alabama Holocaust Education Center. L’Chaim means “To Life,” but not just any life—a good life. This year’s event features American R&B musician Daryl Davis, who demonstrates the power of empathy, dialogue, and bridge-building through his work with hate groups.

SEPTEMBER 19TH-22ND

Birmingham FOOD+Culture Festival 2024

Pepper Place, Sloss Furnaces, and around Birmingham

FOOD+Culture Festival celebrates the Magic City’s dynamic culinary industry with events highlighting epicurean Birmingham. This annual food event provides a platform for people to come together to learn about our region’s rich culture, experience all our city has to offer and discuss issues of deeper cultural significance. FOOD+ will feature 100 chefs and mixologists, 10+ collaborative dinners, and five signature events over four days.

OCTOBER 3RD-6TH

Antiques at the Gardens

Birmingham Botanical Gardens

Save the date for the Friends of Birmingham Botanical Gardens’ 18th annual Antiques at the Gardens show. Birmingham’s premier antiques show includes talks by nationally acclaimed interior designers, floral designers, architects, landscape architects, and furniture designers. The show also welcomes celebrated antique dealers from across the nation, offering furniture, fine art, vintage and fine jewelry, silver, rugs and textiles, home decor, and garden accessories.

OCTOBER 29TH

Friends of CASA Fundraiser

Birmingham Botanical Gardens

Support CASA of Jefferson County on October 29 at their fundraising luncheon at the Birmingham Botanical Gardens through the Friends of CASA.

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