ABOUT | November 2018 by ABOUT the River Valley Magazine

SHILOâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;S SAVIOR

Reflecting the Character of the Arkansas River Valley NOVEMBER 2018

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Russellville School District offers unique opportunities for our students with a smalltown feel. Through the support of a caring staff, our students have a choice and voice in planning their futures.  K-12 Project Lead the Way program  14 innovative science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) courses in grades 8-12  21 AP courses, EAST, and G/T programs  1:1 technology initiative at RHS  19 Career Pathways and a focus on career education beginning in elementary school  Award winning choir and band programs

 Arkansas Tech Career Center on the RHS campus offers in depth training and college credit in various vocational, technical, and technology-based courses  A variety of extracurricular programs with 24 boys and girls athletic teams, and numerous clubs and organizations  Registered nurses and safe rooms at every campus  State-of-the-art facilities including the Center for the Arts, STEM Center, Cyclone Arena and an indoor practice facility opening fall 2018

220 West 10th Street ■ Russellville, AR. 72801 ■ 479.968.1306 ■ www.russellvilleschools.net

November 2018 TA B L E O F C O N T E N T S

8 Shilo’s savior

I met Shilo Schluterman and her therapy dog Javie at the Garage Arcade in downtown Russellville. Just a few years ago graduation seemed impossible. Shilo suffers from posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD), an affliction common to combat veterans.

16 That’s what brothers do

18 Working-class dogs

30 The four-napkin sandwich

Of all the roles we ask dogs to fill in our lives, that of working partner is most demanding. They tackle these jobs with a professionalism sometimes lacking in our human work partners.

8 18

I gauge my barbecue sandwich experience by how many napkins it requires. One napkin is pretty boring. Two napkins is the norm. Three napkin sandwiches are borderline bad boys, they’re right at the line, but they never cross it. Four napkins? Whoa….

38 Fetching Fotos 42 Grateful

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ABOUT THIS MONTH’S COVER Sitting on a dock overlooking one of the best views of the River Valley (Lake Dardanelle,) Shilo & Javelin lean on one another…in more than one way.

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EDITOR’S LETTER

Our very best friends Loyal, intelligent, steadfast, hardworking, devoted: these are characteristics we seek in friends, hope to find in family, and — if we’re lucky — these are characteristics of our work partners. But we can always find these characteristics wrapped in a furry four-legged package. If you can look deeper than wagging tails and perked ears, lolling tongue and slobbery kisses, soulful eyes and glistening noses, the most endearing characteristic of our canine companions is their big heart where all of those virtues we aspire to seem to be built in. The relationship between dogs and humans traces back to beyond 30,000 years ago when it’s speculated that a few wolves began hanging around our ancestors’ camps searching for scraps and handouts. The decision to form this bond was theirs. The canines chose us. The genesis of that relationship was noted by Duke University anthropologist Dr. Brian Hare, founder and co-director of the Duke Canine Cognition Center, as “one of the most extraordinary events in human history.” And the dogs somehow chemically synced their brains with ours. You know that warm gooey feeling you experience when gazing into your dog’s soft chestnut eyes? That’s a release of the hormone oxytocin as it builds and reinforces trust and love with your pooch. Secretion of oxyto-

cin normally happens only between parents and children or romantic partners. Dogs and humans share the only known oxytocin bond between two different species. Clearly, the designation of dog as “mankind’s best friend” is nowhere close to encompassing the breadth and depth of the relationship. There’s nothing even remotely comparable in the world. Exactly how we got from there to here is complicated and unknowable. But suffice it to say that two unlikely species, who sometimes found themselves at odds with one another, developed this symbiotic connection based on a pragmatic need for one another. And this incredible, unlikely and precious canine/human friendship evolved over the millennia, growing to encompass so many facets of our human lives from emotional support to companionship to tasks best suited to fleeter legs and sharper noses. And today, many of us couldn’t imagine a life without our dogs In this issue of ABOUT, we want to take a closer look at a few working-class dogs in the River Valley. They’re varied breeds and trained or in training for varied tasks. But they all share a common job description as sentinels, partners, protectors, and most of all best friends. Or maybe even our very best friends.

Reflecting the Character of the Arkansas River Valley since 2006 A Publication of One14 Productions, Inc Vol. XIII, Issue 10 – November 2018

DIANNE EDWARDS | founding editor JOHNNY CARROL SAIN | managing editor johnny@aboutrvmag.com LIZ CHRISMAN | photography editor lizchrismanphoto@gmail.com BENITA DREW | advertising benita@aboutrvmag.com CHRISTINE SAIN | advertising christine@aboutrvmag.com MEREDITH MARTIN-MOATS | freelance meredith@aboutrvmag.com JILL MCSHEEHY | freelance jill@aboutrvmag.com SARAH CLOWER | freelance sarah@aboutrvmag.com LYDIA ZIMMERMAN | columnist lydia@aboutrvmag.com CHRIS ZIMMERMAN | layout/design chris@aboutrvmag.com CLIFF THOMAS | illustrator maddsigntist@aboutrvmag.com

ABOUT… the River Valley is locally owned and published for distribution by direct mail and targeted delivery to those interested in the Arkansas River Valley. Material contained in this issue may not be copied or reproduced without written consent. Inquiries may be made by calling (479) 219-5031. Office: 220 East 4th Street Email: info@aboutrvmag.com Postmaster: Please send address changes to: One14 Productions 220 East 4th Street Russellville, AR 72801

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COMMUNITY CALENDAR OF EVENTS

November 2018 3rd — 18th Annual Veterans Day Parade in Clarksville from 10 a.m. - noon hosted by American Legion Bunch Walton Post 22. Parade followed by a program and free chili dinner at the Legion Hut. For more information contact Dan Dunson 479-979-7999. 9th

— Alzheimer’s Arkansas Lunch & Learn at Saint Mary’s Wellness Fitness Center noon-1p.m. What to Expect with guest speaker Dr. Davis from Saint Mary’s Regional Medical Center. Free Lunch sponsored by Saint Mary’s Regional Medical Center. Seating is limited. Please RSVP by November 5. For more information contact 501-224-0021.

10th — On a Winter’s Night A Tribute to Trans-Siberian Orchestra at The Center for the Arts on the Russellville High School campus at 7p.m. Reserved seating: $35 orchestra, $30 mezzanine, $20 balcony. Tickets are on sale now. For more information contact 479-498-6600.

23rd

— Green Friday at lake Darda-

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nelle State Park’s Lakeview Room from 10 a.m.-3 p.m. Come-and-go activity stations in the visitor center Lakeview Room with activities the whole family will enjoy. Stamp your passport at each of the four stations to receive a special discount in the park’s gift shop. Activities include: knot tying, Native American games, eagle measure up, and a make and take tree cookie craft. Admission is free. For more information contact 967-5516.

23rd-25th

— 21st Annual Petit Jean Mountain Rendezvous at the Historic CCC Field from 10 a.m. - 3 p.m. Admission is free unless otherwise noted. Experience a primitive camp as well as some of the survival skills used by Arkansas pioneers. Watch a variety of demonstrations including muzzleloading rifles, tomahawk throwing, and more Co-presented by the Early Arkansas Reenactors Association. For more information contact 501-727-5441.

Dec 8th — 15th Annual Christmas Open House at Mt. Magazine State Park Visitor

28 29 30 31 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 1 *Unless otherwise indicated,1 all area codes 28 29 30 31 2 3 are 479. To have your event included in the ABOUT Calendar of Events, email: editor@aboutrvmag.com or fax to (479) 219-5031. Deadline is the 15th of the month preceding publication.

Center from 10 a.m.-1 p.m. Admission is free. Enjoy a festive atmosphere, light refreshments, and learn how to become a member of the park’s volunteer organization. Complete your holiday shopping in the visitor center gift shop and have your gifts wrapped for free by the volunteers. Meet the authors of Arkansas Butterflies and Moths, and Mount Magazine: A History, and have your copies signed for yourself or as a gift. For more information contact 479-963-8502.

NOVEMBER 2018

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Shilo’s savior I met Shilo Schluterman and her therapy dog Javie at the Garage Arcade in downtown Russellville. Shilo was hard at work on school papers with plans to graduate from ATU this December. Just a few years ago graduation seemed impossible. Shilo suffers from post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), an affliction common to combat veterans. Shilo enlisted with the Arkansas Air National Guard in April of 1999 and was trained as an airline mechanic. She’s been deployed multiple times, but when Shilo came home from Afghanistan in 2012, something was different. “I did fine while I was there,” says Shilo. “I had some serious things that weren't addressed, but I didn't expect them to affect me the way they did.” The first sign that something was wrong came during a Christmas parade in her hometown of Hartman about a month after she had returned. Her husband and children were marching in the parade while she took care of her nieces. “The sirens came on and something just happened,” she says. “I don't recall anything from that point on.” Her husband later found her in the bushes, far away from her nieces. “It took him 15 to 20 minutes to convince me we were not in Afghanistan, that we were not dying, that we didn't need to evacuate everyone from the area,” she says. “I had no idea it was really possible for your brain to do that.” And what scared her even more, she says, was being separated from her nieces without any

recollection of what happened. But that was only the beginning, says Shilo. “It went from there to a lot worse.” From 2012 until 2014, Shilo never left the house without her husband and her children. She never knew exactly when a panic attack would happen, so eventually Shilo rarely left the house and carried a gun when she did. She didn't even go to church, which was and still is a huge part of her life. Shilo recalls the deep pain of knowing that her illness was taking over the entire family. She encouraged her husband and children to go on with their lives but recognized that it was consuming everything. “They stopped engaging in life,” says Shilo. “They were probably scared to leave me alone. It's heartbreaking when you know that this is something happening to you, happening to your whole family.” Shilo went to therapy every week but nothing improved. Medicines didn't help. Some days she didn't think she'd make it. Like many veterans with PTSD, suicide seemed possible even likely. Shilo’s therapist at the Veteran’s Healthcare System suggested a therapy dog. Certain she couldn’t afford and didn’t deserve a dog, she shrugged off the idea. But then she found out about scholarships and waiting lists through the K9 for Warriors program. “This was my last ray of hope,” says Shilo, “and I wasn't really sure that it would help because nothing ever had.”

Story by MEREDITH MARTIN-MOATS | Photos by LIZ CHRISMAN

ABOUT the RIVER VALLEY ~ NOVEMBER 2018

NOVEMBER 2018

~ ABOUT the RIVER VALLEY

NOVEMBER 2018

~ ABOUT the RIVER VALLEY

“There is something amazing about the way a dog loves you and is there for you, solid,” JAVIE'S FULL NAME IS JAVELIN.

As a certified graduate of the K9s for Warriors program, Javie is trained as a service canine for veterans suffering from traumatic brain injury, trauma, and PTSD. Javie was a stray, found starving on the side of the road somewhere in South Carolina. But the shelter recognized his potential and recommended him to the K9 program which works with shelters as a primary source for dogs. Like many young dogs entering the program, Javie was first fostered in a volunteer home and then accepted full time into the training academy. There are medical tests to ensure the dogs’ health and ability to do physically demanding tasks like support human weight for veterans who need assistance with mobility. And then there are the countless hours spent with qualified trainers who teach the dogs how to take care of their people. “Every service dog costs between $20,000 and $30,000 to train,” says Shilo. To make the program accessible, dogs are often sponsored by companies or foundations who then get the honor of naming the dog. When a dog completes training they are then paired with a waiting veteran. Staff make every effort to create partnerships that are a great fit based on the veteran’s lifestyle, location, family, and diagnosis. The pair then stay onsite for three and a half weeks where they work together with a fellow veteran known as a warrior trainer.

ABOUT the RIVER VALLEY ~ NOVEMBER 2018

Shilo remembers the first time she met Javie. “You line up and they take us one at a time to meet your dog. And your trainer is at the end of the sidewalk holding the dog and they hand the dog off to you,” she explains. “And I knew they work with 99 percent rescues. So I knew he wasn't going to be a German shepherd or typical image of a service dog,” she says. “But as I got closer I thought, wow he is really beautiful. And obviously he is really smart or he would have never made it through the program.” By the time she got to him “he was so happy and licking my face as if he somehow knew I was his human. I can't imagine it being any other dog because he is perfect for me.” Shilo admits that she was surprised at how accepting Javie was from the beginning. “I expected him to have a harder time leaving the trainers,” she confesses. “But it's like they [the dogs] know. He took one quick look at the trainer and that was it. Somehow he knew that I was his.” It took Shilo time to understand and trust Javie's skills. “How am I going to learn all these commands? How can I go into public with a dog when I can't do it without one?” She laughs saying she was mostly thinking about being a mom of four and how hard it can be to wrangle young kids in a grocery store. “But with him, you don't have to wrangle. He always listens.” During the first three weeks of training, the warrior trainers help reintroduce veterans to real life situations, seemingly simple things like going grocery shopping or eating out. During one of her first outings Shilo struggled. “I had an anxiety attack in a restaurant,” she recalls. “ It was embarrassing; it was terrible; it was awful for me. But what it did for me was show me exactly how he was going to be able to help me in that kind of situation. And that it is survivable.” Whereas a human may shut down or become embarrassed in such a situation, a dog goes to work. “There is something amazing about the way a dog loves you and is there for you, solid,” says Shilo. Shilo says it's important to note that while bringing Javie home was transformative and healing, it was also difficult. Over the years, her family had become used to never leaving her side. Suddenly she had

a new-found freedom and didn’t need constant care. While everyone in the family recognized her dependence wasn’t healthy, it was still hard to break patterns. Trainers prepared Shilo and her family for this shift in roles and she says it’s been freeing to be able to want her family around as opposed to always needing them. When the vet and dog go home from training, no other family members can interact with the dog for 30 days. While it may seem harsh, the goal of this transition period is to help the dog understand that they are first and foremost accountable to their veteran. After the transition period, the rules become more lax and the dogs can give and receive affections with all family members. Even now Shilo serves as the main provider for Javie. “Rarely does anyone else meet his needs,” says Shilo. “He likes to chase sticks with my grandsons only if I'm there and I’m a part of it.” These days Javie is a full-fledged member of the family. He's even developed a special relationship with Shilo’s husband who takes him for walks every morning. But because of his role as a working dog, his bond is first and foremost with Shilo. Navigating this dynamic was difficult at first, she says. “At the training the dogs have to stay attached to you on a leash at all times,” says Shilo. “It's part of what creates the bond. You are his alpha.” While we visit, Javie relaxes on the floor, dozing off. Every so often he puts a paw on Shilo’s lap or opens his eyes and assesses the situation, then drifts off to sleep again. Shilo wears a hands-free leash across her body. If she moves out of the chair, Javie is up and at her side within a second. These days, Shilo fully trusts Javie to help stave off the panic attacks that once kept her homebound. “He knows before I do that I’m getting stressed to the point that I might have a flashback or might not distinguish where I am or what’s happening,” says Shilo. Most of the time no one knows Javie is working, but he can sense when Shilo is entering a dangerous mental space. “If we are walking, I can't explain what happens in my head, but, for example, he’ll start leaning against me, or if we are walking he might sit or pull, and then it pulls my attention,” says Shilo. “It brings me back to this space.” She knows that if he keeps pawing at her or pulling hard on the leash it's time to remove herself from the situation. If that's not possible, she knows to slow down and just focus on him, petting him, touching his face, and just breathing.

“He was so happy and licking my face as if he somehow knew I was his human. I can't imagine it being any other dog because he is perfect for me.” In many ways he serves as a guidepost, helping her stay in the physical reality of the moment. “If this is a bad situation, he would be pulling me away,” says Shilo. “If he resists me, something is wrong. Before he came along, I existed in constant hyper-awareness, constant fear, so sure that the worst of the worst was fixing to happen.” Existing in that constant state of hyper-vigilance is debilitating and only leads to further attacks. Now she trusts him to read the room. If he’s calm, she can be too. “I may have a flashback, but not like a full-blown panic attack,” says Shilo. “When I do have a flashback, immediately his nose is in my face. I know if there’s a wet nose on my face I can't be in Afghanistan,” she says. “He gives an argument to my panic.” >> NOVEMBER 2018

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Shilo’s focus in her studies is working with others who struggle with mental health post-deployment. She'll graduate with a psychology degree next month. Shilo has also become an outspoken supporter of veterans and mental health, tackling her own prejudices in the processes. “This sounds awful,” she tells me. “But I went through this really intense period of hating Muslims.” Shilo says what she witnessed in combat left her with a desire to place blame, and that’s where it went. “I didn't even realize I was doing it,” she said. She explains that one afternoon when she and her youngest son were in a public place and someone came in who, she said, looked possibly of Arab descent, her son immediately told her he wanted to leave. At this point, she says, she was starting to come back from her PTSD and reengaging with the world.

“I feel like he rescued my whole family,” Shilo says.

Shilo wasted no time in making plans for her future once she returned home with Javie. “I always wanted to go back to school and finish my degree,” she says. She first went to college years ago after obtaining her GED. But as a single parent supporting her family, joining the military seemed the best option. “I wanted an honorable profession,” she says. “I wanted to show my children service before self.” But after her final deployment, going back to school was impossible. Even online classes were too much. With Javie everything has changed. “Even if I have flashbacks during school,” she says, “I can at least get out of the situation in time and have them in a car, in a corner in a bathroom.”

Warning bells went off in her head. “Why would you say that?” she asked. “That's not who I told you to be; that's not who you are. That's not who we are.” Pausing for a moment she acknowledges: “But it is who I was.” Shilo’s son had associated her struggles with a country, even a religion. She says that moment shocked her to the core. Is that really me, hating a race? Hating a religion? she asked herself. “I don't want my family to be a part of the problem,” says Shilo. “I want us to be a part of the solution.” Shilo doesn't shy away from difficulty or controversy, and she holds dear to her convictions and her faith. She has an unwavering respect for veterans and their struggles even as she wrestles with her own questions about foreign policy. Two of her sons and her husband are both active in the armed forces, and she knows firsthand that talking about her struggles publicly can sometimes be interpreted by others as a disrespect to the veterans for whom she cares so deeply. “I have so much respect for men and women who serve,” Shilo

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ABOUT the RIVER VALLEY ~ NOVEMBER 2018

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stresses. But often during her own service she wanted to understand more about the goals or missions. “Information is only given on a need-to-know basis, says Shilo. “And sometimes this can create internal conflict as you wonder, what is the justification for taking a life? When you ask for any kind of reason or when you ask, ‘is this the right thing?’ you're told you can go to chaplain if you are having issues or go to mental health or if it becomes an issue you can leave. There’s rarely an acknowledgment that people need or want more information.” And she knows first hand that not everyone knows what they’re getting into when they sign up. “Because we're asking people to kill people,” she says, “just to be clear here.” Shilo acknowledges that talking about her own concerns and experiences is scary and difficult. It can cause friction or misunderstanding with veterans she seeks to support. “Some people in the military think this is like a conscientious objector stance, and maybe along the lines of me saying what they are doing is not right,” says Shilo. “I'm not saying that. I’m not saying that at all. I just know that, for me, this is what I need to do now. I don't think everyone is completely aware of what your service entails,” she continues. “And I really don't ever want my fellow service men and women to think I'm disrespecting the sacrifice they are making. It's a beautiful thing for a human being to be willing to sacrifice so much knowing so little. And that’s the heart of an American soldier.” In her work she seeks to help veterans in their own questions, helping them gain access to resources she knows are so des-

perately needed. She seeks first and foremost to serve people who have been in her shoes. “In speaking to other veterans, I leave my own questions and personal conflict out of these interactions,” says Shilo. “My intention is to listen to what they need and respond according to what their needs and questions are from a perspective of a fellow service member. My mission is to honor all veterans and the sacrifices they and their families and communities have made in the pursuit of freedom and safety for not just our nation but many others.” Shilo regularly receives emails and phone calls from others who are struggling. Often they reach out privately. “You have to talk about it or you won't proceed,” says Shilo. “But there is such a stigma about it and especially in the military. It's scary,” she stresses. >>

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“We have to talk about these kind of things because everyone struggles with something. Holding it in they just feel that more alone.” “For men and women, when that's your source of income, it just adds a whole other element of fear — if I do or say anything I’ll lose my source of income.” She says she listens and assures people they are not alone. She wants to do more than just be a listening ear. “I don't know how to help,” says Shilo. “I don't have any way to address it.” But that's changing. After graduation, Shilo plans to work in a service related field, something within the realm of international relations. “I want to

work with refugees, families, orphans; I don't care what race someone is or where they are from,” says Shilo. “I know what it feels like to be completely displaced from my community, my home, everything, everything I knew, and then be told the skills I had they are not transferable. I can identity with what it feels like to be in a traumatic situation and to wonder is there any point to living, because you can't see any way through this,” she says. “And if I felt like this in this country, with as many opportunities and as many blessings as we have here, how much more desperate would it be for someone who doesn't have U.S. citizenship?” Shilo wants to help struggling people with whatever that struggle may be. It’s all a part of living out her Christian faith. “I don't want to ever rule out the world because they don't align

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with my religious beliefs or my skin color,” says Shilo. “I want to always be a source of help and for people to feel like it's OK to talk about it,” says Shilo. “You don't have to talk about what happened, but do need to talk to someone about how you're coping.” While Shilo talks about her passion for working with others, Javie reaches up and puts his paw in her lap, she pets him, then he settles back in for another nap. I ask about her tattoos. They are all scriptures, reminding her of her faith and an assurance of God's love and support with another one planned in honor of Javie. She laughs and tells me about how much Javie runs and jumps when he gets to take his vest off — a sign he is no longer on the clock. And she jokes about how the only time she calls him Javelin is when she has to give him the very rare correction. “He knows it's my mom voice,” she laughs. Throughout the interview Shilo talks about her family and their support throughout the hard times when it didn't look like she'd make it. She tells me how her mother credits Javie with helping her win the battled with PTSD. “I feel like he rescued my whole family,” Shilo says. Shilo reiterates her belief that silence cures nothing. “We have to talk about these kind of things because everyone struggles with something. Holding it in they just feel that much more alone. Everyone just feels isolated in their experience, but you are so not,” she says. “Before it happened to me I didn't realize your brain could give you info that wasn't real,” says Shilo. Now that she's experienced it first hand, she’s on a mission to be of support to others near and far. “Let's talk about it so we can get out there. Maybe it won't be an issue if we just talk about it. And if it is, well, we can do something about it.” Shilo and Javie will be featured in an upcoming documentary about the K9 for Warriors program called A New Leash On Life, directed by Emmy award winner Nick Nanton. A showing will be held at ATU on Thursday November 1st. You can read more about K9forwarriers online at https:// www.k9sforwarriors.org/. Shilo will graduate this December and you can find Javelin by her side wearing his own graduation cap. “He's sat through all my classes,” she laughs. He deserves this as much as I do.”

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That’s what brothers do AS SOON AS MY SON WAS OLD ENOUGH TO TALK HE STARTED ASKING FOR A DOG. He would beg and plead, and even try to make deals. “I’ll go to bed every night right when you tell me to IF you let me have a dog,” he would say. When he would find himself in trouble after naughty behavior, he would argue: “Well if I had a puppy I would not have done that.” Of course I knew better. But I had other

Story by SARAH CLOWER | Illustration by CLIFF THOMAS

good reasons for not wanting him to have a dog — my grueling work schedule and my aversion to cleaning up poop. I knew I wouldn’t be able to keep a puppy from chewing up everything in sight out of boredom while I was working and with Raff at school. I knew I wouldn’t be able to run home on a whim to let a puppy out to play and relieve himself. However, as most parents do, I relented. After much research and debating, I

made my way down to southern Arkansas to pick out a Shiba Inu puppy from a litter that was about six weeks old. The breeders wouldn’t let puppies leave earlier than 10 weeks but would allow their future families to come pick the puppy at six weeks. I instantly fell in love with a chubby but tiny, very sweet Shiba, but also fell in love with his twin who was playful and rowdy. Since I couldn’t decide between the two fur

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ABOUT the RIVER VALLEY ~ NOVEMBER 2018

119 E Main St, Russellville Russellville • (479) 968-7772

balls, I reluctantly said I would take both. I kept Raff in the dark about the puppy surprise the entire next four weeks. It was so hard! But finally the day came to go get them. I told Raff we were going on a long drive to meet some new friends. Raff was used to my random road trips so he unquestioningly went along for the ride. I had informed the owners of the surprise, and they happily agreed to go along with it. When we arrived we were invited inside and shown into the kitchen. After a few minutes of small talk and a quick wink, our kind host excused herself and returned with a ball of fluff concealed in her arms. “Raff,” I said as I took his hands in mine. “I want you to close your eyes for a minute. I have a big surprise for you.” I said smiling as I kissed his cheek. He closed his eyes. “Stretch out your arms…” I instructed. He did so. I took the puppy into my arms and placed him into Raff’s. I heard Raff draw in a sharp breath and his eyes popped open. He and his new puppy locked eyes and the puppy lunged forward and licked Raff on the nose. Raff looked at me, then at the puppy, and his eyes welled with tears. “Raff! Are you ok?” I asked. “This is the happiest day of my life!” He wailed. He sank to the floor and cuddled the puppy we would call Chibi. “Well I have another surprise…” I said. And placed the second puppy, Yoshi, into his lap. His eyes filled with tears again. Raff loved on those pups all afternoon until it

was time to go back home, and we placed the puppies into their pet carrier to keep them safe on the drive. Raff rode home with his head halfway into the carrier, stretching his seat belt to the max. He couldn’t take his eyes off of those puppies. Over the next couple of days, we acclimated our new puppies to their new surroundings. Raff spent lots of time loving on them and observing their behavior. Because he had never had a pet before, he was baffled by some of their tendencies. The Sunday evening before he started back to school, he asked me: “Mom, why do the puppies lick each other’s butts?” He stared at me with such a serious face. “Umm…” I said, not sure where to begin. “Well dogs just do things like that because —“ “Oh, it’s because they’re dog brothers, huh?” I realized that because Raff was also an only child he had no idea why two dogs, that were brothers, would do that. He seemed happy with his own answer and ran off to play with the dogs again. The next morning, Raff and I were late leaving the house because we hadn’t settled into our morning routine with the dogs yet. Since he was going to be tardy, I had to walk him into school and sign him in at the front office. Raff rambled on and on about his dogs as we walked up the steps to his school. I just smiled. His excitement and love for his new puppies made me very happy. As soon as we walked in to the front office, Raff gushed about his puppies.

“Miss Mandy! I got new puppies! I’ve always wanted a dog, and now I have TWO! They are Japanese dogs and one is Chibi, that means small because he’s so tiny. And the other is Yoshi, that means happy because he’s so playful! And they lick each other’s butts a lot but that’s OK because they’re brothers and that’s what brothers do!” he exclaimed. My eyes widened. Miss Mandy’s eyebrows went up. I smiled sheepishly. “He’s an only child, and these are his first pets. Clearly we will have to have a more detailed talk about what dog brothers do as opposed to what human brothers do,” I said. Miss Mandy just laughed and handed me the tardy slip to sign. I hugged him goodbye and kissed his cheek. “Have a good day, Raff, but no more talking about licking butts, OK?” Raff nodded and skipped down the hallway. I turned to leave the office and realized the principal was standing behind the front desk. “Now that’s something I don’t think I’ve ever heard a parent say before,” he said, jokingly. I laughed and smiled then breathed a huge sigh of relief as I walked out of the big double doors. With Raff, there are always things I hear myself saying that I never thought I would say. I immediately started thinking of ways to explain why the dogs — ahem — showed dominance towards one another. That could be an awkward conversation as well.

Saturday December 1st 7:00 p.m. Sunday December 2nd 2:00 p.m. Tickets available at First Security Bank, Russellville or online at eventbrite.com

NOVEMBER 2018

~ ABOUT the RIVER VALLEY

DOGS WORKING-CLASS Story by KENZIE SAIN and JOHNNY CARROL SAIN | Photos by LIZ CHRISMAN

ABOUT the RIVER VALLEY ~ NOVEMBER 2018

OF ALL THE ROLES WE ASK DOGS TO FILL in our lives, that of working partner is most demanding. They tackle these jobs with a professionalism sometimes lacking in our human work partners. Perhaps this level of competence is fueled by ancient social bonds formed through the ages, the remnants of pack culture. Ultimately, the dog’s goals boil down to doing what makes us — the new alphas — happy. Ensuring that the alpha is pleased is always best for the pack. We decided to shine a light on a few alpha human/

working dog relationships in the River Valley. From cattle dogs with their finely honed herding instincts; to a police dog who walks the blue line with a partner who views him as family; to a young and adorable lap dog learning skills that could save her owner’s life, the breeds are diverse and the work is varied. But the stone-solid character of every dog is identical. It’s safe to say that the people featured could not do what they do without their canine partners. And it’s equally safe to say that the dogs are up to the task. NOVEMBER 2018

~ ABOUT the RIVER VALLEY

OFFICER CHASE MELDER & PAVATT 20

ABOUT the RIVER VALLEY ~ NOVEMBER 2018

When you first meet Officer Chase Melder and Pavatt from Troop J of the Highway Patrol Division of the Arkansas State Police, you can tell the duo are happy to have each other as partners. And partners who like each other often work well together as a team. Sometimes that bond goes beyond professional and becomes something even tighter. “I mean, honestly, I see him more than I see my wife and kids,” says Chase. “He's in the car with me 40 hours a week. He’s like my third child.” Chase didn’t always want to be a patrol officer. In fact, after finishing college he thought he wanted a desk job and applied for a dispatcher position at the Dardanelle Police Department. But after a few experiences with DPD officers, he quickly realized being out there was his calling. “Riding with the guys that were on patrol there kind of got in my blood,” says Chase. “And I thought that would be an interesting career.” Now with the Arkansas State Police for about 12 years, Chase met his four-legged partner in 2012. Pavatt actually went by another name back then, but Chase decided to change it in honor of Algin Sidney Pavatt, the first Arkansas trooper killed in the line of duty on September 26th, 1948. Pavatt is an energetic six-year old Belgian Malinois who always seems to find focus and is eager to work. According to the American Kennel Club, the Belgian Malinois breed is “smart, confident, and versatile… a world-class worker

who forges an unbreakable bond with his human partner.” That reads like the perfect criteria for grueling and sometimes dangerous police teamwork A typical day for Chase and Pavatt consists of loading up and patrolling the interstate. Officer Melder’s duties are to stop any cars he suspects are involved in criminal activity, namely the smuggling of narcotics. When a stop is made, Chase grabs his hat from the passenger seat and Pavatt starts to walk circles in his cage, obviously ready to get to work. When Melder stops a car, he is sure to create positive conversation with the driver to preserve the image of police officers. “When I go and talk to them and find out their story, I do it in a way that, I hope, makes police look good,” says Chase. “I do really care about about them and what they're doing, and I actually am interested.” And then, if needed, Pavatt circles the vehicle, searching with his incredible nose for the scent of anything illegal. Officer Melder and Pavatt were both required to complete a 12-week training. During the training, they would usually start off with a morning run. Tracking other trainees in the woods was also a big part of the education. Pavatt is also trained to protect Chase in bad situations. “He's very protective,” says Chase. “But just his presence has probably kept me out of some situations, that if he hadn't have been there, could have potentially been dangerous.” NOVEMBER 2018

~ ABOUT the RIVER VALLEY

ERICKA & LUNA 22

ABOUT the RIVER VALLEY ~ NOVEMBER 2018

Ericka Auguirre-Segovia is a third-year nursing student at Arkansas Tech University. She was diagnosed with type 1 diabetes in 2017. Her diagnoses was unique because type 1 is usually diagnosed as a child and is normally genetic, but she has no family history of the disease. “When I got diagnosed the doctors told me I was lucky to have come into the hospital when I did,” says Ericka. “If I would have waited a day more my body would have shut down, and I would have dropped into a coma.” People with type 1 diabetes depend on insulin shots to keep blood sugar stable, and many wear a monitor that alerts them whenever their blood sugar is too high or too low. Sometimes those monitors don’t alert until it’s too late. The better option: a diabetic alert dog. Diabetic alert dogs pick up the nuanced difference in scent when someone’s blood sugar is too high or low. Ericka decided that a diabetic alert dog would be her best option. “Some people, like me for example, don’t feel symptoms when the sugar is starting to rise or fall,” says Ericka, “which can be dangerous.” Ericka did some research and discovered that a trained diabetic alert dog usually costs around $15,000 — a sizable sum for a college student to come up with — so she decided to find a puppy and train it — mostly — herself. Ericka found Luna.

Luna is a three-month-old Shih-poo (half Shih Tzu and half poodle). Since Luna is so young, she still has a long way to go with her training, and Ericka acknowledges that she’ll need some professional help. “I’ll be taking her to a professional trainer to make sure her she has good obedience,” says Ericka, “and to also receive tips as well.” Ericka trains Luna by taking a saliva sample while her blood sugar is either low or high, putting it on a cotton ball, hiding the cotton ball in a jar and having Luna sniff it out. By doing this repeatedly, Luna is able to distinguish between Ericka’s normal scent and her scent when blood sugar is at abnormal levels. “Some dogs are trained to start alerting at a certain number, for example 70,” says Ericka. “That’s not too low, but it’s good for them to alert before the sugar actually drops.” When a trained diabetes alert dog picks up on the scent, it will perform some kind of action to get the owner’s attention. Luna is quirky and energetic. “She’s very playful and very sweet,” says Ericka. “She’s something else.” Ericka says Luna often acts like she knows when you’re talking about her even if you don’t say her name because her ears perk up and she gets so excited. Because she’s still a pup, Ericka isn’t able to take her to class yet, but she hopes to do that soon.

NOVEMBER 2018

~ ABOUT the RIVER VALLEY

MARSHALL DUFFEY RYE & STORMY 24

ABOUT the RIVER VALLEY ~ NOVEMBER 2018

It’s 4:30 a.m. and the sun is a long way from shining over the dewy fields, but Duffey, Stormy, and Bandit are up. And they’re ready for the long day ahead. Marshall Duffey Rye was raised on a cattle ranch and took on his own spread in 2011. In addition to running his ranch without the help of farm hands, Duffy is a husband and father, a sale barn field representative, and is still active in the army reserves. With all of that on his plate things can get hectic. But his everyday life is made easier with the help of his cattle dogs. Duffy trained Stormy and Bandit mostly on his own with only some guiding advice from a seasoned trainer. After working with heelers for a few years, Duffey now works exclusively with border collies. “What I didn’t like about heelers is they’re just so darn hard-headed,” says Duffy. “And these collies, all you gotta do is raise your voice at them.” Duffey remembers how he dreaded rounding up cattle on his family farm. “Growing up it was always a major ordeal when it came time to catch cattle,” says Duffy. “Everybody would just get mad and scream and cuss and throw fits.” Now he can round up the majority of the herd in his truck or side-by-side ATV, come back through with Stormy and Bandit to catch any

stragglers, and have it all done within 10 to 15 minutes. Duffy says training a border collie for cattle work can start when the pups are around five or six months old. The breed is easier to train for livestock work because the herding instinct is already in their bloodline. The biggest issue for Duffey while training was keeping his patience. “People tell me I don’t have any patience,” says Duffy. “And I say, ‘I know I do because I haven’t used any of it.’ I have to remind myself to keep my cool because if you get mad you’ll mess a collie up and he’ll be scared of you and he won’t do anything.” On a typical day, Stormy and Bandit help move the cattle wherever Duffey needs them and also point out any that may be sick. “They don’t work nonstop,” says Duffy. “But I work them enough just to keep them in shape and keep them knowing what they’re doing.” Duffey makes sure to run through commands with the dogs every now and then outside of working to keep them sharp. The command “away” tells the dog to run counter-clockwise, and “come by” means to run clockwise. The dogs respond quickly to commands and seem to take a lot of pride and joy in doing the job Duffy asks of them. Stormy is a younger dog, happy and energetic, but also serious about her work. Her personality always shines through. “She keeps a smile on her face,” says Duffy.

NOVEMBER 2018

~ ABOUT the RIVER VALLEY

COMMUNITY

The Russ Bus Receives Grant The Russ Buss received a donation of $10,000 from the Thrivent Member Network Regional Board Advised Grant Program. Willy Wijaya, owner of Advanced Solutions, Inc. and a Thrivent Member Network South Regional Board member, presented the check along with Hector M. Felix, financial associate for Thrivent Financial. Director Fred Teague and director of daily operations Nikki Stone received the check on behalf of The Russ Bus. The Russ Bus is a volunteer driven, community funded organization that focuses on meeting the diverse needs of the homeless and impoverished in our community. The Nikki Stone, Director of Daily Operations for The Russ Bus, Willy Wijaya, owner of Advanced Solutions, Inc., Fred Russ Bus is a 501(c)3 with a local board of Teague, Director of The Russ Bus, and Hector Felix, Financial Associate with Thrivent Financial. directors. Monies raised stay in the River Valley and make immediate impact in the plus tailored guidance from financial repre- filled with holiday cheer and beautifully lives of those in need. Their mission is sim- sentatives nationwide. For more than a cen- decorated homes. ple — make our community a better place tury they’ve helped their member-owners Tickets are $20 and include a tour of four through education and the enlisting of its show God’s love to others by being good homes. Tickets may be purchased from any citizens to bring services to those in need. stewards of the gifts they’ve been given. member of United Methodist Women, from the church office at 304 South Commerce To learn more about The Russ Bus, visit To learn more visit www.thrivent.com. Ave., or at the door of any of the homes. www.therussbus.org. Participants are encouraged to start at Thrivent is a mission-driven, member- Holiday Tour of Homes ship-owned insurance and financial services The United Methodist Women of First any of the homes during the self-guided organization. A Fortune 500 organization, United Methodist Church, Russellville, tour of beautiful Christmas decorations and Thrivent is leading a nationwide movement will host their fifth annual Holiday Tour of home interiors. of Christians to be wise with money and Homes Sunday, December 9, from 1-3 p.m. A “taxi” transportation service will be live generously. They offer a broad range This is a fundraiser to support the many provided for anyone unable to drive the of financial products and services including mission projects of the group. tour. Those who would like transportation life insurance, annuities and mutual funds, You are invited to join them for a fun day should call the church office at 479-968-

We don’t ask how it happened, we just fix it.

(479) 968-3991 • 1903 SOUTH ARKANSAS

ABOUT the RIVER VALLEY ~ NOVEMBER 2018

Left onto Quapaw Drive, Right onto Osage Court. House is the last house on the left. Directions to Nanci Dixon’s home at 305 Quqpaw Drive – From Skyline Drive, turn right onto Hilltop Drive, Left onto Hilltop Place, right onto Treaty Line Drive, left onto Quapaw Drive. House is the last house on right (Directly behind Kristen Huggins home). Directions to Carmen Stump’s home at 154 Woods Lane – From West Main, follow Hwy 64 W (toward London). Turn left onto Woods Lane (just past Fat Daddy’s/Darrel’s), cross over railroad tracks. 6th house on left. This is a beautiful remodeled underground home. Be sure you can climb 18 steps. For more information, call Joann Perry at 479-970-0848 or Linda Gifford at 479880-2259. UMW Holiday Tour of Homes 2017. Home of Cynthia Blanchard, Sunshine Gang Circle. Laurie Johnson, Mary Anderson, Leigh Whiteside, Becky Smith, Cynthia Blanchard, and Gerry Summers

1232 to make reservations and will meet at the church parking lot at 12:45 p.m. on Sunday, December 10. The 2018 Holiday Tour of Homes includes Stephanie Duffield, 402 Carden Place, Kristen Huggins, 306 Osage Ct, Nanci Dixon, 305 Quapaw Drive, and Carmen Stump, 154 Woods Lane. Directions to Stephanie Duffield’s home at 402 Carden Place – From Skyline Drive, turn right onto Hilltop Drive, Left onto Carden Place, 1st house on the right. Directions to Kristen Huggins’ home, at 306 Osage Court – From Skyline Drive, turn right onto Hilltop Drive, left on Hilltop Place, Right onto Treaty Line Drive,

Request for Donations for the River Valley Veterans Memorial Park Submitted by Bill Hefley Approximately five years ago, the River Valley Veterans Coalition (RVVC) started planning for the construction of a Veterans Memorial Park including a pavilion and Walk of Honor along with several educational historical markers. On September 15, 2015, a groundbreaking ceremony was held at the Old Shorty Trail — the original jogging trail at Bona Dea — for Veterans Memorial Park. Since then a great deal of progress has been accomplished. But due to increases in cost of materials and skilled labor, RVVC is in need of financial assistance and is asking for financial support from the community

Don't forget! We are open Saturdays from 9:00-11:00am!

Neylon S. Pilkington, M.D. | Robin Kirby, M.D. | Mallory Cranor, APRN

RUSSELLVILLE ANIMAL SHELTER

Featured Friend

Athena GENDER: Female TYPE: Feline AGE: Over

1 Year Old

Do you need a cuddly addition to your family? Athena would be perfect for you. She’s a friendly feline and gets along with anyone. Other animals or small humans in your household? Athena will warm up to them in no time. She is litter trained and ready for adoption now. To learn more, or to adopt this month’s canine, please contact the Russellville Animal Shelter at (479) 968-1944. Photo by ALICIA MEUANGMANY

Russellville

Pediatric & Adolescent

clinic

220 N. Sidney, Russellville | www.rpa.clinic | 479.498.0858 | Open 8am to 5pm Monday thru Friday NOVEMBER 2018

~ ABOUT the RIVER VALLEY

to complete the final phase of the park. This support will reflect and express our gratitude to the more than 12,000 veterans residing in the Arkansas River Valley. It is RVVC’s hope that this park will serve as a sacred place to reflect upon the freedoms that we enjoy on a daily basis thanks to those listed on the Walk of Honor and all veterans. We hope that it will also serve as an educational monument for students and the younger generation, to help them understand and appreciate this country and all those that served to make it possible. We also want this to be a quiet place for Veterans to visit and heal from the trauma of war. For more information, please visit the River Valley Veterans Coalition website www.mcl1310.com/rvvmp3.htm To donate please send Checks and Money Orders payable to: River Valley Veterans Coalition, First State Bank, PO Box 10610, Russellville, Arkansas 72801 The River Valley Veteran’s Park is a 501-C 19.

On A Winter’s Night Returns “On A Winter’s Night: A Tribute to Trans Siberian Orchestra” is back and will be presented Saturday, November 10 at 7 p.m. This event is a fundraiser to support Arkansas Center for Music Education, presented in the Center for the Arts at Russellville High School. The production is under the musical direction of Dr. Brian Faulkner and audio/visual direction of Larry Roberts of RedBea Productions. Music from Christ-

mas Eve and Other Stories will be featured in the first half with narration by Richard Gordon Minick. The second half will be TSO favorites. Musicians for this event are: Brian Faulkner - piano/director, Mike Lovelady - drums, Andy Lindemann - bass, James Primm - guitar, Jeff Sweeden - guitar, Wren Jae Whiteseven - violin, Matt Miller - keyboards, Paul Milner - vocals, Dr. Mark Gotcher - vocals, Boyd W Barton - vocals/ acoustic, Zac George - vocals, Shirley D Faulkner - vocals, Emory Molitar - vocals, Joe Cross - vocals, Coralin Davelaar - cello, Bill Parton - trumpet, Kenneth Canitz - trombone, and Brice Gunter - sax. The River Valley Treble Chorus will also be featured on two numbers.

All seats are reserved and can be purchased through www.ac-me.org, at the Center for the Arts Box Office or at the door. Doors open at 6:15. Orchestra seats are $35, Mezzanine $30, and Balcony $20. All proceeds of this concert go to Arkansas Center for Music Education, a 501c3 Music Education non-profit.

Children’s Benefit Ball 2019 Junior Auxiliary of Russellville would like to invite you to escape for a night of glitz and glamour to support the children and families of the River Valley. The 2018 Children’s Benefit Ball will be held on February 23rd at the L.V. Williamson Boys and Girls Club in Russellville. The theme for Children’s Benefit Ball is “A Night in the

Shannon Case, M.D., FACOG Obstetrics and Gynecology

Johnson Regional Medical Center is excited to welcome Dr. Shannon Case back to Clarksville. She will begin practice at Clarksville Women’s Center this month. Dr. Case brings with her over 10 years of experience in Women’s Health. To Schedule Your Appointment with Dr. Case, call (479) 754-5337 today.

MEDICAL CENTER SURGERY CLINIC 28

ABOUT the RIVER VALLEY ~ NOVEMBER 2018

Quality Care, Close to Home. 2 Medicine Drive, Clarksville, AR • www.JRMC.com

Emerald City.” The evening will begin at 6:00 p.m. with hors d’oeuvres and a seated dinner to follow. There will be live music, dancing, and both a silent and live auction for all to enjoy. We hope you join us for an elegant evening as we raise money for those so deserving of a bright future. The culmination of this night’s success and efforts will go towards the many projects and grants JA provides for Russellville. As a National Non-Profit Organization Junior Auxiliary of Russellville is one of 97 chapters in the National Association of Junior Auxiliary and the members provide more than 3,500 volunteer hours annually. Some of the projects include: “Lunch Buddies” in which JA members provide support to local elementary children, and National Award Winning “CASA Teen Life Skills” which provides basic life skills to children aging out of the foster care system. In the heart of every member is the passion and desire to be active and constructive community participants, and to render charitable services beneficial to the general public with particular emphasis on children, and that is our motto and objective in everything we do. This event, like no other, brings individuals, businesses, and former JA members in the Russellville community together for one cause. The difference this night makes will change lives. We hope to see you there. Tickets are $80 for an individual and $150 for a couple. For more information, please

contact Brandie Gibbs, Public Relations Chair, jaofrussellvillepr@gmail.com.

UACCM Pageant Set For November 3 The University of Arkansas Community College at Morrilton SkillsUSA chapter will host the twelfth annual UACCM Pageant on Saturday, Nov. 3. The pageant will begin at 10 a.m. in the college’s Fine Arts Auditorium. The pageant is open to current UACCM students, as well as girls between the ages of birth and 17 years old who may compete in seven additional categories. Those competing for the title of Miss UACCM will be judged on beauty, professionalism, speech presentation, and interview skills. The winner of the Miss UACCM division will receive a $1,000 scholarship to the college, and the first alternate in that category will

Fabulous new line at

Millyn’s

Exquisite & Delicious

Handmade Chocolates

receive a $500 scholarship. The pageant will run throughout the day, beginning with a welcome ceremony at 10 a.m. followed by the Baby Miss, Tiny Miss, Petite Miss, and Little Miss competitions. At 1 p.m., the Princess Miss, Pre-Teen Miss, and Teen Miss competitions will take place ending with the competition and crowning of Miss UACCM. The pageant is open to the public and admission is $3. Children under four years of age get in free. The pre-registration deadline is Monday, Oct. 22, and the final deadline to register is by 4 p.m. on Monday, Oct. 29. Applications and pageant rules are available for pickup in the UACCM Business Technology Center, Room 200, or online at www. uaccm.edu/current_student/pageant.htm. For more information, contact Linda Zambrano at (501) 977-2061, or at zambrano@uaccm.edu.

One of my cherished childhood memories is ending a Little Rock shopping trip with a visit to Mr. Schneider’s candy counter at Blass Department Store. I loved watching as my beautiful mom hand selected every piece. I loved, even more, being allowed to eat a couple of pieces on the long drive back to Dardanelle. We've decided to offer our Millyn's customers this beautiful and tasty experience just in time for Fall and Christmas. Please come see and sample our new line.

MILLYN’S STOREWIDE CHRISTMAS SHOW & SALE NOVEMBER 8TH-17TH

Millyn s ’ (479) 229-4144

FRONT ST., DARDANELLE NOVEMBER 2018

~ ABOUT the RIVER VALLEY

Photos by LIZ CHRISMAN Story by JOHNNY CARROL SAIN

FAT DAWGZ BBQ (479) 754-2857 | 121 N Fulton St. CLARKSVILLE

The four-napkin sandwich I gauge my barbecue sandwich experience by how many napkins it requires. One napkin is pretty boring. Two napkins is the norm, and there’s nothing wrong with needing just two napkins. It means that, though, the meal was fine, the sandwich was probably too nice and so was I while eating it. Three-napkin sandwiches are borderline bad boys, they’re right at the line, but they never cross it. Four napkins? Whoa…. Four-napkin barbecue sandwiches are only mentioned in reverent whispers. Those are the legends, the epic sandwiches of dang near mythological juiciness and sauciness. They’re of monstrous proportions, piled high and spilling out of the bread, all over the plate, all over my hands, sometimes all over my lap, and

ABOUT the RIVER VALLEY ~ NOVEMBER 2018

likely smeared all over my face. Four-napkin barbecue sandwiches make no apologies. We found one of these delectable beasts in Clarksville at Fat Dawgz Barbecue and Something Sweet. It’s called the monster melt. Fat Dawgz starts with a made-in-house hoagie roll and stacks on the meat of your choice — pork, chicken or beef. Then it’s layered with coleslaw, grilled onions, and cheese. And it comes to your table with a knife so you can try to pare it down to something manageable. You know a sandwich means business when it’s served with a knife. Get a side of sweet potato fries but save room for one of the many delicious homemade desserts. And then ask for more napkins.

NOVEMBER 2018

~ ABOUT the RIVER VALLEY

C O U N T E R T O P C R E AT I O N S

Unconditional Love Story by LYDIA ZIMMERMAN, Food Editor Photos by LIZ CHRISMAN

I SOMETIMES JOKE WITH MY CHILDREN THAT MY DOG IS THE FAVORITE CHILD because he’s always the happiest to see me when I get home. I hear him crying as I pull into the garage, anxiously waiting for me to enter the house. And when I do he whines until I bend over and give him a scratch behind the ears and a pat on the head. My two legged children will eventually acknowledge my presence and then ask “what’s for dinner?” or if I got them anything. But not my Pepper Jackson. He’s just happy I’m home, and his love is unconditional. As with most fur babies, he’s part of our family and has a protective nature with each member of our family. He may be a miniature schnauzer, but the way he barks and growls at anything he thinks might be a threat would make you think he’s three times bigger. In honor of service dogs and all fur babies, I’ve researched and found some wonderful recipes for dog treats that even humans can eat. As always, enjoy!

Thanksgiving Leftovers Dog Treats

THANKSGIVING LEFTOVERS DOG TREATS 1 1/2 c whole wheat flour 1 tsp brown sugar 3 T turkey gravy (be sure to use gravy with no onion in it) 1/4 c green beans (cut into small pieces) 1/4 c sweet potatoes 1/4 c cold water 1 egg Turkey gravy (used for basting cookies)

Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Mix flour and brown sugar together in a medium size mixing bowl. Add turkey gravy to bowl and mix in. Cut green beans and sweet potato into the mixture. Mix the egg into the mixture. Add the ice water into the mixture until well formed. Place a piece of parchment paper onto a clean work surface and lightly flour. Roll mixture to 1/2 inch thick. Cut into cookies using a cookie cutter of choice. Place on a cookie sheet lined with parchment paper. Place in preheated oven and

ABOUT the RIVER VALLEY ~ NOVEMBER 2018

ABOUT Magazine Featured Recipe ~ November 2018

bake for approx 10 minutes. Remove from oven and baste cookies with turkey gravy using a brush. Return to oven for 10 more minutes. Remove again from oven and turn cookies over and baste again with gravy. Return to oven for additional 10-15 minutes until cookies are slightly hardened. Cool and remove from cookie sheet. Store in zip lock bag for up to 1 week in the refrigerator. Makes approx 12 treats (depending on the size of your cookie cutter).

HEART SHAPED CRANBERRY (DOG) COOKIES 2 Eggs 1 1/2 c Almond Flour 1 T Coconut Oil 3-4 T Coconut Flour 1/2 C Dried Cranberries Preheat oven to 325 degrees Beat the eggs and set aside Combine almond flour, coconut oil, and dried cranberries in a bowl. Add in the eggs and knead the ingredients with your hands. Dough will be wet and sticky. Add in the coconut flour one tablespoon at a time to achieve a consistency that is easy to roll out and not overly sticky. This should take approximately 3-4 TBSP. Roll out the dough and cut out the treats using heart shaped cookie cutters. Place the treats on a cookie sheet lined with parchment paper. Bake for 15-18 minutes or until crisp. Courtesy of thelazypitbull.com HOMEMADE PEANUT BUTTER BACON DOG TREATS 1 c natural creamy peanut butter 3/4 c nonfat milk 1 lg egg (or 1/4 c unsweetened applesauce) 2 c whole wheat flour 1 T baking powder 1/3 c oats (either whole-rolled or quick oats are fine) 2-3 strips cooked bacon, chopped

Heart-Shaped Cranberry (Dog) Cookies

Preheat oven to 325°F. Line two large baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone baking mats. Set aside. In a large bowl, gently mix the peanut butter, milk, and egg together with a wooden spoon or rubber spatula. Add the flour and baking powder. You may need to turn the dough out onto a floured work surface and use your hands to work in the flour. Mix in the oats and bacon. The dough is extremely thick and heavy. Using a floured rolling pin, cut into shapes using cookie cutters or a knife. Arrange on the baking sheets. Bake for 18-20

minutes, or until very lightly browned on the bottom. Remove from the oven, and flip the treats to bake the other side for 1012 more minutes. Allow to cool completely before serving to your pup. Store at room temperature or in the refrigerator for up to 1 week. Make ahead/freezing: Since the pups can’t eat the whole batch in a week, I usually freeze them. Jude loves them right out of the freezer too! The treats freeze well up to 2 months. Recipe courtesy of sallysbakingaddiction.com

Happy Thanksgiving Day! from Bill & Marlene Newton and the staff of

(479) 968-1157 • 715 W. MAIN, RUSSELLVILLE, AR

Serving the River Valley Since 1970 NOVEMBER 2018

~ ABOUT the RIVER VALLEY

APPLE CARROT DOG BISCUITS 2 1/2 c whole wheat flour 1/2 c oats 1 T brown sugar (optional if your dog doesn’t like sugar) 1 apple, cored and grated (leave peel on) 1/2 c carrots, peeled and grated 1 egg, beaten 1/3 c vegetable oil 1/4-1/2 c water (note: the apples add moisture, so only add extra water if necessary) Preheat the oven to 350 and grease a cookie sheet. Core and grate apples; peel and grate carrots (I used food processor). In one bowl, mix the flour, oats, and brown sugar. In separate bowl, beat the egg and mix in the oil, water, and grated apples and carrots. Add wet ingredients to dry ingredients bowl and mix completely. Carefully roll ‘dough’ out and cut out desired shape with a small cookie cutter. Bake for 40 – 45 minutes, or until apple juices are soaked and biscuits are firm. After biscuits cool, feel free to share with the pups in your life! Store in air-tight container. Serving size: makes 20-24 small dog biscuits. Recipe courtesy of reluctantentertainer.com SUNDAY LEFTOVERS DOG TREATS 1 1/2 c whole wheat flour 1/2 c mashed potatoes 1/2 c cooked carrots (optional) 2 tsp Better Than Bouillon, Beef Flavor 6 T Drippings from a Beef Roast (Sunday Lunch) 1 egg 1/4-1/2 c cold water

Preheat over to 350 degrees. In a medium size mixing bowl measure out the flour. Cut the mashed potatoes and Beef bouillon into the mixture.Smash and cut in the carrots (optional).If you use the carrots you may need to use less water. Add the drippings left from your beef roast. Mix well. Add the egg to the mixture and mix well. Then add the water and mix again. Place a piece of parchment paper onto a clean work surface and lightly flour. Roll mixture to 1/2 inch thick. Cut into cookies using a cookie cutter of choice. Place on a cookie sheet lined with parchment paper. Place in preheated oven and bake for approx 15 minutes, then turn cookies over to cook for an additional 10-15 minutes until cookies are slightly hardened. Cool and remove from cookie sheet. Store in a zip lock bag for up to a week in the refrigerator. Makes approx 12 treats (depending on the size of the cookie cutter). SPINACH, CARROT AND ZUCCHINI DOG TREATS 1 c pumpkin puree 1/4 c peanut butter 2 large eggs 1/2 c old fashioned oats 3 c whole wheat flour, or more, as needed 1 carrot, peeled and shredded 1 zucchini, shredded 1 cup baby spinach, chopped Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat; set aside.

In the bowl of an electric mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, beat pumpkin puree, peanut butter and eggs on medium-high until well combined, about 1-2 minutes. Gradually add old fashioned oats and 2 1/2 cups flour at low speed, beating just until incorporated. Add an additional 1/4 cup flour at a time just until the dough is no longer sticky. Add carrot, zucchini and spinach, beating just until incorporated. Working on a lightly floured surface, knead the dough 3-4 times until it comes together. Using a rolling pin, roll the dough to 1/4-inch thickness. Using cookie cutters, cut out desired shapes and place onto the prepared baking sheet. Place into oven and bake until the edges are golden brown, about 20-25 minutes.* Let cool completely. Recipe courtesy of damndelicious.net PUMPKIN APPLE DOG TREATS 4 - 41/2 c oatmeal plus additional 1 medium apple 1 egg 1 c canned pumpkin Preheat oven to 400 degrees F. Grind the oatmeal down in a food processor or blender. Transfer to mixing bowl. Core apple, being sure to remove all of the seeds. Grate apple, and add to bowl with oatmeal. Add egg and canned pumpkin to bowl and mix well to combine. The mixture will be thick and slightly sticky. On a surface dusted with oatmeal (ground or not, your choice) roll the dough out to approximately 1/2” thick. Use a doggy bone cookie cutter to cut dough into

From our family to yours, have a Safe and Happy

Thanksgiving!

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ABOUT the RIVER VALLEY ~ NOVEMBER 2018

shapes, and transfer to a lined baking sheet. Bake for approximately 12-15 minutes, or until golden and crispy. Allow to cool to room temperature, then store in an airtight container for up to a week. Courtesy of threelittleferns.com

bowl or Ziploc bag Place fries on baking sheet in one layer. Bake for 15 minutes. Flip over fries for even baking. Bake for another 10-15 minutes Let cool before giving to your dog! Recipe courtesy of beaglesandbargains.com

EAST TWO-INGREDIENT DOG TREATS 2 c 100% organic whole wheat flour* (or wheat germ, spelt, rolled oats — or a mixture of these) 2 (4oz) jars of pureed baby food** – beef, blueberry, sweet potato, chicken, etc.

SALMON & SWEET POTATO DOG TREATS 2 c canned salmon or cooked, deboned fresh salmon 2 c mashed sweet potato (dry mashed with no added water/milk) 1 1/2 c garbanzo bean flour (or all purpose flour, if your dog is grain tolerant) 1/2 tsp baking powder 1/4 c chopped fresh parsley 1 egg or 1 T flax meal, mixed with 3 T water (let sit for 10 min before using)

SWEET POTATO FRIES FOR DOGS 1 Sweet Potato 1 T Coconut Oil (melted) Spices - Turmeric, Cinnamon Preheat oven to 425 degrees F Wash and peel the sweet potato Cut the sweet potato into evenly sized long skinny (fry shaped) pieces Coat with oil and spices - Mix in a large

Preheat oven to 350F. Open canned salmon and drain. (If you’re totally fancy, you’ll open them ahead of time and use the salmon juice to boil the sweet potato in.) Use a fork to finely mash the fish and break up any chunks of bone. In a large bowl, stir together salmon & sweet potato. Add egg (or flax meal mix), parsley and baking powder, stirring well. Sift in garbanzo bean flour, a little at a time, stirring frequently. The dough should be like drop cookies, firm enough to handle and not very sticky, but too flimsy to roll out. Use your hands to roll dough into ball 1/4 - 1/2” balls. Arrange them on a cookie sheet and press them down with your thumb. Since they do not spread, you can place them fairly close together. Bake for 25 - 30 minutes until the bottoms are golden brown. Recipe courtesy of kolchakpuggle.com

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Preheat oven to 350°. Mix ingredients together to form a stiff dough. If necessary, add extra flour or water as needed. On a lightly floured surface, roll dough out evenly until it’s about 1/4 inch thick. Use cookie cutters to cut into desired shape or a pizza cutter to make cubes. Line a cookie sheet with parchment paper, place treats about 1/2 inch apart. Bake for 20 – 25 minutes. Allow to cool completely before storing in a paper bag (storing in air tight container will make them soft, but still edible) Recipe courtesy of dog-milk.com

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~ ABOUT the RIVER VALLEY

AMY’S DOG TREATS 1 c whole wheat flour 1 c all purpose flour 1 tsp baking powder 1 tsp cinnamon 1/2 tsp ground ginger 1/3 c molasses 3 T canola oil 2-3 T pumpkin Preheat oven to 325 degrees. Combine all the ingredients into a large mixing bowl. Roll out onto a piece of parchment paper and cut out using a cookie cutter. Place treats onto a cookie sheet lined with parchment paper and bake in preheated oven for 325 degrees. Recipe courtesy of Amy, Radiology Oncology Tech at SMRMC, Russellville, AR HERE FISHY FISHY FISHY DOG TREATS 1 - 8 oz can tuna in water 1 - 8 oz can tuna, drained 1/2 c chopped fresh parsley 3 eggs 1/2 c sesame seeds 1/2 c sunflower seeds 1/2 c pumpkin seeds 1/2 c flax meal 2 c of garbanzo flour (or wheat flour, if your dog is wheat tolerant)

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Preheat oven to 375F. Toss all the stuff, except flour, into a food processor or blender and process until “chunky”. (Larger seeds should be broken into smaller pieces.) Add flour, a small amount at a time, until

the mixture forms into a stiff dough. You may not need all the flour - or you may need a little extra! It all depends on how much water was in that can! Turn out dough onto a lightly floured work surface and roll out to a thickness of about 1/4”. Cut into shapes using a cookie cutter dipped in flour (I like to use a Fishy Cookie Cutter, but I’m fancy like that!) or cut into squares using a knife. Place on greased cookie sheets. Bake treats for about 30 minutes or until firm and nicely browned. For crunchy treats that will last longer, reduce heat to 200F and bake for another 2 hours. Cool treats on a wire rack. Store in the fridge. Recipe courtesy of kilchakpuggle.com FROZEN WATERMELON TREATS quarter of a seedless watermelon 1 can coconut milk Scoop out about 1/4 of the melon. Blend together with the can of coconut milk – add more watermelon if you want a darker pink. Pour into ice cube tray and wait. Recipe courtesy of grrfeisty.com CHEESY BONE TREATS 4 c flour 2 c shredded cheddar cheese 2 T and 1/4 c of oil 1 1/3 c water Preheat oven to 250 degrees. Combine flour and cheese. Stir in oil and water. Adjust liquid as necessary to make stiff dough. Roll on floured cutting board

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ABOUT the RIVER VALLEY ~ NOVEMBER 2018

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to 3/8 inch thickness. Cut with bone shaped cutter. Place on a ungreased cookie sheet. Bake for 2 1/2-3 hrs until thoroughly dry. Recipe courtesy of sugarthegoldenretreiver.com DOG BISCUITS 2 1/2 c whole wheat flour 1/2 c powdered milk 1 tsp brown sugar (optional) 1 tsp wheat germ 1 tsp beef bouillon granules 6 T bacon grease 1 egg 1/2 c ice water Preheat oven to 350 degrees. In a league bowl combine flour, powdered milk, brown sugar (optional) and wheat germ. Cut in beef bouillon and bacon grease. Add egg and then ice cold water. Pat out to 1/2 inch thick and cut with a cookie cutter. Bake 25-30 minutes. Remove from cookie sheet and cool on a wire rack. Recipe courtesy of AnnClarkCookieCutters.com GRAIN-FREE BANANA BERRY MUFFINS FOR PUPS AND PEEPS 2 ripe bananas 3 eggs (or 3 T flax meal egg replacer) 1 tsp vanilla 1/2 c coconut milk 1/4 c honey 4 T coconut oil, melted 1/2 c coconut flour 1 tsp cinnamon 1/2 tsp baking powder 1 c frozen blueberries Preheat oven to 350F. Line a mini muffin tin with cupcake liners. Mash bananas until they have a smooth texture. Whisk in eggs, vanilla, coconut milk, honey & coconut oil. Mix in coconut flour, cinnamon and baking powder. Mix until well combined. Stir in frozen berries. Spoon into cupcake liners and bake for 15-25 minutes. Cool and serve. Recipe courtesy of kolchakpuggle.com

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Daisy wants to take this bed home to share with her mom and dad!

Amy Morgan, Sales Associate at Peters, is showing little Daisy Peters this cute bed and comforter set when Daisy says, “I Love It!” Since Mom & Dad sleep with her, Daisy looks at Mom (Joanna Peters) and says, “Please take it home, there’s room for all three of us!” It’s hard for Mom to turn down a plea from this loveable little 3- pound Teacup Yorkie... So, Daisy gets a typical Joanna reply, “Sorry Daisy, not today. Maybe another time?” and Daisy went for it.

“DAISY’S BEST FRIENDS” YORKIE’S CHOICE AWARD Goes To The Folks At Peters! 201 N. Arkansas Ave. • Historic Downtown Russellville • 479-968-2929 • petersfamilyliving.com NOVEMBER 2018

~ ABOUT the RIVER VALLEY

Jimmy Armstrong with Gizzy & Charlie ~ Funky Town Mall

Mike Smith with Trooper & Emily - Rose Drug

Pam Smith & Kelsey Peak with Brody & Zoe ~ Russellville Family Funeral

o f tos g n i e ... r t i s e th rs t o ey o b li g e d.

Pepper ~ Kitchen Essentials

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Darby ~ Russellville Area Chamber

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Rusty and Chewy ~ Dependable Air Conditioning Buddy, Elsa, & Wags ~ Frey Paints

Nancy Griffin and Sadie Lu ~ Griffin Electric Heat & Air Oakley & Shadow ~ Kindred at Home

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ABOUT the RIVER VALLEY ~ NOVEMBER 2018

Emmy Hipps with Komo ~ Phil Wright Autoplex

Max and Ampersand - Dog Ear Books

Roxie ~ Sorrells Body Shop

Wes and Will Lamberson with Tiger and South Russellville Lawn

Honey & Jamie Mullen ~ Main St. Russellville

Darci Englin & Martha ~ St. Marys Regional Medical Center

Mackenzie Schilling & Louis

Bill Peters & Daisy Peters Family Living

Pistol - Central Beekeepers Supply

Sarah Whipkey with Bart ~ Kindred at Home

Claire and Chin ~ ASI Bear and Olive - Feltners

Drake ‘The Shredder’ and Ja’Coby Bugaboo Walker C&D Drug

Ty Hipps with Lacy ~ Phil Wright Autoplex

Sarah and Honey ~ A Beautiful Mess NOVEMBER 2018

~ ABOUT the RIVER VALLEY

COMMUNITY COMMERCE

Dog Ear Books

Story by MEREDITH MARTIN-MOATS

og Ear books first opened its doors in November of week!). And if you need new socks, you can pick up Where 2016. Since then the downtown bookstore has grown the Wild Things Are or A Clockwork Orange themed pairs. exponentially. Walking into the brightly lit store Co-owner Emily Young says the book store was born out of a at the the corner of Main and Commerce in Russellville, community need. “After both Hastings and Vintage Books closed you’ll find a large selection of new books in all genres along we knew that there was going to be a book-shaped hole in Russellwith an ample used book section. You’ll ville’s heart,” says Emily. “We couldn’t just also find tons of book-related gift items stand by and let that happen. Plus, we wanted Dog Ear Books from literary-themed candles to beautiful to create a place that could serve as a sort of (479) 219-5123 handmade cards with pithy and hilarious hub for the community.” 301 W Main St quotes to mugs like Last Lines of LiteraDog Ear has been more than just a book Russellville, AR 72801 ture and a crossword mug you can actualstore — hosting community events, open-mic ly write on (and download new clues each nights, author readings, political panels and COUPON

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ABOUT the RIVER VALLEY ~ NOVEMBER 2018

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even birthday parties. Regular book buying customers can take part in the book buying club where $50 in book purchases gets a $5 coupon. It’s a family-run business from bottom to top. “My mom (Pat Young) is the backbone of this business,” says Emily. “You may hear her say I’m the brains and heart, but none of that would matter without a backbone to keep us stable.” Emily says Pat is always coming up with amazing events for the kids and often MCs open-mic nights. She makes sure local authors feel welcome and is always ready to help a customer find the perfect book. “My dad, Garry, is jokingly called ‘Mr. Moneybags’ because he handles the money side, making sure we have what we need to provide everything we possibly can for the community,” says Emily. Since opening two years ago, the staff has grown to include members of the community as well as the occasional shift from nieces or nephews. Emily is known for her vocal support

of local businesses, and Dog Ear is an extension of that. “Small businesses are the lifeblood of any community,” she explains. “They are what makes the town what it is. You know when you make a purchase from a small business that your money will be cycled back through the community over and over again. Buying a book puts money in our pockets to purchase T-shirts from a local printing company, which then helps them pay their bills, and on and on. You’d be supporting your friends and neighbors directly, which is always a nice feeling.” “I believe downtowns set the tone of a place,” says Emily.” If you have a thriving downtown, you will more than likely have a healthy town.” Dog Ear Books is open Monday-Saturday from 10 a.m.- 7 p.m. Visit Dog Ear’s Facebook page (facebook/ilovedogear) to stay up to date with upcoming events like story times, author readings, art nights and more. You can also visit them online at www.ilovedogear.com.

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NOVEMBER 2018

~ ABOUT the RIVER VALLEY

Grateful Story by JILL MCSHEEHY Photo by MADISON SAIN

THE SUN DIPPED BENEATH THE TOWERING PINES. My eyes squinted as I cut through the mess of dead tomato stems. My kids kicked a ball back and forth in my periphery, oblivious to the setting sun. I glanced at them and smiled. Returning to my task, I quickened my snips, aiming to find a satisfactory stopping place before darkness closed in. Fingers growing numb, back stiffening, sweat pooling on my brow, a surprising thought bubbled to the front of my mind: This feels so good. With the busyness of a new school year, sporting events, church commitments, and other activities, I couldn’t recall the last time I worked in my garden until dark while the kids played until they couldn’t play any longer. I’ve missed this. A feeling of gratefulness blanketed my heart as I realized sometimes the best gifts are ones we never thought to ask for. Recently I thumbed through old photo

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albums my dad passed along to me. I stumbled upon a photo of myself at three years old, holding radishes in my hand, beaming at my mom behind the camera. I squinted at the old print, looking past my brimming smile and at my mom’s garden. But I didn’t make my mom’s passion of gardening my own for a very long time. It wasn’t until three decades after I smiled for that photo that I picked up a shovel and planted vegetable starts in the soil. I started

that garden for practical purposes alone. At the time, I had no idea my garden would give me much more than food. November is a month many of us embrace as a time to give thanks. A farmer may reflect on the tangible harvest and offer gratefulness for productive season, but as a home gardener, I am learning to appreciate that the harvest is just the beginning. My gratefulness supersedes the food that graces our dinner table and fills the canning jars.

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ABOUT the RIVER VALLEY ~ NOVEMBER 2018

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From health to family to appreciation of nature, the following reasons are why I’m grateful for my garden, beyond the harvest. Mental Health. While scientific research points to the mental health benefits to gardening, most gardeners don’t need a scientific study on dopamine and cortisol to confirm what they already know. Just a few hours in the garden lifts my spirits and gives me energy unlike any other activity. Physical Health. As Americans we spend more time sitting today than ever in our history, and this inactivity negatively impacts our susceptibility to disease. A meta-analysis on studies correlating disease and life expectancy to exercise level found that physically active individuals possess a 30% lower mortality rate and up to 6 years of increased life expectancy.* In many of those studies, gardening was specifically identified as one of the physical activities taken into account. Connection to Heritage. We may consider gardening a hobby these days, but just a few generations ago growing a garden was as normal as a trip to the grocery store. When I prepare my garden for the spring season or close it out in the late fall, I think of my mom, grandmother, grandfather, and ancestors I’ve never met, and I feel a connection with my past. Preparing My Children. Although I can’t guarantee my children will embrace gardening as adults, they will at least have knowledge, hopefully entwined with happy memories. My son will know how to plant corn, and my daughter can identify when a blackberry is ready to pick. Should growing a garden become a necessity again in years to come, they possess the knowl-

edge to plant, harvest, and save seeds for the next season. Giving More Than Taking. If you look at the state of modern agriculture and its deleterious effects on the soil, you will see that we’ve been taking from the land without giving back. But in a home garden, I can implement regenerative practices to feed the soil and build up the local environment. By implementing organic practices, I avoid pesticides believed to play a role in the alarming decline of our bees, and fertilizer from my yard won’t contribute to the expanding the dead zone in the Gulf of Mexico. In a small way, by taking small -- albeit imperfect -- steps, I can better steward this gift God has given us in creation. Appreciation of Nature. Before I began a garden, I took little notice of songbirds, cicadas, toads, and the millions of other insects and wildlife that make up our environment. I never asked why flowers bloom at different times and what the growth of specific weeds might tell us about nutrient deficiencies in the soil. Of course, many people are awed by nature. But as a Christian, as I observe these systems at work so synergistically, I can appreciate not only nature but also the wonderful Creator behind it all. You see, at first gardening can seem like a static experience with one goal in mind -- the harvest. And while the harvest is a wonderful thing, it’s only the beginning. The more we step out in nature and begin to notice creation, the more we can appreciate the diversity of blessings our gardens can offer us beyond food. *https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3395188/

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~ ABOUT the RIVER VALLEY

Story by JOHNNY CARROL SAIN

Jake THE RAGGEDY OLD COLLAR RESURFACED while cleaning up the back room. As I sat down on our kindling box and traced a finger over the orange nylon, an afternoon sun illuminated one auburn hair wedged in the buckle. I thought about my friend. His name was Jake. He was the biggest pup in the litter, and the only red one, too. The man that owned his parents, and him at the time, called him Bear. And he was ornery as a bear, mauling his brothers and sisters while I asked about bloodlines and shots and worming. The bully wasn’t quite so big and bad as I grabbed him by the scruff and examined his teeth, but he wasn’t scared and he

A JOURNAL of our RURAL & NATURAL HERITAGE

didn’t glare at me with a baleful stare. His attitude said he knew exactly who he was, and any doubts about taking him home evaporated as we made eye contact. I had a working hog farm at the time, which translates into having no life off our property. Our house was on the farm, and there were often week-long stretches that I did not go anywhere. Jake — I named him “Jake” on the first day we met because he just looked like a “Jake”— and I got to be pretty close. I spent more time with Jake than I did with my wife and daughters. Heelers are smart dogs, and Jake figured out a lot of things about the farm on his own. Within a couple of weeks he knew that pigs in the pen couldn’t get him, and that biting a snout poking through the bars of a gate was a bucketful of fun with no

consequences. There was a time or two I swear a doggy grin crossed his face when a quick nip brought a squeal of surprise from a nosey porker. Jake also knew that a pig in the walkway was not something to take lightly and his best course of action was to hide behind my legs or run to the barn exit. But as he grew older he became a great help in moving pigs onto the stock trailer -- better than some of my helpers on two legs. He was smart enough to know that most pigs would turn, but that a big hog dead set on running him over would do just that. That’s something that a lot of folks find out the hard way, like the guy that left our farm one day with hoof prints on his back. He was never a playful dog. With Jake it was either work, take a walk, or just hang out on the porch. He would fetch a ball or catch a Frisbee when I asked him to, but never with enthusiasm. Sometimes he even grumbled about it, growling under his breath as he brought the Frisbee or ball back. For three years we spent nearly every day together. If I was outside Jake was with me. Christine would know that I was somewhere out on the farm if Jake didn’t greet her when she came home. But in 2001 Jake’s life was forever changed when an autumn thunderstorm destroyed our pig barn. Rather than go into huge debt to rebuild I chose to take a job off the farm. Jake

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ABOUT the RIVER VALLEY ~ NOVEMBER 2018

Kirt Mosley

Interior Design

35 Years Experience | Design Work by-the-hour

From a Single Room to Your Entire Home or Office For appointments or consultations contact (479) 890-1715 or email kirtm1101@hotmail.com

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had a little bit of separation anxiety. For a couple months after, he would be frantically scratching at my truck door as soon as I pulled into our driveway. As time passed he became less anxious when I was gone, but I could never leave his sight when I was home and outside. The only place on the farm where I didn’t really want him to accompany me was the bluff line on our property. A big rock outcropping provided a place to sit and watch deer, turkey and sometimes just feel the breeze or watch the sun slip over the Ozark Mountains. Jake wouldn’t chase a deer, but holding in a bark was too much to ask so I would tell him to “stay” as we passed a large white oak on the way to the bluff. To his everlasting credit, I think he would have sat by that darn tree until Kingdom Come. I can’t remember a single time he broke rank and moved until I gave the OK. I could fill a book with stories about Jake. There was the day he got nervous around a stranger on the farm and peed on my leg and into my rubber boot. Marking me as his territory? Who knows. There was his look of utter shock when

our pygmy billy goat, Stinky, rolled him over with a head butt. Jake was elevated to hero status when he killed a copperhead that nearly bit Christine. He made sure no one came down the driveway without us knowing about it, and while a stranger might get out of the vehicle no one got on the porch without our approval. Sometimes even our approval wasn’t enough. Christine told me about the day she pleaded with him to go easy on some utility workers. They even tried to bribe him with baloney sandwiches, but no deal. The porch was off-limits to strangers while Jake was on duty. One evening, in the spring of his eighth year, Jake didn’t meet me at the truck. He was sitting on the porch, wagging that stump of a tail, waiting on me. Even before I climbed the wooden steps I could see illness in his eyes. I sat up with him late. He never ate or drank, and I had plans to take him to the vet in the morning. But morning never came for Jake. I found him at sunrise, lying beside our home, directly under my bedroom window. On his final night of life, Jake was looking for me.

He died mere feet from me as I slept that night, so close that had the window been open I could have leaned out and touched him. I wish I would have opened that window. I wish I could have stroked his fur and told him it would all be OK. I wish I could have been there with him to say goodbye. I buried him under the big white oak and told him to watch for me, that one day soon we would walk through fields and sit on the porch together again. Surely the Creator in his infinite wisdom and love made a way for Jake into the next realm. And say what you will, but if there is no place in heaven for a soul like Jake then heaven doesn’t sound that great to me. Some people don’t understand how you can love an animal like family. Some folks can’t understand how a grown man could cry for days over a smelly red dog. I myself can’t understand how even now, twelve years after his passing, I fight tears as I write this. And I still can’t comprehend the depth of Jake’s love. As his life was fading, the only thing Jake wanted was me.

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Since 1972 NOVEMBER 2018

~ ABOUT the RIVER VALLEY

What

we’re reading

Dog books for every age As reviewed by PAT YOUNG

ords are important. They pack a powerful punch letting us see and feel things that can take us higher or lower. When you hear or read the word “dog,” what does it bring to mind? Are you uplifted? Is it a bittersweet memory of a long-ago pet? Dogs as characters make for amazing stories both real and imagined, so this month we are focusing on books about dogs for all ages. From the time we are very young we hear stories about dogs. Some favorites for the toddler set are about Clifford the Big Red Dog. Clifford sets the bar high for teaching little ones important life lessons and engaging them in fun adventures along the way. But there are others that get that job done, as well — Biscuit, Spot, and Balto come to mind. Early readers have a great selection to choose from, too. A current favorite of the elementary set is the Dog Man series by Dav Pilkey. This superhero canine and his sidekick Cat Kid fight for justice in every book of the series. And the graphic novel design of the books can really pull the most reluctant of readers into a good book. As kids become more advanced, and we move on to the 4th-7th grade group (tweens), there are some recent books that have been part of the Tween Book Club reading list. These include Paper Wishes and Wish. Both of these books emphasize the important role a dog has played in the lives of two girls who desperately

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needed something to cling to during an especially difficult time. In Paper Wishes, by Lois Sepahban, a young Japanese-American girl and her family are taken to an internment camp during World War ll and she must leave her beloved dog behind. In Wish by Barbara O’Connor, a young girl is uprooted from her life and sent to live with relatives she has never met. Of course there are also the classic dog books like Where the Red Fern Grows by Wilson Rawls, the adventurous tale for all ages about a young boy and his quest for his own redbone hound hunting dogs. In the Shiloh books, Marty Preston, a small-town Southern boy, must rescue a young beagle from an abusive owner and wants to make the dog his own. For older readers, A Dog’s Purpose by Bruce Cameron brought home the heartwarming story of a dog who brings change and hope to the lives of everyone he encounters. Of course, joy and happiness aren’t the only emotions a dog book can evoke. Looking for a mystery? Try the classic The Hound of the Baskervilles by Arthur Conan Doyle. Craving a good scare? Read Cujo by Stephen King. As you can see, books and dogs just seem to naturally go together to create some of the best reading there is. Whether you are a dog lover who has many fur babies or someone who just recognizes that our four-legged friends make our lives brighter, this month is a great time to celebrate the dog.

“What we’re reading” is brought to you by ABOUT the River Valley magazine in partnership with Dog Ear Books of Russellville. Each month we’ll feature a book review guest written by various folks around the River Valley that know a thing or two about good reads. Reading is the cornerstone of a well-informed citizenry and a well-rounded individual. We’re hoping this partnership will turn into something more, perhaps a movement community wide that leads to deeper thought and discussion. Look for all titles spotlighted here at Dog Ear Books.

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