Oregon Family Magazine

Keeping Kids Active in Cold Weather Months

BY PILAR BRADSDHAW, M.D., F.A.A.P. EUGENE PEDIATRIC ASSOCIATES

D

AILY EXERCISE IS ESSENTIAL for kids and their families, no matter the season. Regular exercise helps to boost the immune system, maintain strong muscles and bones, reduce the risk of health conditions like Type 2 diabetes and heart disease, and improve mental health and sleep.

Of course, it’s much easier to be active when the weather is warm and the days are long. So, how do you encourage your family to be active when the days grow colder and shorter?

GET CREATIVE, HAVE FUN

Strive for an hour of physical activity daily but remember that it doesn’t have to happen all at once. A few 15- to 20-minute bursts of movement throughout the day, whether you’re outdoors or indoors, will do the trick. Encourage children to participate by keeping it light, creative and fun!

CONSIDER THESE OUTDOOR ACTIVITIES:

Sign up for family fun runs or 5Ks and train together by setting small, attainable goals. Fun runs around the holidays are festive for the whole family. Or join Eugene Pediatric Associates’ Dr. Ross Newman on his monthly Saturday “Runs with Ross” at Alton Baker Park in Eugene. All ages and abilities are welcome, and families are encouraged to run together. Visit Eugene Pediatric Associates’ Facebook page for the latest run schedule.

• Take a family walk or a bike ride. Or turn a ho-hum walk into an adventure by making it a scavenger hunt or by geocaching together.

• Shoot baskets, throw a baseball, jump rope or go for a scooter ride.

• If it snows, enjoy it! Build a snowman. Take a walk. Go for sled rides.

IF STUCK INDOORS, TRY THESE ACTIVITIES:

Compete to see how long you can hold plank position or do pushups or stomach crunches – kids might be surprised and delighted to find that they can beat their parents at these!

• Create an indoor obstacle course with household items that encourages kids to crawl, jump or hop.

• Turn up the music and dance or play games together, such as tag or hide-and-seek.

• Play video games that require you to move your body. When active, remember to drink plenty of water to stay hydrated. If outside, don’t forget the sunscreen, even if it’s cloudy outside. Snow and water reflect the sun’s rays, increasing the risk of sunburn. If the kids are going to be outside in cold weather, make sure that they bundle up and come inside to change into dry clothes if they get wet. Most importantly, have fun in your pursuit of activities that get your family moving, no matter the weather! ✦

Our Contributors

1. AMANDA BEDORTHA

Amanda Bedortha is the Communications Manager for Parenting Now. Parenting Now offers parenting groups and drop-in programs for families with children 0-8, and is passionate about fostering happy, healthy families. For more information about Parenting Now please visit their website (https://parentingnow.org/) or contact us at info@parentingnow.org.

2. PILAR BRADSHAW, M.D., F.A.A.P.

Dr. Pilar Bradshaw practices the full spectrum of pediatric medicine, seeing patients from birth to young adulthood. Named as 1 of 7 “Favorite Pediatricians” by Parents magazine, she believes in the ability of parents to embrace the joys and challenges of raising children.

3. BONNIE HARRIS

Bonnie is Oregon Family Magazine’s resident Movie Review Master Extraordinaire. She enjoys watching movies of all kinds, and has been doing movie reviews for over 9 years and counting. She lives in Eugene with her family, enjoys gardening and cooking.

4. DANIEL HIESTAND

Daniel Hiestand is the new Lane County Waste Reduction Outreach Coordinator, responsible for working with the county’s Waste Reduction team to produce original content to promote waste reduction education and outreach. Daniel has worked extensively as a reporter,

overseas teacher, communications consultant, entrepreneur, and nonprofit fundraiser. Later this year, Daniel will graduate from Arizona State University with a Master’s Degree in Sustainability Leadership.

5. CARLA KNIPE

Carla was born and raised in the West Kootenay region of BC, and is now settled in Calgary, Alberta following a dozen years living in England. Her British husband and their son keeps her on her toes, but she is currently on the final stretch of completing her BA in English through AU. In her free time, she spends as much time outdoors as she can by hiking, biking, gardening and geocaching.

6. JAN PIERCE

Jan Pierce is a retired teacher and a writer who specializes in education, parenting and family life features. She is a Pacific Northwest native who loves reading, gardening and playing tennis. She is the author of Homegrown Readers and Homegrown Family Fun. Find Jan at www. janpierce.net.

7. RODDY SCHEER

Journalist and photographer specializing in environmental issues, the outdoors and travel. When he is not out in the field taking pictures, Roddy runs EarthTalk, the non-profit Publisher of the syndicated EarthTalk Q&A column and the EarthTalk.org and Emagazine

Oregon Family Magazine is distributed monthly, year-round via direct mail in the greater Lane County area, and at over 150 high-traffic commercial locations. For information regarding Every Door Direct Mail, please visit www.dmachoice.org or www.optoutprescreen.com.

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NOW, RESIDENTIAL AND COMMERCIAL buildings

contribute up to 40 percent of the world’s energy consumption. Increasing the energy efficiency of these structures can go a long way toward reducing that consumption and our carbon footprint while saving money along the way.

The biggest pitfall with investing in efficient energy sources is the upfront cost. Low-income households which could benefit most from such upgrades are the least likely to have the funds to do so. But now, utilities and local governments are working to implement these services prioritizing needy households.

The Weatherization Assistance Program (WAP) uses U.S. Department of Energy funds to reduce the energy bills of lowincome households by helping to pay for efficiency upgrades. The program has benefited over seven million American families so far. Every year, WAP funds such upgrades in 35,000 households, saving almost $400 annually on each. To qualify for WAP, your household must have an annual income equal to or

below 200 percent of the federal poverty level.

Another place to look for help is the Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP). Using U.S. Department of

that can’t afford it. By searching “weatherization non-profits” and your state, you can find an array of organizations that can help upgrade your home. These weatherization programs

can move forward.

But what can you do if you aren’t eligible for these programs? You can still weatherize your own home by fixing minor things around the house. One thing you can do is seal up leaks within air pipes. This can cut your energy consumption by 10 to 20 percent. In addition, by adding insulation, you can make your home less vulnerable to temperature change. You should also clean your filters regularly to make your system run more smoothly. Even simple things like switching to LEDs will increase your efficiency.

Health and Human Services funds, LIHEAP provides free energy upgrades that will decrease monthly energy bills while concurrently improving residents’ health and safety. Household incomes must be at or below 60 percent of their state’s median income to meet eligibility requirements.

Nonprofits, usually using WAP funds, also offer a range of incentives for upgrading energy efficiency. They also provide weatherization to households

usually offer a selection of efficiency upgrades including: improved insulation and heating systems, fixing leaks and gaps within pipes, and repairing windows and doors. To apply, you can often find directions on the organization’s website. In general, the first step is determining your eligibility; you will usually need proof of annual income. Then, you can complete the application process online or contact a local administrator. If your application is accepted, you

These small steps can add up and boost the energy efficiency of your home in surprising amounts. The sooner we implement such steps, the sooner we can tackle the problem of climate change making our world less hospitable. ✦

CONTACTS: Weatherization Assistance Program for Low-Income Persons, benefits. gov/benefit/580; Database of State Incentives for Renewables & Efficiency, dsireusa.org

EarthTalk® is produced by Roddy Scheer & Doug Moss for the 501(c)3 nonprofit EarthTalk. See more at https://emagazine. com. To donate, visit https//earthtalk.org. Send questions to: question@earthtalk.org

As of

I’d like to upgrade the energy efficiency of my condo but can’t afford the up-front cost of new equipment and materials. Are there any federal or other programs designed to help working people afford to make such transitions?

— PAUL B., MONROE, NY

PHOTO: PEXELS

A range of federal & state programs can help defray the costs of upgrading the energy efficiency of your home.

Stargazing

THE PERFECT WINTER HOBBY

BY CARLA KNIPE

Have you ever looked up at the night sky and wished you could get a little closer look? Perhaps your kids are crazy about space, thanks to their favorite movies or television shows. If you are interested in stargazing but think “I couldn’t possibly do that, I’m not nearly smart enough”, then please reconsider. Contrary to what you might think, stargazing (also called “amateur astronomy”) is a perfect family hobby because you don’t need expensive equipment to start out, and you definitely don’t need a degree in astrophysics to learn about the night sky. The nights become longer and darker this time of year and the air is crisp, which makes for excellent stargazing. Here is how you can bring the magic of the night sky close to home…

THE BEST STARTING POINT is to familiarize yourself with some general knowledge about astronomy. If you know a little bit about the phases of the moon, can find the Big Dipper, and remember a bit from your school days about the solar system, then you’re already on your way! Of course, you’ll be able to observe changes from month-to-month, so a star chart is essential. You can download and print a free star chart off the Internet. Two good websites for this are: http://whatsouttonight.com/ and http:// www.skymaps.com It takes a bit of practice to use them, but not difficult once you get the hang of it.

There are also some great Apps available that tell you exactly what you’re looking at (stars, planets, constellations, etc.) when you hold your phone towards the sky. Another idea is to head to your local library and check out some guidebooks geared for beginners. There are also countless websites that will help – and of course the NASA website contains some wonderful space photos. There’s a multitude of information available online, which can be daunting, especially if you’re not sure what you should be searching for, but it’s also interesting in fun, and the deeper you look, the more you find!

Of course, once you’re prepared, you will be eager to rush out and purchase a telescope. Perhaps don’t do this just yet. A good pair of binoculars is all you really need. Cheap “department store” telescopes are just glorified plastic toys and will likely leave you frustrated about your stargazing experience. If later you decide you want to pursue this hobby more seriously, you can invest in a quality telescope, and then, should expect to spend between $300-$400 for a good one).

To begin your exploration of the night sky, find a dark open area, sit on a blanket or a lawn chair and simply look up! (popout?) An expert tip is to cover a normal flashlight with a piece of red cellophane, secured with a rubber band. This enables you to read your star chart in the dark without hurting your eyes. Remember to dress appropriately,

bring some hot chocolate and some snacks, and don’t stay out too long if you have young children who get cold quickly.

If your children find looking for the constellations and other objects difficult, ask them to just find shapes in the sky, like a fun game of connect the dots, and make up stories about them. You can also learn a lot just by looking at our moon. There will be limit to how much detail you’ll be able to see without a telescope, but even with binoculars you’ll be able to see the different areas and some of its larger craters. You might also see planets, satellites, or even a ‘’shooting star’’, but give yourself time and patience to learn. You can also find a schedule online for when the International Space Station will be coming past, also a great teaching moment.

The problem with stargazing in urban areas is the amount of light pollution. Any amateur astronomer will tell you that house and street lighting is a big distraction for clear viewing. You will still be able to see quite a bit, but won’t see the amount of detail you’d be able to see in a completely dark sky. If you can, venture out to a rural area or take a trip to one of the designated “dark sky preserves” around the country, created to promote astronomy in a light-pollution free environment. Of course, part of the fun of learning how to stargaze is meeting new people who share your hobby and from whom you can learn. Check to see if there are any astronomy groups in your area. The local Community College or Meetup.com are good places to research what’s available in your area and most of the time, owning a telescope isn’t a joining requirement. Science centers are also a fantastic resource for astronomy-related events, they can still provide valuable astronomy information for stargazers with all levels of expertise.

Stargazing is a great introduction to science, and once you start learning about our universe you will want to learn more. So go outside on a clear night...and just look up! ✦

Smoked Paprika Lamb Chops with Fresh Grape Sauce

hearty, comforting meals often follow. Traditional fall fare, including roasted meats and veggies, can be enhanced with a delicious and compatible fall fruit: fresh grapes. Grapes work well with a variety of ingredients to make mealtimes more enjoyable.

INGREDIENTS

Servings: 4

• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika

• 1 teaspoon kosher salt, plus additional, to taste, divided

• 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper, plus additional, to taste, divided

• 4 boneless sirloin leg lamb chops (3/4inch thick each, about 1 1/2 pounds total)

• 1 tablespoon olive oil

• 3/4 cup dry riesling wine

• 2 shallots, minced

• 1/2 cup reduced-sodium chicken broth

• 1 teaspoon chopped fresh thyme

• 1 1/2 cups seedless Grapes from California, rinsed

• 1 tablespoon unsalted butter

PREPARATION

1. In small bowl, combine paprika, 1 teaspoon salt and 1/2 teaspoon pepper. Rub chops with paprika mixture and set aside.

2. In large cast-iron or other heavy skillet over medium-high heat, heat olive oil. Add chops and cook to desired doneness, about 4 minutes per side for medium-rare. Transfer to platter and keep warm.

3. In same pan, add riesling, bring to boil and scrape up any browned bits from bottom of pan. Cook until wine is reduced to glaze, about 5 minutes. Add shallots, broth and thyme; cook until reduced by half, about 4 minutes. Stir in grapes and butter; swirl to melt butter. Season with additional salt and pepper, to taste, then pour sauce over chops and serve.

In Smoked Paprika Lamb Chops with Fresh Grape Sauce, grapes provide a delightful sweet-tart accent to the savory meat. In addition to their delicious taste, fresh texture and vibrant color, grapes of all colors – red, green and black – are a heart-healthy food, too.

Get Out of the ‘Fast Fashion’ Lane This Holiday Season

DANIEL J. HIESTAND

WHAT EXACTLY IS FAST FASHION?

IT’S A TERM THAT has gained notoriety in recent years.

According to Merriam-Webster, fast fashion is “an approach to the design, creation, and marketing of clothing fashions that emphasizes making fashion trends quickly and cheaply available to consumers.”

As you might guess, “quickly” and “cheaply” are not ideal if you are looking to be sustainable this holiday season. For every T-shirt or pair of jeans, precious natural resources (such as cotton and water) are consumed, and supply chain ethics (including labor conditions) are often tossed aside.

In fact, the clothing and textile industry is responsible for approximately 10 percent of the world’s greenhouse gas emissions, 215 trillion liters of water use, and ultra-low wages for workers.

The good news? As consumers, we don’t have to participate in the madness. So, what can you do?

Here’s my advice: Pick something—even just one thing—you can do starting today regarding your fashion and textile habits. A few of my favorites, off the top of my head, are below.

REDUCE

• Look to buy or borrow used items first (ideally locally sourced) and then—and only then—buy something new.

• If you must buy new, spend more on products built to last instead of cheaply manufactured fads. Higher-quality items will be more easily passed down for resale and reuse.

REUSE

• Open your mind to possibilities you previously didn’t consider as feasible. For me, that was used shoes. I thought the notion of wearing previously worn shoes was gross. But then, I did it, and I haven’t looked back. Whereas underwear…yeah, that might be my border.

REPAIR

• Learn to repair your stuff or pay for repairs. I know this is pretty pathetic, but I own about five pairs of pants and shorts that don’t have buttons. Thank goodness for belts is all I have to say.

Bonus: it’s strangely fun to source your wardrobe with only used stuff. It’s also (typically) less expensive than buying new. A win-win that allows you to spend your money on important stuff, like holiday cookies.

Just make sure to leave a few size 11s for me, okay? ✦

TO

WITH Holiday Depression

BY JAN PIERCE

HE ISSUE OF DEPRESSION

is a serious one and it seems the holiday season brings added stress for everyone. For those suffering from even mild depression, the holidays can tip the scales from “doing okay,” to not. That’s easy to understand because the holidays have gone from being a simple celebration with family, to weeks and weeks of parties, gift-exchanges, concerts, and all manner of festivities. Each activity, in itself, is enjoyable, but too many are exhausting.

If you suffer from depression, take the time to simplify the season in your own mind. Take stock of the things that really matter to you and protect yourself from trying to do more than is healthy. If the truth were known, everyone would probably benefit from stepping back from the holiday rush to examine the heart of the season. What do you really want to do and enjoy? It would be wise to trim the rest away. Here are five ways to help you cope with the stress of the holiday season.

1 FIRST OF ALL, BE HONEST ABOUT THE THINGS THAT ARE STRESSFUL IN YOUR LIFE. Have you lost a loved one or been through a divorce? Are there difficult family situations that the holidays bring to bear? Whatever the source of the feelings, it’s okay to look it right in the face.

2

CHECK YOUR CALENDAR AND YOUR CIRCUMSTANCES. Evaluate the things you want to include in your holiday celebrations and say no to the rest. Protect your hours of sleep and get plenty of exercise.

STAY ON A BUDGET SO YOU DON’T ADD OVERSPENDING TO OTHER PROBLEMS AT THIS TIME OF THE YEAR. Limit the number of gifts purchased for family and friends. Cut out unnecessary gift-giving to co-workers and casual acquaintances.

4

DO AT LEAST ONE THING FOR OTHERS. Give a gift to a good cause, volunteer in the community, or offer a kindness to someone else who has a hard time in this time of the year that is supposed to be filled with joy. Enlist the family in these activities. They’ll see a wider expression of gift-giving than just within the family. They’ll learn the joy of giving to others.

5 BE OPEN TO TALKING TO FRIENDS OR PROFESSIONALS

WHEN NECESSARY. The holidays are stressful for everyone, don’t try to “go it alone.” If you have a regular counselor, be sure to check in with him or her. Talk to good friends or your spouse. The holidays can be joy-filled when managed well.

All these suggestions are general ways to ward off the depression bugs that try to invade the holidays. They are mostly common sense. In the case of serious mental health problems, see your physician. The links below offer more information on seasonal depression. Be proactive, enjoy your holidays. ✦

Fill Your Child’s CUP with Special Time

BY AMANDA BEDORTHA FOR PARENTING NOW

Inour Make Parenting A Pleasure parenting groups, we use the analogy of “filling your cup with self-care.” If your cup is empty, you will have little to give to others. But when your cup is full, you are more likely to parent in ways that fit with what you want for your child.

The benefits of “filling your cup” can also be extended to your child. For children, CUP means: Child chooses activity. Undivided attention. Predictable. You can fill your child’s cup with quality time spent together every day.

A close, nurturing, and responsive relationship is the single most important factor affecting your child’s well-being. Through special time, you can help wire your child’s brain in ways that help them learn, grow, and thrive.

An activity we do in our parenting groups is to have parents set an intention: “I (your name), will spend Special Time with my child

this week during (time of day).” This can help you be intentional about carving out special time during the day to play and engage with your child. The time of day you choose for your special time is up to you. You may want to consider a time of day when your child is well rested and fed, and when you can devote 15-20 minutes of your undivided attention.

Some experts say with 15 minutes of fully focused attention, children will feel satisfied and independent for the next half hour or so. You can think of the special time and attention you are giving your children as “money in the bank,” or positive connection you can count on as a buffer for when you need to be away from them.

For your special time, first ask your child what they would like to do. If they need ideas, you could suggest: playing your child’s favorite game, reading books together, going on a post-dinner walk in the neighborhood, or baking together. Follow your child’s lead by asking them to choose the activity and then do it the way they want to do it. Even 20 minutes of focused fun together, invests in your relationship, and goes a long way in building a solid foundation to rely on when times or situations are more difficult.

Singing with your child is a fun way to spend special time together, especially if the songs involve hand movements or finger plays. Here are some of our favorite songs:

THREE GREEN AND SPECKLED FROGS

Five green and speckled frogs, Sat on a speckled log, Eating some most delicious bugs. (Yum, yum)

One jumped into the pool, Where it was nice and cool, Now there are four green speckled frogs. (Gulp, gulp).

Repeat song counting down each time.

APPLE TREE

Way up high in the apple tree, Two little apples were smiling at me. I shook the tree as hard as I could. Down came the apples, Umm, they were good!

Repeat with other fruit.

Play helps develop social skills, imagination, and creativity. It nurtures a rich sense of adventure, exploration, and discovery, and giving your child attention shows them you love them — and is also an important need for his or her growth and development. ✦

STUDY

The Bigger the Plate, the Bigger the Appetite

Downsizing your Holiday dishes can help cut calories, simply because less food fits on the plate. Research shows that people will take less food, and consequently eat less, when using smaller serving dishes and when using tall, narrow drinking glasses instead of short, wide ones. For one study, researchers at the University of Illinois at UrbanaChampaign invited 35 graduate students to a Super Bowl party. Half the partiers dished out a snack of Chex Mix with nuts from four-quart serving bowls; the others used two-quart bowls…

THOSE USING THE BIGGER bowls took 42% more than those who used smaller bowls, according to findings presented here at the annual meeting of the North American Association for the Study of Obesity.

“This is especially relevant around Thanksgiving and shows that the larger the serving bowl or platter, the more people will eat,” says Brian Wansink, a professor of both marketing and nutritional science.

In another study, Wansink and colleagues had 97 teens at a weightloss camp pour their juice into either a short glass, wide glass, or tall, skinny glass. Both types held 22.3 ounces of liquid, but the appearance of more less was different. Researchers found that the kids who used the short glasses poured an average of 9.6 ounces of juice, while those who used the tall, skinny glasses poured 5.5 ounces.

“We tend to eyeball what we want to eat and drink, dish it up, and then we mindlessly eat while we carry on a conversation or read the newspaper. The cue that we are finished eating is that our food is gone,” Wansink says.

That clean-plate mentality was illustrated in a third investigation. Half of 84 volunteers ate tomato soup from a 24-ounce bowl. The other half ate from the same size bowl, except it was designed to slowly refill itself. The participants weren’t aware that it was refilling because the bowl was connected to a concealed tube that ran underneath the table to large, heated soup caldrons in the room next door.

Those who ate out of the refilling bowls consumed 14.7 ounces, and 268 calories, while those with the static bowls ate only 8.5 ounces, and 155 calories. Also, interestingly, those with the refilling bowl didn’t report feeling more full.

Wansink’s advice for the Holidays: Use smaller serving dishes, smaller plates, and narrower glasses. This simple hack allows you to enjoy your Thanksgiving meal all the same - just a bit less of it; which also helps the waistline! ✦

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Find out more at McKWeb.com/ER

Romeo & Juliet Revamped

BY BONNIE L. HARRIS

IT SEEMS THAT EVERY decade we get a new cinematic version of the Romeo & Juliet tragedy, and it’s usually told from the point of view of one or both of the lovers. In Rosaline, the new light-hearted teenage feature from director Karen Maine, Romeo falls in love with Rosaline before he ever meets Juliet, and a madcap romp of the

20th Century Studios

Rated: PG-13

Streaming on Hulu

“jilted lover” takes center stage. With gorgeous costumes set in a small Italian village (for real) and a terrific pop soundtrack, Maine brings her deft comedic touch to a fun-filled script that’s laugh-out-loud funny. Of course, the Capulets are still fighting the Montagues, and Tybalt dies by Romeo’s sword, but not before Rosaline tries to convince Juliet that her true love is the town gigolo. Letters replace the Internet in this story, and Steve the Courier is less than reliable. But social media is alive & well in the local pub where Rosaline introduces Juliet to “the buffet

of life” and the town’s eligible bachelors. Unfortunately, fate turns Rosaline’s efforts to get Romeo back into a total disaster that she must put right with the help of the handsome Dario. He’s not too keen on arranged marriages either and decides to help Rosaline on her quest. In the cemetery vault with the seemingly dead lovers, Rosaline’s nurse, played by the wonderful Minnie Driver, is hilarious as she confirms that “Romeo and Juliet

FOR the PARENTS

Wings are for Flying

CATHERINE CALLED BIRDY Amazon Studios, Rated: PG-13

Streaming on Amazon Prime

WE DON’T USUALLY hear the words “medieval comedy” used together, but they certainly fit director Lena Dunham’s adaptation of the classic YA novel, Catherine Called Birdy. Although the movie focuses on a teenager, and the pop humor targets a young adult audience, Birdy’s struggle to maintain her independence in an overwhelmingly masculine world speaks directly to women of any age. Like most indie films, it’s quirky, funny, charming, and whole-heartedly brash in unexpected ways. Best of all, it pushes the audience to reconsider our relationships, rituals, cultural norms, and growing up. Fourteen-year-old Birdy must marry well to please her debt-ridden father, but the wealthy suitors are ghastly. And they do not appreciate her outspoken manner or her spur-ofthe-moment strange habits, which are contrived to revolt them. How she avoids marriage and discovers her individual worth is a whirlwind

are no more!” Rosaline delivers the closing lines that place the blame squarely on the parents for their short-sighted feud. But when everyone leaves, Romeo & Juliet wake up and set out on their lives together leaving Rosaline & Dario wondering if history will remember the story of true love. Maybe history won’t, but you’ll remember that Rosaline is terrific family entertainment you’ll want to see again. ✦

of adolescent angst, but the story is also full of exquisitely tender moments. Birdy discovers a deep love for her small community and her family despite their inflexible obedience to the unfair treatment of women. Dunham adds a killer soundtrack to a beautiful English setting and gorgeous costumes to make Catherine Called Birdy not only a great film, but also a visual work of art.

ROSALINE

Rosaline plans her gala evening.

Friends against the enemy.

Meet BUTTERNUT , a gorgeous pup who is as friendly and sweet as they come! She is a 9-year-old mixed breed with beautiful brown and black fur and always has a giant smile on her face. Although she is older, she is still very active and outgoing. She loves playing fetch and is well mannered. She delivers the ball back to you and patiently waits for you to throw it for her. Once she’s tired, she lays down to rest and plays with a toy or waits for head pats. We love how excited she gets when she sees a familiar face and just know she will be one loyal dog to her forever family. A volunteer said, “She is such a polite, calm girl. So gentle and enjoyable to be with.”

Butternut should meet any canine friends at the shelter prior to adoption and should have a slow introduction to any future kitty roommates. She has a lot to say and can be vocal when seeking attention so we recommend she go to a house over apartment setting. She weighs between 49-53 lbs., is spayed, microchipped and up to date on vaccines. Butternut would make a wonderful family dog to enjoy life with!

Greenhill Humane Society is open seven days a week, 11 am – 6 pm at 88530 Green Hill Rd in Eugene. For more information call (541) 689.1503 or visit www.green-hill.org.

The Cat Rescue & Adoption Network presents beautiful MS. PEPPER , who wants to be the queen of your home and heart. About 9 years old, she is a social, confident kitty who enjoys cuddling with her humans. She’d prefer to be the only cat. She has a sensitive stomach, and is on a special diet. If you’re looking for a loving and loyal lap cat, she’s the girl for you! She’s spayed, vaccinated, microchipped, negative for FeLV & FIV. To meet Ms. Pepper, please call 541-225-4955 option 1, or visit our website at CatRescues.org

care for everyone