Show Me the Ozarks September 2022

Man’s Best Friend

Most pet owners know the immediate joy and companionship of living their life with pets. The wagging tails each time you open your door after a long day at work. The cuddles in bed at night. And the endless unconditional love – on good days and bad. However, we do not always think about how being a pet owner impacts our physical and mental health. Whether playing fetch or taking walks, pets increase exercise and our cardiovascular system. Pets are acutely attuned to the behavior and emotions of their human. Owning a pet can reduce stress, anxiety and depression. No wonder pets have been coined “man’s best friend.” In our September edition, we bring you our 14th Annual Cutest Pet Contest. On page 46, you will find 177 entries of the most adorable cats, dogs and even a horse. These furry friends light up our pages just as they light up their owner’s life. See these cute faces and fall in love again, and again, and again. Thank you to all the families that entered our contest. All proceeds benefit Joplin Humane Society Animal Adoption & Resource Center, and Faithful Friends Animal Advocates in Neosho. Do you know the perfect way to show your love for animals? The 20th Annual Fur Ball is September 24 at Indigo Sky Casino. Turn to page 53 to find more details about the 2022 Fur Ball, and learn what it entails each day to operate Joplin Humane Society’s open admissions shelter. They are heroes! We can’t mention heroes without recognizing Faithful Friends Animal Advocates. The no-kill shelter has been supporting Newton and McDonald counties since May 2008. On page 54, you can read Faithful Friend’s mission and how you can join them in making a difference for our furry friends. On page 58, you can meet Rip, the service dog. Rip is a German Shepherd that is as smart as he is cute. Abby Nelson tells the story of first finding a companion in Rip to him helping with her medical condition. The story will warm your heart! In this issue, you can find information on someone who will care for your pet while you are away and treat them as her own. In our Pet Resources and Services Guide, you can find animal grooming, dog training, animal clinics and the greatest treats for your best friend. Remember, love is a two-way street. We complete our pet features with the Polite Company’s Top 5 Petiquette Tips. We have your “man’s best friend” covered and cared for! Happy September! We hope this edition finds you, and your pets, happy and healthy! See you next month!

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Lee Radcliff-Timmsen, Editor/Publisher editor@showmetheozarks.com P.O. Box 3325 • Joplin, MO 64803 417.455.9898 • 417.850.5557

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