Publisher’s Note

Put A Little Love In Your Heart

IN THIS ISSUE, Enterprising Woman, Katelyn Zeigler, is an inspiration to young entrepreneurs and women of all ages. As the CEO and CFO of Zeigler Tree & Timber Company at just 28 years old, she is unrelenting in her determination to propel her family business into the future as an industry leader. On page 20, read how her father has inspired her to succeed in what is traditionally a male-dominated field and the gratitude she feels for the opportunity to serve her family and community.

Also tending the family tree along with his sister, Katelyn, is this month’s MENtionable, Zeigler Tree & Timber Vice-President, Korey Zeigler. Korey tells of watching his father build the company from the ground up and dreaming of one day joining the crew. On page 26 read how he has grown to fill the role of Operations Director at only 26 years old, and is determined to carry on the family legacy that was created by his parents.

As we continue to promote local businesses, we have several features that highlight the best of this area’s best. On page 34, read about new enterprises invigorating Olde Town Slidell, check out upcoming clothing trends available from Xpressions Boutique in Ponchatoula in our "Back to Cool" fashion spread on page 22, discover an exciting Madisonville real estate opportunity in "A View to a Thrill on the Tchefuncte" on page 28, and see some of our Northshore’s Best Winners on page 50.

An, as always at this time of year, we take pride in showcasing the many talented Northshore veterinarians, pet service providers and non-profit organizations beginning on page 8. The entire Sophisticated Woman team is pleased to bring you this issue dedicated to pets that give us so much joy and enrich our lives. We encourage you to give some extra love and attention to your pets, as well as helping other animals in need throughout our community.

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For The Love Of Pets

It’s a curious thing to consider the profound effect that pets have on our lives. Maybe it’s because the relationship is not complicated by selfish motives on the part of our faithful friends. Sure, they can be possessive of their food, needy of the affections of their people, and protective of their families, but there is often an unconditional love and loyalty that is unmatched in other relationships. An innocence. A purity of purpose. Amidst the stress of daily life, our pets provide comfort, humor, and acceptance. And many an otherwise stoic and hard-edged human is reduced to baby talk and silly Facebook posts of the one thing that can melt their heart.

On a personal note, I recently had the gut-wrenching experience of saying goodbye to my precious Cocker Spaniel, Grace, that I rescued 16 years ago in Houston. Agonizing over letting her go was compounded by my second guessing the right thing to do and when to do it. If she could choose, would she want more time, or to cross the rainbow bridge? How was I to know? The next

difficult decision was whether to cremate or bury her. The process was just overwhelming. Despite it being such a difficult situation, I must thank Dr. Liza Ledet of Mandeville Animal Hospital who helped me manage Grace`s declining health over the past two years and Dr. Ashley Geoghegan of VetNaturally along with Dr. Pellegrin. I could not be more thankful to these veterinarians and their caring staff for giving me the gracious gift of more time with Grace, the information to make my decision, and the compassion to help me through it.

I can’t say enough about these doctors and the other talented and caring animal care professionals that are featured in this issue. For all of them, I know it is more than a profession. It’s a calling — it must be to handle the physical, mental and emotional challenges day after day. Entrusting the health of our precious companions to a caregiver is no small decision. Advances in technology and techniques these professionals offer allow our beloved pets the ability to live longer, healthier and more productive lives. There are more and more options to enhance pet health and well-being, and we are proud to showcase area veterinarians who deliver cutting-edge medical advances along with heartfelt compassion.

Our pets that we hold dear are family. The love we have for them warms our hearts and brings joy that cannot be measured. “I think having an animal in your life makes you a better human.” — Rachael Ray