NorthPark Center may be entering the real estate business. In the summer, there’s Dallas CASA’s Parade of Playhouses and now the SPCA of Texas is staking claim on housing. With guests like Ken Risser, Heather Nelson, Carolyn and David Kubes, Teresa and William Vit, Andi Cohen and Kim Sheldon in full Christmas attire, the Bark + Build Housewarming kicked off Home For The Holidays 2017 on Sunday, November 19. But these houses weren’t for two-legged munchkins. Think smaller and four-legged types. Here is a report from the field:

Tacky holiday sweaters were on display in all of their glory as designers, architects, socialites, friends of the SPCA of Texas and members of the American Institute of Architects of Dallas (AIA Dallas) and TEXO, The Construction Association jingled and mingled to kick off Home for the Holidays 2017 at the Bark + Build Housewarming Party on Bark + Build Lane at NorthPark Center on Sunday, November 19, at 6 p.m.

A plethora of delectable delicacies from the sweet to the savory and bubbly beverages were served. The evening’s superb staffing was provided thanks to KMG Events and Kristen Greenberg. 

Between grooving to the spunkiest holiday beats, provided by LeForce Entertainment, guests strolled the first floor between Dillard’s and Macy’s at NorthPark Center to view the 24 custom-made dog houses that were created especially for the Bark + Build luxury Doghouse Design/Build Competition and display portion of Home for the Holidays, which kicked off November 13. These one-of-a-kind dog houses on display and up for auction at the Housewarming party, were designed and built by AIA Dallas and TEXO, The Construction Association members, and were there until Sunday, December 3.

SPCA of Texas VP for Communications Maura Davies began the awards ceremony for the Bark + Build awards by welcoming the more than 350 guests to Bark + Build Lane and sharing the SPCA of Texas’ mission to provide every animal exceptional care and a loving home and to rescue. Davies expressed the SPCA of Texas’s gratitude to NorthPark Center’s Lona Crabb, Billy Hines, Nancy Nasher and David Haemisegger, as well as AIA Dallas and TEXO, The Construction Association for their generous support, creativity and friendship. She also highlighted the SPCA of Texas’ efforts to heal and find homes for thousands of animals each year through its adoption, spay/neuter and wellness services and animal cruelty investigations and of course the Home for the Holidays event. Then, Jeremy Hogan with Sedalco Construction Services and Mary Butler, Associate at FKP Architects, introduced all of the award winners for Bark + Build. 

All entries for the Bark + Build Doghouse Design/Build Competition were judged on both design and construction quality by a jury panel previous to the Housewarming event. This panel included Dallas Arboretum and Botanical Gardens Board Member and former SPCA of Texas Board Member Mary Spencer, Crescent Real Estate Senior Construction Manager Miguel Villareal, DPR Construction HR Manager Monica Jacobs, Modern Luxury Texas Editor-in-Chief Rhonda Reinhart, BKD LLP Senior Associate Dustin Clanton, Craddock Architecture owner Phillip Craddock and VCA Central Expressway Animal Hospital’s Dr. Troy Cobb.

Awards presented include:

• Best in Show (1st place): D2 Architecture with Suffolk for b•ARX;
• Hot Dog Award (runner up): FKP Architects and Campos Engineering with Skanska for The Doggy Paddle;
• Teacup Pup Award: GSR Andrade and TLC Engineering with Rogers-O’Brien Construction for WinneBarco Mini Trailer;
• Big Dog Award: VLK Architects and Cadence McShane Construction for Bird Dog Blind; and
• Enviro Dog Award: DLR Group | Staffelbach with MAPP for Wag On Inn.

These winning houses were auctioned live at the Housewarming party by Auctioneer Logan Thomas and all other houses were up for silent auction the same night. The auctions raised more than $8,000.

Additionally, it was announced that voting was open for the final award, People’s Choice, in the Bark + Build Luxury Dog House Competition at NorthPark Center!

Home for the Holidays sponsors include Presenting Sponsor: Dr. Larry and Joan Rogers; Event Sponsors: Hill’s Pet Nutrition, Guaranty Bank and Trust, Kroger and the North Texas Cheddarheads; Hospitality Sponsors: Barefoot Wine and Bubbly, Heineken USA and Central Market; Dog House and Kennel Sponsors: Katy Trail Animal Hospital, North Texas Honda Dealers, Lord Green Strategies, Stand Up and Paint, Hollywood Feed and CareNow; Media Sponsor: CultureMap; and Entertainment Sponsor: LeForce Entertainment.

All money raised will go towards the SPCA of Texas’ important mission to rescue, heal, and find loving homes for homeless animals. So far, the Bark + Build portion of Home for the Holidays has raised more than $77,000 including sponsorships and auction.

*Photo credit: Thomas Garza Photography

Designer Ralph Lauren has been synonymous with luxury clothing and picture-perfect surroundings. So, Highland Park Village’s Ralph Lauren Salon was the perfect spot for a holiday celebration for the SPCA of Texas‘ Paws Cause crowd on Wednesday, December 6. Don’t be surprised if some guests at the Paws Cause fundraiser on Sunday, January 28, at the Jan Rees-Jone Animal Care Center are wearing Lauren fashions. Here’s a report from the field:

Winter-red roses bloomed all around under the magnificent crystal chandelier gracing the entryway of the Ralph Lauren Boutique at Highland Park Village on Wednesday, December 6, where ladies and gentlemen gathered in the holiday spirit to celebrate Paws Cause and shop for friends and family, all to benefit the SPCA of Texas. Guests sipped wine and champagne and nibbled sweet and savory delicacies as they browsed.  

Sincere thanks to Susie Swanson and Taylor Cousins for hosting and to the Ralph Lauren store for welcoming the festive crowd and for donating a portion of the proceeds from the event’s sales to the SPCA of Texas. Many of the guests were spotted walking out with armfuls of beribboned boxes and bags, admiring the gorgeous window display featuring the classic Ralph Lauren teddy bears dressed in holiday finery! 

SPCA of Texas Sr. Vice President of Development Debra Burns thanked Ralph Lauren at Highland Park Village and Susie Swanson and Taylor Cousins for hosting the soirée. Burns also toasted to newlyweds Susie Swanson and Kevin Coffey on their recent marriage and presented them with a framed photo of the couple from last year’s event, engraved with “Furever Friends.”

Guests included Paws Cause 2018 Chair Kristen Greenberg, Paws Cause 2018 Co-Chair Melissa Vullo Bell, Paws Cause 2018 Bone Appetit Chair Giana dePaul, Andrea Alcorn, Karen Urie, Susie Swanson, Kevin Coffey, Phyllis Comu, Mary Spencer, Karen Lukin, Tricia Sims, Regina Bruce, Kathy Fielder, Sharon Fancher, Betsy Orton and SPCA of Texas Board Member Steve Atkinson. 

Paws Cause will be held on Sunday, January 28, from 6 to 9 p.m. at the Jan Rees-Jones Animal Care Center at 2400 Lone Star Drive in West Dallas. Honorary chairs are Marsha Pendleton Gray and Richard Gray.

Paws Cause is committed to supporting the SPCA of Texas’ programs that aim to support the pets and people of Southern Dallas through sponsorships and donations to help address the serious stray animal and animal overpopulation issue. For more information, visit www.pawscausedallas.com.  

* Photo credit: Thomas Garza Photography

For the usual Sunday Breadwinners brunch crowd in Inwood Village, the parking lot on Sunday, January 21, seemed a little more crowded than usual. The reason was that St. Bernard’s across the way had opened earlier than its usual Sunday noontime start.

The reason was the gathering of Texas Scottish Rite Hospital for Children’s patients who would be on the slopes of Winter Park at the National Sports Center for the Disabled in February for the 36th annual Amputee Ski Trip. They were at the ski-friendly store to get fitted for gear.

The scene inside the store was like a pre-Christmas holiday party. Crutches were quickly stowed so kids could settle on the floor to cuddle with Ruthie, the laid-back St. Bernard mascot.

Across the way, a white-haired fella with a camera was capturing the activity. He could have easily been mistaken for one of the 14 youngsters’ grandfather. But actually he was TSRHC Chief of Staff Emeritus Dr. Tony Herring, the father of the annual ski trek. It was 37 years ago that Tony had started the TSRHC Amputee Ski Trip after hearing about a Denver program for youngsters with orthopedic challenges to head to the mountains for skiing and snowboarding.

Over the years, Tony had sent off dozens and dozens of kids who had faced the loss of limbs to do more than just learn the art of skiing and snowboarding in Colorado. It was also an opportunity for the youngsters to be with others who have gone through surgeries, therapies and the emotional adjustment to being a bionic. To Tony’s delight the kids have returned with a sense of great self-esteem.

But being ever the professional, he couldn’t help but check out the newest gear for the amputee patients like rock star Cody McCasland, who was born without shinbones due to Sacral Agenesis resulting in the amputation of both legs at the knee. He got his first set of prosthetic legs at 17 months and, over the years, he’s proved to be an extraordinary athlete, as well as scoring appearances on “Oprah” and “Ellen.”

In fitting the kids with their gear, one staffer asked second-timer Ryanne Carr what size sock she would like. She smiled and said she didn’t need them. The staffer looked a little baffled. Then she pointed out that her prosthetic legs weren’t in need of socks. It seems that the 14-year-old had lost both of her legs and part of her right arm due to being born with amniotic band syndrome. A St. Bernard staffer quickly responded asking if she had a sister or brother. The answer was “Yes!” The sibling got a nifty pair of socks. Like Cody, Ryanne has earned quite a reputation in overcoming her physical challenges. The former Junior Race Director for the Dallas White Rock Marathon admitted seven years ago that, “I like to swim; I like to bike; I like to climb trees; I like to build Legos; I like to ride horses.” Now, she’s added snowboarding to that list.

This year’s junket takes place on Monday, February 12, with TSRHC pediatric orthopedic surgeon Dr. Henry Ellis on board, as well as TSRHC Director of Prosthetics/double amputee Don Cummings and other staffers to advise on the type of equipment that would be needed. As Tony pointed out, the trip also provides an opportunity for the staff to better understand the challenges that their patients encounter outside the hospital.

The trip is free for the kids, thanks to the Stephen M. Seay Foundation, American Airlines and St. Bernard.

The doors had hardly opened at the Jan Rees-Jones Care Center on Sunday, January 28, when the two-legged guests were filling the center for the annual Paws Cause benefiting the SPCA of Texas. Along with area chefs from such restaurants as Salum, Parigi, Pink Magnolia, Cane Rosso, Whistle Britches and 3015 at Trinity Groves, Abraham Salum was serving vittles just across the way from mama pooch Missy, who was recovering from an upset tummy. The “7-year-old Cane Corso mix came into the SPCA of Texas’ care a couple of months ago, through our Animal Cruelty Investigations Unit. She was underweight, neglected, and had tumors on her body.” She looked longingly at guests with her one blue eye and one brown eye.  BTW, her chief likes are chin scratches and giving kisses.”

While the music from Goga blasted throughout the place, pooches like Snow White, Chiloso, Ramba and Marlon chilled and gnawed on chew bones. Okay, so Tamale barked complaining that the humans were getting a big rowdy.

In the meantime, the 250 guests including Honorary Co-Chairs Marshal Pendleton Gray and Dr. Richard Gray, Sandra and Edward Melmed, Andrea Alcorn, Phyllis Comu, Sally Hoglund, Felicia Kerney and Steve Wilson enjoyed signature drinks “Purr-ple Ritas.”

Longtime volunteer Pat Price recalled how she had gotten involved with the SPCA over a dozen years ago when she was taking out a bag of stuff to the curb and asked a young fellow  if he could help. He did. He turned out to be SPCA President James Bias, who in turn got her to start volunteering at no-kill facility.

Since that meeting Pat and her husband Sam have had many adoptive pooches. As the twosome headed home, she proudly added, “They were rescues.”

James down 40 pounds chuckled how when he had taken some of his former too-big slacks to a shelter, he was asked if he had lost someone.

Others guests included Sue and Phil John, Gigi Potter Salley, Rusty Dealey and Diane and Hal Brierley, who were still receiving condolences of the death of their beloved Labrador, Charley, on Thursday, January 25.

As the even went on, The Snyder Foundation’s Bobbi Snyder presented a challenge — “Give as little as $10 and we’ll match with $100!” Her reason was “the work the SPCA of Texas is doing in Southern Dallas, with the Mary Spencer Spay/Neuter and Wellness Clinic and across all programs and services, that she was moved to provide this match so that everyone at Paws Cause and beyond gets excited about donating to the SPCA of Texas.”

When one of the packages went for $5,000, that match ended up being $50,000. Needless to say, Paws Cause Co-Chairs Kristen Greenberg and Melissa Vullo Bell and SPCA Senior Vice President of Development Debra Burns were howling with happiness over the net of $193,500+.

It may be raining cats and dogs outside, but the real animal news is being made by the folks at the Dallas Animal Services. Due to the fact that they’re operating at 90% capacity and are predicted to be on track to follow last year’s intake of 32,000 animals, they’re reducing adoption fees.

Dogs were going for $85 and are now available for $45. Instead of $55, cats can be had for a mere $35.

And the deal is really even better than it sounds. Not only do you get a BFF, but the fee covers spay/neuter, microchipping and vaccinations. Why, spaying/neutering alone is a three-figure fee at most vet clinics.

According to DAS Director Ed Jamison, “Dallas has one of the highest intake numbers in the country, so we are working very hard to find homes for every happy, healthy animal that comes into our care. We average over 70 dog intakes a day, and kitten season is right around the corner. If lowering the everyday adoption price helps one of our animals find their perfect home, it is worth it.”

These new discounts are good seven days a week at the DAS main facility on Westmoreland, as well as the PetSmart Everyday Adoption Center on Coit Road.

And there are even additional specials like the following

• $20 for any dog over six years, or for adopters over 65 years
• $15 for any cat over six years, or for adopters over 65 years
• Free adoptions every day for animals that have been up for adoption for more than 14 days! 

It was just like seeing parents send their children off to school and the next stages of life. The SRO crowd at the Canine Companions Of Independence South Central matriculation and graduation ceremony on Friday, February 16, came together with boxes of tissues around the room. Instead of children, the youngsters were pooches — Retrievers, Labradors and Retriever/Lab mixes.

For some of the dogs, it was bidding farewell to the people who had raised them over the months from puppyhood. They were now to undergo extensive training at the Irving training center to see if their destiny was to provide a unique service for a person or organization in need.

For a select seven that had completed the months of training, they were to officially become part of a lifelong and life-changing team.

While the post is being prepared, check out MySweetCharity Photo Gallery to see the pooches and people.

Ed Kinkeade’s wife Melissa Kinkeade nudged him to keep his talk on Friday, February 16, at the Canine Companions for Independence  South Central Graduation and Puppy Matriculation ceremony short. Thank heaven, Ed turned a deaf ear to his wife.

The overflow crowd of two-, three- and four-legged creatures filled Texas’ only CCI Training Center in Irving for the program that provides service dogs free of charge to perform daily tasks for people with physical disabilities.

Despite the Irving facility’s being the sixth CCI training center, it was the first to be associated with a healthcare provider — Baylor Scott And White Health. And the Baylor crew was front and center with Board of Trustees Chair Jim Turner, Chief Legal Officer Jennifer Brown. and CEO Jim Hinton, who made the rounds visiting with the puppy raisers and showing cellphone shots of his own dogs.

Also on hand for the event were donors like the Rees-Jones gals (mama hen Jan Rees-Jones and daughters-in-law Margaret Rees-Jones and Jenny Rees-Jones) and Diane Brierley (husband Hal Brierley admitted to his wife at 4 a.m. he couldn’t handle the turning over of puppies from raisers to the trainers). In Hal’s place, Diane brought along Melissa Hearon and was joined by Neiman Marcus Director of Charitable Giving Kevin Hurst, who came prepared — he brought his own tissue. Kevin need not worry. There were plenty of tissue boxes throughout the room and they were put to use as the puppies took their next step in becoming service dog companions. But the tears were quickly replaced with smiles as the seven new teams became official partners for life.

And leave it to the dogs to relieve the anxiety of the humans in attendance. As David Lowe was midway in the pre-graduation’s invocation, a woof was heard from the back of the room.  David admitted that in the years to come, he would remember that “Amen.” Without missing a beat, Ed followed David saying, “My Baptist preacher dad would say, ‘I’ll take an Amen anyway I can get it.’”

Using his Mark Twain charm, he explained that at the Thursday night get together with the puppy raisers, he had been prepared for a dirge-like scene. Instead the raisers were celebrating their puppies “matriculating. I’m learning that word.”

Some of the puppies had been trained by individuals and families. Some had been trained by people serving time in prison. But all had been lovingly cared for and trained. As poignant as the tales and photos were of the puppy raisers, the backstories of the seven graduating dogs’ future companions made all understand the pooches’ calling.

Following the presentation of the dozens of puppies entering the final training stage to see if they make the cut, the graduation of seven lifelong teams took place. In being called to the stage, the graduating dogs were handed over to the recipients by their puppy trainers who hailed from Montana, Houston, Huntsville, Orlando and Austin. One even came from the Canine Companions for Independence headquarters in Santa Rosa, California. It was a bittersweet moment for all, but seeing the faces of the recipients and knowing that their lives would be forever changed brought home the mission of the program and replaced tears with smiles.

Marcia, who suffers from Parkinson’s, was selected as the class spokesperson. With Sadie VII at her side, she read remembrances from her classmates describing the past two weeks in which the teams were matched, introduced and trained. Each was unique. There was Aaron, who despite being wheelchair bound, was on his way to college and an Eagle Scout. His mother Beverly was so proud of his accomplishments and was so happy knowing that Katherine II would be with him. 

These were recipients and their families who had never known each other. But after going through the matching with their dogs and the bonding process had allowed them to become a unique family of people and pooches.

In the crowd was one man — Jason Morgan. Like others, he had his CCI BFF Rue II with him, but he had a backstory, too. Despite having broken his back in combat, losing a leg, becoming a single dad of three boys and his life seeming to spiral downward, the CCI program turned everything around. So much so, that his story served as the inspiration that helped Kinkeade and so many others to create the multi-million dollar facility in Irving.   

But as important as the funds have been and continue to be, there is a need for puppy raisers. They are a vital part of this life-program. If you are interested in being part of the CCI effort to help a canine on his/her first steps to its lifelong mission, check here.

2018 Fur Ball Chair Cindy Lindsley and Co-Chair Jennifer Lindsley are howling about the news that former First Lady Laura and President George W. Bush have signed as the honorary co-chairs for the SPCA of Texas gala fundraiser at the Hyatt Regency Dallas on Saturday, September 22.

If you’re wondering if the First Bushes of Dallas are animal lovers, stop wondering. They’ve gotten into the rescue world with Bob the cat that was found at the family ranch in Crawford seven years ago and feline Bernadette that used to live with daughter Jenna Bush Hager. Evidently Bernadette decided she had enough of the Big Apple and moved to the Big D.

As for the canine crowd, Laura and George met up with a “Heinz 57” cutie at the Jan Rees-Jones Animal Care Center a couple of years ago and brought him home. He’s named Freddy after the Bush Chief of Staff Freddy Ford.

Initially, Bob was not thrilled about the new kid in the hood, but after a couple swipes Freddy figured out the pecking order and now “Even Bob and Bernadette are finding Freddy’s charm futile to resist.”

The Lindsley gals were pulling in the “big dogs” for this 80th anniversary of the SPCA of Texas.

Chairing the auction is Julia Howard along with Co-Chair Sandra Fite.

Tickets and sponsorships are availablehere!

* Photo provided by SPCA of  Texas

Allow me to tell you a story. There was this little blonde fella. For the first three years of his life, he lived with a family. They were a young family and had taken him in when he was just too adorable for words. The plan was they would all live happily ever after.

But eventually the family decided that he wasn’t the top dog in priorities and turned him in for adoption at Dallas Animal Services. Now, from the pooch’s point of view, this was pretty upsetting. He had gone from a normal routine to a pen with nearby occupants howling about their lives… and their fates.

Then Wendy appeared out of nowhere on Friday, March 30. She was a nurse and wanted a forever friend. There was a magical moment of connection. The result was Wendy adopted the little fella and named him “Charlie.” She took him home that Friday, removed his collar and gave him a bath to ward off the past. His cuteness factor soared.

The next morning, before having his collar put back on and being squired around his new Merriman Park/University Manor neighborhood, Charlie discovered a loose latch on the backyard gate and decided to discover his new world. So, off he went on a journey. The only problem was, he didn’t know his way back.

Wendy was horrified to discover that  her new pal had escaped [one person’s idea of escape is a dog’s idea of just sniffing around]. To find him was going to be a challenge for Wendy, who was relatively new to the neighborhood herself. Yes, Charlie had been micro-chipped but had no collar and the neighborhood was near some very busy roads like Skillman and Abrams and woods with predators. Adding to the problem was the fact that Wendy didn’t know his old name, and Charlie didn’t know he was now called Charlie.

Luckily, Wendy had recently join Nextdoor and posted the MIA dog. The response was immediate. Many commiserated. False alarms came in — a dog that had been found months ago; a dog three times the size of Charlie, etc.

The SPCA reported they couldn’t help because they didn’t deal with strays, and directed “Charlie Corp” (CC) to the Dallas Animal Services. When called at 3 p.m., the DAS recording reported that office hours were from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. and the call was being received after hours. A call to 311 resulted in an understanding woman who said that DAS forwarded calls to them.

Then a neighbor in Vickery Meadows reported that he had spotted Charlie at Holly Hills and Fair Oaks. The race was on. Would it be a wild goose chase? But one CC member couldn’t believe her eyes when she spied the little fella in the parking lot of the Wildflower Apartment complex. She just knew it was Charlie. But as soon as she as she got out of her car, he had scooted across a busy road [Pineland] and into the woods before she could even take a picture. The apartment management team put out bowls of food and water to coax the little fellow into feeling at home. He returned the next day and once again scampered across the busy street when someone approached.

With the weekend weather threatening storms and a chilly blast, and Charlie’s shying away from anyone, time was not on CC’s side. It was now seven days since he had gotten loose. So, a shout-out was made to animal lover Kristina Bowman, who directed the effort to Pat Rodriquez, aka “the patron saint of lost dogs.” With her years of experience and her no-funny-business sleuthing, Pat didn’t hesitate to help.

Despite the near-freezing temperatures on Saturday, April 7, Pat pulled up in her Subaru with traps in the back at the last spot Charlie had been seen. It was like watching a five-star general preparing for a major battle, as Pat assessed the area, set up the trap for Charlie, and instructed how to prepare and maintain the trap. Pieces of smelly food like sardines and roasted chicken were place strategically along the paths and even in the trees around the trap. Inside, just beyond the spring plate, was a bowl of the “delicacies.” A camera was attached to a tree to record the trap’s activity 24 hours a day. Pat then told Wendy one of the most important things to do: securely affix a Ziploc with a flier showing Charlie’s photo and contact info to the top of the cage to let passersby know why the trap was there and what to do if Charlie was seen.

Within three hours, the trapdoor clamped down. Only the capture was a black cat with a definite attitude. When he was released, he didn’t blow air kisses. Instead, he hissed as he tore off across the street in the late winter chill. The trap was reset. The next time, a possum took up residence. Despite much encouragement, the possum decided to stay. Evidently, he liked his new digs — especially the menu. Eventually, room service never came, so he left and once again the trap was reset, but nothing happened. The camera reported lots of activity, especially pedestrians, “but no Charlie.”

Monday morning, a man texted that he had spotted Charlie in Fair Oaks Park and connected the blonde pooch with the signage on the trap. With sardines in hand and advice from Pat, Wendy moved the trap and strategy to a line of trees at Fair Oaks Park.

By this time, Wendy had drawn two conclusions — Vienna sausage was smellier than sardines, and Charlie was working the area along the bike path that connected the area.

Now word was getting out about “travels with Charlie” and the rescue group Duck Team 6 was on board, as well as the neighbors in Vickery Meadows.

What happened to Charlie? Ten days after he went on his little hiatus, Wendy texted early Tuesday morning: “I know it’s late but wanted y’all to wake to see the news! CHARLIE IS HOME!”

According to Wendy,

The man at the apartments that had been putting out food and water has a big yellow lab that he’s said Charlie would approach. So he came out last night late to walk his dog once more before bed. He said he brought a slip leash with him just in case. So Charlie approached the big dog and he said they were talking and he just slipped the leash on him and got him! They called me about 11:45 and I got dressed and got over and brought him home!”

The lesson learned: sometimes strangers can come together to make magic happen. None of these people knew each other, or had any personal gain from pitching in. Still, they took the time to help. This generosity of effort is true for finding a little dog or supporting a nonprofit program.

BTW, Wendy reports that Charlie is gonna have another bath, get a collar with an ID, and be kept on a leash even in the backyard until he’s more at home. And, yes, the latch has been fixed.

* Photo provided by Wendy and Charlie

Despite Cinco de Mayo’s being in the rear view mirror, it doesn’t mean that the hunger for Mexican hunger pangs have been satisfied. On Wednesday, May 16, there’s a chance to gobble up more burrito feasts and support Canine Companions for Independence.

Dallas/Fort Worth Chipotles will donate 50% of sales on that date in support of DogFest DFW 2018. The funds will provide “highly trained assistance dogs for people with disabilities free of charge.”

There is a catch. Ah, shoot! You just knew there was one. You have to mention show the “Cause For Effect” flyer at point of purchase and it’s only good for in-store purchases.

BTW, if you haven’t got plans on Friday, May 11, head over to Texas’ one-and-only Canine Companions for Independence on your lunch break. You’ll be able to join in the matriculation and graduation of the latest group of canine students. It’s free for the watching and priceless for your memory bank.

* Graphic and photo provided by Canine Companions for Independence

Remember that little fellow named Charlie and his 10-day jaunt? His story had a happy ending thanks to a number of people coming together to bring him home. Folks have emailed asking if Charlie had stayed put or taken off on another world tour.

The answer is that Charlie has made the perfect housemate for his adoptive mom, Wendy. He’s perfectly housebroken, has his own collar with contact information, takes afternoon strolls with Wendy on a leash, feels right at home riding in a car and even met her folks in Louisiana. He not only made a great impression with the family, Wendy discovered that he really gets along with other dogs.

Recently a meeting took place for Charlie and Wendy with dog rescue expert Pat Rodriguez, who helped coordinate the rescue of Charlie. As the humans recalled the days of searching for the three-year old Dallas Animal Services graduate, the sensitive little pooch immediately sidled up to Pat. What amazed the rescuers was that somehow Charlie had survived the dangers of the area woods and major streets during his 10-day travels.

Wendy recalled how when she decided to get a dog, she spotted Charlie at the Dallas Animal Service’s PetSmart location on Coit Road. While the other dogs played in a crowd, Charlie sat to the side looking as he wondered what was going on and why was he there. She knew on the spot she wanted him.

If you’re looking for a pooch or a kitty, consider adoption from Dallas Animal Services, the SPCA of Texas or one of the countless rescue groups. There are hundreds of Charlies out there that would love to adopt you.

Mother Nature was on her best behavior Wednesday, April 18. Or, — perhaps it’s always that way at Beth and Fin Ewing’s Park Cities home. As Beth greeted the guests, she had Jackson under one arm. Beth admitted after seeing Verdell in “As Good As It Gets,” she had to have a Brussels Griffon. And to balance the Ewing canine collection, Jackson’s pal, All-American mix Greico, made the rounds with tail wagging.

But the night was not for pooches. It was for the 2018 Crystal Charity Ball theme announcement. And just like the 2018 CCB Advisory Party on Thursday, April 5, the guests gathered around the pool and the covered terrace to learn what 2018 CCB Chair Claire Emanuelson had up her designer sleeves.

After evening sponsor Texas Capital Bank President/CEO Keith Cargill congratulated the effort of the CCB to support Dallas children’s charities, Claire returned to the mic telling how she had selected the theme based on her New Orleans roots. On an even more personal note, she added that her late mother had been French born in Orléans, where Joan of Arc had been born. So blending the love of her mother and New Orleans and in honor of the Crescent City’s 300^th anniversary, the theme would be “A Celebration in Nouvelle-Orléans.”

To execute the theme, she was working with Catherine New of the Hilton Anatole (shout out: “Love your new haircut!”), Junior Villanueva at Garden Gate, Jamie Furrate at Curtis Specialized Moving, Will Williams of Lambert’s and CCB mainstay event planner Tom Addis.

In addition to Tom and CCB committee members Heather Furniss and Muffin Lemak, Claire has recruited Niven Morgan and Shelby Wagner as conseiller.

Just as Claire was ending her announcement to applause, a mini-band from 2018 CCB Beneficiary Booker T. Washington High School appeared around the corner from the estate’s putting green. As the musicians paraded around the pool, hurricanes were served on trays to the guests like Sara Lee and Stan Gardner, Margaret and Lester Keliher, Delilah and Sam Boyd, Kim and Terry Quinn, Susan and John Farris and Angie Kadesky taking cell-shots.

Speaking of hurricanes, Niven reported that he had just returned from the Shreveport Cotillion which had been the victim of a mini-hurricane. But the party carried on in Louisiana fashion… Piper and Mike Wyatt were talking about their new Instagram find — a women who had adopted two foxes… Beth Thoele was receiving congrats from Shelle Sills, Cheryl Joyner and Laura Downing for her chairing the Callier Cares Luncheon the day before.

Word was making the rounds that the 2018 Ten Best Dressed was already past the 4/5 point in reservations thanks to underwriters.

Stanley Korshak main man Crawford Brock definitely picked the wrong time to take off the first week of May. He missed the SPCA of Texas‘ 2018 Fur Ball kick off party on Thursday, May 3. The place was jamming indoors and especially outdoors where the SPCA pooches were checking out prospective human companions. While the huggable puppies got a lot of being picked up by folks like Russell Dealey, Diane Haselroth, Patrick McCoy and the Maioriello clan (Bella and Anthony Maioriello and daughters Sophia Maioriello and Gia Maioriello), some itty bitty pooches were just as happy to fit in a hand. Here’s a report from the field:

Lighthearted guests and a few frolicking puppies gathered for the Fur Ball 2018 kick-off party at Stanley Korshak on Thursday, May 3. Spring showers dispersed and clouds parted in time to give almost 200 friends of the SPCA of Texas a chance to venture out in their spring finery. Fur Ball supporters, sponsors and former chairs joined 2018 Chair Cindy Lindsley, Co-Chair Jennifer Lindsley, Auction Chair Julia Howard and Auction Co-Chair Sandra Fite to enjoy the evening of shopping, sipping, snacking and of course cuddling with puppies. DJ Andy Austin provided upbeat tunes to set the mood.

Guests like Susie Swanson, Meredith Perot, Andrea Alcorn, Marsha Pendleton Gray and Dr. Richard Gray, Katie Murray, Steve Atkinson and Ted Kincaid, Ambassador James Brewster and Bob Satawake, Brian Curtis, Regina Bruce, Dileep and Rema Sirur, Sam and Pat Price, Sharon Fancher and Betsy Orton, Kristen Greenberg, Ashley Burges, Karen Urie, Giana dePaul, Lisa and Chris Fox, Lana Payne, Anja Woodson, Dan Tatsch, Kirsten Burns, Carol Nelson and Elizabeth and Mark Gardner maneuvered around the jewelry, makeup and shoe counters that had been transformed into bars, enjoying wine, spirits and champagne courtesy of Southern Glazers. Samplings of delightful nibbles, including a charcuterie board, savory goat cheese pizzas and sweet treats such as Matcha Tea Cakes with lavender and honey were passed around, all thanks to Sixty Vines. Those who wandered over to the men’s section enjoyed a warming whiskey with a fresh finish, provided by Knockmore Irish Whiskey. The exceptional staffing was provided thanks to KMG Events.

Sincere thanks to the owner of Stanley Korshak, Crawford Brock, for welcoming the cheerful crowd. The luxury store was decked out in purple for the occasion as guests and sponsors feted the SPCA of Texas.

The event was held in support of the SPCA of Texas’ Fur Ball 2018, in celebration of the non-profit’s 80^th anniversary. The elegant black-tie gala will delight the senses with dancing and live and silent auctions and will feature emcee Brian Curtis, NBC 5 News anchor. SPCA of Texas’ Fur Ball 2018 will be held on Saturday, September 22, from 6:30 p.m. to midnight at the Hyatt Regency.

The event is sure to be a smashing success thanks to Chair Cindy Lindsley, Co-Chair Jennifer Lindsley, Auction Chair Julia Howard and Auction Co-Chair Sandra Fite. The Fur Ball 2018 Honorary Co-Chairs are President George W. and Laura Bush.

The SPCA of Texas is grateful for the tremendous support of its Fur Ball 2018 sponsors, including: 80^th Anniversary Sponsors Joan and Dr. Larry Rogers and Presidential Sponsor Russell E. Dealey.

All money raised through Fur Ball 2018 will go toward the SPCA of Texas’ important mission to rescue, rehabilitate and find loving homes for vulnerable animals.

Sponsorships and tickets for the SPCA of Texas 80th anniversary celebration are available here.

With the Fourth of July excitement building over the next couple of days, that means that fireworks will be part of the celebration. While they make a literally dazzling sight exploding in the skies, they can also be unnerving to pooches, felines and ponies. For all they know, North Texas may be under siege!

The annual Independence Day is notorious for pets for AWOL.

Plan ahead for your pet(s) and yourself with these tips:

• Check with your vet if they can help remedy the anxiety of the sights and sounds.
• Keep your pet(s) indoors until all the hoopla has calmed down.
• Make sure that your critter(s) is micro-chipped for two reasons — 1) If they do get loose, they’ll be easier to locate. 2) In Dallas and other towns, it’s the law.

Some folks write thank you notes, but the team at Children’s Health serve up their show of gratification by hosting a brunch. At least, that’s what happened on Tuesday, May 22 for the Les Femmes du Monde gals, who work year long to provide funding for the Child Life Program at Children’s Health and the Global Young Leaders Program of the World Affairs Council. One of the highlights for the gathering in the Butterfly Atrium was the four-legged staff members — therapy pooches Badger and Boots. Here’s a report from the field:

Each year Children’s Health Development Officer Kyra Barnett hosts a brunch in their beautiful Butterfly Atrium honoring Les Femmes du Monde, both in gratitude for their support over the years and as an educational event for the LFDM members.

One of the real treats at this brunch is meeting the therapeutic facility dogs which serve patients and families at Children’s Health. These pups bring comfort to the unfamiliar hospital setting and promote positive coping during challenging health-related situations.

This year hearts melted as guests met Boots and Badger, two of the therapy dogs, an integral part of the pet therapy program at Children’s. The unconditional bond formed between patients and therapy animals can help children endure difficult procedures, motivate them to achieve important treatment milestones, and reduce anxiety.

The brunch began with Les Femmes du Monde President Venise Stuart welcoming everyone and reminding all to be sure to get their underwriting and sponsorships now for the Woman of the Year Gala dinner honoring Dr. Sandra “Sandi” Chapman as the Woman of the Year. Chaired by Mari Epperson and Melissa Lewis, the gala dinner is slated for Wednesday, October 24, at the Dallas Country Club. The Woman of the Year event has been celebrated for the past 27 years honoring 32 individual women and one Couple of the Year. A featured speaker will be announced soon!

Venise also thanked Kyra for her hospitality and former LFDM president Alyce Heinrich and Connie Rhoades, for their help in organizing the event.

Child Life Program Director  Thresa Belcher gave insight into the program and how these specialists help children from the time they enter the hospital throughout their stay and walk the journey with patients and their parents, providing understanding and encouragement.

At Children’s Health, Les Femmes makes an incredible impact on the psychosocial needs of the patients and families through the Child Life Program. Some of those services include keeping the playrooms open (where the patients get to be kids), providing medical play to help the patients/siblings better understand the procedure they are going to undergo, providing diagnosis specific weekend and weeklong summer camps so that the patients don’t miss out on this critical experience, providing tools like ipads to help explain procedures; wii’s for entertainment, prize closet items and music therapists help the children express their feelings through music. And a big favorite, the therapy dogs.

After brunch, guests were invited to a personal tour of the playrooms and more, to see their donations in action.

Les Femmes du Monde was founded in 1961 as a fundraising committee on behalf of the Dallas Council on World Affairs, now the World Affairs Council of Dallas/Fort Worth.  In 1987, Les Femmes became its own nonprofit organization. In 1998, The Child Life Program at Children’s Health^SM Children’s Medical Center was added as a second beneficiary. Since its inception in 1961, Les Femmes du Monde has given over $850,000 to Children’s Health and $2 million to the World Affairs Council.

The Global Young Leaders Program at the World Affairs Council of Dallas/Fort Worth seeks to educate students and teachers on how international events affect  their lives, their communities, and their country.  The goal is to empower students to become effective, active global citizens and leaders in the community. Celebrating its 14th anniversary in 2018, this program has impacted more than 1 million students and trained more than 8,000 teachers since its inception in 2004.

Membership in Les Femmes du Monde is open to the public and includes benefits such as exclusive events in private homes, the Woman of the Year gala dinner, private parties like this brunch and more. For details and updates, visit the website at www.lesfemmesdumonde.org

* Photo credit: Dana Driensky

It was just like seeing parents send their children off to school and the next stages of life. The SRO crowd at the Canine Companions Of Independence South Central matriculation and graduation ceremony on Friday, February 16, came together with boxes of tissues around the room. Instead of children, the youngsters were pooches — Retrievers, Labradors and Retriever/Lab mixes.

For some of the dogs, it was bidding farewell to the people who had raised them over the months from puppyhood. They were now to undergo extensive training at the Irving training center to see if their destiny was to provide a unique service for a person or organization in need.

For a select seven that had completed the months of training, they were to officially become part of a lifelong and life-changing team.

While the post is being prepared, check out MySweetCharity Photo Gallery to see the pooches and people.

Ed Kinkeade’s wife Melissa Kinkeade nudged him to keep his talk on Friday, February 16, at the Canine Companions for Independence  South Central Graduation and Puppy Matriculation ceremony short. Thank heaven, Ed turned a deaf ear to his wife.

The overflow crowd of two-, three- and four-legged creatures filled Texas’ only CCI Training Center in Irving for the program that provides service dogs free of charge to perform daily tasks for people with physical disabilities.

Despite the Irving facility’s being the sixth CCI training center, it was the first to be associated with a healthcare provider — Baylor Scott And White Health. And the Baylor crew was front and center with Board of Trustees Chair Jim Turner, Chief Legal Officer Jennifer Brown. and CEO Jim Hinton, who made the rounds visiting with the puppy raisers and showing cellphone shots of his own dogs.

Also on hand for the event were donors like the Rees-Jones gals (mama hen Jan Rees-Jones and daughters-in-law Margaret Rees-Jones and Jenny Rees-Jones) and Diane Brierley (husband Hal Brierley admitted to his wife at 4 a.m. he couldn’t handle the turning over of puppies from raisers to the trainers). In Hal’s place, Diane brought along Melissa Hearon and was joined by Neiman Marcus Director of Charitable Giving Kevin Hurst, who came prepared — he brought his own tissue. Kevin need not worry. There were plenty of tissue boxes throughout the room and they were put to use as the puppies took their next step in becoming service dog companions. But the tears were quickly replaced with smiles as the seven new teams became official partners for life.

And leave it to the dogs to relieve the anxiety of the humans in attendance. As David Lowe was midway in the pre-graduation’s invocation, a woof was heard from the back of the room.  David admitted that in the years to come, he would remember that “Amen.” Without missing a beat, Ed followed David saying, “My Baptist preacher dad would say, ‘I’ll take an Amen anyway I can get it.’”

Using his Mark Twain charm, he explained that at the Thursday night get together with the puppy raisers, he had been prepared for a dirge-like scene. Instead the raisers were celebrating their puppies “matriculating. I’m learning that word.”

Some of the puppies had been trained by individuals and families. Some had been trained by people serving time in prison. But all had been lovingly cared for and trained. As poignant as the tales and photos were of the puppy raisers, the backstories of the seven graduating dogs’ future companions made all understand the pooches’ calling.

Following the presentation of the dozens of puppies entering the final training stage to see if they make the cut, the graduation of seven lifelong teams took place. In being called to the stage, the graduating dogs were handed over to the recipients by their puppy trainers who hailed from Montana, Houston, Huntsville, Orlando and Austin. One even came from the Canine Companions for Independence headquarters in Santa Rosa, California. It was a bittersweet moment for all, but seeing the faces of the recipients and knowing that their lives would be forever changed brought home the mission of the program and replaced tears with smiles.

Marcia, who suffers from Parkinson’s, was selected as the class spokesperson. With Sadie VII at her side, she read remembrances from her classmates describing the past two weeks in which the teams were matched, introduced and trained. Each was unique. There was Aaron, who despite being wheelchair bound, was on his way to college and an Eagle Scout. His mother Beverly was so proud of his accomplishments and was so happy knowing that Katherine II would be with him. 

These were recipients and their families who had never known each other. But after going through the matching with their dogs and the bonding process had allowed them to become a unique family of people and pooches.

In the crowd was one man — Jason Morgan. Like others, he had his CCI BFF Rue II with him, but he had a backstory, too. Despite having broken his back in combat, losing a leg, becoming a single dad of three boys and his life seeming to spiral downward, the CCI program turned everything around. So much so, that his story served as the inspiration that helped Kinkeade and so many others to create the multi-million dollar facility in Irving.   

But as important as the funds have been and continue to be, there is a need for puppy raisers. They are a vital part of this life-program. If you are interested in being part of the CCI effort to help a canine on his/her first steps to its lifelong mission, check here.

2018 Fur Ball Chair Cindy Lindsley and Co-Chair Jennifer Lindsley are howling about the news that former First Lady Laura and President George W. Bush have signed as the honorary co-chairs for the SPCA of Texas gala fundraiser at the Hyatt Regency Dallas on Saturday, September 22.

If you’re wondering if the First Bushes of Dallas are animal lovers, stop wondering. They’ve gotten into the rescue world with Bob the cat that was found at the family ranch in Crawford seven years ago and feline Bernadette that used to live with daughter Jenna Bush Hager. Evidently Bernadette decided she had enough of the Big Apple and moved to the Big D.

As for the canine crowd, Laura and George met up with a “Heinz 57” cutie at the Jan Rees-Jones Animal Care Center a couple of years ago and brought him home. He’s named Freddy after the Bush Chief of Staff Freddy Ford.

Initially, Bob was not thrilled about the new kid in the hood, but after a couple swipes Freddy figured out the pecking order and now “Even Bob and Bernadette are finding Freddy’s charm futile to resist.”

The Lindsley gals were pulling in the “big dogs” for this 80th anniversary of the SPCA of Texas.

Chairing the auction is Julia Howard along with Co-Chair Sandra Fite.

Tickets and sponsorships are availablehere!

* Photo provided by SPCA of  Texas

Allow me to tell you a story. There was this little blonde fella. For the first three years of his life, he lived with a family. They were a young family and had taken him in when he was just too adorable for words. The plan was they would all live happily ever after.

But eventually the family decided that he wasn’t the top dog in priorities and turned him in for adoption at Dallas Animal Services. Now, from the pooch’s point of view, this was pretty upsetting. He had gone from a normal routine to a pen with nearby occupants howling about their lives… and their fates.

Then Wendy appeared out of nowhere on Friday, March 30. She was a nurse and wanted a forever friend. There was a magical moment of connection. The result was Wendy adopted the little fella and named him “Charlie.” She took him home that Friday, removed his collar and gave him a bath to ward off the past. His cuteness factor soared.

The next morning, before having his collar put back on and being squired around his new Merriman Park/University Manor neighborhood, Charlie discovered a loose latch on the backyard gate and decided to discover his new world. So, off he went on a journey. The only problem was, he didn’t know his way back.

Wendy was horrified to discover that  her new pal had escaped [one person’s idea of escape is a dog’s idea of just sniffing around]. To find him was going to be a challenge for Wendy, who was relatively new to the neighborhood herself. Yes, Charlie had been micro-chipped but had no collar and the neighborhood was near some very busy roads like Skillman and Abrams and woods with predators. Adding to the problem was the fact that Wendy didn’t know his old name, and Charlie didn’t know he was now called Charlie.

Luckily, Wendy had recently join Nextdoor and posted the MIA dog. The response was immediate. Many commiserated. False alarms came in — a dog that had been found months ago; a dog three times the size of Charlie, etc.

The SPCA reported they couldn’t help because they didn’t deal with strays, and directed “Charlie Corp” (CC) to the Dallas Animal Services. When called at 3 p.m., the DAS recording reported that office hours were from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. and the call was being received after hours. A call to 311 resulted in an understanding woman who said that DAS forwarded calls to them.

Then a neighbor in Vickery Meadows reported that he had spotted Charlie at Holly Hills and Fair Oaks. The race was on. Would it be a wild goose chase? But one CC member couldn’t believe her eyes when she spied the little fella in the parking lot of the Wildflower Apartment complex. She just knew it was Charlie. But as soon as she as she got out of her car, he had scooted across a busy road [Pineland] and into the woods before she could even take a picture. The apartment management team put out bowls of food and water to coax the little fellow into feeling at home. He returned the next day and once again scampered across the busy street when someone approached.

With the weekend weather threatening storms and a chilly blast, and Charlie’s shying away from anyone, time was not on CC’s side. It was now seven days since he had gotten loose. So, a shout-out was made to animal lover Kristina Bowman, who directed the effort to Pat Rodriquez, aka “the patron saint of lost dogs.” With her years of experience and her no-funny-business sleuthing, Pat didn’t hesitate to help.

Despite the near-freezing temperatures on Saturday, April 7, Pat pulled up in her Subaru with traps in the back at the last spot Charlie had been seen. It was like watching a five-star general preparing for a major battle, as Pat assessed the area, set up the trap for Charlie, and instructed how to prepare and maintain the trap. Pieces of smelly food like sardines and roasted chicken were place strategically along the paths and even in the trees around the trap. Inside, just beyond the spring plate, was a bowl of the “delicacies.” A camera was attached to a tree to record the trap’s activity 24 hours a day. Pat then told Wendy one of the most important things to do: securely affix a Ziploc with a flier showing Charlie’s photo and contact info to the top of the cage to let passersby know why the trap was there and what to do if Charlie was seen.

Within three hours, the trapdoor clamped down. Only the capture was a black cat with a definite attitude. When he was released, he didn’t blow air kisses. Instead, he hissed as he tore off across the street in the late winter chill. The trap was reset. The next time, a possum took up residence. Despite much encouragement, the possum decided to stay. Evidently, he liked his new digs — especially the menu. Eventually, room service never came, so he left and once again the trap was reset, but nothing happened. The camera reported lots of activity, especially pedestrians, “but no Charlie.”

Monday morning, a man texted that he had spotted Charlie in Fair Oaks Park and connected the blonde pooch with the signage on the trap. With sardines in hand and advice from Pat, Wendy moved the trap and strategy to a line of trees at Fair Oaks Park.

By this time, Wendy had drawn two conclusions — Vienna sausage was smellier than sardines, and Charlie was working the area along the bike path that connected the area.

Now word was getting out about “travels with Charlie” and the rescue group Duck Team 6 was on board, as well as the neighbors in Vickery Meadows.

What happened to Charlie? Ten days after he went on his little hiatus, Wendy texted early Tuesday morning: “I know it’s late but wanted y’all to wake to see the news! CHARLIE IS HOME!”

According to Wendy,

The man at the apartments that had been putting out food and water has a big yellow lab that he’s said Charlie would approach. So he came out last night late to walk his dog once more before bed. He said he brought a slip leash with him just in case. So Charlie approached the big dog and he said they were talking and he just slipped the leash on him and got him! They called me about 11:45 and I got dressed and got over and brought him home!”

The lesson learned: sometimes strangers can come together to make magic happen. None of these people knew each other, or had any personal gain from pitching in. Still, they took the time to help. This generosity of effort is true for finding a little dog or supporting a nonprofit program.

BTW, Wendy reports that Charlie is gonna have another bath, get a collar with an ID, and be kept on a leash even in the backyard until he’s more at home. And, yes, the latch has been fixed.

* Photo provided by Wendy and Charlie

According to Fur Ball 2018 Chair Cindy Lindsley and Co-Chair Jennifer Lindsley,

“Fur Ball is the SPCA of Texas’ premier event that raises funds to help rescue, rehabilitate and find new homes for thousands of animals across North Texas. We are thrilled to serve as co-chairs as the organization celebrates its 80th Anniversary. With Honorary Chairs, President and Mrs. George W. Bush, and our fantastic committee working to make the evening a tremendous success, the elegant black-tie gala is sure to be a sell-out!

“Fur Ball will include dinner, dancing and live and silent auctions at the Hyatt Regency on Saturday, September 22, from 6:30 p.m. to midnight.

“Since receiving their charter 80 years ago, the SPCA of Texas remains the oldest and largest animal welfare organization in North Texas. The SPCA of Texas is dedicated to providing thousands of animals with exceptional care and a loving home, which is why our goal this year is to raise over $535,000. All of the proceeds from Fur Ball will help fund their important work.

“Fur Ball 2018 is sure to be a remarkable success thanks to Auction Chair Julia Howard and Auction Co-Chair Sandra Fite. We would also like to thank Dr. Larry and Joan Rogers for being our 80^th Anniversary sponsors and Russell Dealey for being a Presidential Sponsor this year. We are also excited to announce that NBC 5 News Anchor Brian Curtis will emcee the event.

“Individual tickets are $300, patron tickets are $350 and a table for 10 is $3,000. Tickets are available today at furballdallas.com.”

* Photo credit: Bret Redman 
** Photo credit: Thomas Garza