Riverhill Living Spring 2023

Living

The best pets

Check out the cute animals that call Riverhill home

Bryant & Brenda

Meet the Williams family in the resident spotlight

Renovations at the mansion

John Junker lays out all the changes coming to the Riverhill Country Club

Imagine a beautiful view, a lovely window where the sun is streaming in, literally damaging the furniture, flooring and artwork in its path. Although there is no need for privacy, this window can not be enjoyed for several hours every day. Then, imagine a time where a simple roller shade is hung, covering the window for those hours. With a touch of a button, the shade disappears and the view is there to be enjoyed for the rest of the day. The new hardwood floors and leather furnishings are safe. This happens for our clients, every single day!

Imagine a beautiful view, a lovely window where the sun is streaming in, literally damaging the furniture, flooring and artwork in its path. Although there is no need for privacy, this window can not be enjoyed for several hours every day. Then, imagine a time where a simple roller shade is hung, covering the window for those hours. With a touch of a button, the shade disappears and the view is there to be enjoyed for the rest of the day. The new hardwood floors and leather furnishings are safe. This happens for our clients, every single day!

I love what I do, and it is for the reason stated above!

I love what I do, and it is for the reason stated above! Window treatments are beautiful, of course, and we only sell what we can stand behind quality-wise. But they are functional as well, and usually save more than they cost, in protected furnishings and fabrics. The advances in automation for window shadings have made them much more affordable, and convenient for many more homes than previously.

Kerrville Window Fashions is celebrating 8 years of providing the finest in window coverings to the Hill Country in 2023.

Owners Dave & Teresa Carosella have over 20 years experience in the industry and love sharing their knowledge with clients.

When they aren’t helping make homes more beautiful and energy efficient, they love to go camping with their dog, Carson, and visiting their grandchildren.

Window treatments are beautiful, of course, and we only sell what we can stand behind quality-wise. But they are functional as well, and usually save more than they cost, in protected furnishings and fabrics. The advances in automation for window shadings have made them much more affordable, and convenient for many more homes than previously.

Our clients get the benefit of our years of experience, to make sure they make the right choice, the first time. We try to ask them the right questions to assess their lifestyle needs and avoid making the wrong purchase. Price is not the first consideration, although we definitely offer Value lines as well as the best of the best. No matters what the needs are, we are perfectly positioned to help and look forward to meeting with you today. Our showroom is always open by appointment, call or email us soon.

Imagine a beautiful view, a lovely window where the sun is streaming in, literally damaging the furniture, flooring and artwork in its path. Although there is no need for privacy, this window can not be enjoyed for several hours every day. Then, imagine a time where a simple roller shade is hung, covering the window for those hours. With a touch of a button, the shade disappears and the view is there to be enjoyed for the rest of the day. The new hardwood floors and leather furnishings are safe. This happens for our clients, every single day!

Larry Eustace is the go-to guy for helping clients select the perfect window fashions for their homes, right from his mobile van, in the comfort of their home. From product selection, to installation, Larry loves what he does, and it shows.

Our clients get the benefit of our years of experience, to make sure they make the right choice, the first time. We try to ask them the right questions to assess their lifestyle needs and avoid making the wrong purchase. Price is not the first consideration, although we definitely offer Value lines as well as the best of the best. No matters what the needs are, we are perfectly positioned to help and look forward to meeting with you today. Our showroom is always open by appointment, call or email us soon.

With so many new and exciting products, from rechargeable automated shades, to outdoor patio shades, it is time to move from our studio to a larger space. During the month of February, we are remodeling and redoing a bright, new showroom and adding more displays, from Hunter Douglas, Alta and Graber to the finest in custom drapery and hardware.

I love what I do, and it is for the reason stated above! Window treatments are beautiful, of course, and we only sell what we can stand behind quality-wise. But they are functional as well, and usually save more than they cost, in protected furnishings and fabrics. The advances in automation for window shadings have made them much more affordable, and convenient for many more homes than previously.

OUR NEW LOCATION

512 Sidney Baker, Suite 180 • Kerrville (Guadalupe Plaza, behind Jack in the Box) Call for your private consultation. 830-733-0041

Our clients get the benefit of our years of experience, to make sure they make the right choice, the first time. We try to ask them the right questions to assess their lifestyle needs and avoid making the wrong purchase. Price is not the first consideration, although we definitely offer Value lines as well as the best of the best. No matters what the needs are, we are perfectly positioned to help and look forward to meeting with you today. Our showroom is always open by appointment, call or email us soon.

We will continue our tradition of appointment only, so its always a good idea to call first, or visit us on the web or via email, to make sure we can give our full attention to helping, in the showroom, or in your home. Hope to see you soon, 512 Sidney Baker (Guadalupe Plaza) Suite 160, Kerrvillewindowfashions.com, 830-733-0041.

Kerrvillewindowfashions.com • Available 24-7

Teresa Carosella • Owner Kerrville Window Fashion

Teresa Carosella • Owner

Kerrville Window Fashion

Teresa Carosella • Owner

Kerrville Window Fashion Kerrville Window Fashions

The Kerrville Daily Times staff

Jennifer McCullough

Publisher

Jillian Smith

Managing Editor

Jeanette Eastwood Nash

Assistant Managing Editor

Contributors

Nancy Foster

Mark Eisenman

Niel Powers

Photography

Tom Holden

Advertising

Chelsea Fore

Angel Fortner

Daniel Moore Composition

Johanna Rangel

Marissa Villanueva

Message from the president

Spring is here in Riverhill. Well, OK, almost.

But exciting things are still happening.

I would like to take this opportunity to invite all the Riverhill residents to the Community Forum to be held at Riverhill Country Club on Tuesday, March 14. The social hour will be at 5:30 p.m. with the forum following at 6 p.m.

The purpose of this forum is for the APOR board to hear about the issues that are most important to the residents. Riverhill is a wonderful place to live, and the board would like input on how the community can be even better, stronger and safer in years to come.

At the heart of the neighborhood is the Riverhill Country Club.

Mark Eisenman APOR Board President

Exciting news there as well.

Jeff Hunter, general manager of the club, reports, “Riverhill Country Club is excited to announce that they have begun considerable renovations. A new swimming pool, pickleball courts, a new fitness venue, a remodel of the mansion that includes the Eleven Straight restaurant and lounge, the Cedar Crest dining area and

an extensive outdoor patio.”

This will create amenities second to none in the Hill Country and beyond. You can read more about the great changes coming to the club on page 10.

If you are considering membership in Riverhill, now is the perfect time. Please contact Jeff Hunter or Matt Trevino with your inquiries.

This is great news for our community.

If you haven’t joined the association and would like to, or would like to pay your dues, please visit the website at https:// riverhillpoa.com.

I look forward to seeing you at the forum.

Mark Eisenman APOR board president

About the Riverhill POA

The Riverhill Property Owners Association is a self-managed HOA. It serves to promote a family environment while assisting members in maintaining their investment.

This shall be accomplished through various programs that support an aesthetically pleasing neighborhood.

The association:

• Maintains the entrances and certain common areas of Riverhill.

• Funds and executes projects that benefit all property owners.

• Works with our governing officials in obtaining needed improvements to our streets.

• Administers the covenants, conditions and restrictions thereof.

The APOR board

board members are:

• Mark Eisenman, president. Contact him at meaporboard@gmail.com.

830-896-7000

• Deby Fowler, vice president. Contact her at bunie509@gmail.com.

• Casey Mikeska, treasurer. Contact him at cmikeska@micocpa.com.

• Marnee Bscheid, secretary. Contact her at marnee@summithillcountry.com.

• Hank Ortega, board member. Contact him at hankpac@yahoo.com.

Table of Contents

6 MESSAGE FROM THE PRESIDENT

Board President Mark Eisenman announces the Community Forum for the APOR board to hear what Riverhill’s residents want.

6 ABOUT THE RIVERHILL POA

A brief message about what the APOR does for its board members and the Riverhill community.

6 THE APOR BOARD

Find out who the current Riverhill APOR board members are and how to contact them.

8 MEET THE WILLIAMS FAMILY

Get to know Bryant and Brenda Williams, Riverhill residents since 1995

10 CHANGES ARE IN THE AIR

Catch up with John Junker, executive partner with the Riverhill Country Club, about the planned renovations for this year.

12 BRAGS & ACCOLADES

Riverhill residents ‘brag’ on their kids, grandkids and loved ones for their recent accomplishments.

16 THE PAWS HAVE IT

Riverhill residents share about their pets and the cuteness of them all.

Get Informed. Get Involved.

APOR MEMBERSHIP FORM

The Association of Property Owners of Riverhill, Inc. P.O. Box 293895, Kerrville, TX 78029-3895

www.riverhillpoa.com

Association fiscal year is October 1st thru September 30th. Please send this form with your $75 check payable to APOR or pay through PayPal with a credit card on the website listed above

Full Name(s):

Property Address:

Full Mailing Address:

(if different)

Phone, Primary:

Email, Primary:

Secondary:

Secondary:

KCAD ID#

(if known)

Make your voice heard and stay up to date with the Riverhill POA. Our group protects the quality of life and the community for all Riverhill property owners.

Meet the Williams family

Bryant and Brenda make significant impacts on the community

By Nancy Foster

Brenda and Bryant Williams designed their lovely home in the Highridge section of Riverhill after a similar one they had built and lived in during their many years in Midland.

It is light and airy, beautifully appointed, offers scenic views of the city and is filled with photos, art and artifacts collected through six decades

of married life.

Their home is truly their “happy place,” where the couple finds contentment after many years of moves and travel.

IN THE BEGINNING

Brenda was born in Kilgore, but her family moved to Kerrville when she was 6 years old. This Tivy High School graduate considers herself pretty

much a native.

Bryant was born and grew up in San Angelo.

The couple met in Houston when Brenda was attending the University of Houston for a degree in Merchandising and Marketing. At the time, she had a young woman’s dream job working for Neiman Marcus — although she was often known to spend more than she was earning, she said.

By the time they wed on Sept. 4, 1965 (theirs was the first wedding reception held at the Inn of the Hills Hotel), Bryant had convinced her to pay off her debt (which she did) and return to school for her teacher’s certificate.

THE CAREER YEARS

Bryant graduated from Oklahoma Military Academy in Claremore, Oklahoma, and

Brenda, left, and Bryant Williams in the kitchen of their Riverhill home. (Photo by Tom Holden/photo@dailytimes.com)

went on to Texas Tech University to study Petroleum Engineering. He preferred Geology, however. In 1961, he graduated with a B.S. in Petroleum Geology.

After a short six months in the U.S. Army, he was hired by Humble Oil for their Goose Creek Production District in Baytown.

After their wedding, the couple moved to New Orleans and a few years later had assignments in Houston.

By the mid-’70s he joined Esso Malaysia as geological manager. The next stop was New Orleans, then back to Houston as an operations manager for Inland USA and later offshore and Alaska for Headquarters Exploration Department. This assignment included a Graduate Business School Executive Program at Columbia University Graduate Business School.

In the late ’80s, the family moved to Midland, where Bryant was division manager for the Western Exploration Division.

By the early ’90s, Bryant was vice president of the Far East Business Unit of Esso International Exploration of Houston that covered exploration affiliates in Malaysia, Indonesia and Australia with venture companies in China, Vietnam and Papua, New Guinea.

“Because this opportunity came with huge demands on time and numerous business challenges, we kept our Houston home because Caroline and Paige were still in college,” Brenda said. “I was able to join Bryant on occasional business trips to affiliate companies and to also fly to Beijing, Hong Kong and Singapore, when he had some down time.”

On Halloween 1994, Bryant retired from Exxon and shortly after started Williams, Kothmann and Chao Petroleum Drilling Opportunities, a petroleum investment company that

has an ongoing partnership with offices in Kerrville and Houston.

THE KERRVILLE CONNECTION

Kerrville was where the couple had always planned to settle. Brenda’s mother still lived here, and the couple owned a cabin and land in Hunt, so visits were frequent. They had joined Riverhill Country Club in the late 1970s, since Bryant was an avid golfer. He, his brother and his father played for many years in the Byron Nelson Golf Tournament. Riverhill checked all their boxes for a perfect location, and by 1995, they had moved into their newly built home.

A SIGNIFICANT CONTRIBUTION

Last year, the Kerrville Area Chamber of Commerce awarded the Bill Dozier Citizen of the Year to three very accomplished gentlemen. Bryant, a geologist, joined Riverhill

residents Bobbie Joines, a reservoir engineer and log analyst, and exploration geophysicist DeVearle “Digger” Gray in receiving the distinguished honor.

The trio has devoted eight years as volunteers for the Headwaters Groundwater Conservation District. The Kerr Basin Lower Paleozoic Exploration Team reconstructed the basin history and defined fairways and potential recoverable fresh water volumes from the Lower Paleozoic reservoirs from Ellenburger to the basal Hickory sandstone. This effort will supplement the present freshwater reservoirs in the Edwards and Trinity in the Kerr Basin.

Two successful exploration wells to date and a third in progress indicate an even probability that the lower Paleozoic freshwater reservoirs will supply sizeable new recoverable freshwater reserves in the Kerr Basin.

Brenda stays active in the community she loves.

“I grew up here, and I believe we are obligated to keep improving Kerrville,” she said.

She said she hopes that more younger people will step up to participate.

“We need multiple generations working together,” Brenda said.

Her current passions include the local garden and book clubs and involvement in the downtown signage of historical buildings project spearheaded by the Kerr County Historical Commission.

The couple supports the Kerrville Chalk Festival, Arcadia Live, the Museum of Western Art, the Community Foundation of the Texas Hill Country and the capital campaigns of Peterson Regional Medical Center.

Brenda has also been vice president of the Riverhill Women’s Association for years.

“I’ve lost count, but I know I’ve been in charge of at least

The Williams family includes, from left, standing, Clara Sumner, junior at Tivy High School, and Will Sumner, 14. Sitting are, from left, Bryant Williams; Whit Sumner, son-in-law; Paige Sumner, daughter; and Brenda Williams. On the leash is Roxy, the Williams’ 4-year-old springer spaniel. (Courtesy photo)

Changes are coming to the Country club prepares for upgrades and

renovations

By Nancy Foster

Q: Why is this a good time for renovations?

A: We have owned Riverhill Country Club since 2009, which was the year the last significant renovation was done, so it’s time to do a complete upgrade to meet the current market’s needs.

In 2023, we’ll be doing a significant makeover, leaning on our history and looking to the future.

The entire Riverhill team and ownership group is excited about the improvements we have planned.

Q: What will happen inside the mansion?

A: We’ll be creating different options for dining that will excite our membership. We’ll be adding a fun, casual, 1,740-square-foot sports bar-type facility called the Eleven Straight that will replace the Turning Point and extend from inside to outside near the putting green.

Other dining areas, which will offer choices from casual dining to more upscale, will include the 1,300-square-foot Cedar Crest Dining Room, the Mansion Dining and Lounge area and the Mansion Wine Bar. Our food and beverage outlets will be consolidated, enabling us to service all dining operations through the same kitchen.

We will continue to host parties, weddings and many other types of events.

Q: Are any changes planned for food and beverage?

A: We’ll introduce exciting new menus and will be open for lunch and dinner every day except Monday. Chef Chase’s cuisine will include exciting dishes to suit every member’s taste.

Early golfers will still be able to get a light meal of coffee and pastry at Eleven Straight.

Q: Will you remain open during the renovation?

A: The Turning Point will remain open as we work on the mansion dining area. When that work is complete, we’ll flip and work on the Turning Point, which will transition to our new Fitness Center.

Q: Tell us more about the Riverhill Fitness Center.

A: This 1,000-square-foot center will be enhanced with upgraded exercise equipment. Our goal for our members is that they will not have to leave Riverhill to get a good fitness workout.

Q: Will landscaping change?

A: We’ll be beautifying the club as a whole by adding new Texas-friendly plantings around the mansion and around the course. Adding focal points of color will give the exterior an inviting new look.

Q: Anything else?

A: We’re doing a complete renovation of the pool and adding a new sundeck. The pool area will become more family friendly. We’re also adding pickleball courts, since that sport is catching on in popularity.

Q: How about the golf course?

A: We plan to begin work on the course in June and rebuild tee boxes, renovate bunkers and other general renovations. Toward fall, we’ll be working on the bent grass greens.

We hope to have everything done by September.

Q: Closing comments?

A: Improvements made this year will honor the integrity and rich history of Riverhill Country Club, while providing our membership and guests with a true country club experience.

We are committed to making Riverhill the best it can be.

There’s excitement in the air, and Riverhill residents are beginning to hear about changes on the horizon. We caught up with John Junker, managing partner of Riverhill Country Club, to get the scoop. He graciously shared exciting news of what’s to come.

Brags & Accolades

Here it is! Your opportunity to find out just what your neighbors, their children, and their grandchildren have been doing. This is our third issue of Brags and Accolades, and it is proving quite popular. So, relax, read on and start planning for the next issue. Keep those stories and pictures coming!

ON THE BALLOT

From Layng Guerriero: “With all of the proposed development starting up around Riverhill, we need more representation on city council. Please vote for myself and Jeff Harris this May 6th or during early voting starting April 24th.”

PLACES TO GO

Riverhill residents are always travelling, enjoying life and visiting interesting places. Let’s hear from Charlie Diggs:

“I don’t have any brags or accolades, just a story that may be of interest to a city in Mexico.

“Kathy Sher and I, along with her sister and brother-in-law, traveled to Puerto Vallarta for a week at the start of February. (It’s) a city situated on Banderas Bay, where Alaskan humpback whales (migrate) for the winter. The town is full of inviting cafes, a beautiful shoreline boardwalk called the Malecon, along with very friendly residents and tourists from the U.S. and Canada.

“Taxis are inexpensive, and cab drivers are very friendly and very cooperative with each other. I felt very safe there, and the city had a good vibe about it.”

(ed. As I’m writing this, I’m looking out at the Pacific Ocean off the Baja coast in Mexico. I second Charlie’s comments about friendly residents, beautiful sights,and a good, safe, vibe!)

A FIRST EXPERIENCE

From someone traveling on two wheels, here’s Brenda Wendel:

“This was my first (Register’s Annual Great Bicycle Ride Across Iowa) experience. It was more than cycling 462 miles across Iowa in seven days; It was about gritty determination, camaraderie, whether it be reaching the camp ground towns each day by bike or sharing a brew together, live music, amazing food and the beauty of the state and people of Iowa. One of the best times I have ever had!

“RAGBRAI stands for the Register’s Great Bike Ride Across Iowa. While it is a different route every year, it always starts with dipping your rear wheel in the Missouri and finishes with dipping your front wheel in the Mississippi. It also always includes ‘century day’ — 100 miles on the seat of a bicycle.

“The annual event draws about 7,000 riders every year.”

Layng Guerriero is running for place 1 on the council.

Let’s start this issue of B&A with community service. We have not one but TWO Riverhill residents running for seats on the Kerrville City Council.

We always have submissions from Riverhill residents about the great achievements of their offspring. They are rightfully proud as the influence of Riverhill spreads across the country.

THE KIDS THE KIDS

From Jack and Sue Steele: “Our son-in-law, Andrew Brewer, was recognized Jan. 20 for his 300th win as head basketball coach of the Alamo Heights Mules. Andrew is married to our daughter, Meredith. Their daughter, Paige, is a

senior at AH and will be attending Wake Forest in the fall. We are super proud of Paige as well. “As you can tell Jack and I are very proud. “

THE GRANDKIDS

A SURPRISE

And one more travel and amazing children story, this one from Janie Altgelt:

“My story relates to an amazing family and my ‘surprise’ Christmas gift: A trip to Italy plus one!

I’ve never been so surprised in my life. My children are my greatest blessings in my life. To receive this generous gift is beyond love. My sister and I plan our trip Sept. 10-21.

“Our daughter, Grace

From

a 2020 Tivy graduate, was accepted into the Masters program at the Savannah College of Art and Design, in Georgia. She will be studying Luxury Brand Management.

(ed. Karen told me she asked Grace for a “normal” picture, noting that this is what you get from an art major. I think it is very nice.)

“Jaelin recently hosted the second complimentary Health Screening at The Medicine Stop Pharmacy and Wellness Center, where she is Director and Pharmacist-in-Charge.

“Our granddaughter, Zoe Aery, from Rockport, graduated with honors from Texas State University in December, complete with the traditional leap into the San Marcos River.

“This past fall we finally completed our year-long DIY curb appeal project. We appreciate all of the encouragement and compliments on the project. So much so, that we’ve decided to open up for business and share our design and construction talents with the community. You may contact us at proffitpartners@gmail.com.”

Karen and Layng Guerriero:

Guerriero,

From Mitch and Sherri Mikeska: Austyn Carswell plays the scarecrow in the Marble Falls High School production of “The Wizard of Oz”. Austyn is the grandson of Mitch and Sherri Mikeska.

From James and Marjorie Ellis: “Our granddaughter, Olivia Arriaza, who is a third-year medical student at (University of Texas Medical Branch), Galveston, ran the Houston Marathon in 3:27, qualifying for the Boston Marathon, and will run in 2024.”

From Hank and Pam Ortega: Hank and Pam Ortega attended a reunion of paratroopers in Florida. On the way they stopped in to visit their grandson, Lt. Tyler Ortega, U.S. Air Force, at his latest assignment.

From Daye and Jaelin: “It’s been a big year at the Proffits’!

Continued from page 9

130 programs and events,” she said.

Bryant still goes to the office to work on the water project and oil and gas opportunities, but he does find time to play golf with a Riverhill group on Tuesdays and Fridays.

Keeping a watchful eye on the couple’s comings and goings is their sprightly canine companion, 4-year-old springer spaniel Roxy.

ONE LAST THING

Life is good for the Williamses. Brenda and Bryant have a lovely family.

Daughter Paige and her husband, Whit Sumner, moved to Riverhill in 2020.

Paige is the director of philanthropy at Dietert Center, and Whit is an oil and gas attorney. Both of their children are at Tivy. Seventeen-year-old Clara is a junior and participates in choir and Young Life, and 14-year-old Will is an avid tennis player.

Daughter Caroline is a doctor of psychology and lives in Santa Fe, New Mexico, with her husband, David, who works for the National Parks and Wildlife Department.

Bryant sums it up nicely: “We made good choices in our lifestyle. We raised our children well, have strong connections in Kerrville and love living in Riverhill. Our neighbors are a unique group of people; they participate and support our programs

Bryant, left, and Brenda Williams at home in Riverhill. (Photo by Tom Holden/ photo@dailytimes.com)

Maggie,

The paws have it

I have a soft spot for animals, and it would appear that many of you in Riverhill have the same.

We lost our standard poodle, Maggie, a couple of years ago, but I still stop and provide free ear

scratches for every dog I meet.

Putting this pictorial together, I was taken by how many rescue dogs and cats are included here. Riverhill is a caring community, and apparently, that goes for our pets as well.

The pictures and stories here elicited more than a few smiles and “Ahhhs” as this was put together. So, meet a few off the favorites here in Riverhill. Enjoy!

Niel Powers

“Harley came to us through an email from APOR about three years ago. Harley was 10 years old at the time. He had lost his first owners, and his second owner was in Hospice. Harley needed a new home.

“When we saw him, we decided that our house would be his new forever home. He was pretty traumatized when he first came to us, because temporarily, he had been in a home that had three very large dogs. He has since settled in nicely.

“He is wonderful traveler and has spent three summers traveling with us in our motorhome. His favorite thing is to run and jump in his ‘Cave Bed;’ he rolls around and then looks out as if to say, ‘I am just the cutest thing.’ And, of course, we couldn’t agree more.”

June and Chuck Motheral

This is Bliss, and she lives on Spring Mill Drive with Charles and Vivian Strebeck Bliss just turned 7 on June 5. She loves to sit out front and watch everyone out walking.

“This is a picture of Piper sunbathing — her favorite activity.

“It has been interesting having a dog with the same coloring as the deer. We have been followed by a doe on more than one occasion. I get the feeling that they think I’ve stolen and domesticated a fawn.”

Marti Fleming

“Meet Cody Holloway, our 8-year-old cockapoo rescue. He is enjoying his daily visits to the Flat Rock ‘off leash’ dog park, where he can play with other dogs and chase the squirrels, which the dogs never catch. Besides, Jim and I very much enjoy our walks along the river.“

Jim and Barbara Holloway

“This is Button — as in ‘cute as a …’. David and I had been fortunate to adopt a brother and sister set of dogs, Ollie and Lily, from Freeman-Fritts Vet Clinic and Animal Shelter, but we lost Ollie in the summer of 2021.

“Just a day later, I saw this cute little puppy online that was up for adoption and fell madly in love again. I worried that it was too soon after losing Ollie, but my advice would be that nothing can heal your heart like falling in love with a new pet. “Button brings so much happiness to us, and we highly recommend adoption from one of the area shelters. There are so many animals that could use our help and a permanent home. You never know, you might get one as cute as ‘Button.’”

hiding in the covers.

Donna Jackson

“This is our sweet rescue, Axel, the friendliest dog ever. Maybe you’ve seen us walking in the neighborhood. Be sure to say hello. FYI, he asks everyone he meets for a belly rub.”

“Baby Skipper (breeder called him Jerry. No, he’s Skipper) now 2 years old.”

“We have two ‘fur babies’ (that don’t shed — yippie for us) that amuse us on a daily, hourly basis.

“Finn, a male Bouvier des Flanders, 4, and Murphy Brown, 3, a female soft-coated Wheaton — wait for it — terrier. So, you wanna know the difference between a terrier and a terrorist? You can negotiate with the terrorist. That pretty much sums up our beloved Murphy Brown.

“This is our fifth Bouvier, and he is by far the funniest big baby of them all. When we walk Finn, whether it’s out in the mountains of Cloudcroft, New Mexico, or on the trails

and streets of Riverhill, we always hear the comments of, ‘Is that a Bear?’ or, ‘Wow, our first bear sighting this spring.’

“Then there’s the terrier, and of course, with a name like Murphy Brown, there’s sure to be some trouble following her around. And it does.”

“Bosley has been a part of our family since 2012. His paw prints are imprinted on our hearts forever.”

“I was left in charge of my recently deceased sister’s two girls and suddenly moving them to a new home and greatly worried if they would like it. They immediately loved their new setting. We have since lost Wendy, but Abby still loves Riverhill.

”’It was a dark and stormy night.’ Little did we know that Phoebe’s and Lucy’s mother would stray in from the storm at the Y.O. Ranch Headquarters two years ago and deliver these two perfect beings (among several others) into the world for us to discover. We bless them daily, as they bless us.”

“Murphy says, ‘Mom has had four surgeries in the last two years and some of our terrific Antelope Trail neighbors have kept me overnight when Dad had to be with her. They have walked me and picked up poop when Mom couldn’t bend over after surgery. What a great bunch of neighbors we have.’

Rhonda Wiley-Jones

Kay Fox

Judy & Warren Ferguson

Billy and Rhonda Taylor

Jaelin and Daye Proffit

Remy, 13 years old.

John and Dana Iman

Jenny and Bedford Mitchell

Mike and Flora McClung

“Turbo and Shiner enjoying a sunset at Enchanted Rock with Garland and Janice. Both are rescue dogs who run the house and are always up for an adventure.”

Garland and Janice Crabtree

“Not only (have I) rescued as many as a dozen kittens and foster them and found them great homes, but I also kept five of them for myself.

“Also, I am feeding a cat colony every day. They’re fixed and vaccinated and finally got used to me after four years, expecting some loving from me! I guess they’re my pets now!

“Unfortunately, living outdoors has its own danger, so I’ve lost many of them over the years.”

Shari Vahadi

FreiWie Mullins (pronounced “freeway”) lounging at home at 504 Riverhill Blvd. Parents are Bob and Diane. Shadow is the adopted little sister to FreiWie. She is eagerly awaiting Frisbee happy hour in our backyard.

“Freiway was rescued by a good Samaritan from the median of Interstate 10 close to Comfort at approximately 10 weeks old. Judging from her poor condition, she had been on her own most of her short life. She is now 9 years old and lives the good life with adopted sister Shadow. Her favorite hobbies are chasing sticks and stealing food from the kitchen.”

Diane Mullins

“Smoochie, nearly 10, is definitely a Georgia peach. She is white with peach-colored ears and a dusting of peach on her tail and back. She may be a Ragdoll. She is a loving, devoted lap cat.

“NutterButtr may be only a brown striped tabby, but he has a wonderful disposition and is very playful. He drags his toys to me, whichever room I’m in. He particularly likes to investigate anything newly brought into the house.

“We brought Smoochie with us from Georgia, but NutterButtr was thrown out of a car at night here in Riverhill about a year ago. He joined our group of foster kittens, and we became ‘failed fosters,’ because we kept him.

“We have successfully fostered 16 kittens since the pandemic. Kerrville Pets Alive! and The Big Fix have done wonders in finding homes for all their rescues after they have been neutered. To help pay the vet expenses for all their many rescues, KPA! accepts donations for the cat toys — mostly catnip mice and donuts — and cat hats that I make for them.”

Donna Baker

“This is Marley, my rescue dog from California. He is 14 years old and still thinks he can catch a deer. Unfortunately, he can sniff out skunks.”

Griffin

Gena