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FROM OUR PUBLISHER<br />
April 11th is National Pet Day, and our team has had a great time<br />
putting together this issue featuring a variety of pets.<br />
I was reminded of my childhood and<br />
being blessed with two outstanding dogs.<br />
One was a black Lab we named Belle.<br />
She lived up to that name because she<br />
was a true, caring southern belle among<br />
her canine breeds. Our other favorite<br />
dog was Flick, named after the sound<br />
of my dad’s camera that my brother and<br />
I grew up hearing.<br />
Belle was a chosen, purchased pet.<br />
Flick was a rescue animal—a full-bred<br />
German shepherd but suffered from<br />
malnutrition and was in poor physical<br />
condition. My dad felt the animal could<br />
be saved and began treating him with<br />
medicine prescribed from our veterinarian<br />
and lots of TLC. Flick responded beautifully<br />
and gave the rest of his life and<br />
allegiance to every member of our family.<br />
He stood constant watch wherever my<br />
brother and I played and only barked<br />
when a car pulled into our driveway.<br />
Both pets always had their fill of Purina,<br />
but we never denied them table leftovers.<br />
On winter nights when temps were<br />
below freezing, we allowed them to<br />
sleep by the den fireplace. They repaid<br />
this kindness by staying statue-still,<br />
never moving from their lying position.<br />
Yes, they were outside dogs and never<br />
felt the pull of a leash on their collars.<br />
They ran free around in the country,<br />
experienced life without pens or cages,<br />
and always reaped loving care from their<br />
human family. What a life for a dog – and<br />
what indelible memories they gave us.<br />
PUBLISHER & EDITOR<br />
Tahya Dobbs<br />
HOMETOWN STAFF<br />
CFO<br />
Kevin Dobbs<br />
CONSULTING EDITOR<br />
Mary Ann Kirby<br />
ACCOUNT EXECUTIVE<br />
Barbie Bassett<br />
IN THIS ISSUE<br />
The Way We Were 10<br />
Reader Spotlight 15<br />
BGC Tablescapes 18<br />
Hometown Family 24<br />
Pet Parade 30<br />
Irelynn & Skidder 42<br />
Kids Who Care 48<br />
Hoppin' to Help 52<br />
...see you around town.<br />
ACCOUNT EXECUTIVE<br />
Amy Forsyth<br />
ADVERTISING<br />
ASSISTANT<br />
Melissa Kennon<br />
ADMINISTRATIVE<br />
ASSISTANT<br />
Alisha Floyd<br />
CONTENT MANAGER<br />
Susan Wolgamott<br />
LAYOUT DESIGN<br />
Daniel Thomas<br />
3dt<br />
STAFF<br />
PHOTOGRAPHER<br />
Othel Anding<br />
STAFF<br />
ASSISTANT<br />
Debby Francis<br />
COPY EDITOR<br />
Jodi Jackson<br />
www.facebook.com/hometownrankinmagazine. For subscription information visit www.htmags.com or contact us at info@HTMags.com / 601.706.4059 / 200 Felicity Street / Brandon, MS 39042<br />
All rights reserved. No portion of Hometown Rankin may be reproduced without written permission from the publisher. The management of Hometown Rankin is not responsible for opinions expressed by its writers or editors.<br />
Hometown Rankin maintains the unrestricted right to edit or refuse all submitted material. All advertisements are subject to approval by the publisher. The production of Hometown Rankin is funded by advertising.<br />
Hometown RANKIN • 7
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