Amarillo Magazine | July 2020 by Amarillo Magazine

INSIDE: MERRICK GIVES BACK • CENTRAL BARK • PET RESCUES

JULY 2020

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The Pet Issue: A Celebration of Our Loyal Companions

ISABELLA

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CONTENTS 5 CONTRIBUTORS 6 ANDY’S WORLD 8 CHIP’S CORNER FEATURES 12 PICTURE OF FRIENDSHIP

Photographer Davy Knapp captures timeless images of local pets.

15 COVID AND KIBBLES

Merrick Pet Care and AAMW partner to feed the city’s pets.

18 GOOD OUTCOMES DURING HARD TIMES

How Amarillo’s Animal Welfare worked hard to take care of pets during the pandemic

PHOTO BY DAVY KNAPP

AMARILLOMAGONLINE.COM • JULY 2020

JANE, WRITER MAGGIE BURT’S BELOVED DOG

22 24 22 SIT, STAY, PLAY

Amarillo’s Central Bark revolutionizes pet daycare.

24 INSPIRE 29 LET’S EAT! 36 PANHANDLE PERSPECTIVE

36 ON THE COVER

ART BY MARSHA CLEMENTS

PHOTO BY DAVY KNAPP

JULY 2020 • AMARILLOMAGONLINE.COM

Editor’s Letter

Regional Director of Specialty Products/Editor Michele McAffrey 806.345.3256 mmcaffrey@amarillo.com Regional Designer Kayla Morris Contributing Writers Jonathan Baker Jason Boyett Chip Chandler Andy Chase Cundiff

Contributing Photographers Davy Knapp Shannon Richardson

General Manager/Advertising Director Belinda Mills Account Representatives Sharon Denny Jaime Pipkin To advertise in Amarillo Magazine or on amarillomagonline.com, please contact Belinda Mills at 345.3373.

Regional Executive Editor Jill Nevels-Haun Regional Distribution Director David Morel Regional Accounting Manager Sheryl Rycerz

600 S. Tyler St., Suite 2300, Amarillo, TX 79101 806.376.4488 • amarillomagonline.com Amarillo Magazine is a monthly publication of AGN Media. All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced in any form without prior written consent. Letters to the Editor are welcome but may be edited due to space limitations.

AMARILLOMAGONLINE.COM • JULY 2020

Even as the city has opened for business, we are still working from home and remaining cautious when we do venture out, which isn’t often. After months of isolation, my family has just begun to tentatively see one another again, and we’ve enjoyed a few “safe” backyard gatherings with close friends. When we first received our stay-at-home orders in mid-March, I never expected that the crisis would have dragged on for months. These are confusing and frustrating times and it’s been difficult to know the “right” way to proceed. My dog, Wilson, however, has never been happier. He’s gotten a new servant to fulfill his every need, all day long, every single day, rather than only in the evenings and on weekends. My new office is set up in our guest room, which also houses a day bed. Wilson sleeps atop that bed in his cozy, fluffy dog bed and supervises my every move, only leaving the room when I do, or when he decides he has an urgent task for his servant, like a good belly rub or a reminder that he is, indeed, perfect. I have enjoyed his companionship immensely. And so, as we’ve had to shift some of our plans for the magazine, a celebration of our faithful pets as a theme was a no-brainer. We’re fortunate to have a friend in photographer Davy Knapp, who graciously allowed us to publish a few of his gorgeous pet portraits in this issue. We had a terrible time choosing a favorite photo for the cover, because every option was the best one; we nearly published multiple covers because we loved his photos and didn’t want to have to choose only one option. But frugality prevailed (sigh) and we chose Isabella because we think she is beautiful, regal, and a perfect cover model. We share our other cover options here so you can oooo and aaahh over them like we did. We share a number of heartwarming stories this month, from the Merrick drive-thru pet food pantry – which distributed more than 17 tons of pet food to locals in need – to new initiatives at Amarillo Animal Management & Welfare, and a tribute from singer and teacher Maggie Burt to her beloved dog. And, during the month of July, watch our Facebook page for a chance to enter our Cutest Pet Contest. The winner will receive a sitting with the fabulous Davy Knapp, to create a beautiful portrait of a beloved pet. Our pets are a constant source of joy and comfort, and we hope our Pet Issue brings much-needed encouragement during these trying times. Their unconditional love sustains us every day, but more so during our solitude. Here’s to our loyal, faithful friends,

Contributors

SHANNON RICHARDSON

JONATHAN BAKER

JASON BOYETT

CHIP CHANDLER

Jonathan’s copywriting has appeared in Esquire, Men’s Journal, and Popular Mechanics. In his spare time, he writes crime novels.

Jason has written more than a dozen books and is the host and creator of “Hey Amarillo,” a local interview podcast. Visit heyamarillo.com and jasonboyett.com.

Chip is a senior communications specialist at WTAMU. A Canadian High School graduate and awardwinning journalist, he has covered arts and entertainment in Amarillo since 1998. He is a member of the national GALECA critics group, has seen every Best Picture Oscar winner and watches way too much television.

Writer

Photographer

Shannon has been photographing commercial/advertising work for more than 30 years. See Shannon’s work at shannonrichardson.com and route66americanicon.com.

DAVY KNAPP Photographer

Davy been a professional photographer for more than 22 years. Davy owns Knapp Fine Portraits and Knapp Pet Portraits. Knapp Pet Portraits helps pet owners create character-filled portraits, so they live on in their hearts forever. See more of Davy’s work at knappfineportraits.com.

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Andy’s World

A Day in the Life of an American Cat

eople sometimes get on my nerves with trite sayings. “If I had to do it all over again, I wouldn’t change a thing.” Really? What about that time in elementary school when you had to go, and you held up your hand, and the teacher didn’t see you, or ignored you, and you didn’t make it to the restroom in time and the hall monitor had a big laugh, and your mom had to come get you, and then the teacher had the nerve to look totally innocent? I would change that for sure. What about the time your best friend offered to take payments from you (whatever you can pay, whenever you can) for an orange VW micro bus? And you didn’t take him up on it because the gearshift was “sticky,” and then a few years passed, and you saw one just like it online a month ago for $163,000.00. What about the time when you lived in Arkansas and a brand-new company was offering ground level stock for all their employees, even cash register baggers, as part of an incentive and you decided not to apply for work there, because who the heck ever heard of “Walmart,” and everybody you know from those days that took them up on it has more money than Davy Crockett? I believe I have made my point. All three of these unhappy scenarios are autobiographical and you can bet your sweet whatever-you-bet that I’d “change” a few things, given a chance. One of my biggest regrets is the fact that I was a latecomer to the Magical Kingdom of Cats. My children loved them, my friends loved them. I couldn’t stand them. Maybe you’ve read about my cat conversion through allergy medicine and the hard work of a few feline persuaders, but that conversion has been total and complete. I am now a member in good standing of the cat community, the proud indentured servant of one of my own, along with the free-range herd of little fur balls that love my backyard, and sing to me all night long. So apparently, I am the exception to the “old dog, new tricks” axiom. My cat, Miko Louise Cundiff, (or just “Miko” to those on familiar terms) is on a schedule. It’s her schedule, and she doesn’t really brief anyone on her staff about that schedule because, well, she’s a cat. The following is just a rundown of what I believe her typical daily agenda looks like (in “note to self” form): 5 a.m. – Announce the new day. Sharpen claws. Scratch on everything in the house, the more valuable and fragile,

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the better. Start in the living room, and work your way into the bedroom, scratching as you go. If Mom and Poppy are not awake yet, jump on top of them, walk around on them, step on a face or two, and inquire as to why. This may take several attempts. No worries, a little louder usually works. Mom will get up and let you out. If Mom is gone, go upstairs to the litter box, because Poppy is a lazy bum and will not get up. Sometimes, he even has the nerve to be grumpy. Do not let his mood concern you. It’s your house. 6 a.m. – Sit outside the window and call to be let back in. It’s breakfast time. Besides, it’s just enough time to let Mom almost get back to sleep. She really needs to learn how to catnap. Ask for the good stuff, and hold out if the bowl doesn’t contain exactly what you want. Change your mind as often as you wish. It’s your house. 7 a.m. – Repeat 5 a.m. procedure. Time to go back outside and chase things. The little buzzy birds are too fast, but doves are always good hunting. They procrastinate their take-off time, and overestimate their speed. They’re not too bright either. They forget that cats can jump. Really well. That “helicopter take-off” is not a good way to leave a hot zone. 10 a.m. – Bring a dove to the door and make the “I have a nice gift for you” sound. To make up for the scratched-up furniture, and more than ample reward for them. The humans in the house never seem to appreciate the bird. Well, the bird minus the heart, and the head, and some of the feathers. It’s good enough for them. It’s a communal dinner. 10:45 a.m. – Find another cat to fight with. Be sure to make enough noise to startle everyone on the block and have the neighbors come running to see if your staff has been eaten alive by a lion. 11 a.m. – Find a safe place and take a nap for at least eight hours. Plenty of rest is required when one must stay up all night and make unidentifiable noises in the curtains. Then, just when the servants want to settle in for the night, ask where dinner is. It’s your house.

ANDY CHASE CUNDIFF Andy is a local artist, singer and songwriter, and has called Amarillo home for more than 20 years. He plays at a variety of live music venues throughout the Panhandle. Contact Andy at 376-7918.

2020 AMARILLO MAGAZINE CUTEST PET CONTEST

ho’s been there for us as we stayed home over the past few months? Who’s loyal to a fault (some might call it needy)? Who listens to us as we ramble incessantly, no matter what we’re rambling about? That’s right – we’re referring to our faithful pets, whether they’re furry, feathered, scaly or hairless. What would our daily lives have looked like without their companionship when we self-isolated? In the midst of the pandemic, we decided to celebrate the city’s pets, and bestow the honor of “cutest” upon one little (or big) darling. From July 8 to Aug. 5, submit a photo of your precious pet. We’ll choose a winner and feature them in an upcoming issue. Plus, they’ll receive a free sitting with this month’s featured pet photographer, Davy Knapp.

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Cover Story

Picture of Friendship By Jason Boyett PHOTOS BY DAVY KNAPP

hen Davy Knapp was in elementary school, he remembers a day when he and his classmates took a simple career aptitude test. “Mine came back that I should be a veterinarian,” he says. “I’ve always had a love for animals.” He didn’t, however, have a love for biology, so he put that interest on the back burner and pursued a more creative profession as a portrait photographer. But as Davy Knapp Fine Portraits continued to grow, he kept encountering clients who wondered if he would do photo sessions with their dogs. “We had enough requests that we opened up a separate space,” he says. Knapp’s primary studio is on Tyler Street near downtown, but it’s a much more formal setting. He wanted a more pet-friendly studio – where pets could climb on the furniture and have room to be themselves – and opened a space at Sunset Center in the summer of 2016. “That’s when Knapp Pet Portraits was born,” he says. Recently, he has reintegrated his pet studio into his primary headquarters, but pet portraits continue to be a steady stream within his business. (Knapp’s work appears on the cover of this issue.) “We create character-filled photography that shows a fur baby’s personality, so that they live on in your home and in your heart while you’re honoring their lives forever,” he says. “Our pet parents really want amazing artwork that makes them happy whenever they see it in their home. They’re remembered forever.” While most sessions feature dogs, Knapp has photographed cats, birds and even a lizard in his studio. “Because we are a specialist pet photographer, we understand pet parents’ needs and where their heart is. We work hard to create a rapport with a fur baby so their spirit is revealed,” he says. Knapp says one element that makes these portraits so meaningful for clients is that pets, unfortunately, have much shorter lives than their human companions. “Life with pets is really short, but it is wonderful,” Knapp says. “They’ll break our hearts one day – someday I’ll have to ask the Lord why dogs don’t live as long as people – but [that relationship] is something I wouldn’t change for anything. Pets make life better.” He realized that impact in a powerful, personal way in

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2017. Before he and his wife had children, the couple was raising two Labrador Retrievers and a Cavalier King Charles Spaniel. That difficult year, all three beloved dogs passed away. “All of a sudden, our house was empty. Our walks in the neighborhood didn’t seem the same without a pet,” he says. “We were trying to think of a way to celebrate the love and happiness they brought to our lives, so we started donating our session fees from the pet studio to help save pets’ lives.” Knapp began collaborating with the Amarillo SPCA shelter as well as other local pet adoption agencies. “It helps get pets out of cold, concrete floors and into warm loving homes. [The shelters] always are underfunded and always are at capacity,” he says. He hoped the funds could help the organizations buy more dog food and build more space, allowing them to care for additional dogs. His clients range from families who want their pets included in traditional family portraits to individuals hoping to create a photographic heirloom of a beloved dog or cat. “Everyone’s a little bit different,” he explains. “With one client, we created a portrait and showed her the images and she broke down in tears. We asked what it meant to her. She told us she had lost her husband and lost a child recently – the years had been tough – but the dog we photographed reminded her how much comfort and how much joy and how much peace the dog had brought her through that turbulent time.” Knapp understood the sentiment. A frequent traveler to Santa Fe, New Mexico, he recalls occasionally seeing people walking around the city with their dogs in strollers. Some even transported them in special dog carriers strapped to their bodies. A lot of people might snicker or roll their eyes at that kind of dedication. Knapp sees nothing but solidarity and an understanding of the special role pets play in our lives. “We smile and say, ‘Those are our people.’ Some people have a family pet. Some people have a ‘fur child,’” he says. “We’re ‘fur child’ people.”

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Feature

COVID AND KIBBLES By Jason Boyett

“T

here are a portion of people who will feed their animals before they feed themselves,” says Kati Wrubel, Ph.D., director of the Amarillo Animal Management & Welfare (AAMW). “There’s a portion who will surrender their pets if they can’t afford to feed them.” When the Coronavirus pandemic and shutdown hit Amarillo in mid-March, both of those possibilities began to concern Wrubel. “With the COVID-19 situation, we were having to make some operational changes and I was worrying about how it was going to affect the community and the shelter and the animals in our community,” she says. PROVIDED PHOTOS

JULY 2020 • AMARILLOMAGONLINE.COM

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Working late one night, she had an idea. “If we could get a donation and get some pet food to the citizens, we could help them keep their animals.” She reached out to Merrick Pet Care, a local producer of natural and organic pet foods and a longtime partner with AAMW. Over the years, the company has regularly donated food for shelter animals and other local adoption organizations. “I asked if they would be interested in doing some kind of a large-scale food pantry,” Wrubel says. She reached out to Cyndi Rappe, Merrick’s Pet Parent Relations Manager, who immediately loved the idea. “As a company, we’ve always been committed to giving back to the community. One of our core values is that everyone can give back and should try to make a difference,” Rappe says. In 2019, during the government shutdown, Merrick had collaborated with the city to provide free dog and cat food for government employees directly impacted by the shutdown. This felt like a similar moment. “We jumped on it to work with the city to make it happen,” says Rappe. “We wanted to help pet parents during challenging times.” The result was the creation of a drive-thru pet pantry. A number of city employees were temporarily reassigned to help with this effort, along with field officers and shelter staff at AAMW. “It became a whole effort between the City of Amarillo and Merrick. It was a big operation,” Wrubel says. The project launched on April 2 in front of the municipal animal shelter on Osage, in southeast Amarillo. The pantry operated every Tuesday and Thursday until May 14. Over the 12 days it opened to the public, a total of 5,462 vehicles came through. Merrick donated more than 17 tons of its dog and cat food, in multiple bag sizes depending on the weight of the pet. “That was a total donation of $172,682 of food,” Wrubel says. “And it was a very high quality of pet food. It was really great that we were able to give [pet owners] such a highquality product.” Merrick was one of the local companies that continued to hire during the shutdown. Along with the free food, pantry staff gave out fliers for those who may have been looking for employment, along with information about emergency planning for pets if their humans happened to become sick with the virus. “I thought it was really awesome that they were looking to hire people who were out of work. They definitely care a lot about the community here and taking care of local pets” Wrubel says. “It’s a really positive partnership. Everyone I’ve worked with there is amazing.” “We think all pets deserve the best nutrition,” says Rappe. “Our team is committed to delivering superior nutrition and

improving the lives of the pets. We have a really dedicated team in our facilities, factories and distribution centers in Hereford. We’re able to give back to the communities because of their hard work. The drive-thru pantry is a good example of this.” Wrubel says she and her staff heard regularly from grateful local residents who were relieved to have the pet food available. “A lot of the people were like, ‘God bless you’ and ‘thank you.’ Some even waited in line to give us donations, which we used for medical care for any inured animals that were taken in by our field operation,” Wrubel explains. “We got really positive feedback from people. It was a good thing.” Due to the popularity of the pantry, the drive-thru eventually relocated to Thompson Park in late April to accommodate larger crowds and keep traffic from backing up on Osage. A Detroit native, Wrubel has been leading AAMW since last summer. She has a Ph.D. in behavioral neuroscience from the University of Texas and a research background as an animal behaviorist. Prior to coming to Amarillo, she worked with the Michigan Humane Society and helped reduce euthanasia rates by 50% among dogs with behavior issues. She says the pet pantry fits in perfectly with the goals of Animal Welfare under her leadership. “We are really trying to generate positive outcomes in the community with adoptions and rescue groups,” she says. “We intend to do a lot more outreach in the community, such as microchipping. It’s important that we help people keep pets instead of just being a place to bring them in when something isn’t working out.” Wrubel loves that the pantry provided Amarillo Animal Management & Welfare a helpful interaction with the public rather than a stressful one. “Besides just providing good nourishment for animals, it helped people worry less about their own economic situations and know they have their pets handled. Life happens,” Wrubel says. Many families would come to the drive-thru pantry twice a week, occasionally waiting in lines a mile long. “I know they needed it,” she says of the pet food. Rappe explains that the bond between pets and people makes generosity – and improving the lives of pets – an easy decision for Merrick. “Pet parents see the pets as their children. They consider pets a family member. That’s one of the reasons why we put effort into providing the best nutrition,” she says. “During hard times, we’ve seen pet parents give up for themselves to be able to feed their pets, just like you would a child. We felt this was a really important time to step up and be a part of the community and give back where we could.”

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Feature

G O O D O U TC O M E S DURING HARD TIMES How Amarillo’s Animal Welfare worked hard to take care of pets during the pandemic By Jason Boyett

ince the pandemic left so many Americans unexpectedly cooped up at home, it’s no surprise that pet adoptions soared in the weeks that followed. At the national level, lonely individuals sought companionship, one of the most human needs. But pet surrenders also increased during the shutdown, across the United States. These were due to a variety of factors, from elderly owners unable to feed their pets, families who felt the financial crunch, and even individuals who became hospitalized and weren’t able to care for their pets. Luckily, the rise in pet surrenders wasn’t overwhelming in Amarillo. For instance, in March 2020, AAMR took in 155 owner-surrendered dogs and cats. This number was added to 326 strays taken in by the city, plus 57 impounded animals, which result from animal cruelty cases, bite quarantines and more. That’s a total of 538 pets the city had to feed, shelter and treat with veterinary care. Meanwhile, the month of March also saw 180 cat and dog adoptions and 76 strays returned to their owners. Another 297 cats and dogs were transferred to rescue groups. The drive-thru food pantry helped many local pet owners continue to feed their furry friends. As Amarillo Animal Management & Welfare (AAMW) director Dr. Kati Wrubel explained in that feature, preventing economy-based pet surrenders was at the heart of that partnership with Merrick Pet Foods. “The concern with COVID was that we would get a ton of animals in, but we couldn’t give them positive outcomes,” she says. The government-forced shutdowns for public safety had a ripple effect that impacted AAMW’s ability to re-home animals quickly. “Strays

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have to be held for three business days, open to the public, before we owned them,” says Wrubel. But as soon as AAMW closed, it meant those strays couldn’t be exposed to the public. That meant the shelter had to care for those dogs and cats, even though they didn’t legally belong to the city yet. “We closed to the public and until we opened back up, we had approximately 90 dogs and cats that had to wait. Basically, they were stuck in limbo because of the law.” After reopening in mid-May, those strays then had a three-day window to be reclaimed by their owners. (On average, just 13% of stray pets are ever reclaimed.) Only after that period could the city adopt them out or or pass them along to animal rescue groups. But there’s good news. Around a third of those animals got adopted within a few days of AAMW reopening and them passing the three-day threshold. “The rest went out on transport to local rescue groups,” says Wrubel. During the shutdown period, the city also developed a curbside adoption program backed by an online application process. “[Potential pet owners] could apply to adopt online. If they were a good fit, they could come pick the pet up,” she says. “These pets would then have a 48-hour, foster-to-adopt period.” If a pet didn’t end up being a good match with the family, they could be brought back within that timeframe. Wrubel and her team focused on making sure animals up for adoption were the kinds they knew would be comfortable around kids. “During that time, we made a new webpage with better photos of animals on stray-hold,” she says. “We had a lot more reclaims. There were a lot of good outcomes in that respect.”

Achieving those good outcomes is a driving force behind much of what happens at AAMW. Wrubel and her staff are constantly working on surrender prevention in their efforts to reduce euthanizations, which are a last resort after the shelter reaches its maximum capacity. Keeping that number as low as possible is always a challenge because so many animals end up at the shelter. “Per capita, Amarillo has more animals coming in than Dallas or Austin, much bigger cities,” she says. “There are a lot of animals coming in but not a lot of people coming to adopt.” She says the spring and early summer are always a busy time for surrenders because it’s breeding season. The warmer weather means more plentiful food choices for feral cats, and that means an uptick in litters of wild kittens. “This time of year, it’s a big challenge. It’s not uncommon to get 70 to 80 animals coming in in a day,” Wrubel says. Many of these are the kittens of field strays and barn or shop cats, along with occasional owner surrenders. “Unfortunately, it’s common that people dump kittens outside without a mother.” In response, AAMW has introduced a kitten neonatal foster program funded by a recently approved grant. “It’s very exciting. We’re currently recruiting fosters and people taking kittens. We provide food and education through the grant. It’s going to save hundreds of kittens this year,” says Wrubel. They’ve also introduced a program called SCAR – Second Chance Animal Rescue – for long-stay animals that end up at the shelter for more than a couple months. AAMW spays, neuters and provides veterinary services for these animals, then allows them to be “borrowed” for a day before full adoption. “A lot of it depends on

how the animals are showcased,” she says. “By bringing them into a different environment than a shelter, they go pretty fast.” She speculates that shelter adoptions are often a hard sell because shelters are inherently depressing. “Going to the shelter is sad – that’s just the truth – so we are partnering with [local organizations] to increase adoptions,” she says. Many of these organizations will make pets available for adoption at retailers like PetSmart or PetCo. That change in environment is one reason the city’s online application process has been effective, as Wrubel and company work to save as many furry lives as possible. “We started it during COVID-19 for the adoptions we were doing, but we continue to use that application,” Wrubel says. “[It generates] lots of useful information about what people are looking for in a pet.” For instance, it makes sure applicants know that working-breed dogs need exercise and mental stimulation – literally, these dogs need a job to do. “We definitely have been doing more to make sure a pet is a good match. If we do get an animal that we know has certain issues, behaviorally or medically, we reach out to rescue groups who can put it in a foster home,” she says. As an expert in animal behavior, Wrubel knows that the best success in a pet adoption is compatibility – whether with people or other family pets. “If we have transparency in what pet they’re adopting and what their needs are, it allows us to find a better match,” the AAMW director says. Better matches mean a better quality of life for dogs, cats and other pets – and for their forever families as well.

A D O P T- A - P E T ANIMAL MANAGEMENT & W E L FA R E A D O P T I O N F E E S Adoption fees for AAMW include spaying/neutering, rabies vaccination, heartworm testing for dogs aged 6 months or older, and microchipping with lifetime registration. Cats: $25 Dogs: $35 3501 S. OSAGE ST. TUESDAY THROUGH FRIDAY, 10 A.M. TO 6 P.M. SATURDAY, 10 A.M. TO 5 P.M. AMW.AMARILLO.GOV

PROVIDED PHOTOS

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W H AT ’ S M Y C O M M I T M E N T ? Emotions and the cuteness factor can be strong enticements when you’re considering whether to adopt an animal. But it’s also important – in fact, it’s essential – to consider your responsibilities as a pet owner. How much time will you actually be committing to providing a loving home for a pet? At the core of this issue is a pet’s lifespan. For most pets, adoption is a decision that entails years of care. Here are the average lifespans for the most common household pets:

A M A R I L LO - A R E A R E S C U E A N D A N I M A L S H E LT E R S A group of passionate volunteers look after as many of the city’s lost, abandoned or abused animals as they can find. Some of these entities have brick-and-mortar locations, while others offer their services on social media. Before you buy your family’s next furry companion, research these sites and save a life.

Dogs: 8 to 13-plus years

Larger dogs tend to have shorter lives than smaller dogs. The oldest dog on record was an Australian cattle dog that lived to the age of 29!

Cats: 2 to 18 years

Indoor cats live much longer, often 12 years or more. Outdoor cats are exposed to a greater probability of illness or accident and tend to have shorter lives.

Fish: 2 years minimum

Some betta fish may live only two years. Others, like koi, can live for decades. One koi in Japan was suspected to have lived more than 200 years. (It died in 1977.)

AMARILLO ANIMAL MANAGEMENT AND WELFARE

Overseen by the City of Amarillo, the shelter offers foster and adoption services for cats and dogs. 3501 S. Osage St., 378.9032, amw.amarillo.gov

AMARILLO-PANHANDLE HUMANE SOCIETY

Housed in the City of Amarillo’s AAMW, the humane society is a foster-based nonprofit rescue whose aim is transporting animals at risk of euthanasia to safety. 3501 S. Osage St., 373.1716, facebook.com/ amarillopanhandlehumanesociety

Budgies/Parakeets: 5 to 8 years

Though fragile, some parakeets in captivity could live a dozen years or longer.

Parrots/Cockatiels: 16-plus years

Most cockatiels can live into their 20s. Larger birds, like macaws and cockatoos, can live for decades. Charlie, a blue-and-yellow macaw in England, was born in 1899 and is still alive.

Hamstesr/Rats/Mice: 1 to 2 years

Small, domesticated rodents have relatively short lifespans. They are considered “elderly” after about 18 months.

Rabbits: 7 to 10 years

Like dogs, larger breeds of rabbits or bunnies don’t live as long as smaller breeds. And like cats, pets that spend most of their time outdoors have shorter lifespans as well.

Reptiles: 3 to 40 years

The smallest lizards live the shortest lives, while larger ones may live much longer. (Lizards live longer in the wild than in captivity.) Snakes live an average of 9 years, but some species can live for decades. They tend to be healthier in the wild rather than captivity.

Chickens: 5 to 10 years

Heritage hens kept in a dry, warm backyard coop will have a better chance at a long life, especially if protected from outdoor predators.

Horses: 25 to 30 years

Advances in veterinary care keep horses living longer than ever. A foal in England named Old Billy was thought to have lived to the age of 62.

AMARILLO PANHANDLE REHOMING PETS

A private Facebook group, Amarillo Panhandle Rehoming Pets allows members to post information and photos of lost pets or those that need a permanent home. facebook.com/groups/amarillopanhandlerehomingpets

AMARILLO SHELTER FRIENDS

ASF posts photos of animals on its Facebook page that are housed at the city shelter or lost, in hopes of reuniting owners and animals and providing foster or permanent homes for them. facebook.com/amarilloshelterfriends

AMARILLO SPCA

The Amarillo branch of the SPCA advocates for the city’s dogs and cats, and also offers foster and adoption services for cats and dogs. 11901 S. Coulter St., 622.0555, amarillospcashelter.com

AMARILLO VOLUNTEER PET RESCUE

This group of volunteers works to help shelter dogs be adopted, and spayed/neutered. facebook.com/groups/1599999500214822

ANIMAL RESCUE SHELTER, INC.

The rescue shelter has been operating since 1996. It cares for abandoned and abused animals until they’re adopted. 12500 S. FM 1541, 622.1082, facebook.com/animal-shelter

DOVE CREEK EQUINE RESCUE

Nestled in a beautiful canyon, Dove Creek rescues horses and rehabilitates them by allowing them to roam and live in their natural habitat. 16201 Gordon Cummings Road, Canyon, 877.32.5622, dovecreekequinerescue.org

FRIENDS OF TEXAS PANHANDLE SHELTER PETS

This group works to transport local shelter pets to other cities and states for adoption, predominantly through private airplane flights. facebook.com/ftxpsp

AMARILLOMAGONLINE.COM • JULY 2020

GRACIE’S PROJECT

SAVING AMARILLO SHELTER DOGS

KARTS

SECOND CHANCE ANIMAL RESCUE

The nonprofit rescue saves dogs from the EU list and animals that are surrendered at Hope Vet Clinic. P O Box 2152, graciesproject.com

Kearns Animal Rescue Transportation works with AAMW and local rescue shelters to transport large numbers of animals to adoption events and out-oftown adoption and rescue agencies in the Dallas area. 570.1286, karts44.wixsite.com

LONE STAR SCALES AND TAILS

While not a typical rescue agency, Lone Star Scales and Tails is a sanctuary to abused, neglected and abandoned animals from around the world. It offers educational experiences for the community as guests interact with the animals in its care. 1008 S. Adams St., 418.3570, lonestarscalesandtails.com

SASD uses its network of volunteers throughout the U.S. to pull dogs from the city shelter for transport, foster or adoption. facebook.com/SASDOGS

This nonprofit, volunteer-based group works to bring long-stay animals that have been housed at Amarillo Animal Management & Welfare to adoption events to find permanent homes for them. 503.4729, scaramarillo.org

TEXAS PANHANDLE PET SAVERS, INC.

This foster-based rescue group facilitates the rescue of dogs and cats through its Facebook page and weekly adoption events at PetCo. P O Box 7545, texaspanhandlepetsavers.org

YELLOW CITY SHELTER CATS PANHANDLE SAFE HAYVEN EQUINE RESCUE, INC.

Safe Hayven rescues and rehabilitates neglected and abused horses, rehoming them after recovery. It is run solely by volunteers. 1809 Plateau Lane, 681.51611, panhandlehorserescue.com

Yellow City Shelter Cats is a volunteer-created page that posts cats housed at Amarillo Animal Management & Welfare/Amarillo-Panhandle Humane Society. facebook.com/pg/yellowcitycats

ROMEOW RESCUE TNR CAT PROJECT BY CHRC

Critter Haven Rescue TNR uses its community Facebook page to fundraise for the purpose of trap, neuter, release of the city’s feral cats. facebook.com/pg/critterhavenrescuetnr

Did we miss your rescue agency? Please email details to mmcaffrey@amarillo.com to be included in our digital edition.

JULY 2020 • AMARILLOMAGONLINE.COM

PROVIDED PHOTOS

Feature

Sit, Stay, Play Amarillo’s Central Bark revolutionizes pet daycare

By Jonathan Baker

hen LaDon Paige and her son, Clarke, started Central Bark, Amarillo’s first pet enrichment daycare, they had no idea that a global pandemic would nearly stop them in their tracks a month later. But the Paiges believed in their business, and their dedication has paid off. Today, the dogs of Amarillo have access to a full-service pet daycare that offers grooming, boarding and training, and a shop that offers enriching pet care products. Meanwhile, dogs in the daycare are given the “stimulation, interaction, playtime, naptime and TLC they need to keep them happy and healthy.” It’s all part of a new approach to dog care – an idea that is sweeping the nation and has now arrived in the Yellow City.

Barking Up the Right Tree

There are currently around 50 Central Bark facilities across the nation, but the one in Amarillo – now located at 50th and Western, across from the post office, is the first in Texas. Things weren’t easy in the early days of the local location, considering that Central Bark opened in February – just before the COVID-19 epidemic hit – but LaDon and her staff soldiered along, and they’re beginning to see the rewards. “Things are picking up,” she says. “The PPP [Paycheck Protection Program] loan helped me immensely. I’m very thankful for that, and our staff hung in there and I think we made it through.” Another major challenge has been that a lot of folks in the Panhandle don’t seem to understand what Central Bark does. “Pet daycare is pretty novel to Amarillo,” says LaDon, “and a lot of people don’t understand that, well, we’re not a babysitter. We are an enrichment daycare.” LaDon says the job, oftentimes, seems to consist in large part of educating locals about “what enrichment daycare is and what it will do for your dog – it just makes the world go round, having a fit dog at home!” The methods used by Central Bark are backed by years of scientific research and training trial and error. According to LaDon, Central Bark’s researchers “stay on top of everything. That for us was

AMARILLOMAGONLINE.COM • JULY 2020

the reason we bought the franchise, because that research is there and it’s tried and true. Any information we’re getting about dogs is not coming from a rogue website or something like that. It’s fact.” The “enrichment daycare” aspect of Central Bark represents the core mission of the business. Clients sign up for a minimum once-aweek commitment to bring their dog in. “It’s usually the same day of the week,” says LaDon, “because that way they have the same friends every week, the same playmates, and it just works out really well.” Upon first arrival, the Central Bark staff will perform a free behavior assessment on the dog. “Not all dogs are good for daycare,” explains LaDon. “There are some dogs that are uncomfortable, and that’s not at all what we want. We do the assessment to make sure they’re enjoying themselves, and that they’re safe to be around their playmates.” After a dog passes the assessment, they’ll be cleared for the daycare. A typical day in the daycare consists of much more than simply playing with other dogs – though that’s an important element. Instead, the dogs are put through a cycle of varying improvement and healthy elements. As LaDon explains, the schedule rotates “enrichment-play-rest-enrichment-play-rest-enrichment-play, at different time spans.” During enrichment and play, while with the group, the dogs are never left unattended. “There’s always someone in there,” says LaDon, meaning the dogs are supervised by at least one of Central Bark’s qualified dog handlers. She proudly notes that every member of the staff has gone through extensive training, and all are pet CPR and pet first-aid certified. During the day, the dogs play and are fed lunch. During playtime, the staff often blows bubbles to the dogs or lets them take a dip in the swimming pool. The trainers will also work with the animals on simple manners: sit, stay and gate training. Even during naptime, the dogs are given some form of enrichment filled with treats, in order to keep their mind occupied while they’re in the crate. It’s all part of the business’ “whole dog care theory.”

“We want the dogs to stay physically, mentally and emotionally sound and stable while they’re here,” says LaDon. And the treatment works. “It’s hilarious, the stories our pet parents tell us: When they get in the car and they’re getting ready to leave, the dog knows that’s their day, and they’re so excited. One lady today said she was on the phone in the car when they pulled up, and the dog’s just bouncing in the backseat, excited to come inside.” So, with all this excitement, are visits limited to once a week? “One to two days a week is usually what we recommend,” says LaDon, “but we have dogs that come every day because the parents work, and they don’t want to leave their dog at home in the kennel all day.”

Daycare Is Just the Beginning

In addition to the enriched daycare services, Central Bark also offers a market area where it sells dog food, toys and dog accessories. CB hosts birthday parties. Pet owners and animal lovers can even take pet CPR classes, as well as CPR first-aid training for pets. The facility also employs a certified trainer, who utilizes positive reinforcement. The trainer offers puppy training classes as well as adult-dog training classes, and individual training is also available. Central Bark offers pickup and delivery services for your dog. “Maybe you’re going out of town to the airport, you don’t have time to bring your dog and the other,” explains LaDon, “or if you’ve got a new mother with a baby, we can pick their dog up. It’s just for whatever reason.” Amarillo’s Central Bark also offers two different kinds of boarding. If your pet is one of the organization’s regular daycare dogs (and has gone through the behavior assessment), the pet can do what’s called

“sleepovers.” This means that, during the day, the dog will go out into the group and play with other dogs. However, if the animal is not a daycare dog, “Stay and Play” allows the dog to play by itself during the day in their own play yard. All boarding stays are charged for 24-hour periods. This avoids the pitfall of a lot of boarding sites where, if you bring your dog in on Friday and pick them up on Saturday, you’re charged for two days. “With us being in the city limits,” says Paige, “we’re limited to how many dogs we can board a night. So we board according to the guidelines of the City of Amarillo.” And then there’s the full-service grooming salon, where the staff performs “spa baths that include both a bath and a blow dry, as well as a nail trim and ear cleaning. Central Bark offers a few extra services, like special shampoos, Dremel on the nails, anal gland suppression, and FURminator de-shedding services. For folks who are feeling a bit of trepidation about the business, Central Bark offers the previously mentioned free behavior assessment, as well as two free days of dog care. This, the Paiges feel, is a good way to help people understand what daycare is without feeling like they’re taking a risk. “It’s honestly just so socially, emotionally and mentally enriching,” says LaDon Paige. “You talk to pet parents and they say, ‘He’s so much better around my grandkids. He doesn’t jump on them.’ It calms them a little bit to where they’re not so rambunctious, especially if they’re an only dog at home. They come to daycare and then when the parents walk them and they see other dogs, they’re not acting a fool, running over, barking at them. They’re used to seeing the dog and they think, ‘Hey, these other people are friendly.’”

Four Benefits of Making Sure Your Dog Has a “Social Life” 1. A Social Dog Is a Happy Dog Letting your dog be social means letting your dog make friends – and we all know, as humans, how important friendship can be. 2. A Social Dog Is a Calm Dog When you take your dog for a walk, does he or she strain at the leash, barking at every dog or child that passes by? This could mean you’re not giving your animal enough social interaction. Dogs that haven’t socialized with others are often fearful of new animals, people or situations. 3. A Social Dog Is a Confident Dog Letting your dog spend time with a group will allow it to develop new, wellrounded traits. When dogs are accustomed to being in social settings with other dogs, this often translates to a more relaxed animal around people as well. And you’ll notice the difference the next time you have a barbecue or birthday party at your house. 4. A Social Dog Is a Healthy Dog Letting your dog play with other dogs will ensure that your animal is happier. And a happier dog is a healthier dog, and a healthier dog is a better companion, who is likely to live a longer and fuller life.

JULY 2020 • AMARILLOMAGONLINE.COM

Inspire

PROVIDED PHOTOS

Jane By Maggie Burt

his precious girl chose me to be her person on the sidewalk outside the local pizzeria where I worked when I was only 21. One look from her blue eyes, and I was finished. She was mine, her name was Jane, and we were going to do life together. I did not have a pet growing up, so her earliest weeks were a chaotic and cuddly whirlwind. I read books on the topic because I didn’t want to mess it up. We lived in a duplex in the Amarillo College area, and she was always by my side, no leash required. In those days, it was pizza by day, music by night. This worked out beautifully for Jane, as my musician friends who worked at the restaurant were kind enough to let her lick the traces of dough and tomato sauce from their shoes while we sang and danced the night away. My nephew and niece were born during this time, and Jane loved any chance to see them. She was so sweet and gentle and has been wonderful with children ever since. In the summer of 2008, the music led us to Austin, and she remained an ideal roommate. She accompanied me on hikes, sat on restaurant patios, and even went to bars. It was Austin, after all. She has never

AMARILLOMAGONLINE.COM • JULY 2020

had much use for exercise or frivolity. On frequent walks through the neighborhood, she would sit in patches of shade and look up at me with eyes that said, “Is this over yet?” Once, I took her to float the river, and while other pups splashed and played, she scurried atop the innertube that was carrying our cooler. She remained perched there like a queen for most of the day. She spent countless hours at my feet while I played the piano or napping nearby while I learned to play the guitar. Watching her corgi legs carry her basset hound body up and down those apartment stairs each day was one of the more humorous things I had ever seen. She has never liked a thunderstorm, but it is nothing a good snuggle can’t fix. Fetch is nothing special, but tug of war is everything. I swear she understands every word I say. During an afternoon set at a music festival in 2012, Jane surprised and delighted everyone by finding her way to the main stage, up the ramp, past the crew, joining the band for our last several songs. When we moved back to Amarillo and stayed in my parents’ back house for a time, they would often sit on the back porch and play with her, or she would carefully lay her little head on my mother’s foot while

they watched their evening shows. The love is entirely mutual, which says quite a bit about Jane’s winning personality when you consider my mother’s enthusiasm for cleanliness. Jane sheds like nobody’s business. I have long grown accustomed to it, and I will miss it when she’s gone. Three or four worn out vacuum cleaners is a small price to pay for her company. Just before Thanksgiving in 2017, Jane went on an adventure. I am still not certain how it happened, but she was missing for a full week. Those were the longest, most sleepless days and nights of my life. I slept on the front porch that first night. I moved to the couch after that, but the front door remained open around the clock, with her bed just outside. I took to throwing dirty socks into the yard in hopes that the scent would guide her home. One glorious afternoon, I got a phone call that she had been relaxing in someone’s back yard about a mile from our house. I fell to the ground and sobbed when we were reunited. Our daily life has grown considerably quieter and more predictable these last couple of years, as I began to step away from performing and pursue teaching. This suits both of us just fine. Last month, Jane and I celebrated 14 years of belonging to each other. Stairs are no longer enjoyable, though she does insist upon brief tug of war battles on her best days, and still revels in barking at squirrels. Treats are a mandatory nightly ritual. Most evenings, she is carefully lifted onto the bed for head scratches for her, and sweet

company for me. After a time, she will slowly make her way to the edge, and hop onto her extra thick orthopedic bed. I would happily help her down, but she will do this one thing herself, thank you very much. Her hearing is fading away, but she seems happy. Her tail wags nearly as often as it always did, she is just a little more surprised all the time because she doesn’t hear people coming. She has been my comfort and my confidante in the beginnings and endings of romantic entanglements, career changes, seven homes in two cities, four different bands, numerous road trips, many tears, and countless joyful memories. We grew up together. She still sleeps by my feet when I play the piano, and I still sing to her as if she were my child. Beloved Jane has blessed me with her companionship beyond her life expectancy, and I will cherish every moment with her as long as she is happy and healthy.

MAGGIE BURT Maggie is an elementary music teacher in Amarillo, who also spent 15 years as a singer and songwriter in Amarillo and Austin.

JULY 2020 • AMARILLOMAGONLINE.COM

[ GE T TO KN OW YO U R ]

Locally Owned Businesses

GL ASS D O C TO R O F A M AR I LLO Company history: Wayne and Edythe Robinson opened Wayne’s Quality Auto Glass, Inc. in 1986, and in 2006, made the decision to purchase the Glass Doctor franchise to expand the business into all areas of the glass industry. Business Philosophy: To exceed the customer’s expectations! Our legacy: We are proud to say that we are a family-owned business and proud to have families working together in our business. Family is so important, and it is an important part of what makes our business successful. What is the secret to your business’ success? Teamwork, accountability, and grace! We all need grace from the Lord every day, and we are better when we extend grace to one another. We truly feel our success is not one thing, but is the whole team working together for the good of our business and our customers. What makes Glass Doctor stand out? Absolutely our employees! They go above and beyond to take care of the customer and do the best job they can. We are invested in them and they are invested in the company! Our core values: Treat others the way you would like to be treated – simple, but so important! Plans for the future: To continue to serve the Amarillo and Canyon communities, but also expand into other areas of the Panhandle to take care of glass needs. How we give back: We are grateful for the work that is done at Hope Choice and are happy to give and support this organization. We also support Reaching Souls International as they support national missionaries in several countries.

2515 BRITAIN DRIVE | 358.7684 GLASSDOCTOR.COM

[ A DV ER T ISEM EN T ]

[ A DVER T I S EM EN T ]

[ GE T TO KN OW YO U R ]

Locally Owned Businesses

LE S LI E MA S S E Y Company history: In business for 11 years. Business philosophy: Do what is right for the client and the agency will benefit in the long run. Our legacy: Customer service and hard work What is the secret to your business’ success? Hard work and putting the client’s needs ahead of our own. What makes your company stand out? We care for our clients like we do our own families. When we hear of our clients hurting, we try to help any way we can. We have sent gift cards, flowers and meals to brighten their day. We are more than just an insurance agency; we really care about our people both in the agency and our clients. We have won awards and accolades from Farmers Insurance, and that is wonderful, but at the end of the day we are here to love one another. I feel that my agency is my outlet to serve people and make a positive difference in our community. Our core values: Honesty, integrity, hard work Plans for the future: We are expanding our agency team and plan to grow our business in this next year. I’m building an insurance empire for my 6-year-old son, Truett III – he just doesn’t understand it yet. How we give back: We are dedicated to giving back to our community through programs like the United Way, and we love to support the ARC at Amarillo College, among the other nonprofits my team is involved in. We want to use our influence for the good of our community.

2700 S. WESTERN ST., SUITE 700 | 352.7388 FARMERSAGENT.COM/MMASSEY

RECLAIM YOUR GAME We take a modern approach to get you back in action — no matter what level of athlete you are. This is not your ordinary physical therapy. Put us on your team with: Æ A leading, board-certified orthopedic surgeon Æ Highly trained physical therapists Æ Access to the Verdure Fitness Club in Amarillo … and more.

DON’T STAY ON THE SIDELINES!

To schedule an appointment, call 806-351-7878.

Physicians are independent practitioners who are not employees or agents of Northwest Texas Healthcare System. The system shall not be liable for actions or treatments provided by physicians. For language assistance, disability accommodations and the non-discrimination notice, visit our website. 200110-7791 5/20

AMARILLOMAGONLINE.COM • JULY 2020

Let’s Eat!

Restaurants • Food • Spirits

Cada Vez Comida Mexicana

promising new Tex-Mex hotspot recently opened in Town Square: Cada Vez Comida Mexicana. We’re seeing a lot of buzz about food quality, fun atmosphere and delicious cocktails on social media, and it’s given us something to look forward to in the coming months. Enjoy lunch, Happy Hour, and dinner daily, with brunch on Saturday and Sunday. Diners rave about Cada Vez’s Mexican street corn, enchiladas, and margaritas. You can also choose from 22 beers on tap from the full bar, enjoy the patio as the weather cools down in the evenings, and listen to live music. The restaurant also offers a large party room, which can accommodate up to 50 guests.

9200 Town Square Blvd., Suite 1000 418.6976 cadavezamarillo.com Open Monday through Wednesday, 11 a.m.-11 p.m.; Thursday through Saturday, 10 a.m.-midnight; and Sunday, 10 a.m.-11 p.m.

PROVIDED PHOTOS

PRICING GUIDE $ most entrees less than $10 $$ most entrees $11 to $20 $$$ most entrees more than $21 NEW New to Let’s Eat! UPDATE

Updated entry

THE LET’S EAT! GUIDE IS A READER SERVICE COMPILED BY THE AMARILLO MAGAZINE EDITORIAL STAFF. THE MAGAZINE DOES NOT ACCEPT ADVERTISING OR OTHER COMPENSATION IN EXCHANGE FOR A LISTING. THE GUIDE IS UPDATED REGULARLY. TO CORRECT A LISTING OR RECOMMEND A RESTAURANT FOR CONSIDERATION, CONTACT MICHELE MCAFFREY AT MMCAFFREY@AMARILLO.COM.

JUNE 2020 • AMARILLOMAGONLINE.COM

Amarillo 1887 SOCIAL HOUSE

Located inside Embassy Suites Downtown, 1887 is open for lunch and dinner. Start your meal with something from the small bites menu, and move on to a hearty steak. Relax in the spacious lobby with an after-dinner drink. 550 S. Buchanan St., 803.5504 $$

THE AÇAÍ BAR

For those pursuing the clean-eating trend, The Açaí Bar can keep you on track. Choose from filling bowls or smoothies as an alternative to a fast food breakfast or lunch. Each menu item is made fresh with mostly organic ingredients. The customer favorite Monkey Bowl – an açaí blend topped with granola, pineapple, bananas, strawberries, mini chocolate chips, coconut shreds and honey – will keep you satisfied past the daily 3 p.m. slump. 7306 SW 34th Ave., Suite 9, 367.9724, theacaibaramarillo.com $

AMERICAN MADE COFFEE HOUSE

American Made’s menu includes fresh sandwiches, gourmet coffee, and freshmade sweets. Stop by for speedy and friendly service before you begin the workday. 6402 River Road, 236.0005 $

BAGEL PLACE

Whether for breakfast or lunch, the Bagel Place offers a wide variety of cream cheese and bagel flavors. Zip through the convenient drive-thru for a great, lazy morning take-home breakfast. For lunch, try the bagel sandwiches made with Boars Head cheese and meat, a generous salad, or a tasty bowl of soup. 3301 Bell St., 353.5985, bagelplace.net $

BLUE CRANE BAKERY

This breakfast- and lunch-only shop serves savory quiche, Keto-friendly baked goods, and plenty of rich sweets for the rest of us. The lineup varies every day, but you’ll find cookies, cupcakes, muffins, bars, poptarts, pie, cake and more, served with coffee from The 806. 3223 SW Sixth Ave., 322.3233 $ NEW

CADA VEZ COMIDA MEXICANA

Located in Town Square, Cada Vez serves Tex-Mex cuisine in a family-friendly atmosphere. Popular items include Mexican street corn, enchiladas, and a classic margarita. Choose from 22 beers on tap from the bar, enjoy the patio and live music, or host a large group inside the restaurant’s party room, which 30

AMARILLOMAGONLINE.COM • JULY 2020

can accommodate up to 50 guests. 9200 Town Square Blvd., Suite 1000, 418.6976, cadavezamarillo.com $$

COYOTE BLUFF CAFE

Don’t let the outside fool you. This is seriously good food. The full pound, green chile cheeseburger is Southwest divine (add jalapeños for extra zip). Cool off with an ice cold beer. 2417 S. Grand St., 373.4640, cbctogo.com $

DELVIN’S RESTAURANT & CATERING

Head to Delvin’s and fill up on some of the city’s finest comfort food. Long-time chef Delvin Wilson opened his small eatery in 2015, and it’s quickly become a favorite lunch and brunch stop. Sample a three-meat combination barbecue plate, or traditional American favorites like fried chicken, soul food, and fresh fried catfish. Finish with the homemade buttermilk pie. 1300 N. Hughes St., 803.9111/ 701 S. Taylor St., 350.7441, delvinsrestaurant.com $

THE DRUNKEN OYSTER

Open Monday through Saturday 11 a.m.2 a.m. and Sunday 11 a.m.-9 p.m., The Drunken Oyster features Louisiana-style cuisine in a unique and sophisticated setting. Fill up on fresh oysters, crawfish etouffee, gumbo, jambalaya, po’boys, and plenty of shrimp entrees. Craft cocktails and an excellent wine list ensure you’ll stay awhile. 7606 SW 45th Ave., Suite 100, 418.6668, drunkenoysteramarillo.com $$

EL BRACERO MEXICAN GRILL

Home-cooked flavor and excellent service make El Bracero Home-cooked flavor and excellent service make El Bracero a popular stop for authentic Mexican food. You’ll find a full menu of Mexican favorites like fajitas, carne asada, and enchiladas that keep local patrons satisfied. 2116 S. Grand St., 373.4788/2028 Paramount Blvd., 398.4440 $$

ELMO’S DRIVE-IN

This classic drive-in offers old-fashioned burgers and fountain drinks to-go from its original location in the San Jacinto neighborhood. Fill up on fresh grilled ham and cheese sandwiches, fries, and soda fountain-style sundaes. 2618 SW Third Ave., 374.3566 $

FAVS

Conveniently located close to downtown, FAVs (which stands for Fruits And Veggies)

offers salads, smoothies, soups and snacks chockfull of fresh vegetables, fruits, seeds and nuts – perfect for grab-and-go early morning fuel or a midday lunch. The healthconscious diner will also appreciate protein shakes, fresh muffins, juice and more. 706 SW 16th Ave., 803.9171, favstx.com $

FURRBIE’S

You’ll find old-fashioned grilled onion burgers and an array of sandwiches, salads, seafood and ice cream treats at Furrbie’s. Hot dog enthusiasts will love the famous Nathan’s Hot Dogs, the originals from Coney Island, New York, made with 100-percent kosher American beef. Looking to cool off ? Choose from fruity-flavored ice treats or ice cream. 210 SW Sixth Ave., 220.0841 $

GLORIA’S OYSTER BAR

Gloria’s menu consists of seafood, Mexican, Tex-Mex dishes and Salvadoran food. The lightly spiced tamales are handmade, steamed in banana leaves and filled with chicken, potatoes, sweet peppers and tomatoes. The sopa siete mares, a brothbased soup made with shrimp, scallops, halibut, perch and vegetables, is full of flavor. 1300 S. Grand St., 373.2722 $

GRILLS GON’ WILD

At Grills Gon’ Wild, you can expect a good time. You’ll find fresh food, made to order, with aged hand-cut steaks and daily specials like chicken alfredo, baby back ribs, or fish tacos. Open early for breakfast, as well as lunch and dinner, there’s plenty of options to keep you going back for more. 5120 Canyon Drive, 352.1145, grillsgonwild.com $

THE HANDLE BAR AND GRILL

Open at 7 a.m. on Friday, Saturday and Sunday for the breakfast crowd, The Handle Bar serves Texas-style comfort food – the handmade burgers are a customer favorite. Dine outside on historic Route 66 or cool off inside while savoring an ice-cold beer. 3514 SW Sixth Ave., 803.9538, thehandlebarandgrill.webs.com $

HUMMERS SPORTS CAFE

Hang out with friends and eat your fill of Hummer’s great appetizers. Start off with a platter of raw oysters and a bucket of beer. We highly recommend the steak. 2600 Paramount Blvd., Suite B2, 353.0723, hummerssportscafe.com $$

ICHIBAN NOODLE BAR & ASIAN CUISINE

With the inner workings of its kitchen on display, Ichiban makes you feel like you’re right in the middle of a bustling noodle bar on a street in Asia. Endless choices of cold noodles and hot dishes make your dinner decision a tough one. 3309 Wimberly Road, 355.5031 $

J ACOBO’S CAFE

The shrimp tostadas with pico de gallo, cucumber, avocado and rice, and Don Jacobo Burger, two half-pound patties with ham and asadero cheese, caught our eye at Jacobo’s Cafe. But if you’re in the mood for breakfast, the Belgian waffle or breakfast burrito will surely satisfy. 3701 Olsen Blvd., Suite L, 418.8850, jacoboscafe.com $

JORGE’S MEXICAN BAR & GRILL

In the mood for fajitas? Look no further than Jorge’s. Portion sizes are generous and prices are reasonable. 6051 S. Bell St., 354.2241, jorgesmexican.com $$

KABUKI ROMANZA JAPANESE STEAKHOUSE & SUSHI BAR

Who says you can’t enjoy fresh sushi aboard a boat in the heart of the Panhandle? Kabuki Romanza serves teppan-style cooking and fresh-sliced sushi in a dining area that resembles a boat, surrounded by special effects that add to the tropical feel. 8130 I-40 West, 358.7799, kabukiromanza.com $$

KATHY’S KITCHEN

This is the simple, Texas Panhandle home-style food locals crave. Grab the napkins and tackle the brisket burger, a hamburger patty topped with brisket and smothered in barbecue sauce, cheese, and two stuffed jalapeños. Generous portions, daily specials, and low prices will keep you going back for more. 4517 Highway 136, 383.2513 $

LA FUENTE TORTERIA

Served on fresh bolillo bread, La Fuente’s hearty tortas are filled with everything you might expect to find in a burrito. Choose from ham and cheese, pork shoulder, sausage and asada beef. You’ll also find traditional tacos, burritos, tamales, and menudo (only on weekends). 511 S. Grand St., 444.6761 $

LEMONGRASS SUSHI & WOK

The thought of fried spring rolls, steamed gyoza and tempura shrimp is enough to make anyone’s stomach rumble, but the food at Lemongrass can easily halt that hunger. Chef Lee Doan offers Asian specialty dishes straight from the wok such as stir-fried udon noodles and Mongolian beef. The enticing sushi menu is ample. Keep water within arm’s reach when sampling the Red Hot Cajun or the Flying Dragon. 2207 S. Western St., Suite 800, 352.5535 $ NEW

MARHABA ERITREAN AND ETHIOPIAN CUISINE

Serving East African food, Marhaba also has a small food market. Menu items are served on injera, a spongy flatbread. The injera is topped with meat and side orders and designed for sharing. Breakfast is served until 12 p.m., with lunch and dinner service also available. 2522 Paramount Blvd., 367.6077, marhabararestaurant.wordpress.com $

JULY 2020 • AMARILLOMAGONLINE.COM

NEW

THE MASON JAR

Settled inside Evole by Moonwater on Sixth Street, The Mason Jar offers layered salads, sandwiches, soups, wraps, and charcuterie and dessert boards. 3313 SW Sixth Ave., 236.1799 $

MULLIGANS SPORTS PUB

Chase away the munchies with Mulligans’ new menu, served daily until 1:30 a.m. Share a round of appetizers or fill up on entrees from the grill. The Fast Break Philly, Quarterback Quesadillas, or Fast Break French Dip will surely leave you satisfied while you cheer on your favorite team. 2511 Paramount Blvd., Suite B1, 367.8428, mulligansamarillo.com $

NORTH HEIGHTS DISCOUNT & CAFE

Part convenience store and part neighborhood eatery, North Heights Discount & Cafe serves made-to-order soul food every day but Sunday. Portions are huge at Discount, but can you ever have too much smoky ribs, fried catfish, french fries, or mac-and-cheese? We don’t think so. 1621 NW 18th Ave., 418.6751 $

OHMS CAFE & BAR

Set in downtown Amarillo, OHMS serves a buffet-style lunch then switches to wait service in the evenings. The chef features specials each week that range from seafood and smoked duck to beef tenderloin. Start with daily Happy Hour and give the Bar Burger a try. (It’s not on the menu, but it might be the best burger in town.) Excellent cuisine and service make this a delightful place to linger. 619 S. Tyler St., 373.3233, ohmscafe.com $$-$$$

OUTBACK STEAKHOUSE

the evenings. 3415-K Bell St., 350.5430, pescaraz.com $$

a tasty lunch or dinner. 2630 Wolflin Ave., 803.9470 $

PUBLIC HOUSE

TAQUERIA Y RESTAURANT EL SOL DE MEXICO

You’ll want to take your time to enjoy the ambience and upscale Southern comfort food at Public House. Savor the house favorite, a generous portion of meatloaf comprised of ground duck, pork and beef with mashed potatoes, a house-made pimiento grilled cheese sandwich, or enticing nightly specials. 3333 S. Coulter St., 398.7777, publichouseamarillo.com $$

RED RIVER STEAKHOUSE

Experience the flavor of Texas at Red River Steakhouse. With plenty of beef on the menu – customer favorites are the prime rib, barbecue ribs, and hand-cut steaks – and rustic windmill-themed decor, the wellknown steakhouse promises quality and quantity in every meal. 4332 SW 45th Ave., 367.9732, redriversteakhouse.net $$

RUDY’S TEXAS BAR-B-Q

Rudy’s serves up the same original recipes they’ve used since 1989: brisket, ribs, turkey, pork loin and sausage slow-smoked over an oak fire, seasoned with a secret dry-spice blend and topped with “Sause.” Plenty of sides and delicious desserts ensure you’ll need lots of napkins. 3751 I-40 West, 677.7452, rudysbbq.com $$

SCOTT’S OYSTER BAR

If you are a fresh oyster connoisseur, Scott’s is the place for you. Even though it’s a little on the small side, the quick service and excellent seafood make it one of our favorite places to hang out. 4150 Paramount Blvd., 354.9110 $$

SHI LEE’S BARBECUE & SOUL FOOD CAFE

Let’s just start with the Bloomin’ Onion. We could actually end there and be completely satisfied, but what’s a trip to Outback without a Victoria’s Filet Mignon and Bacon Bourbon Salmon? Speaking of completely satisfied, leave room for the Chocolate Thunder from Down Under. 7101 I-40 West, 352.4032, outback.com $$

You’ll find classic barbecue along with fried chicken wings, catfish, pork chops and a featured soul food meal of the day at Shi Lee’s. Meat lovers can feast on platters piled high with ribs, sausage and brisket, with plenty of sides to fill up even the hungriest diner. 1213 SW Third Ave., 220.0032 $

PESCARAZ ITALIAN RESTAURANT

You’ll see Thai, Lao and Japanese influences on Sushi House’s ample menu. Start with one of the many sushi offerings or choose an appetizer like marinated short ribs. Feast on filling teppanyaki entrees (the fillet mignon and scallops caught our eye), or choose a traditional Thai favorite like fried rice. With most menu items priced at less than $10 each, it’s the perfect place to grab

Come ready to linger when you visit Pescaraz. From the charming decor and cozy bar area to the array of entrees, soups, salads and impressive wine list, you’ll want to take time to savor every bite. Enjoy excellent service and live music in 32

AMARILLOMAGONLINE.COM • JULY 2020

SUSHI HOUSE

With about 80 menu offerings, it’s easy to feel a little overwhelmed on your first visit to El Sol de Mexico. But press on. Photos accompany each entree – which helps in the decision-making process – as does easy ordering with numbers for each item. Choose from traditional Mexican plates and sides or something from the grill (quail is a tasty option.) 3501 NE 24th Ave., 383.2038 $

TEXAS FIREHOUSE SPORTS BAR & GRILL

Texas Firehouse offers everything from a delicious, fried green bean appetizer to steaks to pizza, all in a family-friendly, smoke-free environment. Watch all your favorite sporting events while you eat. 3333 S. Coulter St., Suite D1, 351.1800, txfirehouse.com $$

THAI KOON

Loaded with flavor and made fresh to order, the Thai cuisine at Thai Koon is sure to satisfy that nagging craving for Asian fare. We recommend the light and tasty summer rolls, pad kee mao, bursting with basil and broccoli, or savory beef salad. Ask the friendly staff about their favorites, too. 7030 S. Western St., 353.4444 $

THAI THAI

A full menu of Thai delights awaits you at Thai Thai. From fried donuts, wontons, potstickers and soup to Lao barbecue, noodle dishes and an overwhelming amount of rice entrees, you’re sure to find something new to try at each visit to this always-busy eatery set up in a former Mexican restaurant. 2515 S. Grand St., 803.9090 $

TSUNAMI JAPANESE STEAKHOUSE & THAI CUISINE

Tsunami offers traditional Japanesesteakhouse fare at affordable prices. Start with gyoza (Japanese potstickers) then fill up on the yellow fin tuna teppan meal or teppanyaki steak. We guarantee you won’t leave hungry. 1108 Bell St., 352.2688 $

URBANA COFFEE WORKS

Southwest Amarillo can get its caffeine fix a little closer to home with the opening of Urbana Coffee Works. Hang out with a fresh brew and breakfast pastry, or enjoy lunch

from 11 a.m.-2 p.m. daily with hearty, hot sandwiches, tapas, soups and salads, and desserts like gelato or cupcakes. 5215 S. Coulter St., Suite 100, 803.9022 $

VINCE’S ITALIAN PIZZA

Vince’s calzones are some of the best we’ve had. The pizzeria also offers huge Greek salads, gyro and an even larger familysized pizza. Enjoy the quirky atmosphere or get your food to go at the convenient drive-up. 2413 S. Western St., 352.2656, vincesitalianpizza.com $

WESLEY’S BEAN POT & BBQ

Loyal customers return again and again to Wesley’s. The atmosphere is friendly and the barbecue is genuine Texas style. The baby back ribs and brisket The baby back ribs and brisket are customer favorites. 6406 River Road, 381.2893 $

WINGSTOP

Wingstop cooks up some of the best chicken wings around. There’s a flavor for every palate. And if you haven’t had sugared and salted french fries, you just haven’t lived. 5807 SW 45th Ave., Suite 260, 356.9464/3300 I-40 East, Suite 900, 331.9464/5512 Gem Lake Road, Suite 700, 391.3786, wingstop.com $$

YCSF CRAFT

YCSF Craft serves its popular gourmet eats for lunch and dinner. The diverse but limited menu boasts burgers, tacos, and daily specials, and features craft beer and a well-rounded wine list. 2916 Wolflin Ave., 353.9273, yellowcitystreetfood.com $

YOUNG SUSHI “ROCKS!”

The friendly greeting you receive when you walk into Young’s is your first clue your experience will be a good one. The helpful staff is always willing to offer suggestions regarding the sushi. If sushi’s not your thing, try the authentic Thai cuisine. 202 SW 10th Ave., 371.7200 $$

ZOMBIEZ BAR & GRILL

Locals rave about the homestyle offerings at Zombiez Bar & Grill. Fill up on daily specials, burgers, chicken-fried steak or chicken-fried chicken. Dine-in, takeout and delivery are available. 711 SW 10th Ave., 331.7305 $

JULY 2020 • AMARILLOMAGONLINE.COM

Events | July 2020 Benefits & Fundraisers

JULY 18

TEE IT UP FORE AUTISM

8 a.m.-1:20 p.m. Ross Rogers Golf Complex, 722 NW 24th Ave., 341.4028

JULY 9

VIVE CHIHUAHUA

6:30-9:30 p.m. Amarillo Botanical Gardens, 1400 Streit Drive, 352.6513

8 p.m.-2 a.m. Featuring La Maquinaria Norteña, La Fiera de Ojinaga, La Energia Norteña, and Reunion Norteña. Azteca Music Hall, 500 N. FM 1912, 335.9990

RYAN PAUL DAVIS

JULY 21

MUSIC IN THE GARDENS: NOAH JENDA

7-9 p.m. La Bella Pizza on Olsen, 3801 Olsen Blvd., 352.5050

STARLIGHT THEATER

10 a.m.-2 p.m. Event will benefit Amarillo Crime Stoppers. All documents will be shredded on site, limit four boxes per person. Market Street United, 2530 S. Georgia St., 374.4400

TOMORROW’S TESSELLATIONS

JULY 22

JULY 23

JULY 10

11 a.m.-6 p.m. The area’s largest one-day charity golf tournament. Ross Rogers Golf Complex, 722 NW 24th Ave., 342.2018

9 p.m. Leftwoods, 2511 SW Sixth Ave., 367.9840

JULY 27

STRUGGLE JENNINGS

13TH ANNUAL SHRED IT DAY

21ST ANNUAL CHAMBER OPEN GOLF TOURNAMENT

CLÁSICO GOLF TOURNAMENT

9 p.m. The 806, 2812 SW Sixth Ave., 322.1806

7-9 p.m. Sam Houston Park picnic area, 4101 Line Ave., 368.3036

SICK RIDE WITH PERISH

9 p.m. Leftwoods, 2511 SW Sixth Ave., 367.9840

BLACK MAGIC FLOWER POWER WITH DUDE-MAN

JULY 23

JULY 11

6:30-9:30 p.m. Amarillo Botanical Gardens, 1400 Streit Drive, 352.6513

10 p.m. Hoot’s Pub, 2424 Hobbs Road, 356.7548

MUSIC IN THE GARDENS: TOUCHING VOODOO

JULY 24

AARON WATSON

9:30 a.m.-3 p.m. Hosted by the Hispanic Chamber of Commerce. Comanche Trail Golf Course, 4200 S. Grand St., 379.8800

BOMB CITY GROOVE

9:30 p.m. Skooterz, 4100 Bushland Ave., 355.6600

7-11:30 p.m. Starlight Ranch Event Center, 1415 Sunrise Drive, 556.4456

CU4KIDS GOLF TOURNAMENT

JULY 14

JULY 25

TBD Benefitting Children’s Miracle Network. Tascosa Golf Club, 4502 Fairway Drive, 374.2351

JULY 31

BEST OF TEXAS 2020

8-11 p.m. Featuring LOCASH. Tri-State Fairgrounds Rex Baxter Building, 3401 SE 10th Ave., 378.3096

Music

JULY 2

MUSIC IN THE GARDENS: INSUFFICIENT FUNDS

6:30-9:30 p.m. Amarillo Botanical Gardens, 1400 Streit Drive, 352.6513

JULY 7

STARLIGHT THEATER

7-9 p.m. Sam Houston Park picnic area, 4101 Line Ave., 368.3036

STARLIGHT THEATER

MONARCH

7-9 p.m. Sam Houston Park picnic area, 4101 Line Ave., 368.3036

7-10 p.m. Georgia Street Taphouse, 2001 S. Georgia St., 803.7000

JULY 16

TANNER LANE BAND

MUSIC IN THE GARDENS: MONARCH 6:30-9:30 p.m. Amarillo Botanical Gardens, 1400 Streit Drive, 352.6513

JULY 17

DEAR MARSHA

8 p.m. Crush Wine Bar & Grill, 627 S. Polk St., 418.2011

JOSH WARD

10:30 p.m. Hoot’s Pub, 2424 Hobbs Road, 356.7548

JULY 18

DEFF LEGGEND – A TRIBUTE TO DEF LEPPARD

7-11:30 p.m. Starlight Ranch Event Center, 1415 Sunrise Drive, 556.4456

9 p.m. The Broken Spoke Lounge, 3101 SW Sixth Ave., 373.9149

JULY 28

STARLIGHT THEATER

7-9 p.m. Sam Houston Park picnic area, 4101 Line Ave., 368.3036

JULY 30

MUSIC IN THE GARDENS: JACK CRYVER 6:30-9:30 p.m. Amarillo Botanical Gardens, 1400 Streit Drive, 352.6513

ROBIN LORE

7 p.m. The Handle Bar and Grill, 3514 SW Sixth Ave., 803.9538

MARBIN

9 p.m. Leftwoods, 2511 SW Sixth Ave., 367.9840

AMARILLOMAGONLINE.COM • JULY 2020

JULY 31

JULY 19

JULY 10-12

7-11:30 p.m. Starlight Ranch Event Center, 1415 Sunrise Drive, 556.4456

10 a.m.-4 p.m. Amarillo Civic Center Complex South Exhibit Hall, 401 S. Buchanan St., 378.3096

7:05 p.m. Hodgetown Ballpark, 715 S. Buchanan St., 803.7762

THE ZEPPELIN PROJECT

Special Events

EVERY SATURDAY IN JULY CANYON FARMERS’ MARKET

8 a.m.-1 p.m. Downtown Square, Canyon, 567.0746

AMARILLO COMMUNITY MARKET

9 a.m.-1 p.m. Santa Fe Depot, 501 S. Grand St., 335.6360

JULY 10

AMARILLO COIN AND CURRENCY SHOW 2-6 p.m. Amarillo Civic Center Complex Regency Room, 401 S. Buchanan St., 378.3096

JULY 11

AMARILLO COIN AND CURRENCY SHOW 9 a.m.- 5 p.m. Amarillo Civic Center Complex Regency Room, 401 S. Buchanan St., 378.3096

TEXAS GUN & KNIFE SHOW

JULY 24

JULY 11-12

12 p.m. Amarillo Civic Center Complex, 401 S. Buchanan St., 378.3096

Tri-State Fairgrounds Amarillo National Center, 3301 SE 10th Ave., 376.7767

AMARILLO PEDDLER SHOW

JULY 25

VIRTUAL CHALK IT UP: SIDEWALK ART CONTEST

8 a.m.-1 p.m. Hosted by Amarillo College. Amarillo College, 2201 S. Washington St., 371.5000

AMARILLO PEDDLER SHOW

9 a.m. Amarillo Civic Center Complex, 401 S. Buchanan St., 378.3096

JULY 26

AMARILLO PEDDLER SHOW

11 a.m. Amarillo Civic Center Complex, 401 S. Buchanan St., 378.3096

Sports & Recreation TAPAS TOUR AND WINE FESTIVAL

6-11 p.m. Featuring Stoney LaRue and Austin Meade. Starlight Ranch Event Center, 1415 Sunrise Drive, 556.4456

JULY 1-2

JULY 12

7:05 p.m. Hodgetown Ballpark, 715 S. Buchanan St., 803.7762

9 a.m.-2 p.m. Amarillo Civic Center Complex Regency Room, 401 S. Buchanan St., 378.3096

JULY 2-4

JULY 17-18

5:30 p.m. Will Rogers Range Riders, 313 W. Loop 335 South, 290.4322

AMARILLO COIN AND CURRENCY SHOW

UNITY IN THE COMMUNITY

SOD SQUAD VS. SAN ANTONIO FLYING CHANCLAS

WILL ROGERS RANGE RIDERS RODEO

5-10 p.m. Live music, barbecue, games and raffles. Sam Houston Park, 4101 Line Ave., 690.8532

JULY 3-5

FUNNY CAR CHAOS

7:05 p.m. Hodgetown Ballpark, 715 S. Buchanan St., 803.7762

6-11 p.m. Amarillo Dragway, 12955 Burlington Road, 676.6148

JULY 18

TEXAS GUN & KNIFE SHOW

9 a.m.-5 p.m. Amarillo Civic Center Complex South Exhibit Hall, 401 S. Buchanan St., 378.3096

SOD DOGS VS. FRISCO ROUGHRIDERS

SOD DOGS VS. ROUND ROCK HAIRY MEN

JULY 7-9

SOD DOGS VS. TEXARKANA TWINS

7:05 p.m. Hodgetown Ballpark, 715 S. Buchanan St., 803.7762

SUMMER DA$H BY CBT BARREL RACING

JULY 14-16

SOD SQUAD VS. TEXARKANA TWINS

7:05 p.m. Hodgetown Ballpark, 715 S. Buchanan St., 803.7762

JULY 17-19

PANHANDLE REINED COW HORSE

8 a.m. Tri-State Fairgrounds Bill Cody Arena, 3301 SE 10th Ave., 376.7767

SOD SQUAD VS. FRISCO ROUGHRIDERS

7:05 p.m. Hodgetown Ballpark, 715 S. Buchanan St., 803.7762

JULY 21-23

SOD DOGS VS. AMARILLO SOD SQUAD

7:05 p.m. Hodgetown Ballpark, 715 S. Buchanan St., 803.7762

JULY 23-26

PGSQHA “BOOM CIRCUIT”

8 a.m. Tri-State Fairgrounds Amarillo National Center and Bill Cody Arena, 3301 SE 10th Ave., 376.7767

JULY 24-26

SOD SQUAD VS. AMARILLO SOD DOGS

7:05 p.m. Hodgetown Ballpark, 715 S. Buchanan St., 803.7762

JULY 28-30

SOD DOGS VS. TULSA

7:05 p.m. Hodgetown Ballpark, 715 S. Buchanan St., 803.7762

JULY 31

SOD SQUAD VS. TULSA

7:05 p.m. Hodgetown Ballpark, 715 S. Buchanan St., 803.7762

JULY 2020 • AMARILLOMAGONLINE.COM

Panhandle Perspective

Marsha Clements

rtist Marsha Clements shares this pet portrait of Olivia (Livvie), which was a commission for clients Steve and Kim Sterling. An oil painting, which is Clements’ most-often used medium, the portrait of Livvie started with a meet-and-greet and photo shoot. Clements says meeting a pet beforehand helps her “get to know the animal. It helps to know about the animal’s personality. You always want to try to capture the feeling.”

“Olivia is a very well-behaved and friendly Great Dane. Her owners love and live with her throughout their house,” shares Clements. After a photo shoot, Clements starts with a sketch, then moves on to painting after a client’s approval. “I often paint pet portraits – just the head of the animal. But I’ve found that when I can put the animal in its habitat, it’s always fun,” says Clements. “I think that’s what makes this painting special. Olivia loves that leather sofa. I feel like we just interrupted her nap!”

MARSHA CLEMENTS An Amarillo native, Marsha worked for AISD for more than 20 years. She served as executive director of the Amarillo Art Institute for two years, and now owns a gallery in Canyon, and also exhibits at Cerulean Gallery and Ahmyo River Gallery in Santa Fe, New Mexico. Her artwork reflects the Panhandle’s beauty, from Palo Duro Canyon and landscapes to florals, to animals. Marsha enjoys creating pet portraits on commission for her clients.

AMARILLOMAGONLINE.COM • JULY 2020

The Balancing Act Marsha Clements

By Chelsea Koressel

JULY 2020 â&#x20AC;¢ AMARILLOMAGONLINE.COM

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