Millcreek, UT February 2026

I Heart This City.

Dear Neighbors,

This month our features are pretty unique! Grab your cuppa something warm, get cozy in your favorite chair, maybe even pull out that favorite minky becuase you're gonna want to spend some time with this issue. This is our love letter to the businesses, creatives, and community builders who bring heart and personality to our city. The ones who took a leap, opened the doors, and continue showing up — even on the quiet days — because they believe in this place and the people in it.

I am so inspired and excited to introduce you to Curtis Morley. He is a local author and expert when it comes to living abundantly and authentically. His newest book is coming out shortly and we were lucky to snag him for an evening of inspo! We are gathing with Curtis Morely, Todd Sylvester who we introduced you to a year ago, Jeff Griffin and Derek Minor who you are yet to meet... Four incredibly kind hearted, real, raw, Tony Robbins type speakers who have a beautiful and passionate message to share. We will be gathering at Kiln in Holladay Feb 4th.... join us!

We are also bringing you along to a unique dining experience, a mountain top feast! We have a unique spot to pack up the car with either ski, clubs or towels. The hidden treausre of Tamarack is a treasure to behold. Once you pass the Boise city limits, your heart will open wide as large pines and beautiful scapes entice you to let your stress stay home.

When you choose local, you’re doing more than shopping or booking an appointment. You’re keeping the lights on, the ideas flowing, and the soul of our city alive. You’re saying yes to craftsmanship, connection, and community — and honestly, that’s pretty romantic. Are you a lover of Tedx? We are too... you'll love Aimee's inside take on that and the Olympic Games we are excitedly welcoming back to Utah.

I hope you take time to step outside your traditional route to find something new. A new face, cafe, book, person to inspire you. I am so humbled to be part of this community, to bring this publication to you every month in the hopes that you too will find a new something that gives you a bounce to your step.

Much love,

February 2026

PUBLISHER

Julie Janke | julie.janke@citylifestyle.com

EDITOR

Aimee L. Cook | aimee.cook@citylifestyle.com

INTERN

Katelynn S. O'Brien

CONTRIBUTING WRITERS

Megan O'Brien, Katelynn O'Brien, Aimee L. Cook, Curtis Morley

Corporate Team

CEO Steven Schowengerdt

President Matthew Perry

COO David Stetler

CRO Jamie Pentz

CoS Janeane Thompson

AD DESIGNER Josh Govero

LAYOUT DESIGNER Jamie Housh

QUALITY CONTROL SPECIALIST Hannah Leimkuhler

JULIE JANKE, PUBLISHER @MILLCREEKCITYLIFESTYLE

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WHERE NEIGHBORS CAN SEE AND BE SEEN

AGE BACKWARDS

CEO By Design

Attend an inspiring event, “The Design Factor: Cultivating Authentic Human Connection in Executive Leadership.” Carrie Hill, Owner of CHill Consulting Agency and Host of the ReFind Resilience Podcast, along , CEO & Publisher of Millcreek City Lifestyle on Feb Kiln in Holladay This event is designed for C-suite leaders, offering a chance to reconnect with the essence of humanity and decision-making in leadership amid a high-risk luma.com/c7gvcf8d

Photography by Julie Janke

What matters most to you matters to us.

We’ll help you identify and define your unique financial goals. And then we’ll tailor investment strategies that help you work toward those goals.

Our single focus is helping you achieve what’s most important to you. And you’ll be backed by our entire team each step of the way.

On your corner, in your corner. Come say hello.

Stacy M Chamberlain, CFP®

Advisor

ARTICLE BY KATELYNN S. O’BRIEN PHOTOGRAPHY PROVIDED

Unique Gift Ideas

LOCAL BUSINESSES BRING THE LOVE

Get ready to discover the local innovators shaking up our food and style scene. These standout products make thoughtful, high-quality gifts. Craving comfort without the crash? LOCOCO offers a healthier take on hot cocoa. Packed with functional mushrooms and low sugar, it’s the guilt-free treat we’ve been waiting for. Try the Lux vanilla sachets.

Casted Rings

Get crafty at Casted Rings. Their hands-on workshops let you create custom jewelry—leaving you with a one-of-a-kind piece and a memory to cherish.

Blending scientific rigor with pure indulgence, Cold Case ice Cream is turning into a viral sensation you have to taste to believe. Build your case, shipped to your door. Includes Cold Case Mystery Game.

V Chocolates

V Chocolates creates decadent, handmade confections, perfect for indulging or gifting to sweet-toothed friends. Caramels are a must.

Hugo Coffee Roasters provides rich blends for coffee lovers and supports dog rescue efforts with every sip. Try the Bonafido dark roast with notes of dark fruit.

Warbonnet Hats offers stylish, handcrafted hats that combine timeless design with rugged, all-weather durability. Completely customizable.

ARTICLE BY CURTIS MORLEY

Driving through Millcreek as the Wasatch mountains turned pink under a setting sun, I rehearsed in my mind a conversation with a friend, someone most people would say is a highly successful person. From the outside, he looked well-to-do, respected, and the kind of person who seems to have life figured out. What most people didn't know was how long he had struggled with feelings of imposter syndrome. This time, the conversation was different. His words were, “I no longer feel like a fraud. Most of my professional life, I felt like an imposter. Like, I didn't fit into the Silicon Slopes. Everyone was doing so much better than I was. At $200,000, I felt like I wasn't big enough. Funny enough, at $12,000,000, I still felt like I was too small.”

“I don’t feel that way now. I don't worry anymore if people find out who I really am or how much my company makes because I feel comfortable in my own skin regardless. I love who I am, independent of what the company is doing. I no longer feel like an imposter.” He had done the work to move past the counterfeit emotions and step into true emotional authenticity.

The Center for Creative Leadership conducted an extensive study, finding that emotional intelligence is the number one indicator of success in business, relationships, and life, far above a college degree, wealth, or business acumen. Highly emotionally intelligent people have the strongest connections with friends, family, and coworkers, and have the most grit to push through challenging problems at work and at home.

One of the great barriers to emotional intelligence is Imposter Syndrome (also called Fitting In). It doesn’t care what zip code you live in, Millcreek or otherwise. It doesn't care what you do for work, how big your company is, or what success you've seen. Nothing is enough for imposter syndrome. It will haunt you from the core of your soul. And it's not just a childhood problem. Most adults I work with feel this, too. In fact, according to one study, 84% of entrepreneurs feel some degree of imposter syndrome. It's such an important topic that I dedicated an entire chapter to it in my first book, The Entrepreneur's Paradox

So, how do we develop emotional intelligence and move past the counterfeit feelings holding us back? One of the best ways is to understand which emotions are authentic and which are counterfeit. Growing up, we all learned opposite emotions. For example, love don't hate, show humility, not pride, be kind, not mean. But, it's the sneaky emotions that have a stronger hold on us because most of us don't recognize when the con is going on.

The Counterfeit Emotions framework shows that every emotion that serves us and takes us where we want to go has a counterfeit (except for peace, which stands alone). These counterfeit emotions look, act, and even feel like the authentic emotion, but they create destructive cycles of disconnection in our lives. Most of us do not get stuck because we are weak. We get stuck because we are talented enough to run a convincing emotional con on ourselves. The crazy thing is that we often don't even understand when we are caught in the spinning cycles of the counterfeits. Take, for example, Kind vs. Nice. Nice is one of the best counterfeiters. Nice counterfeits Kind so well. We use the words interchangeably. Santa teaches us he won't bring us presents unless we're on the ‘nice list.’ Thumper, Bambi's best friend, preached, “If you can't say nuttin’nice then don't say nuttin’at all.” Truth be told. Nice is nothing more than a mask, a defense mechanism to avoid conflict. Nice can be cowardly, manipulative, and even dishonest. Kind is brave, honest, direct, and loving. Nice destroys business. Recent studies show that total losses from nice culture exceed $1.2 trillion in the U.S. alone.

CURTIS MORLEY | COUNTERFEITEMOTIONS.COM

Curtis Morley, is an entrepreneur, wrote the Wall Street Journal Best selling book, The Entrepreneur's Paradox. He was in the middle of writing his second book when one of his closest friends passed away. This changed everything for Curtis. He dedicated his life to helping people break free from Counterfeit Emotions and live in Authenticity.

“... emotional intelligence is the number one indicator of success in business, relationships, and life, far above a college degree, wealth, or business acumen.”

Counterfeit emotions, like nice, make an empty promise of control. “Put on a smile and use compliments, and you will not have to deal with conflict.” They promise control over contention, rejection, insecurity, vulnerability, failure, and pain, but they never deliver. They just keep you spinning in the same cycles time after time. So, how do we get out of the emotional counterfeits and into the authentic? Ask these four questions about what you’re feeling:

1. Connection - Does it connect me? (with self, others, God, and truth)

2. Direction - Does it take me where I want to go or does it just spin?

3. Motivation - Is it motivated by love and surrender or fear and control?

4. Valuation - Does it value me AND you as priceless?

These four simple criteria become our compass to finding peace, purpose, and presence. Relationships that you may have once thought were irreparable become as strong as iron and we find there is no need for numbing or escapism because the counterfeits are no longer part of our lives. Want to elevate business and relationships? Take off the counterfeit mask, get real, and step into genuine emotional authenticity.

MOUNTAIN

Experience Nordic Dining at The Viking Yurt

ARTICLE BY AIMEE L. COOK

PHOTOGRAPHY PROVIDED

FEAST TOP

The Viking Yurt is back this winter. Brian and Dena Merrill, along with their son Dylan, have been operating this culinary adventure since 2023.

The Merrills aren't strangers to adventure. Their story actually started on the water, guiding whitewater rafting trips on the Colorado and Green rivers for Western River Expeditions. Though Brian eventually headed to the University of Maryland for law school and practiced in New Mexico, the pull of the Utah outdoors was too strong to ignore. They eventually returned to their roots to run Western River Expeditions and Moab Adventure Center, and brought that passion for guiding to the slopes. They’ve even brought in seasonal staff from their river expedition company to help with dining operations at the yurt during the winter months.

yurt, they must adapt to a kitchen without running water, relying on their resourcefulness to prepare a high-quality meal in such a remote, rustic environment. This dedication adds an extra layer of uniqueness to the dining experience, making every dish served in the yurt a true labor of love. The six-course, prix fixe meal is steeped in Nordic tradition.

So, what can you expect? The adventure starts at Legacy Lodge, where you’ll hop on a 32-person snowcat-pulled sleigh for a 25-minute ride up the mountain. The views are absolutely stunning—think snow-covered trees, twinkling city lights, and a starry sky! Once you arrive at the yurt (located mid-mountain at the top of Crescent Lift), you’re welcomed with a warm mug of Glogg, piano music, and a cozy fire. CONTINUED

"Dylan worked at the Yurt for a few seasons, and we exchanged [seasonal] employees with the yurt so we knew the previous owners well," said Dena. "When they decided to retire, we took it on."

Getting the food to the yurt is no easy feat, requiring careful planning and teamwork. Chefs Nick Smith and Stephanie DeVisser haul all the necessary ingredients and supplies via a trailer pulled by a snowmobile, often making multiple trips. The challenges don’t end there—once they reach the

"We love our guests; there are people who come back multiple times a season, year after year," Dena said. "We have one couple who will spend their 11th New Year's Eve with us. They have become part of our yurt family. We have met some of the best people, I think it is indicative of people who are open to new experiences."

Reservations for dinner are open at thevikingyurt.com Don’t miss out on this unforgettable winter experience.

"Our ideal guest is someone who appreciates homemade foods, a wine list curated by organic, small family-owned vineyards up in the mountain regions and someone who wants to meet and enjoy new people," Dena explained.

Dining at The Viking Yurt is an intimate affair, with a single seating at 7 p.m. for up to 40 guests. The season runs from December through mid-April. It’s the perfect spot for a romantic date or a special celebration.

For those seeking a more casual experience, the yurt is also open for lunch, offering a perfect ski-in, ski-out destination. Guests can enjoy a warm, inviting atmosphere while indulging in a selection of comforting dishes, including hearty soups, gourmet sandwiches, and freshly baked treats. It is an ideal stop to refuel during a day on the slopes, combining convenience with an unforgettable dining experience. No reservation needed.

Marina Capella, MD, offers membershipbased care in Millcreek, board-certified in Pediatrics and Integrative Medicine. Enjoy same-day visits, longer appointments, and direct text/phone access. We provide integrative approaches for anxiety, asthma, sleep, and gut health using bodywork, hypnosis, and herbalism.

Now welcoming new families to a more personal, holistic experience.

HealingArtsPediatrics.com

3538 Highland Dr, Millcreek, UT 84106

JON NI LIGHFOOT, LOCAL BASS PHENOM

ARTICLE BY MEGAN O’BRIEN | PHOTOGRAPHY PROVIDED

HOMETOWN GROOVES

TO GLOBAL STAGES:

Our Beehive State might be famous for its stunning scenery, but it’s also a vibrant haven for musicians. With a supportive community and an expanding network of creatives, Utah is proving to be a hidden gem for talent. A perfect example is Jonni Lightfoot, a gifted bass player and songwriter whose passion is undeniable, whether he’s commanding crowds at packed venues or spinning tracks on local radio.

Music runs deep in Jonni’s family. Raised in a household where instruments were always within reach, stepping into the role of a musician felt like destiny. “My grandfather played multiple instruments, my father played instruments, and my brother was a guitar player, so it was kind of natural that I would fall into it,” Jonni says. He picked up the bass at age 8 to start a band with childhood friends.

Jonni ‘cut his teeth’ in the downtown ‘90s grunge scene, performing with local bands and collaborating with artists like Park City pianist Rich Wyman. He later launched The Jonni Lightfoot Band and released five solo albums showcasing his skills as a writer and producer, including his CD Blu, which features Grammy-nominated bassist Michael Manring. His dedication eventually caught the attention of international superstars.

“During the time I was releasing my solo records, I got a call from Air Supply asking me if I would be interested in joining the band,” Jonni recalls. “Of course, yes is the answer when that comes around.” From 2001 to 2016, Jonni toured the globe, solidifying his place in music history. A major highlight? Playing for 175,000 people in Cuba—a show televised to over a million viewers! Along the way, he earned a Grammy, two gold records, and a platinum record.

Despite the glamour, the road takes a toll. Prioritizing fatherhood, Jonni made the tough call to step back.“One of the best decisions I ever made was coming off the road to be with my son. My son is happy, and I’m a better dad for it,” Jonni shared

But don’t worry, he hasn’t hung up his bass. Six months after leaving Air Supply, Jonni joined forces with well-known country artist and Utah native Charley Jenkins. This gig allows him to perform without being away for months at a time. It was the perfect balance: playing bass for roaring crowds but coming home to his own bed after every show. “It’s never too late, and you’re never too old to start playing music,” he insists.

When he isn’t playing with Charley Jenkins, Jonni works in artist relations and marketing at the local music staple DigiTech/DOD. You can also catch him on the local airwaves. He DJs on 93.3 The Bull every Sunday (11 am-1 pm) and KBER 101 every Saturday (9 am-2 pm) and Sunday (7 am-Noon).

IDEAS AND INSPIRATION: INSIDE TEDXSALTLAKECITY

STORYTELLING AND CONNECTION TURN LOCAL VOICES INTO GLOBAL CONVERSATIONS

In cities across the globe, the red TED has become a symbol for intellectual curiosity. It signifies a gathering not just of experts but also of dreamers and skeptics, coming together to share "ideas [that] change everything."

ARTICLE BY AIMEE L. COOK

PHOTOGRAPHY BY

SCOTT HENDERSON

AND VARIOUS NOTED

While the massive, viral TED Talks often grab the headlines, the independent "x" events are where the grassroots work happens. Licensed by TED but organized independently, these local gatherings are curated to reflect the specific pulse of their communities. For Salt Lake, this means a diverse lineup that might feature a tech entrepreneur and a reuse advocate.

Sara Jones, CEO of Inclusion Pro, has been a volunteer for TEDxSaltLake since 2018. For the past three years, she has been a speaker coach. A TED Talk speaker herself, Sara shared her story, "Love and loss as a transracial adoptee," in 2020.

“Sometimes when people ask me about speaking, they think it is to tell an inspirational story or to make a political statement, but there are strict guidelines," Sara explained. "They can not be religious, commercial or political. It is about sparking conversations in the community and connections, and hopefully interesting collaborations that make a difference in the world."

The curation team often receives over 200 applications from individuals, all eager to share their ideas on topics they care deeply about. From this large pool of applicants, nine were selected for last year's event. Each selected speaker is allotted 8-11 minutes on stage, making every moment count.

"Our curation team has focused on having speakers from Utah, those who are making a difference here," Sara said. "We are not here to help someone build their business."

The audience sees the speakers' confidence and emotional arcs. What the audience doesn’t see is the preparation that happens behind the scenes. Coaches and speakers dedicate up to three weeks to memorizing their talks. This is followed by four weeks of rehearsals.

Jamaica Trinnaman, owner of Hello! Bulk Markets brought her passion for reusable containers to reduce plastic pollution to the stage through the TEDxSaltLakeCity coaching process. Jamaica used her decades of experience

in the grocery industry to launch her 'bring your own container' business in 2018.

"Working in the grocery market led me to think about how we could do it better and with less waste," Jamaica said. "I always enjoyed shopping in the bulk section. I felt like I got fresher product and I could control the amount I purchased."

Jamaica hopes the impact of her TEDxSaltLakeCity talk inspires people to return to doing things the way they were done before.

"Supporting a store like mine is an accessible way for people to reduce plastic pollution," Jamaica said. "Through the coaching help, I was able to simplify and hone that unique story that is only mine. Opening a store has been an emotional journey."

Attendees often describe a lingering energy, a "brain buzz" that often sparks new collaborations and local initiatives.

“We work really hard as coaches to help the messaging and the idea land in a way that it can be heard," Sara explained. "A TED-style talk is very unique. Its purpose is to spark conversation, not to convince."

Who is STAND4KIND?

Stand4Kind is a nonprofit organization focused on supporting teens through kindness, connection, and mental wellness programs delivered in schools and communities. By teaching leadership, empathy, and healthy coping skills, Stand4Kind helps teens build resilience, strengthen relationships, and feel a sense of belonging during life’s challenges.

Winter blues can affect teens as routines change and daylight decreases, but small daily actions can help. Staying connected with friends and trusted adults, keeping a consistent sleep schedule, getting outside for fresh air and movement, practicing gratitude, and asking for help when emotions feel overwhelming are simple ways teens can support their mental well being during the winter months.

Ski Runs to Summer Suns

Discover a mountain resort that thrives in every season

“A lot of resorts bill themselves as four seasons, but there isn’t a whole lot to do during the spring and summers,” Tamarack Resort Managing Partner Gabriel Navarro said. “With Tamarack, it really is.”

Promoting itself as America’s only ski, golf, and lake resort, Tamarack has undergone a renaissance since Navarro, his brother Marcel Navarro, and brother-in-law Martin Pico took full control in 2021 under their company, MMG Equity Partners.

That’s included things like the private Club at Tamarack, ski-in/ski-out condominiums, seven spots for food and drinks, and a hearty schedule of programming and events.

TAMARACK, BEGIN AGAIN

Navarro’s initial Tamarack experience included standing outside what Valley County locals had dubbed ‘Tyvek Village.’ Wrapped in the ubiquitous gray padding material, the shells of Tamarack’s Village Plaza remained just as they had before the resort went bankrupt in 2008.

“It was eerie almost when we walked through that Village the first time,” he said.

“Although it had been sealed off for 10 years, it looked as if the construction workers had walked off the job just yesterday. Hammers, screwdrivers, the plans on the tables. So, the first visit was an interesting one.”

ARTICLE BY JORDAN GRAY

But that interest was key. The Florida-based MMG had become something of a player in the ski resort space after acquiring a portfolio of commercial properties (Whistler Blackcomb in British Columbia, Mammoth in California, Copper in Colorado, Snowshoe Mountain Resort in West Virginia, and Stratton Mountain Resort in Vermont). When the Tamarack opportunity came around, MMG partnered with other firms and created Tamarack Resort Holdings to acquire the resort.

And Tamarack, once shrouded in failure and polyethylene, started shaking off the dust.

COMPLETING THE VISION

“The first few years were challenging in that prospective purchasers of real estate were skeptical, having been a failed ski resort,” Navarro said. “Many wondered, ‘Was this new owner going to do what they say they are going to do?’”

Pieces of the resort were scattered across multiple entities, from the Seattle-based joint venture Banner/Sabey, which owned the Village, the homeowners who had control of mountain operations, and the hedge fund that controlled the water and sewers.

“Eighteen months later, we had worked through all of the pieces to be able to put Humpty Dumpty back together,” Navarro said. “My second trip out there, the family went out with me. It was neat, just walking them through the Village and laying out the vision, and then for them to go back two years later and see it complete.”

That included things like reinstalling the Wildwood Lift in 2019, which had been repossessed and removed in 2012.

“We are now focused on delivering a new meaningful amenity each year which further elevates the resort,” Navarro said. “Six years later, having invested over $200 million in the resort, that skepticism is no longer there. Tamarack 2.0 is thriving.”

RUNNING A RESORT

“It’s easier for my family to vacation there than it is for me, for sure,” Navarro said, with a laugh. “But as a resort owner, we are fortunate to have a good team on the ground, including Scott Turlington (the resort president) and Kara Finlay (chief operating and financial officer) who we could not do this without.”

Idaho has offered Navarro a new perspective on recreation as well.

“I was born and raised in Miami,” he said. “Miami’s an amazing place, but it can be very pretentious at times. It was refreshing to connect with the homeowners and the families out in Tamarack who were just looking for a place with a laidback vibe and…to just make great memories with their families. It was enchanting, to be honest.”

The original family business, started by Navarro’s grandfather, was a chain of drugstores bearing the family’s last name. With the pivot to commercial and resort properties, the next generation has figured out how to hit their work life-balance.

“I spend a week a month (at Tamarack) for work,” Navarro said. “And then we vacation out there as a family in the summers and winters,

with a few father-son, friends, and spring break trips in between. Six years ago, the resort business was certainly outside of our wheelhouse, but my brother, brother-in-law, and I have figured out how to best divide up the responsibilities amongst us. I personally am most involved in the real estate and marketing side of the business.”

Navarro also spends a lot of time talking with team members, homeowners, and club members.

“It’s always helpful to hear from people on the ground, and people who live there, as to where there may be opportunities to improve,” Navarro said. “For a large and complex project like Tamarack, being able to have sole ownership and control, and be able to make decisions based on what is best for the long term, is important. My family and I look forward to owning Tamarack for generations.”

While Navarro does plenty of work to keep Tamarack up and running, he also takes the time to utilize what he and the rest of the Tamarack community have built.

“Tamarack is their happy place – there is nowhere they’d rather be. They’re all avid skiers, and the skiing at Tamarack is awesome, but there is so much to do in the summers that I’d say they almost prefer it more.”

2002 OLYMPIC GAMES are more than a memory

HOW UTAH’S OLYMPIC LEGACY THRIVES

ARTICLE BY AIMEE L. COOK | PHOTOGRAPHY PROVIDED

Long after the 2002 Winter Games faded, the Olympic spirit in Utah has continued. The Utah Olympic Legacy Foundation has transformed the state’s world-class athletic venues into year-round hubs for both elite athletes and the public.

"Our vision is to bring to life the Olympic and Paralympic spirit in our youth, communities and athletes from around the world," Lisa Bennion Rasmussen, chief revenue officer, explained. "Our main goal is to promote a healthy, active lifestyle, regardless of age, ability, or socioeconomic status. We have a program for everyone."

The Utah Olympic Park features ski jumps and a winding bobsled track, meticulously maintained for current national teams. Throughout the year, the park is alive with public activity. Visitors can experience extreme summer tubing or navigate adventure courses.

The Utah Olympic Oval, known as the "Fastest Ice on Earth," is home to speedskating champions who continue to shatter world records. For the public, the Oval offers year-round ice skating sessions, curling, and a running track.

The Soldier Hollow Nordic Center hosted the 2002 biathlon and cross-country ski events; in the winter, the groomed tracks are for cross-country skiing and a popular tubing hill for families. When the snow melts, the venue welcomes mountain bikers and hosts unique events.

"Our venues are four times busier today than they were during the [2002] games," Lisa said. "We are really proud of the fact that we are community recreation centers and a resource for everyone."

With Utah named host of the 2034 Winter Games, the Utah Olympic Legacy Foundation's work ensures the state is ready.

Keeping our pets safe in winter

As temperatures drop and snow falls in the beehive state, Veterinarian Chris Lehman and his team at Murray Animal Hospital remind pet owners to prioritize their pets' safety during these colder months. From the risk of hypothermia and frostbite to the hidden dangers of antifreeze toxicity and ice-melt chemicals, education and steering clear of these hazards ensure our pets continue to thrive and enjoy the holiday season.

DVM Chris Lehman

FROSTBITE

“Smaller pets, especially, are at a higher risk because they have a higher surface area to volume ratio.” Dr. Lehman said that, as funny as it is to have a sweater or boots on those smaller, shorter-haired animals, having that protection is helpful. Most pets with limited outdoor time and access to a well-insulated shelter, whether that be an outdoor heated structure or a home, are at lower risk. “Limping and the raising of paws are common signs to watch out for," Dr. Lehman adds. in addition, pay attention to the temperature outside. If it's too cold for you, it's too cold for your pets. Dry your animal's fur and paws as soon as they come back into your home. Let your pets warm up slowly by creating a warm “recovery zone.”  Avoid metal bowls and metal surfaces outside, pets wet noses and tongues can stick when metal is frozen. Heated bowls are great if your pet spends most of its time outdoors, helping ensure it gets enough water.

ICE MELT AND ANTIFREEZE CAUTION

“When pets lick antifreeze or ice melt off the ground, it’s often fatal, even in small amounts,” Dr. Lehman emphasized. Antifreeze is sweet-tasting to animals; the main ingredient is ethylene glycol, an extremely toxic alcohol. Once an animal ingests it, either from licking it off the ground or drinking from a puddle, it converts to toxic acids in the animal's liver, damaging their kidneys, brain function, and entire digestive system. “We see that most frequently in the winter, and it should be treated quickly,” Dr. Lehman added. Some signs to look for are: incoordination or stumbling, vomiting, and excessive thirst or urination.

Helpful Tips from

Veterinarian Chris Lehman

ARTICLE BY MEGAN O’BRIEN

PHOTOGRAPHY PROVIDED

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