Lifestyle

Kellee K. Sikes

Know the facts – don’t be an environmental boob when it comes to buying a new TV or discarding an old television tube.

T’was five nights before Christmas, and all through the house

Creatures were stirring and rockin’ out.

Santa’s cool def jam blared on the non-digital TV,

As lights twinkled on our LED-lit, ecologically-forested, Christmas tree.

I am/was wrapping presents with recycled paper all a-glee,

Amazed by the next commercial announcing an ‘Eco TV.’

By Stephanie Ernst

I’ve spent a lot of time in vet’s offices in the last several months, with dogs who have needed a great deal of care. And being in vet’s offices every few weeks has left me sad, not for my own canine friends, but for a great many of the dogs and cats we’ve encountered on these trips. They’ve been there for various reasons, and some have been very young, whereas others have been very old. But far too many of them have had one thing in common: they were fat. Really fat.

The Repertory Theatre of St. Louis's Imaginary Theatre Company is performing "The Little Fir Tree" at 11 a.m. and 2 p.m. Dec. 20 and 22 and 11 a.m. Dec. 23. Attendees are encouraged to bring items to contribute to the Rep's donation drive for Stray Rescue of St. Louis. Most-needed items include dog and cat collars, rawhide dog chews, peanut butter, litter boxes, Purina ONE Lamb & Rice Dry Food, paper towels and wire dog crates of all sizes.

Get into the holiday spirit while celebrating compassion for animals at the 11th annual Hope for the Holidays Gala, presented by Stray Rescue of St. Louis. Hosted by Kathleen England of KSDK and Stray Rescue Founder/Executive Director Randy Grim, the night will feature a "Taste of St. Louis" buffet (including food from more than 25 St. Louis restaurants), live music from acoustic guitar duo Mead & McMahon, celebrity guests from National Geographic's TV show "DogTown," and members of the Best Friends Society in Utah who helped rehabilitate the Michael Vick dogs.

This topic is one that no pet owner wants to approach, but it is a reality we will eventually have to face nevertheless. Unfortunately, there will be a time when our pets have aged into their senior years, their bodies are overcome with disease or illness, or their life is cut short by an accident or injury.

By Terry Winkelmann

When my partner and I opened Home Eco three years ago, the word “green” wasn’t at all established yet, at least around these parts. I reread my business plan recently, and in describing our idea for this strange new business, I used the word “green” only twice—and once was to describe the color of paint planned for the walls!

Trying to enunciate our vision for the store, we used terms like “low-impact living,” “sustainable lifestyle” and “planet-preferred products.” In one sense, it’s taken four decades for the environmental movement to catch on in the mass marketplace. In 1962, Rachel Carson wrote “Silent Spring” and drew our first attention to the growing use of chemicals in pesticides and their unintended effects on life.

Bring your well-behaved Corgi to Corgi Fun Day, featuring games and prizes, pictures with Santa, a costume contest, grooming consultations and more. Sponsored by the Gaitway Pembroke Welsh Corgi Club of St. Louis, the event will take place from 1-4 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 23 at the AKC Museum of the Dog, located at 1721 South Mason Road.

For more information, visit gaitwaycorgis.com.

People and their dogs can get some exercise on Sunday, Nov. 9 at the eighth annual Sweat-4-Pets, sponsored by Operation SPOT (Stop Pet Overpopulation Today). The event features 5k and 10k runs and a one-mile fun walk. The festivities include prizes, a raffle, treats for both humans and dogs, and more.

Registration is $15 before the event, $20 the day of the race, and $10 for participants under 18. The first 300 people to register will receive free t-shirts.

Bring your pets and their best poses to Lola and Penelope's Premiere Pet Boutique and Wellness Center from 11 a.m.-4 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 26 for Pet Photo Day and Pet Sketch Day. Steven Tharp and Kathy Broderick of blueShadow Photography offer photo packages starting at $25. Washington University student artist Leah Nixon provides sketches for $15 per pet and $10 for each additional pet. Appointments book fast, so RSVP soon.

Lola and Penelope's is located at 7742 Forsyth Blvd. in downtown Clayton. (314) 863-5652.