The holiday season offers an apt opportunity to celebrate generosity – not just gift-giving, but also where we give our time. This edition of LN features St. Louisans who are contributing not just their resources, but also through action to make a positive impact in the metro and abroad.
After a recent animal abuse case in St. Louis made headlines, our metro shelters are stretched as thin as ever. Contributing writer Bethany Christo speaks with three shelters working on the front lines to combat animal abuse and offer hope those affected. Read more about their rescue and rehabilitation efforts – and learn how you can help – on p. 34.
On p. 32, contributor Drew Gieseke spotlights a group of Ladue high school students currently fundraising to provide relief to fellow students in North Carolina and Georgia who were affected by the devastation of Hurricane Helene. Gieseke returns on p. 16, where he reports on a soon-tolaunch nursing program at Lindenwood University, which seeks to address the metro-area’s current nursing shortage.
Happy reading,
Ashley Klein, Managing Editor
LadueNews.com
FOLLOW US ON SOCIAL MEDIA
Enhance your feed with home, style and community news by liking and following Ladue News on Facebook.
Follow @laduenews on Instagram for a fresh look at content in our magazine and online, plus exclusive community insight.
SIGN UP TODAY
Get our best stories delivered daily, weekly or monthly to your inbox with our suite of newsletters by signing up on the laduenews.com homepage.
Keep up with our latest stories and updates by following @laduenews on X.
LN ONLINE
Danielle Kalish, a local designer of stylish shoes and interiors, welcomes you into her new décor shop in Clayton. ABODE by Parklyn Interiors offers inspiration for creating a cozy, sophisticated home. Visit laduenews.com to see inside the boutique, now open in DeMun.
Coming Together fortheSeason
ByMaggiePeters> PhotoscourtesyofTheGatesworth
Theholidays area time for celebration – and a time for community AtTheGatesworth,there is noshortage of festiveevents,bringingtogether residentsandtheir families fortheseason.
We are fast approaching that magical time of the year full of festive activities, feelings of gratitude and gift giving.
Unfortunately, as we enter the cold and flu season, it is also a season of sharing some less desired gifts: illnesses. A common source of disease spread is through schools and daycare. However, there are ways we can keep our kids and, by extension, our communities and families safe.
THE USUAL SUSPECTS
Respiratory viruses like COVID-19, influenza, respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) and the common cold. Symptoms can overlap and can include nasal stuffiness, fever and cough. Infants with RSV can have significant breathing difficulties.
Streptococcal pharyngitis (strep throat). Symptoms include fever, sore throat and often the absence of cough and runny nose. This is more common in school-age children and teens.
Hand, foot and mouth disease. This is more common in the early fall but occasionally lingers. Symptoms typically start with fever, runny nose and congestion, then progress to a blistering rash in the mouth, fingers, palms, soles and buttocks.
AN
OUNCE OF PREVENTION
Hygiene. Hand hygiene is one of the best practices to teach your child early. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends washing hands with soap and warm water for at least 20 seconds. When
kids are young, do it together and make it fun! Twenty seconds is roughly the amount of time it takes to sing the “Happy Birthday” song twice. Remind kids to wash their hands before eating, after using the bathroom, after coughing or sneezing into their hands, and more frequently when they’re sick. When coughing, teach kids to cough into their elbow. Describing this to a child as coughing “like a vampire,” or like the Count from Sesame Street can be helpful and fun. It’s always a great idea to reward good behavior (including good handwashing) with praise.
Vaccination. Vaccinating yourself and your child prevents illness and disease spread. Updated vaccines for COVID-19 and influenza are currently available and are recommended for everyone 6 months of age and older. For RSV protection, pregnant women are recommended to receive an RSV vaccine between 32 and 36 weeks gestation when in RSV season. Infants whose mothers did not receive an RSV vaccination should receive the RSV immunization Beyfortus (nirsevimab) prior to 8 months of age.
WHEN TO RETURN
Infants and children generally can return to daycare or school after a viral illness once they are fever free for at least 24 hours (without medication such as Tylenol or Motrin), their symptoms are improving, and they are able to participate in normal activities. Your medical provider can help evaluate when it is safe to return to daycare, school and the many festivities this season hosts.
Dr. Nastassia C. Bommel is a pediatrician at Mercy Ladue Pediatrics.
BIRDING Buddies
By Charlotte Renner > Photos supplied
If you need a last-minute holiday gift for the nature lover in your life, look no further. St. Louis Audubon Society’s staff recommended us a few of their must-read birding books. These books will be helpful for all birdwatcher levels, from novice to pro. Birding can have benefits like reducing stress and anxiety, increasing mental alertness, inspiring mindfulness and even lowering your blood pressure. Plus, it’s a way to immerse yourself in nature – even when it’s cold and icy. If you don’t want to be out in the cold, a window with a view of your yard and one of these books by your side is a good start.
“The Joy of Bird Feeding: The Essential Guide to Attracting and Feeding Our Backyard Birds” by Jim
Carpenter
“Slow Birding” by Joan Strassmann
This rec was written by one of St. Louis Audubon Society’s own board members, Joan Strassmann. Patience is a tenet of birdwatching, so Strassman’s title is an apt one. “She provides guidance on what activities and behaviors to look for when observing birds leading to a deeper appreciation and understanding of the birds around us,” Weeks says. “Readers will enjoy her stories about some of the more common birds we see and might not give much thought to.” For a nice complement to “Slow Birding,” Strassman also released “The Slow Birding Journal: A Field Diary for Watching Birds Wherever You Are” in October 2024.
Look for these wintertime birds
cedar Waxwing: A sleeklooking gray-brown bird with a pointed crest, bandit-style black mask, red wing tips and yellow tail tips
Downy Woodpecker: A small woodpecker with black-and-white spotted wings, a white stripe down the back and a short black bill. males have a red mark on the back of their heads.
“The Joy of Bird Feeding” is an essential tool, especially if the reader is a newbie bird feeder. It gives practical tips for attracting and identifying birds, which can help increase the variety of birds you see in your yard. “This book is an excellent resource for everyone, from beginning bird enthusiasts to more experienced hobbyists,” St. Louis Audubon Society executive director Amy Weeks says. “The author does a nice job presenting the information concisely, making it a quick and easy go-to resource.”
“The Backyard Bird Chronicles” by Amy Tan
A more personal account of birding, “The Backyard Bird Chronicles” explores Amy Tan’s journey into birdwatching and its impact on her. “It’s a light read featuring her own illustrations, centering on the birds in her yard,” Weeks says. The book started as a daily journal in 2016 when Tan turned to nature for solace and gained much more than she imagined. Its pages are filled with Tan’s daily entries, thought-provoking questions and beautiful illustrations drawn by Tan herself.
carolina Wren: A small rusty-brown bird with an orangey chest, white eye stripe, longer beak and a stubby tail. The male is known to sing up to 40 different song types.
carolina Wren
Downy Woodpecker
cedar Waxwing
Embracing Di erences
Social and emotional issues can seem overwhelming to children, and sometimes adopting an air of bravado becomes a protective measure against insecurities. Ready Readers recommends a book highlighting this issue.
“Buffalo Fluffalo” is a humorous tongue-twisting rhyming story by author Bess Kalb and illustrator Erin Kraan. Buffalo Fluffalo is so named because his fur is thick, curly and abundant. We meet the eponymous creature as he storms his way onto the page, speaking in a loud, gruff voice: “I’m the Buffalo Fluffalo – I heave and I huffalo. Leave me alone because I’ve had enuffalo!”
Although various prairie animals invite him to play, Buffalo Fluffalo rebuffs each animal’s offer of friendship and fun with the rhyming refrain above. As the last rejected playmate leaves, the dark clouds gathered above Buffalo’s head open and drop a torrent of rain on him, obscuring all but the enormous animal’s eyes. When the rain clears, we see a different Buffalo – an exceedingly small animal whose size had been greatly enhanced by masses of fluffy fur. The prairie denizens
By Sheila Oliveri
gather around and stare in disbelief at the small creature, some making unkind comments. Buffalo puffs up and begins to respond with his familiar blustery refrain, but he is interrupted by Ram: “Stop! You don’t have to act tough! We like you just fine without all your puff.” The other animals chime in with their empowering thoughts, until Buffalo understands that they like him just as he is.
Erin Kraan’s wondrously layered illustrations combine artistic methods including woodcut prints, computer graphics and gouache paint, and are beautifully matched with Kalb’s rhythmic, lyrical text, creating a book that readers are sure to enjoy again and again.
The Ready Readers Storytime Program serves more than 16,000 preschool-aged children from economically suppressed neighborhoods across the metro area, distributing more than 100,000 new books featuring diverse characters and providing weekly classroom story time visits by trained community volunteers. Build a brighter tomorrow by visiting readyreaders.org today.
New in Nursing
By Drew Gieseke
In September 2024, Lindenwood University announced the launch of its new Bachelor of Science in Nursing program. Scheduled to begin in fall 2025, this new program at the St. Charles school is designed to help bolster the metro’s roster of healthcare workers and offer more flexibility for nursing students who want to attend school in the St. Louis area.
“[We’re creating] another avenue for us to get nurses into the St. Louis area,” Lindenwood University nursing program director Meridith Vogeler says. “There’s a major nursing shortage, and while there are existing services in the city, it’s not enough. Our goal is to fill that void and maybe keep them in this area.”
The BSN program is a fully on-ground, 2+2 structure, meaning students can attend Lindenwood for the first two years of their undergraduate experience and complete prerequisite courses on a pre-nursing track. Coursework is designed to help them apply for the BSN program during their sophomore year, but Lindenwood will accept applications from students enrolled in other schools.
The state of Missouri determines standards for nursing programs. Lindenwood was approved for 48 seats and, depending on pass rates, the school can seek permission to offer
two cohorts beginning in 2027.
Vogeler says that, because big area nursing schools such as the University of Missouri, the Goldfarb School of Nursing at Barnes-Jewish College, and St. Louis University can only take a certain number of students, they often have to turn away qualified candidates. She adds: “We can now say we also have a very qualified program and experience in a college town with a life they’re looking for.”
There’s a major nursing shortage. ... Our goal is to fill that void.
– merIDITH VOGeLer
Vogeler and her team have the green light to build a curriculum from the ground up for the new program. They plan to develop courses based on five core goals: to educate, advocate, innovate, elevate and dedicate.
“Nursing [education] is at a crossroads,” Vogeler says. “This new curriculum will develop those critical thinking skills and therapeutic communication skills. We can focus on things we know work rather than repair something or reinvent something that’s not working.”
Lindenwood’s partnerships with area hospitals and health care providers will also be key to the success of the new BSN program. Vogeler recognizes that every nursing program fights for clinical sites and times, but Mercy Hospital is a strong partner and resource for the team. Combined with a robust curriculum, Lindenwood’s BSN program will surely be a success.
“You can’t just teach someone how to be an advocate. You have to show them,” Vogeler says. “We want to show them that Lindenwood is behind them on that, and that’s the type of nurses we want to develop.”
The application for Lindenwood’s fall 2025 admission to the BSN program is active and can be completed at nursingcas.liaisoncas.org/apply.
Lindenwood University, 209 S. Kingshighway St., St. Charles, 636-949-2000, lindenwood.edu
Edgy designs for the home give new meaning to the term “art house.”
TOV Furniture’s earl nubby white cotton chenille accent chair is a statement piece that elevates the bouclé trend with its richly textured fabric. It’s delightfully accented with distinctive brushed brass details. The memphis-style geometric form makes it the perfect chair for a cozy corner or for using in a stylish pair. (tovfurniture.com)
riviere by Noz Nozawa for corbett Lighting features a classic jewelry-inspired silhouette powered by energy-efficient LeD. The ice onyx discs within a bezel setting are reminiscent of the way a gemstone is set into a ring. Finished in vintage gold leaf, the distinctive chain-like hardware adds another jewelry element to the design. riviere is available as a single light sconce and as an eight or 10-light chandelier. (wilsonlighting.com)
An elegant and offbeat addition to any bar setup, Artel’s cabinet of cur iosities crystal decanter with a gilded snake motif is the perfect vessel for storing, displaying and serving fine spirits. The snake motif is just one of eight nature-inspired styles. The decanter is available individually or in sets that include coordinating double old-fashioned glasses. (artelglass.com)
Got the Blues
By
What once was a lackluster living room is now a one-of-akind kitchen and dining space thanks to Megan Temple of Megan Temple Design.
“This space was very neutral with beige carpet and a large sectional filling the space with a peninsula separating it from the kitchen,” Temple says. “Everything about this room was a massive transformation – from adding a significant amount of function by extending the kitchen cabinetry down the whole wall to maximizing seating by adding a window seat. The aesthetic of the entire room has taken on a new life!”
The aesthetic for the space was inspired by the astounding Aegean Zellige tile adorning the walls.
“The tile was a statement, so we knew we needed a bold design for the rest of the space,” Temple says. “I tend to lean more toward the moody side of design, so it was a great opportunity to have some fun and push the envelope.”
Temple achieved this with playful pops of color – like the mustard velvet window cushion that strategically complements the gold interior of the
chandelier – and the wonderful wall covering adorning the adjacent wall.
“We stumbled on the York wall covering and couldn’t believe what a perfect complement it was to the Zellige tile backsplash,” Temple says. “It still takes my breath away every time I see photos of it!
Adds Temple: “Some projects come together in the most harmonious way, and this was one of them. It’s hard to narrow down what I love about this space.”
Megan Temple Design, 124 W. Jefferson Ave, Suite 101, Kirkwood, megantempledesign.com
Gold and Honey Pink earrings, $94, Hearth and Soul (hearthandsoul.com)
Leo Lin blue lace dress, $795, Neiman Marcus (neimanmarcus.com)
Shoshanna floral midi dress, $660, Neiman Marcus
Black tulle dress, $350, J.Crew Plaza Frontenac
Metallic jacket, $398, J.Crew Plaza Frontenac
Sequin camisole, $178, J.Crew Plaza Frontenac
Ruffle blouse, $168, J.Crew, Plaza Frontenac (jcrew.com)
Milly cardigan, $395, Saks Fifth Avenue
Simkhai tiered dress, $395, Saks Fifth Avenue
The Fattened
CAF
Since 2018, The Fattened Caf has made a name for itself in and around St. Louis with its unique brand of comforting Filipino fare with a soul-food twist. In August, the concept set down roots at its first dedicated brick-and-mortar restaurant just off Cherokee Street in South City.
For husband-and-wife duo Darren Young and Charlene Lopez-Young, the opening of their first restaurant marks the culmination of years of development. After moving to St. Louis from Los Angeles in 2014 to work in the world of nonprofits, the couple discovered a new way to build community through their love of sharing food with others.
“Our passion is in communities. We love bringing people together,” Lopez-Young says. “Darren really wanted to learn how to barbecue, and I wanted to introduce Filipino food and cuisine to whomever we were around. That really was the foundation for The Fattened Caf.”
The duo started offering their home cooking through pop-ups at the original Milque Toast Bar in 2018, later finding a semi-regular home in the kitchen at Earthbound Beer. When the COVID-19 pandemic put a pause on operations there, they pivoted to perfecting their product line of longganisa (sausage) and, eventually, sauces for the retail market.
After resuming food service at Earthbound, the brand continued to expand with satellite locations at Washington University and St. Louis City SC’s CITYPARK stadium. The new restaurant offers its most robust menu yet, including a variety of entrées, sides, desserts, coffee and more. “I feel like the brick and mortar is the finale of what we’ve always wanted The Fattened Caf to be,” Lopez-Young says. Choose from signatures such as Pinoy Pork Steak BBQ, featuring a 12-ounce chargrilled pork steak basted and topped with housemade barbecue sauce, served with your choice of garlic rice or java rice and pickled red cabbage salad with cucumber slices. The dish pairs perfectly with inventive sides such as coconut braised collard greens. “It’s Filipino food our way, our style, making use of the barbecue culture that already exists here in St. Louis,” says Lopez-Young. “At the heart of it, you get nostalgic flavors with a hit of the soul food barbecue that Darren grew up with.”
With the new location, the duo also brings exciting new options to the menu, including one of Lopez-Young’s personal favorites: Half Chicken Piyanggang, a chargrilled barbecue chicken inspired by the Tausug tribe of
Mindanao seasoned with burnt coconut, turmeric, ginger and lemongrass. “We started to look at other ways that Filipino dishes were being made from different areas in the Northern, Central and Southern regions. We took the best pieces of what we liked and put that onto the menu,” Lopez-Young says.
Additional highlights include jackfruit adobo, featuring jackfruit braised in a soy-vinegar sauce and coconut milk with garlic, bay leaves and onions. Lopez-Young also offers her own version of her grandmother’s kinilaw. The piquant dish, which she describes as Filipino-style ceviche, is made up of raw yellowtail tuna tossed in coconut cream with cane vinegar, ginger, garlic, raw onions and Thai chili peppers. For dessert, choose from options including ube banana pudding and peach mango cobbler.
“We’re really excited to have our own space where we can continue to be creative and keep representing our identities to the St. Louis community,” Lopez-Young says. “We’re really proud of what we’ve built, and hopefully people see that at this new location when they taste the food.”
The Fattened Caf is open Monday through Thursday from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. and Friday through Saturday from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. and 5:30 to 9 p.m. For updates and more information, follow the restaurant on Instagram.
The Fattened Caf, 3405 S. Jefferson Ave., St. Louis, thefattenedcaf.com
Story and photos by Mabel Suen
Discoveracommunitythatgoesaboveandbeyondtoen sureyourretirementhitsone highnoteafteranother.Everymeal—moredeliciousthanthelast.Everyactivity—more excitingthanyouhopedfor.Everyfriend ship—moreenr ichingthanyouimagined.Withan expansiverangeofservicesandamenities,maintenance-freeliving,andat hr ivingsocial scene,it’seasytoreachnewh ei ghtsinretirementatAberdeenH ei ghts.
Legends
UNITE
By Mark Bretz
It seems the stars were aligned in bringing together The Repertory Theatre of St. Louis and STAGES St. Louis for their latest collaboration, “Million Dollar Quartet Christmas.”
STAGES first produced “Million Dollar Quartet” at the Kirkwood Performing Arts Center for its 2023 season. It proved to be a smashing success for the local professional company.
“STAGES audiences fell in love with this production from beginning to end,” says STAGES’ executive producer, Andrew Kuhlman.
“Million Dollar Quartet” tells the musical story of a milestone moment in rock ‘n’ roll history, which took place Dec. 4, 1956 at
legendary music producer Sam Phillips’ iconic Sun Records in Memphis. That’s when and where an impromptu jam session took place between four of Phillips’ young, rising star performers: Elvis Presley, Johnny Cash, Carl Perkins and Jerry Lee Lewis.
The Rep previously performed “Million Dollar Quartet” in its 2016-2017 season, says Rep managing director Danny Williams, who adds: “It remains one of our highest selling productions of all time.”
After STAGES concluded its smash run of the original musical in 2023, the team began dreaming of a sequel. Williams recalls that Kuhlman pitched the idea of a collaboration between the two companies during the Rep’s “Rally for the Rep” campaign. “It was an amazing gesture to see if we would be interested in co-producing the show,” Williams says.
We look forward to welcoming [audiences] to the theater-turned1950’s recording studio [to] celebrate the season
– GAYLe HOLSmAN SeAY
STAGES artistic director Gayle Holsman Seay adds: “We got to thinking, ‘What if we turned this show into a true holiday celebration and partnered with another local arts institution?
Maybe The Rep would want to do the show with us.’
It seemed like a win-win for both companies.”
Regarding costs and revenues of the production, “We all decided that we would split everything 50-50,” Seay says. “Each theatre brings to the table different parts of the puzzle. We already had the second-highest-selling show in STAGES’ history with our design team and cast. Why not use them again? We own our rehearsal space, and The Rep owns housing.”
“St. Louis has an extraordinary talent pool,” says Rep artistic director Kate Bergstrom. “I can’t wait to continue collaborating with all of this fantastic talent for years to come.” She adds: “We look forward to welcoming [audiences] to the theater-turned1950’s recording studio [to] create lasting memories with loved ones and celebrate the season together.”
“Million Dollar Quartet Christmas” runs Dec. 4 through 22 at the Loretto-Hilton Center, 130 Edgar Road. Williams adds that there is “the potential for additional performances within our original run if we see the continued demand we are experiencing now.” For ticket information visit repstl.org or call 314-968-4925.
Repertory Theatre St. Louis, 130 Edgar Road, St. Louis, 314-968-4925, repstl.org
STAGES St. Louis, multiple locations, stagesstlouis.org
Photo courtesy of the repertory Theatre of St. Louis and STAGeS St. Louis
5%OFFSculptr
WOmeN OF AcHIeVemeNT
Annual Meeting
More than 80 Women of Achievement honorees attended the organization’s annual meeting held on Oct. 22 at Westwood Country Club. The gathering included a champagne toast and reception, which gave past honorees an opportunity to connect with their class and others. In celebration of Women of Achievement’s 70th anniversary, WOA leadership shared historical and fun facts, including how the 1950s Women of Achievement luncheon cost $3.60 to attend and how awardees were notified by telegram.
Visit laduenews.com to see more photos from this event >
Women of Achievement has a lot to celebrate! Our annual meeting kicked off our 70th anniversary of honoring women who volunteer to make the St. Louis community better. To be selected as a Woman of Achievement is the highest award accorded to a female volunteer leader in the St. Louis region. Our honorees’ volunteer efforts are rigorous, and their nomination is rarely sought. They volunteer because they care about our community and believe they can make a difference. The annual meeting is a great opportunity to celebrate our past while looking ahead to our special 70th anniversary.
Unleashing Potential hosted its inspiring Art & Soul XIV event on Nov. 1 at Third Degree Glass Factory, where attendees were welcomed with an cocktail hour featuring a silent auction with artwork, jewelry and a wine pull. The evening transitioned to a seated dinner and program, led by KMOV Anchor Cory Stark, with opening remarks from UP President and CEO Darlene Sowell Auctioneer Fletcher Lane energized the crowd during the live auction, offering guests an opportunity to further support UP’s mission. Proceeds from the evening fund UP’s vital educational programs, dedicated to enhancing childhood development.
Visit laduenews.com to see more photos from this event >
Art and Soul is Unleashing Potential’s opportunity to raise funds to close the opportunity gap for children in underresourced communities, regardless of race, zip code or economic circumstance. We achieve this through early childhood education and elementary out-of-school programs, allowing our children to have experiences beyond their three-block radius, including STEM, geo-spatial concepts a nd social emotional skills.
– Darlene Sowell
megan and mark Lenihan Vic richey, Fletcher Lane
Isaac clay, Gundia Lock-clay
Story and photos by James Anderson
mike Jones, Kathy conley-Jones, robin Fox, David Huff
Thestudentgroupteamedupwithtwo nonprofits –MedicalHelpInternationalandthe U pakar a Foundation,ofwhic h theAmarakonesistersar e foundingmembers.The U pakar aFoundation helmsprojectshelpingdomesticandinternational c ommunities facingissues r elatedtoeducation,health, shelter,foodinsecurityandmore.
The devastatingsceneCityof St. LouisAnimalCare& Control, St. LouisMetropolitan Police DepartmentandCARESTLsaw mid-Octoberin NorthSt. Louisisoneanimal rescueandcarecentersaround St. Louisdealwith fartoooften.
Thelaw-enforcementgroups,alongwith theSt. LouisCountySWAT team, executed a searchwarrantand found a heartbreaking situationofseverelymalnourisheddogsliving inflea-infested, feces-andurine-riddled conditionsandshowingsignsofneglectand abuse. TheCARESTLanimal rescueteam tookinthreeseparategroupsof61dogs total.Twenty-two ofthedogs were held for investigationaspartof a crueltylegalcase againstthe owner, whoisinjailwithoutbail. On Nov. 22,the courtruledthatall22dogsare eligible foradoption,offeringthedogs a new hope for a betterlife to come
immediateneedsare donations, volunteering and fostering. Adopting a dogwiththiskind ofbackgroundisanincredible way tosupport areasheltersduringthistimeofcrisisas well as year round.
“Adopting a previouslyabusedanimal canbe arewarding experience, butitalso comeswithunique challenges fromthe traumatheseanimalshave beenthrough,” Horaksays.“Patience is key;trusttakestime Bepreparedto go attheanimal’space and understandprogressmay beslow. Celebrate smallvictoriesalongthe way.”
“Many peoplethink rescuedogsare difficultto workwith,butthey are all individuals,” saysNatalieThomson, chief communicationsofficerofStrayRescue ofSaint Louis.“Somearereadytoleave immediatelywhileothersneedto gain confidence withourteambefore they are ready foradoption.Everyadultdog requires a levelofpatience andthriveswithstructure and routine;they justneedsomegrace while they learn yours.”
“Itcanbe a bigtransition for a petto go fromtheshelterto a new home,” addsAlisha Vianello,executive directorofGatewayPet Guardians.“Pottyaccidentsmighthappen, butthey shouldsubsideasthepetlearns their routineandsetup On average, they say ittakes a dogaboutthree fullmonthstotruly
bethemselvesand feel100%athome, which justmeans we shouldbepatientandbond withthemwhiletheygettheirbearingsin a new environment.”
Specifically, there are somebestpractices recommendedbyshelter experts for transitioningand raising a petwithanabused background.Horakadvisesusing agentle approach and avoidingsuddenmovements orloudnoisestominimizefear;creating a safe space likea bedorcrate forthepetto retreatto;establishing aconsistent routine for walking, feedingandplaytime;andusing positivereinforcementoftreats,praiseand affectionsothey learnhumanscanbekind andsafe. Vianelloagrees,addingthatvisitors andnewfacesshouldgive thepetplentyof space andnotpushthingstooquickly Despiteanyextrachallenges,takingin a scaredorshut-downanimalandslowly earningtheirtrustandwitnessingtheir transformationcanbeoneofthemost gratifying experiencesinlife. “Each small step forward– whetherit’s overcoming a fear, learning a new trick orsimplyseeking affection – canbe a significantvictory,” Horak says.“Thesemomentsofprogress foster a senseofaccomplishmentandbonding for boththepetandthe owner. Moreover, caring forananimalinneedcaninstill a profound senseofpurposeandempathy, enriching
AddsVianello:“Dogsandcatsare so very resilient!Whentheyfallasleepon yourlap andare truly comfortableand feelsafe, it melts yourheart everytime.”
If you’re unabletoadopt a new pet, there are stillseveralimpactful ways tohelp preventand combatanimalcrueltyinthe community, accordingtothe experts.These include fostering,donatingand volunteering atanimalshelters;advocating forand raising awarenessaboutanimal-cruelty issuesinthe community; reportingabuse; andparticipatingin fundraising eventsand educational workshopstopromoteanimal welfare and connectwithlikemindedpeople.
