Publisher’s Letter

publisher's letter (Wo)man’s Best Friend

They say a dog is a man’s best friend, due to their loyalty and companionship with humans. On the other hand, they say that diamonds are a girl’s best friend.

I say, why not both?

Recently, some of the most incredible people came together to ensure my fiancè(!) Ryan could plan a surprise proposal to me on what I thought was going to be just a simple (much-needed) vacation in sunny Cancún, Mexico.

Ashley Russell, a travel agent with Small World Big Fun, worked behind the scenes with Ryan to plan the proposal that blew me away. I worked with Ashley to set up the travel itinerary for Cancún and Gabriela with Hyatt Zilara. Ryan was somehow able to discreetly hide from me a beautiful engagement ring from Sissy’s Log Cabin and coordinate a photographer for the beach proposal of a lifetime, complete with dozens of white roses and giant letters spelling “MARRY ME” spread out across the gorgeous shoreline.

I am elated to officially welcome Ryan into my life. He is my best friend. And he has accepted my loved ones as his own, including of course, my other best friend, Mr. Charlie Brown.

On that note, this August, we celebrate man and woman’s best friend with our annual “Dog Daze” issue, featuring a list of dog-friendly restaurants sponsored by Bark Bar, and tips about diving into dog ownership from our friends at Lake Hamilton and Hot Springs Animal Hospitals.

Speaking of those dog days of summer, we’ve also got the perfect way to cool down with some Cool Cocktails, and some even cooler “Mocktails,” thanks to Ms. Mocktail MO.

AY’s 2022 Best Health Care Professionals will also be named, a group of some of the most hard-working and reputable health care professionals throughout the state. From doctors to nurses to surgeons and everyone in between, we are still saluting our health care heroes.

We also have an interesting section featuring some fascinating destinations such as the little-big town of Wilson up in northeastern Arkansas. And Mr. Joe David Rice, former Arkansas tourism director, boogies down to “Mo-town”, aka Morrilton, Arkansas, for an expertly guided tour.

I hope this issue gets two paws up from you and your furry friends, and don’t forget to check out some adorable adoptable dogs before you go.

That’s it from me, and us, this time. Thank you for reading. I hope you enjoy.

Heather Baker, President & Publisher hbaker@aymag.com / heatherbaker_ar