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Featured in this issue:

• Publisher’s Note
  Last year meant many things to different people, but I doubt you made it through without becoming closer to those around you. Going it alone is not very effective when things become difficult.

  In the little town of Greenville, Georgia where I grew up (population 1500+/-), it was impossible to remain unknown. This was not always a good thing — until you really needed something and it was there without even having to ask. Why? Because we knew each other. When times are difficult, we need to know each other, and I hope 2011 becomes a year in which AroundAbout Community Magazine contributes to that good, life-filled way of knowing and being known.

  It is Knowing what is going to happen before it happens in AroundAbout; Knowing the trends that shape our experiences locally through AroundAbout so that you have a voice in what is happening; and Knowing about the extraordinary stories that form the life that drew you to the rich and vibrant North Fulton community in AroundAbout. These are local stories filled with adventure, meaning and humor. And as always, we will be bringing you the voices of North Fulton through our local community writers who pour themselves into your lives on a range of subjects from heating and air-conditioning to words of faith.

  This knowing includes knowing the journey of small businesses and schools owned and operated by your neighbors — check out the story of Critter Control on pages 16-17. What an interesting business that you know you’ll need when you hear those scampering sounds up in your attic at 2 am. Jay and Valli Caldwell, owners of the local Critter Control franchise at 8565 Hickory Flat Highway in Woodstock for more than 15 years, are experts in solving wildlife infiltration situations. Whether squirrels, snakes, raccoons, rats, birds, possums, or whatever else might find their way into your home, Critter Control is your needed resource for locating, trapping, removing and preventing of all your critter concerns.

  This month you have an opportunity to voice your positive opinion for the small businesses that have impressed you with their products and services by participating in our Readers’ Choice Awards. You get to pick the Best of the Best small businesses in the North Fulton community. Take a few minutes to fill out and mail our ballot on pages 32-33 or, for much less effort, go to www.aroundnorthfulton.com and complete our online ballot.

  It is hard to know your neighbors. Like I wrote five years ago in the first issue of AroundAbout North Fulton, “Life is chaotic; it has become more difficult for simple conversations, the kind that reveal what is happening around us and the kind that celebrate the successes and meaning of life. That is why each month we hope you will grab a cup of coffee and pick up your copy of AroundAbout North Fulton and know your neighbors.”

  ~Herb Sims, Publisher

• Around Town

  GRAND OPENING

  K-9 Planet, 42 Oak Street, Suite B, Roswell, recently held its grand opening/ribbon cutting celebration with members of the GNFCC and Roswell community in attendance. K-9 Planet offers day care, boarding, training, salon services, and freshly baked dog treats and cakes. In addition to providing exercise and socialization, dog daycare can also help curb destructive behavior and help alleviate separation anxiety. Each K-9 Planet boarder is provided with their own spacious suite. K-9 Planet will provide a bed, but you are welcome to bring bedding and/or toys in order to make your dog’s stay more comfortable. Salon services offer a wide selection of basic dog grooming services including baths, nail trims, ear cleaning, de-shedding treatment, and teeth brushing. K-9 Planet dog training addresses behavior problems as well as teaching your dog how to walk nicely on a leash, sit-stay, down-stay, stay in place, come to you on a leash, and general good behavior for puppies and adult dogs three months and older. 678-672-1480, info@k-9planet.com

  PaperHost recently held its grand opening/ribbon cutting celebration at its new location, 675 Mansell Road, Suite 145, Roswell. PaperHost is a Web-based, online, full-service, document management software provider. This year, PaperHost celebrated its 10-year anniversary providing solutions for organizations that need to give access to their mission-critical documents, while still maintaining strict controls and reporting of access to their documents. PaperHost allows companies to remain focused on their own core competencies instead of building complex, capital intensive in-house alternatives. Its pay-as-you-go model produces an attractive return on investment even in the first month of use. PaperHost believes, as a part of its corporate vision, it has a duty and a responsibility to give back a portion of its earnings and blessings to the community. PaperHost has launched the PaperHost Cares program which will eventually become a foundation for the purpose of focusing our collective philanthropy toward worthy organizations that help PaperHost fulfill its vision. 678-397-1600, www.paperhost.com

  GROUNDBREAKING
  Solera Salon recently held a groundbreaking ceremony for its newest salon at 1655 Mansell Road, Alpharetta — on the site of the former Logan’s Roadhouse restaurant. Solera Salon, scheduled to open in June, has two salons in Colorado and just recently moved into the Georgia area. The salon is scheduled to be open by summer. Solera Salon provides a truly enhanced experience for stylists and their clients. Clients enjoy how convenient it is to treat themselves to a complete salon and spa experience, with all their beauty and rejuvenating desires in one location, including hair, manicure and pedicure, massage, make-up and more. For additional information about the Solera Salon in Alpharetta call 720-235-4425.

  LOCAL CHILDREN’S BUSINESSES MAKE A DIFFERENCE
  Atlanta Dance Central and Pigtails & Crewcuts, haircuts for kids, collected more 600 canned goods for North Fulton Community Charities’ annual Thanksgiving Drive. “Because we work closely with families in our community, we wanted to do something to give back this season,” said Charlotte Foster, owner of Atlanta Dance Central. The two businesses pooled their customer bases to raise the canned goods, specifically geared toward Thanksgiving meals. In 2010, North Fulton Community Charities helped 1,600 families and over 3,500 children celebrate Thanksgiving by providing meals. www.atlantadancecentral.com, www.pigtailsandcrewcuts.com

  10TH ANNUAL ROSWELL WEDDING SHOWCASE
  The Roswell Wedding and Special Occasion Council will present the 10th annual Roswell Wedding Showcase on Sunday, January 16 at the Holiday Inn Atlanta/Roswell 909 Holcomb Bridge Road from 2-5 p.m. Admission is free, the showcase will feature a fashion show by Savvi Formalwear and Anya Bridal, door prizes and a grand prize of a three night, all-inclusive honeymoon — airfare and tax not included, must be present to win. 770-640-3253

  UNPARALLELED TASTE
  Unparalleled Taste, a new wine tasting and event planning company, offers wine tasting parties, entertaining wine events and informative wine classes at your home or special event! Business partner and owner Gerry Whitson, a wine educator for over 15 years and certified specialist of wine designation from the Society of Wine Educators, specializes in catering with personal details. Unparalleled Taste is currently booking events through its Website www.unparalleledtaste.com, 770-377-4441 or 201-220-4736.

• CRITTER CONTROL
  “There’s more going on upstairs than you ever imagined…”
  Owning a home is one of the most meaningful milestones in a family’s journey together; memories are made and life is lived together in a place of fun, security and rest . . . until middle of the night awakenings to the sounds of digging, chewing, and playful frolic become a regular occurrence . . .and it’s not your kids. Your peaceful abode has been infiltrated by unwelcome visitors, and there’s no convincing them to find another place of residence – or is there?

  Critter Control comes to the aide of home-owners and local businesses who are at the end of their own resources in solving the problem of unwanted outsiders. Jay and Valli Caldwell, owners of the local Critter Control franchise at 8565 Hickory Flat Highway in Woodstock for more than 15 years, are experts in solving wildlife infiltration situations. Whether squirrels, snakes, raccoons, rats, birds, possums, or whatever else might find their way into your home, Critter Control is your needed resource for locating, trapping, removing and preventing of all your critter concerns. Critter Control will not only give you back your sleep, but it will give you the confidence in knowing that your home is safe and secure for years to come. Critter Control is so confident that it can prevent future animal entry into your home it guarantees all its work.

  Jay and Valli Caldwell moved into the business of pest removal out of a growing awareness of the need for such a service. Being a family man, as well as having worked in the construction industry for many years, Jay had seen these problems firsthand on multiple occasions, and the destruction and frustration it causes. Jay explains, “What most people don’t realize is that when these small animals get into your insulation, it’s not just about the nuisance they become, but about the damage they bring. The more they move around in your attic, the more the insulation becomes compressed, and soon it’s not doing its job. Additionally, the rodents leave their odors behind and soon your house is no longer a place to enjoy.” So, along with the removal of the animals, the resulting decay and droppings, and the clean-up of the affected areas, Critter Control also offers repair and replacement of damaged insulation with Carolina Fibers Cellulose Insulation. Jay adds, “It’s not just that they’re keeping you up at night, they’re causing you long-term damage.” Homeowners should check with their local utility providers as well as the IRS for tax credits and rebates upon installation of replacement insulation.

  One of the greatest needs of Critter Controls’ customers is future prevention of the same problems. Once the animals have been in a home, others will always follow. Jay comments, “No matter how many times you remove them from the property, if the holes are not sealed and the means of entering the house is not taken away, others will find a way in.” The goal of Critter Control’s service is to find any and all entry points, to seal those places securely, and to offer ways of preventing future infiltrations. Because of this, Critter Control knows that one of the most common entry points into a home is through the area directly behind the gutters where the roofline is slightly open, commonly referred to as a “construction gap.” This gap may be sealed with galvanized sheet metal or, many homeowners are choosing the Leafproof Gutter Protection System, which provides clog-free gutters as well as prevention of any future animal entry. Critter Control of Atlanta is a Certified Installer as well as a local dealer of the Leafproof Gutter Protection System. Installing this system since 2004, Critter Control was the first in the wildlife industry to incorporate the product with other wildlife exclusion methods. Unlike most other solid gutter covers, the Leafproof Gutter Protection System is a gutter topper that fits standard 4-inch, 5-inch and 6-inch gutters, installs under the first row of shingles without penetrating the roof, and is maintained by the homeowner from the ground. Including a manufacturer’s lifetime guarantee, the Leafproof Gutter Protection System serves as a dual purpose solution for homeowners because it excludes nuisance wildlife while also keeping the gutters free of leaves and debris.

  Critter Control has a team of well-qualified certified wildlife specialists who take the greatest care in dealing with the issues related to animal control. The specialists work with local wildlife centers in order to offer care to the animals as well as the safety of the homeowner. Valli notes, “In order to better serve our customers, we offer free home inspections as well as 24-hour emergency service for those problems needing immediate attention. We want you to be safe and comfortable again in your home.”

  For more information, call the Critter Control office at 770-663-6260 or visit the company on the Web at www.crittercontrolofatlanta.com.

• 2011 EDUCATION GUIDE
  
  It is said that education is the building block of a child’s future, but no longer is there only one blueprint for them to follow. Our educational community provides diverse choices and opportunities that could lead your child to a long life of success.

  ALPHARETTA CHRISTIAN ACADEMY: A Spiritual and Academic Foundation for your Child

  Budgets are tight, so it becomes a high priority to combine value and excellence when choosing a school for your child. Alpharetta Christian Academy provides both. Lower building and administration costs have enabled ACA to keep its tuition affordable while continuing to expand and enrich your child’s educational experience. Value and excellence are the fruits of a strong foundation that is academically challenging and biblically-based, while supporting families in a caring environment. ACA Principal Debbie Dodd says, “But while Biblically-based, we welcome students from all backgrounds. We just love kids. It is our desire to help provide the spiritual and academic foundation on which each enrolled child can build in order to become a lifelong learner. Our objective is to provide academic stepping stones for your child’s educational future and supply an atmosphere for a healthy attitude toward learning that will continue throughout the rest of his/her life.”

  As Alpharetta Christian Academy has grown and evolved, the purpose has held true. ACA’s primary purpose is to provide a social, spiritual, physical and academic experience in a safe, caring, and loving environment. Dodd taught school for more than 25 years. “I taught elementary school for seven years then moved to middle school and high school. I loved the middle school! I was a math teacher at Crabapple Crossing, Northwestern Middle School, and Roswell High School. When the church started this elementary school, I was on the school board and was asked to take on the responsibility and position of principal after our principal left. That was seven years ago. Loving on the kids and watching them grow is what I come here for,” Debbie says smiling.

  Alpharetta Christian Academy is a ministry of First Baptist Church of Alpharetta. ACA consists of two levels: preschool with classes for children from 2 years old through pre-k; and elementary, with classes for kindergarten through fifth grade. ACA offers both half-day and full-day programs at the kindergarten level. Additionally, there is an after school program for siblings of full-day students who are enrolled in either the preschool program or half-day kindergarten. ACA also offers an after school program until 5:30 p.m. for academy students.

  One of the most important figures in any classroom is the teacher. Alpharetta Christian Academy teachers have bachelor or advanced degrees in education and are certified through the state of Georgia; or they have a bachelor’s degree plus 18 hours of education courses.

  Alpharetta Christian Academy is accredited through the Georgia Accrediting Commission and is a member of the Southern Baptist Association of Christian Schools.

  Alpharetta Christian Academy
  44 Academy Street
  Alpharetta, GA 30009
  770-475-5762
  www.alpharettachristianacademy.com

  CHRYSALIS EXPERIENTIAL ACADEMY: Learning Experience Like No Other

  Parents today are often confronted with a Catch-22. They see the potential and giftedness of their son or daughter, while at the same time they realize that this same potential and giftedness is not being realized in their child’s current educational program. Parents recognize and cherish the uniqueness of their child, and they are not looking for the uniqueness to be changed. They know when their child needs a learning environment that responds and challenges them instead of demanding that the student respond to the learning environment. Chrysalis Experiential Academy is such a place.

  Chrysalis teaches individual students — not classes, not curriculum, not textbooks. Within their rigorous academic program, Chrysalis makes a conscientious effort to draw from many resources, experts, and materials to address a student’s learning style and academic needs. Self-esteem is built in young people by their valuing what they have to give to others. Chrysalis students creatively support community or a civic organization each month which becomes one of the practical learning environments of Chrysalis. Not only do students learn economic principles, but their character is shaped.

  Founder and director of Chrysalis Experiential Academy, Richard Becker shares, “We are moving into our 10th year, and through these years we have watched the metamorphous of these children into great learners and great human beings. In a society where everything is glorified with glitz and glamour, our parents see a difference in their kids’ values, a transition from ego-centric children to generous teenagers.” Melisa McGuire, assistant director and language arts instructor adds, “The students become aware of the world around them. Their studies take on a new relevance when they see that they can make a difference.”

  Chrysalis is starting a new entrepreneurial track in 2011. Beginning with business and marketing in the sixth grade, the goal is to educate the student to become inventive in their thinking process. Becker states, “If you are educating kids to what exists today or to even what we know about today, you are misguided because the knowledge of today is already obsolete. The great technology of today is outdated yesterday. So, how do you take the kids to a new level of cognition? What drives them to learn? Those questions continually shape the environment of Chrysalis.”

  One of Chrysalis’ newest students, Adam Livezey, is destined for one of the finest music schools in the nation. The traditional educational environment he was in could not adapt to his needs. Chrysalis was able to create a program around his interest including a class that helps prepare him for his required audition. Adam shares, “I became really dissatisfied with the school I was in. I understood the path I was on in my music, but there was no recognition of that in school. Here at Chrysalis, the teachers make an effort to listen to me and they have given me a huge amount of their time. At my old school I was in AP classes, and here it is just as rigorous or more, but the difference is there is an effort to connect your education to real world experience.”

  With ongoing enrollment throughout the year, your child/teen can immediately participate in this inviting, fun and effective learning atmosphere. If you are interested in learning more about Chrysalis Experiential Academy visit www.chrysalisexp.org or call 770-649-7077. Chrysalis Experiential Academy is located at 10 Mansell Court, Suite 500, in Roswell.

  Chrysalis Experiential Academy
  10 Mansell Court East, Suite 500
  Roswell, GA 30076
  770-649-7077
  www.chrysalisexp.org

• A SPECIAL VALENTINE’S DAY -
  Escape to Barnsley Gardens Resort
  Barnsley Gardens Resort’s fairytale setting and stunning scenery make it the ultimate romantic vacation this Valentine’s Day weekend. This Valentine’s Day, couples can escape to Barnsley Gardens Resort for an unforgettable weekend featuring exclusive experiences not found at other resorts.

  FAIRY GODMOTHER
  The resort is home to its very own Fairy Godmother whose sole job is to create once-in-a-lifetime romantic experiences via her Love Spells. Barnsley’s Fairy Godmother has a magical touch that can make wishes come true during a stay at the resort as she spreads joy and kindness to each and every guest. From unforgettable meals in intimate hideaways throughout the property to an exceptionally romantic in-room experience, the Fairy Godmother creates an event perfect for each guest. As an expert in helping arrange proposals, the Fairy Godmother works with couples to create the perfect setting for this life-changing question.

  FIRESIDE PRIVATE DINNERS
  Built on the basis of love, Barnsley Gardens Resort is no stranger to romance. During Valentine’s Day weekend, couples can arrange private fireside dinners in their luxury cottages. These intimate dinners provide the perfect opportunity for couples to reconnect while enjoying a cozy gourmet meal.
  Couples who would like a more traditional dining experience can visit the Rice House, the resort’s fine dining restaurant housed in an historic Civil War-era building. On February 12-13, the Rice House will be featuring a special Valentine’s menu and live music by Keenan Blount and Friends.

  CARRIAGE RIDES
  After dinner, couples are invited on a romantic horse-drawn carriage ride beginning at the Rice House and traveling through Barnsley Gardens’ historic ruins from 6-10 p.m. A perfect opportunity for love birds to snuggle under a blanket while taking in the property’s breath-taking scenery and watching the night’s stars twinkle.

  SPA AT BARNSLEY GARDENS RESORT
  A complete relaxation and signature spa treatment will create a most blissful state as sweethearts spend an afternoon at the spa at Barnsley Gardens Resort. Couples can opt for a couples massage or an in-room massage to enter into a blissful state of relaxation. This European spa blends modern and ancient techniques with the purest products and is known for its signature treatments, including the Barnsley Rose body treatment. The body treatment uses organically grown, old-fashioned roses to revitalize the face and body, similar to the ones found in Barnsley Resort’s many gardens.

  WINE DINNER
  This unique gift is for the couple who already has Valentine’s weekend plans. Barnsley Gardens Resort offers the perfect gift for wine-lovers. On Saturday, February 26 at 7 p.m., the resort will host a wine dinner featuring vintage wines by Hess Family Vineyards that will be expertly paired with creations from executive chef Charles Vosburgh. To add some mystery to the evening, the wine pairings won’t be announced until the day of the dinner.

  To take your special Valentine on a spectacular weekend visit www.barnsleyresort.com.

Jungle Bells, Jungle Bells Santa is coming to Monkey Joe’s!
Roswell location, Saturday, December 18th
11:00am-1:00pm
We’ll have a professional photographer on site to take pictures of your kids with Santa!

700 Holcomb Bridge Rd.
Ste 200
Roswell, GA 30076
678-381-0400
www.monkeyjoesatlanta.com

Change could mean thousands in savings for home, business owners

MILTON, Ga., Dec. 9, 2010 – The City of Milton recently learned the Insurance Services Organization (ISO) gave the city a rating of 4, which could mean insurance premiums savings in the thousands for local home and business owners.

Previously, Milton held north Fulton County’s split Public Protection Classification (PPC) rating of 4/9, which is used for marketing, underwriting and establishing premiums for homeowners and commercial fire insurance. That meant in some areas of Milton – those under the 9 rating – insurance companies charged more for coverage.

Due to the tireless work of Milton Fire Department, however, the entire city now shares the rating of four. The number puts Milton in the top 13 percent of cities in the state and top 17 percent nationally.

“This was a lot of work, and it feels great to have it pay off,” said Milton Fire Chief Robert Edgar. “It really gives us our own Milton identity.”

Edgar said the substantial jump in rating was due to a number of factors, including smarter allocation of resources and Milton’s automatic aid agreement with neighboring Alpharetta.

For homeowners who previously were charged premiums based on the 4 rating, they will see no change. For those previously under Fulton County’s rating of 9, the savings are likely to be between 30 and 40 percent, said David Colmans, executive director of the non-profit Georgia Insurance Information Service.

For example, the owner of a $250,000 home would see standard rates drop from $2,238 to $1,342 – just over 40 percent, said Colmans.

“There is a significant difference in the cost of fire insurance when an ISO rating drops from a Class 9 to a Class 4,” he said. “[That] improvement in fire rating class is rather unusual and speaks well of the Milton Fire Department’s efforts”

ISO, an independent company that serves insurance companies, communities, fire departments and insurance regulators, analyzes data from the evaluation using its “Fire Suppression Rating Schedule.” The company then assigns a PPC number to the community based on that analysis.

A PPC of 1 represents an exemplary fire suppression program. A PPC of 10 indicates the area’s fire suppression program does not meet ISO’s minimum criteria.

Milton’s new ISO rating of 4 will be published May 1.

The River Eves Elementary PTA will host its first Holiday Bazaar on Wednesday, December 15 from 5:30-7:30pm at River Eves Elementary School, located at 9000 Eves Road in Roswell. Over 20 local vendors will offer terrific items for sale as gifts at every price point. A raffle will be held for visitors to win fantastic items donated by each of the vendors, including Stella & Dot Jewelry, Baby Belle Bowtique, Willow House, SlapWear Watches, Mary Kay, Pampered Chef, Beijo Bags and many more. Complimentary cookies and coffee will be provided.

Interested vendors or anyone with questions can contact Mandi Moragne at j_mandi@bellsouth.net. A small vendor donation will go to the River Eves PTA to help fund its academic enrichment programs.

For more information, please contact:

Amanda Hayes
VP of Communications & Community Relations
River Eves Elementary School PTA
lomlamanda@gmail.com or 678-409-3057

http://riverevespta.squarespace.com/

NBC’s AMERICA’S GOT TALENT is coming to Atlanta and we want to see YOUR talent!!! Auditions are being held January 29th-30th at the Atlanta America’s Mart.

What can YOU do in 90 seconds???
ANY TALENT AND ANY AGE GOES. We want to see anything and everything.

Don’t miss your chance to show America YOUR talent and compete for the opportunity of a lifetime at winning the Grand Prize of $1 MILLION DOLLARS.

To pre-register for an Audition and for more information on AGT, please log onto www.agtauditions.com.

Camera 101
Saturday, January 08, 2011 from 10:00 AM – 8:00 PM (ET)
Alpharetta, GA

We’ll help week through what’s important, what’s not, and explain it all in an easy-to-understand way. We will start the morning learning about aperture, shutter speed, ISO, and what manipulating them will change in your photos. From there, we’ll spend some time outside, taking photos, getting different looks, and giving you some real experience. In the evening, we’ll reconvene for a show and tell about what photos you took, how you got them and what else can be done to improve or achieve a different look.

Please pass this on to anyone who may be interested! Also makes a great gift for the confused camera enthusiast in your family, gift certificates are available!

Here’s more info:

We will be offering a full day, 3-part photography basics course on January 8! During the morning portion, we will cover white balance, shutter speed, aperture and F-stops plus the elements of great composition. In the afternoon, a group trip will let us practice our new skills. As the sun sets, we will host a viewing party to show off all the great photos you took in the afternoon! Makes a great gift for the person you gave a camera to last year who has yet to take it off the AUTO setting! Gift certificates are available.

Sign up by December 17 for our Early Bird Rate of $100 for one person, or bring a friend along for only $75 each. December 18, regular price is $150, buddy price is $100 each.

For more information and to sign up, visit our event site!
http://camera101.eventbrite.com. (If the link doesn’t open automatically when you click on it, cut and paste it into your browser!)

View Full Issue

Featured in this issue:
Publisher’s Note
Around Town
Christmas at First Baptist Church Roswell:
The Dawn of Redeeming Grace
Lend a Helping Hand This Holiday Season
Holiday Events and Services
Santa Sightings

Area Perfect Fit for Bark Busters’ Holistic Two-Hour, Home Dog Training Concept

ALPHARETTA, GA – Bark Busters, the world’s largest dog training company, announced Nov. 2 that it is expanding into Alpharetta headed by local resident and new franchise owner, Ryan McPherson.

Ryan is an Atlanta native who grew up and attended high school in Sandy Springs, Ga. McPherson began his career at age 15 working in an animal clinic. After which he went on to pursue a career in advertising for ten years. He then volunteered to join the army and served in an infantry platoon. Deployed to Iraq in 2007 and wounded in September 2008. After being wounded, he received a Purple Heart, Meritorious service award, Combat Infantryman’s Badge and other awards and decorations. McPherson was honorably discharged and returned to Atlanta.

“After serving my country, I am now ready to serve my community by transitioning back into civilian workforce,” he said. “I thought of no better time to begin my work with dogs and people.”

McPherson selected a Bark Busters franchise for the Alpharetta market because of its dog-loving culture and the strong demand for a gentle and natural approach that delivers results.

Alpharetta/Fulton County and its surrounding suburbs are typical of a metropolitan area in that dogs are frequently kept in confined areas, which can easily lead to behavioral issues, such as barking, aggression, separation anxiety, hyperactivity and general unruliness.

The philosophy of Bark Busters is that most of the time dogs are in complete control of the house because they’re confused about their role. Dogs instinctively follow a pack mentality so by training owners to use voice control and body language to establish authority, they gain control so their dogs can become obedient, enjoyable family members.”

Bark Busters therapists like McPherson offer dog owners a variety of training services right in their homes to correct behavioral issues in dogs of all ages, including puppies. Bark Busters is the only international dog training company that offers a lifetime guarantee. Therapists will provide future sessions free of charge if problem behaviors recur.

“Often pet owners have tolerated bad behavior for years,” said McPherson. “In a single visit, I can demonstrate to owners how they can control the situation immediately, saving some dogs from being unnecessarily euthanized. It’s extremely gratifying to help families enjoy their pets.”

Pet owners interested in learning more about Bark Busters’ natural training approach can call 1-877-500-BARK, email northatlanta@barkbusters.com, or visit www.barkbusters.com.

Atlanta, Georgia — In the spirit of the coming season, Bark Busters, the world’s largest dog training company, offers helpful holiday tips for dog owners on how to keep their dogs safe and happy during the holidays.

“In planning for this season’s holiday festivities, it is important to keep your pets in mind. While most of us welcome the sights, sounds and smells of the season, holidays can also be chaotic—especially for dogs,” said Ryan McPherson, dog behavioral therapist & Trainer, with Bark Busters USA.

“Holiday festivities can interrupt a dog’s routine and present a potentially unsafe situation. But by following a few common-sense tips, the holidays can be cheery for everyone—including the family dog.”

Holiday foods can be harmful

• Many holiday foods can be harmful to canines, causing symptoms as mild as an upset stomach or as severe as vomiting and diarrhea. Avoid giving your dog fatty or spicy foods, bread dough, fresh herbs, alcohol beverages, caffeine and sweets of all kinds—especially those with chocolate or xylitol, an artificial sweetener that is often found in Holiday candies and falls on the floor.
• Particularly dangerous are cooked poultry bones. Cooked bones easily splinter, and the bone shards can cause choking, get stuck in your dog’s gums or possibly damage his intestines. Always supervise your dog when chewing a bone. Instead, treat your dog to “dog bones” specifically designed for him to chew. Ask your veterinarian for suggestions.
• Discourage your dog from foraging in the garbage—secure lids on all trashcans.
• It’s natural that you’d want to share holiday treats with your dog. While a little taste of turkey or sweet potatoes can make your dog happy, don’t overdo it—too much of a good thing can make him sick. If your dog is not used to eating people food or perhaps your dog is begging too much try and limiting the amount also.

Decorations are not playthings

• Keep your pet away from holiday plants, many of which are poisonous, such as holly, mistletoe, poinsettias and amaryllis (a type of lily). Also be sure all potpourri is out of your pet’s reach.
• Snow globes can contain antifreeze, which is toxic to dogs. Whether in the garage or in a snow globe, keep antifreeze products away from your happy, tail-wagging dog. If there is an antifreeze spill, keep your dog out of the room while you clean up the liquid. Dilute the spot with water and floor cleaner to ensure your dog does not lick the area later.
• Keep electrical wires and batteries out of your pet’s reach. Chewing or biting anything electrical can cause him shock or burns.
• Don’t leave lighted candles unattended. A lit candle knocked over by a swinging tail can burn your pet or cause a fire.
• Watch out small toys and game pieces that the dogs can easily swallow quickly.

Christmas trees can be hazardous

• Anchor the tree to the ceiling or wall to prevent it from tipping over.
• Hang non-breakable ornaments near the bottom of the tree.
• Avoid putting tinsel on your tree. If ingested, tinsel can twist in your dog’s intestines and be deadly.
• Don’t let your dog drink the Christmas tree water. The water may contain preservative chemicals, which can trigger severe indigestion in dogs. Stagnant plain water can breed bacteria and cause nausea or diarrhea to the pet that imbibes.
• Regularly sweep up fallen pine needles, as they can puncture holes in a dog’s intestines if ingested.
• Have a good policy in place so everyone in the family understands what how to address the dog’s problems. Everyone must be working together or the dog will collude with the weakest link within the family.

Help your dog feel safe and relaxed

• Most dogs get very excited when guests arrive. To help your dog be calmer, exercise him prior to the festivities. After 30 minutes of walking or playtime, your dog will more likely be relaxed or want to nap.
• As a general rule, don’t allow the family dog to greet unfamiliar guests since unusual activities and commotion can cause him extra stress.
• Give your dog a break from the hubbub by putting him in his crate or in a quiet room with his doggie bed. Allow him to rejoin the festivities after guests have arrived.
• Pets stressed by unfamiliar events typically pant more, so keep your dog’s water bowl filled with fresh water.

Pets like presents too!

• Help your dog stay busy and out of the holiday trimmings by giving him fun, safe gifts.
• The Buster Cube™ and Kong™ are virtually indestructible puzzle toys that reward your dog with treats and keep him well entertained.

Please don’t give a pet as a surprise gift!
A cute puppy might seem like the perfect gift choice, but many of these holiday presents end up at animal shelters. Owning a dog takes a genuine commitment of time and responsibility, and adoptive owners must be ready to participate in training and other activities.

If someone you know seriously wants a dog, consider giving a leash and collar, or a dog training certificate from Bark Busters along with a note saying a dog of the recipient’s choice comes with it. This helps ensure the lucky person gets just the right pet to bring into the family.

“Following these simple tips will help make the festivities safe and happy for your whole family, including your canine companions,” added McPherson.

About Bark Busters:

Bark Busters, the world’s largest, most trusted dog training company, started in Australia in 1989 and came to the United States in 2000. Since inception, more than 500,000 dogs have been trained worldwide using its dog-friendly, natural methods. With 250+ franchised offices in 40 states and more than 400 offices in 10 countries, Bark Busters is continuing its mission to build a global network of dog behavioral therapists to enhance responsible dog ownership and reduce the possibility of maltreatment, abandonment and euthanasia of companion dogs.

Bark Busters is the only international dog training company that offers guaranteed lifetime support. SPCA International selected Bark Busters dog behavioral training services as the “Best of the Best” in its category. No other training company or dog trainer received such a distinction. To fetch a trainer in your area, call 1-877-500-BARK (2275) or visit www.BarkBusters.com, where dog owners can complete a Dog Behavioral Quiz to rate their dogs’ behavior.

Submitted by Bark Busters.

Upscale Women’s Consignment Boutique For the Fashion and Community Conscious Offers Local Women Opportunity To Reach into their Closets To Give Back!

Roswell, GA – Vintage & Vogue, A Second Hand Boutique offering affordable, gently used vintage and designer clothing and accessories will open for business on November 12, 2010. The upscale women’s consignment boutique located in historic Roswell will allow for consignors to donate their dollars to local charities as an option to making some extra cash for themselves.

Among the local charities that will receive net proceeds from sales of goods from Vintage & Vogue are Prevent Child Abuse Georgia, Partnership Against Domestic Violence, Center for Family Resources, The Drake House, CHRIS Kids, Dress for Success, My Orange Duffel Bag, Minds in Motion and Chrysalis. Consignors can also choose to donate to their own charity of choice.

Owner Maria Walden Sullivan, an Alpharetta resident and social entrepreneur who is a past and current member of numerous non-profit boards, founded Vintage & Vogue as a new and different way to fundraise. Said Sullivan, “In the current economy people may not have the finances to give back, however women always have something in their closets they are either bored with or just need to make room. So, as an option for women to reach into their purse, they can reach into their closet to give back.” Charities will receive a check on a quarterly basis from the boutique with the consignor’s name and donation amount.

Sullivan’s background includes having worked with FranklinCovey to create their Home and Family Division helping to strengthen families and youth throughout the U.S. She is also a national speaker and facilitator on youth and family issues.

For Vintage & Vogue’s grand opening weekend 11/12 through 11/14, the store will match proceeds generated and divide and donate monies among participating charities

In keeping with Sullivan’s mission that Everyone, Everything, Deserves a Second Chance, Vintage & Vogue will offer internships and career opportunities for youth who are in need of work experience, have experienced challenges in their young life.

In addition to the boutique’s fabulous selection of great, fun vintage clothes and upscale designer new wear and accessories, inspiring training seminars and workshops on career, relationships and more will also be offered. So… not only will Vintage & Vogue help in making your outside shine, they will help with the inside too. Among the workshops, trainings, and speaking engagements scheduled to be offered are:

• Career Coaching
• Resume Building
• Relationship Classes
• 7 Habits of Highly Effective Women
• Meditation and Yoga

Vintage & Vogue is located at 55 Park Square, Roswell, Georgia 30075. They can be contacted by phone 678-495-GIVE (4483) or through their web site www.vintageandvogueclothing.com.

Hours are Tuesday through Friday 10:00 a.m.-6:00 p.m., Saturday 11:00 a.m.-7:00 p.m. and Sunday during the holiday season, 11:00 a.m. through 3:00 p.m.