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OCTOBER 2024
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A New ‘Leash’ on Life Adopt a Shelter Dog and Discover the Gift of Unconditional Love
They love unconditionally, don’t complain, are always happy to see you, and are cute and furry. I have always had dogs in my life, and there is something special about the bond they form with us. They depend on us, and it’s a relationship built on trust, responsibility, and, above all, love. October is Adopt a Shelter Dog Month, and it’s the perfect time to open your heart and home to a dog in need. Shelters are full of incredible dogs, each with their own unique personality, just waiting to become someone’s loyal companion. Growing up, we always had dogs. My parents had several cairn terriers throughout my childhood, including Brandy, a little dog who looked just like Toto from “The Wizard of Oz.” When I finished law school, Brandy passed away and they got another cairn terrier named Maggie, who lived a long life. Since then, they adopted a championship- bred cairn terrier named Sansa — yes, like the “Game of Thrones” character. When my wife and I were ready for our own pet before we were married, we got a Westie named Sophie. She was a loving companion to us until she sadly passed in 2020. Coming home to a dog-free house every day was difficult, so after losing her, we knew we wanted to adopt another dog. We found Thumper, a Havanese terrier, at a local dog rescue here in Memphis called Sunny Meadows. All the dogs were named after Disney characters, and we were instantly drawn to him; he was adorable. Thumper had a tough life — he had been used as a stud dog at a puppy mill, and it
clearly had an impact on him. He didn’t even know how to walk indoors or through a door.
Bringing him home was an adjustment for Thumper. I had just picked him up from Sunny Meadows and was excited to show him his new home and to play with him. I put his crate down in my backyard, which is fenced in, and I slowly opened the door to his crate hoping to coax him out. In the blink of an eye, Thumper shot right out of his crate like a cannon and ran directly on top of the pool, which was covered with a massive tarp. He got a little wet, but luckily the tarp supported him completely and since it was secured, I avoided a MAJOR crisis. It was pitiful, but also kind of funny, watching him explore his new home. Everyone could tell by how he acted that he had been abused and was mistrustful of people, but he adjusted pretty quickly to his new home and definitely went from the outhouse to the penthouse. A few months later, we bought a cockapoo puppy named Birdie, and watching Thumper take dog lessons from her was hilarious. Thumper mimicked everything Birdie did and she loved terrorizing him. Thumper is still a little skittish, but he’s grown into himself over the years, and we love him. He’s super low-maintenance and lazy compared to his energetic sister. He’s like a teddy bear you can pick up and sleep next to. I’m a big proponent of adopting shelter dogs. Shelters often have older dogs that are just as in need of a loving home as a puppy. These dogs didn’t do anything to deserve their circumstances, and it’s rewarding to give a shelter dog a second lease on life.
Birdie (left) and Thumper (right)
Sadly, Sunny Meadows shut down, but we support other local shelters like the Tunica Humane Society. I do a lot of probate work, and we have situations where someone passes away, and we have to find a place for their pets. Organizations like the Tunica Humane Society play an important role in rehoming these animals. Dogs can bring us so much happiness and comfort. They are steadfast companions who stick by us through the best and worst of times. If you’re considering adding a dog to your family, I can’t encourage you enough to adopt from a shelter or rescue. Many of these dogs have been through challenging circumstances, but with patience and love, they become loyal, fun companions. Like Thumper, they may come from difficult backgrounds but have so much love to give once they feel safe and secure.
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The great outdoors is full of incredible wildlife and nature, just waiting for us to get out and explore. Whether you’re going to your local arboretum, a national park, or even your own backyard, you can always find something unique to look at. Sometimes, turning toward the sky will provide an amazing opportunity to see something special. We can find birds almost anywhere. If you’re looking for a new way to keep your kids entertained while educating them, looking for birds can be a great family bonding activity. Start by researching the birds in your area, both permanent residents and those migrating. You’ll likely see common birds in your backyard or around the neighborhood, but you may need to travel to a local park to see some of the more unique species. At first, your kids may need some help finding different birds. Binoculars might be too difficult to use, so it’s up to you to point them in the right direction. Look out for nests, cracked seeds, and Eyes to the Sky A Family Guide to Birdwatching
other signs indicating birds are nearby. You don’t have to use only your eyes when searching the skies and trees for birds; listen intently, too! Tracking birds through their calls will help alert you to the species you’re searching for and where to look. To keep your kids’ attention as you bird watch, you may need to make a game out of it. Create a scavenger hunt to find five birds in your hometown or the area you’re visiting. You can get specific with unique species or keep it broad by having them look for hawks, ducks, etc. Let your child take the lead, encouraging them to point
out birds they see or hear instead of
relying on you to tell them. You can even encourage your kids to mimic the different birdcalls they hear. Birdwatching is a great way to get your kids outdoors exploring nature. It could even lead to a full-time passion or career in the future.
Sharing the Season How Co-Parents Can Enjoy Stress-Free Holidays
Co-parenting during the holidays can be one of the most challenging times for families, especially when trying to balance traditions, schedules, and the expectations of your children. It’s essential that both parents get to create memories with their children during this festive season. With a bit of planning and flexibility, it’s possible to enjoy these special celebrations stress-free. This month, we’re sharing some simple tips to make this time more enjoyable. CREATE OR REVISIT YOUR HOLIDAY PARENTING PLAN. Having a holiday schedule that both co-parents agree to is essential, outlining how physical custody should be divided across important celebrations and dates. There are a few different ways you can set this up. By alternating holidays, one parent will spend certain holidays with their children, and the second parent will take the others. This can switch every year so each parent can experience different holidays with their child. You could also split the days in half, with one parent participating in the holiday in the first half of the day and the second parent following. PRIORITIZE YOUR CHILD. Regardless of the relationship between co-parents, you should always focus on your children and their special experiences during
the holidays. Don’t argue in front of the kids or involve them in any decisions or debates. Ask them what holiday traditions they are excited about and have them participate in planning the fun stuff. If they are upset, confused, or frustrated about splitting holiday time, have honest conversations with them. You should also consider helping your child buy or craft a present for the other parent to reinforce the value of family and relationships. CREATE NEW HOLIDAY TRADITIONS. This is the perfect opportunity to create new, positive holiday traditions in your family for both parents. Maybe one parent starts a tradition of volunteering at the food bank this time of year, while the other wants to start making family Christmas cards. Hold on to the treasured traditions that have worked in previous years, too. With thoughtful planning and focusing on your child’s happiness, you can create a holiday season filled with joy, special memories, and even new traditions. At Douglass & Runger, we are your advocates in navigating family law issues. If you need assistance in your custody arrangement, please give us a call to schedule a strategy session to discuss your matter.
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Fall in the Memphis area is a feast for the senses, packed with family-friendly fun! Whether you’re exploring charming local farms, hitting up festive fairs, or picking out the perfect jack-o’-lantern at the pumpkin patch, there is a bounty of fall activities for you and your family to enjoy. Get ready for an autumn adventure because this month we’re exploring some of the best ways to spend the season with your loved ones. FUN AT THE FARM The harvest season brings local farms to life with fun outdoor activities, each offering something unique. Spending a day at a farm is a wonderful way to get some fresh air and teach your kids where their food comes from. Many host special events this time of year, like corn mazes, educational presentations, and fresh fruit harvesting. There are many farms in the area to choose from, such as Agricenter International, Cedar Hill Farm, and Hotshot Farms. PICK THE PERFECT PUMPKIN Visiting the pumpkin patch is a quintessential family activity in October and beyond. Create a friendly competition among your family to find the roundest or largest pumpkin. Not only is this an entertaining way to find the right jack-o’- lantern for your Halloween display, but you can also talk to your children about the changing seasons, how plants grow, and ways to eat pumpkins, not just decorate them. If you want a quieter experience, plan on visiting the pumpkin patch on a weekday when the crowds will be smaller. FAVORITE FALL FESTIVALS Fall festivals are a great way to experience and celebrate the best that this season has to offer! The events in the area usually have something for everyone, offering games, live music, art, food, and entertainment for the adults. Whether savoring seasonal treats or exploring local crafts, these events are the perfect way to soak up the festive spirit and create long-lasting memories with the whole family. Farms and pumpkin patches are brimming with harvest fun, perfect for family bonding. Fall is an incredible time to experience Memphis. Embrace all the fantastic autumn adventures awaiting you. Autumn Adventures in Memphis Fall Family Bucket List
Ultimate Baked Ziti
Loaded with rich tomato sauce, gooey cheese, and perfectly cooked pasta, this is a family favorite perfect for any occasion.
Ingredients •
1 (16 oz) package of dried ziti pasta
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1 (14 oz) can diced tomatoes 1 cup ricotta cheese 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese Salt and pepper, to taste
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1 onion, diced 2 cloves garlic, minced
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1 (24 oz) jar marinara sauce
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Directions 1. Preheat oven to 375 F. Grease a 9x13-inch baking dish. 2. Cook ziti according to package instructions. 3. In a large skillet over medium-high heat, cook the onion and garlic until softened. 4. Add marinara sauce and diced tomatoes, stirring to combine. 5. Stir in the cooked ziti and season with salt and pepper. 6. Transfer mixture to baking dish. 7. Top with ricotta and mozzarella cheese and bake for 20 minutes or until the cheese is melted and bubbly. INSPIRATION “You must want to be a
butterfly so badly, you are willing to give up being a caterpillar.” —Trina Paulus
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INSIDE THIS ISSUE
1 Why Shelter Dogs Deserve a Second Chance 2 Discover the World of Birds
Co-Parenting Tips for a Merry Holiday 3 Farms, Pumpkin Patches, and Festive Fun Ultimate Baked Ziti 4 Essential Manners Kids Should Learn
Build Character With Manners 3 Behaviors to Teach Your Kids
MAKE AN INTRODUCTION. Greetings and introductions may seem trivial; however, they are anything but . Properly introducing yourself, especially on the phone, is pivotal to starting a relationship or phone call on the right foot. It also gives you more authority and respect for the remainder of the conversation and beyond. LEARN TO BE HELPFUL. No act is more endearing to others than offering a helping hand. Whether mowing your neighbor’s lawn, staying after class to help your teacher clean up, or lending a hand in dinner prep with a parent, acts of kindness can help build character. They are also a great way to forge new friendships and cement current relationships, as you never know what others are going through, and a bit of help may be just what they need.
Kids these days! They don’t know how to curtsy before their lords, stay stoic and straight-faced when photographed, or duel to the death when someone besmirches their honor. In all seriousness, while some courtesies have gone out of fashion, there are still manners your kids should know. Manners are essential for people of all ages and can significantly improve your kids’ social standing, success, and behavior in the years to come. Here are three need-to-know manners to teach your kids.
When someone has done something for them, remind them to say, “Thank you.” You also need to model the practice and return the same courtesy! It shows how important it is for everyone to have good manners.
WHAT’S THE MAGIC WORD? It may sound simple, but no common
courtesy is more important than knowing when to say “Please” and “Thank you.” It also helps establish a model of good behavior and parental respect that is important to reinforce in children. When your children ask for something, remind them to say, “Please.”
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