Back to School Tips You Can Use
Well there is still plenty of summer sun to soak up, but back-to-school time is just around the corner and that means stocking up. School systems that serve The Retreat at Mountain Brook begin their first day of classes ranging from August 8 to August 27. The Idea Specialists© at The Retreat put together these ideas to help you and your kids transition to the school year. Tip 1: Take inventory before you buy! Sure, you need to download the list of school supplies provided by your child’s school, but before you spend hard earned dollars, take an inventory of what you may already have. You’ll find that you may be able to reuse items such as: Backpack Lunch Box Binders Calculator Flash Drive Pencil Box Reusable Water Bottle Ruler/Protractor/Compass Scissors Ear Buds (only for use outside of the classroom of course) Markers/Colored Pencils/Crayons (Wait, who are we kidding? That is probably going to be a brand-new purchase. Below, we’ll tell you about local stores and websites to visit so that you can get the items you need at low back-to-school-prices.) Tip 2: Make a list Before you buy anything, you’ll need a list to check off items in your current inventory (remember Tip 1?) so that you only buy the things you need. Review classroom lists provided on your school’s web site and mark off items you already have. Once you have your final list, it’s time to shop. Stores near The Retreat include Walmart, which offers free two-day delivery on a wide variety of back-to-school items. Also, you can shop a unique Walmart feature called Kidbox, which allows you to solve back-to-school shopping for clothes with up to 50% off premium brands. It’s easy to use—just take a brief quiz on your child or children’s style and get a Kidbox delivered to your door with outfits your kid can try at no initial cost. Pricing ranges from $48 and up depending on the items you choose to keep. Also nearby is Walgreen’s, located just 1.4 miles from The Retreat, which has a wide variety of school supplies, coupled with the convenience of quickly getting in and out of the store and back to the home you love! Target Back to School – offers same day delivery, order pick up, and drive up service. Locations near The Retreat are at Brookwood Village in Homewood, Alabama or in Trussville. And, for tech savvy family members who need to organize your list by store, check out Cozi, a free app that lets you keep events and activities all in one place, keep and share the lists for each store in real time. Plus, you can also store recipes, plan meals, and shop for ingredients while using from your mobile or a computer. Now that’s a timesaver we love. Tip 3: Do your homework first. Every week, stores nearby and online will feature loss leaders, or items with a low cost designed to encourage you to shop and acquire both those products, and other regularly priced items that you may also need. So, before you walk out the door, sign up for weekly ads to be delivered to your email. Check your list and plan your shopping accordingly. And that leads us to Tip 4! Tip 4: Price match Many stores have a price match policy. You’ll have to visit individual websites to see specific stipulations. For instance, Target matches its own website (sometimes online prices are cheaper than in stores) and competitors’ in store and online prices. And if you purchase an item at Target and find it cheaper somewhere else up to 14 days later, you can bring in the receipt and receive the difference. Staples features a 110% Price Match policy where you not only get items at the same price but also receive another 10%. Tip 5: Shop when you have time! Of course, busy parents may not have time to make the rounds (raise your hand if you’ve ever shopped at midnight! We have!) Try amazon.com for school supply needs. If you are a college student, you can sign up for a free six-month Amazon Prime membership and get free shipping along with a host of other benefits. Tip 6: Coupons Don’t forget the power of couponing. Stores we like that are offering back-to-school deals include: Office Depot has 20% Off Qualifying School Supply purchases. PLUS, you can shop online and pick up in the store, even scoring those $0.10 notebooks. Staples has a 20% Off School Supplies Coupon when you purchase a backpack. School shopping doesn’t have to tank your finances. You can save money and time on school supplies! And, by using these great tips, you’ll see that this is a test you can pass with flying colors!
Dog Days of Summer
Everyone can agree on one thing this July—it’s HOT. Luckily for residents at The Retreat at Mountain Brook, we have not one but three salt water pools where you can cool off to your heart’s delight. But what about our furry friends? Dogs in particular need extra care this time of year. Here are some tips from the Idea Specialists© at The Retreat to ensure that your pooch stays safe during the summer heat. Hot Weather Tips for Your Pet Be proactive about Vet Care. Things really heat up during the summer months, so make sure you pup is up to date on heartworm, and flea and tick protection so they can enjoy those walks outside or at the Pet Park at The Retreat without bringing home critters that can make everyone itch! Don’t leave your pet alone in the car on a warm day. It’s common sense to make sure animals are kept cool, but perhaps you get home and realize you need to make a store run, but your sweet pup hasn’t seen you all day, and you expect that you’ll just dash in and be back out in no time. Why not take your pet? Because in the summer heat, you can put your precious furry loved one in danger quickly if left in a car, even with windows cracked. According to the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals® (ASPCA), “On a 70-degree day, a car’s interior temperature can climb to 90 degrees. On an 85-degree day, it takes only 10 minutes for a car’s interior to top 100 degrees; in 30 minutes, the temperature can jump to 120 degrees.” Avoid Walking Your Dog in the Heat. Ground temperatures can be much higher than air temperatures. If walking your dog on pavement, test it by holding your hand on the surface for 10 seconds. If it’s uncomfortable for you, it’s uncomfortable for your pup. Burned paws can be incredibly painful for your pup and can lead to blisters, cracking or even missing pieces of the paw pad, so it’s important to consider the weather and walking surface before talking your pet out. Try taking your animal to our amazing Pet Park instead for needed exercise and fun. Keep Your Home Cool for your pets. According to rent.com, pet owners should do three things to keep their animals cool: Keep them hydrated; keep the air flowing; keep them groomed. To keep your animal hydrated consider using a larger bowl and add a few ice cubes in it for an extra treat. While you are at work or away from your home, be sure to set your air conditioner on a reasonable temperature so that pets stay comfortable. And, by grooming your pet, you’ll reduce the hair that can trap the heat. Just be sure to see a professional groomer for big jobs. Keep summer foods away from your pet. Summer is a great time to grill out especially with The Retreat’s Pool Side Outdoor Kitchen and our Grilling Stations with Dining Terrace. Just be aware that food and beverages often commonly found at barbeques can be poisonous to pets. Bones from cooked meats can splinter and cause death to your pet. And snacks such raisins, grapes, onions, chocolate and products with the sweetener xylitol may cause your dog or cat to have severe digestive ailments including death. So, enjoy the season, but keep harmful foods away from your pets, no matter how sweetly they beg. Remember, summer is a season that should be enjoyed by everyone including pets. Just make sure to help them enjoy these dog days of summer in a responsible, safe way.
Summer Patio Party Ideas
With summer in full swing you can’t go wrong with an easy patio party! The Idea Specialists© at The Retreat at Mountain Brook have put together some great recommendations for your next gathering designed to help make your life easier, so you can kick back and enjoy the rest of summer with family and friends. Spruce up your patio or balcony decor Residents at The Retreat enjoy spacious outdoor living with large patio and balcony options at each apartment home. If you have a set of patio furniture, make sure the cushions are clean and sparkling, and inject a little sizzle with fresh accent pillows to spruce up your look. Or, if shopping for the ideal design, check out the many options offered by our friends at Wayfair like their Sarver set which is currently on sale. Add an outdoor rug that fits your color scheme, and don’t forget lighting like these cool, battery operated string lights from Amazon. Add fresh flowers such as daisies to complete the summery chic look. Easy Fun Food Cooking can be cumbersome in the hot summer weather so why not make things easy on yourself? Pick up some of your favorite ready-made food and beverages at your local Publix, located just 1.5 miles from The Retreat. Better yet, order online and have your items delivered! Start at the seafood counter with cooked, peeled with shrimp, cocktail sauce and horseradish. Add sliced lemon for squeezing and you have a tasty, protein-rich option for your guests. Another option is the always delicious chicken fingers, available at the Publix deli. Also, pick up everyone’s favorite Wholly Guacamole and Tostito’s Baked Tortilla chips and continue the healthy selections at your shindig! Add a veggie tray and nonfat ranch dip and those melt in your mouth brownie bites can serve as a well-deserved treat for dessert! Sipping Sangria Of course, a sweet and tangy sangria recipe is one the best beverage additions to any summer party. Our friends Southern Living share that “Sangria can be made using white, red, or sparkling wines. A red wine sangria recipe is the most traditional and we suggest using fruits like oranges, cherries, and lemons to add flavor and colorful garnish.” Whip up the perfect easy summer sipping sangria recipe by combining just four ingredients for the base: one cup Ruby Red Grapefruit juice, one bottle of inexpensive Red Wine such as Rioja, a traditional Spanish red wine is readily available in most supermarkets, a quarter cup each of fresh lime juice and sugar. As an option, add any fruits that you like such as berries, cherries, citrus, watermelon or whatever strikes your fancy. Pour club soda or prosecco before serving to turn the beverage into shimmering, sparkling treat. Use a beverage dispenser to dispense the refreshing treat so guests can refill their drinks, allowing you the freedom to mix and mingle. Want to host a summer get together at The Retreat but don’t live here yet? No problem, just come by or call our friendly leasing team at (205) 956-9722 to schedule your tour today and see for yourself our spacious patio and balcony spaces along with all the amazing amenities that our apartment community offers.
Look | Lease | Party on the Porch Starts Now
There’s nothing better than coming home to a beautiful porch or patio — relaxing, entertaining or enjoying the morning’s first cup of coffee. Large porches and patios are a tremendous asset to our residents here at The Retreat at Mountain Brook, so much so, that our team thought the time was right to feature our personal outdoor living spaces by offering a patio furniture incentive for prospective residents and we’re calling it Look| Lease | Party on the Porch. (We’re all about a party, you know!) And, who better to partner with for Party on the Porch than Wayfair, one of the world’s largest online destinations for furniture and home accessories? Here’s how Look | Lease | Party works: Drop by or schedule a time to visit The Retreat at Mountain Brook. Let one of our friendly team-members take you on a personal tour of our re-imagined community, complete with 2-state of the art fitness centers, beautifully designed resident club houses, and meticulously kept grounds. Take a look at one of our 3-featured floor plans, The Brookshire, The Marlowe, or The Winsford, lease within 48 hours and choose your new patio furniture from Wayfair, with an average retail value of $1400. Now, more about our featured floorplans…both The Brookshire, a three-bedroom, 2.5 bath townhome with 1,900 square feet of spacious accommodations and The Winsford, a 1,400 square foot three-bedroom, two bath-flat with den, are located in In Highland Village, bordered by evergreens, pine trees, and oak leaf hydrangeas. Nestled in Canterbury Village, with its backdrop of pines, and flanked by The Retreat at Mountain Brook Community Garden and championship-modeled tennis courts, you will find, The Marlowe, an 1,893 square foot floor plan featuring two bedrooms, two baths and den. As with all The Retreat at Mountain Brook apartment homes, large luxurious closets are a welcomed standard. In addition to our exciting “Party on the Patio” giveaway, new residents will most certainly appreciate The Retreat’s other outdoor amenities including three saltwater pools, a poolside outdoor kitchen, grilling stations with a dining area, championship-level tennis courts, the Bark Park and our colorful community garden. And remember, if you want to select your Wayfair patio furniture right away, it’s easy. Simply schedule a tour with our friendly, knowledgeable Leasing Team and lease within 48 hours. Then make your personal selection from one of the three fabulous Wayfair patio designs offered. There’s something for everyone here at The Retreat at Mountain Brook. Call (205) 956-9722 to schedule your tour today and see for yourself all the amazing amenities that our apartment community offers.
Must-Haves for a Birmingham – Mountain Brook Summer
Summer has arrived and the pools and grills at the Retreat at Mountain Brook are ready for you, and our Idea Specialists© have curated a list of the hottest items for summer fun! This must-have list is compiled with pool, party and outdoor accessories for adults and children that will heighten your next outdoor experience! For The Lounger: The ultimate lounging float equipped with arm rests and drink holders. Comfortable meets pool fashion with the Kelsyus Chaiser. Amazon Prime offers a deal for this perfect pool lounger at $33.99. For The Poolside: Do you have a family member or friend who’s solely about soaking up the sun? We have found the most versatile lounger this summer. The Cillbo Don Poolio, serves many purposes; beach bed, inflatable mattress, campsite lounge and more. This easy-to-use inflatable requires no pump – instead, it only takes a gulp of wind as you swing it through the air to fill the mattress with air. Instantly. It’s easy to carry to the pool because it comes with a matching carry bag with a shoulder strap. A versatile accessory the whole family will enjoy, only $59.99. For The Ice Cold Group: It doesn’t take long in the Birmingham heat to become dehydrated. Keep an ice cold beverage near you at all times with this incredible design, Float-a-Bout-Cooler. This cooler has three personal drink holders with a raised cooler in the center – also comes with a built-in carrying bag. On sale now for $53.82 For The Busy Child: Sometimes taking your children to the pool is not enough to occupy them after a few hours pass. Louie Lobster Claw Catcher is your savior, affordable at $11.95. This toy will occupy you kids and their friends! Squeeze the handle on Louie Lobster to grab the fishy run-aways in the pool! A fun game to suit young children! For The Girly Girl: What little girl doesn’t dream of transforming into a mermaid once emerging into water? We have found a toy that works across the board – fits girls, boys and adults. The Fin Fun Mermaid Tails, the best-selling and highest reviewed swimmable mermaid tails on Amazon. This mermaid accessory comes in a variety of colors as sizes! For The Outdoorsy: Treepod Cabana released their adult version of the popular child sized cabana. The Treepod is a mesh-sided and portable shelter available in various colors and sizes. Turn your outdoor view into a luxury with this hanging seat on your porch, camping spot or backyard. For The Grill Guru: The Weber 6492 Original Instant Read Themometer, has an easy-to-read digital dispkay and roataitng swivel head. It’s perfect for summer barbeques and gatherings. No more guest-imating with this sleek grill device! For The Event Expert: Summer parties are all about accessories and aesthetic. Keep you party classy with this chic glass pitcher. Libbey Acapulco Glass Pitcher is budget-friendly and has a timeless design. This 89-ounce vessel will keep your event going – not to mention it’s just $12.99. These affordable and long-lasting items will spice up your summer fun! Don’t forget our pool, garden, grills and tennis courts are perfect places to lounge around. Tag us on social media using #RetreatProud at your next outdoor venture.
Summer Cool Off Concoctions
Summer is almost in full swing and we’re thirsty for fabulous frozen cocktails that can wet our whistle and cool us off! If you are hosting a patio or balcony party at your very own apartment oasis at The Retreat at Mountain Brook, try our number one classic cocktail recipe of all time—the Frozen Margarita! Rub the rim of 4 margarita glasses with lime; dip in coarse salt. In a blender, combine 1 cup tequila, 2/3 cup fresh lime juice, 1/3 cup orange-flavored liqueur (Grand Marnier is a favorite), and 2 teaspoons superfine sugar along with one cup ice. Blend well, then pour into the glasses. Garnish with lime wheel. And, if you want to mingle with your guests rather than behind the blender, don’t blow out your flip flops! Take advice from The Yummy Life for make ahead margaritas. Simply pour blended margaritas into 1/2 pint (1 cup) mason jars (available at Walmart), screw on the lids and freeze. To serve, remove from freezer and immediately dip it in salt (while the margarita is still solid and won’t come out of the inverted jar). Use a fork to break up and stir the semi–frozen margaritas into a slushy consistency. Want to get out and about for your taste of summer fun? The Idea Specialists© at the Retreat love the recent article from the always on trend StyleBlueprint that lists eight great places in Birmingham to get your frozen cocktail groove on this summer. Several locations are just minutes from The Retreat which makes summer just that much better! Our favorite frozen concoctions that we think would “help us hold on” include the Negroni Popsicle from The Atomic Bar & Lounge, the Orange Dreamsicle Daiquiri from The Rougaroux in Forest Park, or the Mango Tango from Mom’s Basement in Avondale. So, plan to beat the heat with whatever suits your fancy this summer, whether it’s an adult beverage of your liking or some good old fashioned Milo’s sweet tea!
Summer Fun — Take It Outside Birmingham
The Retreat at Mountain Brook is ideally positioned for residents who want to enjoy the outdoors and all the fun that summer in the South offers nearby including a wide variety of parks, nature trails, and everyone’s favorite summer sport—baseball. Just down the road from The Retreat, you’ll find the Flora Johnston Nature Trail a 2.2 loop that offers easy to moderate hiking and trail running. For other wildlife activities, you can visit, hike, explore and volunteer at Ruffner Mountain, a 1,040 acre urban nature preserve in the heart of Birmingham, Alabama providing science and nature education programming, 14 miles of trails, and a protected area for thousands of species of native flora and fauna. Also, each Tuesday in June from 8 a.m. to 11 a.m. the organization is hosting a Habitat Garden work day for those who enjoy gardening activities. And, dogs are allowed on leash at both the Flora Johnston Trail and Ruffner Mountain trails. For those who appreciate viewing beautifully planted and maintained gardens, the Birmingham Botanical Gardens are a few miles from The Retreat and open daily 365 days a year. Right now, daylilies, roses and hydrangeas are in their peak season according to the website. A bit further in the heart of downtown Birmingham lies the Parkside District, a mixed-use development that includes living spaces, restaurants, and two of Birmingham’s crown jewels, Railroad Park and Regions Field, home to the Birmingham Barons. The Birmingham Barons are a Minor League Baseball team based in Birmingham, playing in the Southern League, as a Double-A affiliate of the Chicago White Sox. Home games are held at Regions Field, a state-of-the-art 8,500 seat facility in downtown Birmingham which opened its doors in April 2013. Come and enjoy any of the 45 home games left during the June to September season. The ballpark features a variety of unique seating areas that offer an intimate atmosphere and unique views of the downtown skyline, UAB, Children’s Hospital, Vulcan and Red Mountain. Each home game features a different promotion such as “Thirsty Thursdays” featuring beverages for just $2, fireworks night, dollar hot dogs, and Family Sundays just to name a few. Individual game tickets can be purchased here. Meanwhile just across the street a variety of free activities take place at Railroad Park, so named for its proximity to the Norfolk Southern and CSX rail lines that run through downtown Birmingham. The 19-acre green space lies along 1st Avenue South, between 14th and 18th Streets in the Parkside District. Each week at 6 p.m. a free fitness class is offered. Get Healthy on the Railroad is an eight-month (March through October) exercise program offering a variety of exercise classes every weekday at 6:00 p.m. Classes include: Monday, Hip Hop Cardio®; Tuesday, Bootcamp; Wednesday, Zumba; Thursday, Yoga and Family Fun Friday. Also, Tuesdays at 8 a.m., a Senior Fit a weekly exercise class focusing on strength, balance, endurance, and flexibility is offered. It’s a great way to stay healthy and meet new people, all while having some fun too. And if all that exercise has you thinking of better managing your eating choices, you can join the Get Healthy on the Railroad Cooking Classes, on the first Sunday of every month through September. These healthy nutrition classes are FREE to attend and led by area non-profits from 3:30 to 5:00 p.m. on the Regions Bank 17th Street Plaza. Also, this June for those adventurous types who enjoy it, the park will host a family camp out night June 22. Tickets are $29 and can be ordered here. The camp is offered to families with children only, and campers will enjoy activities such as arts and crafts, a scavenger hunt, giant lawn games, camp games, and more. Also, healthy snacks, delectable dinner options, and a nourishing breakfast will be provided by Publix Supermarkets and a build‐your‐own trail mix bar will be offered. Finally, to cool your whistle or grab a bite to eat anytime, you’ll find Good People Brewing located nearby at 114 14th Street. Another brewpub, Monday Night Brewing, is scheduled to open later in 2019. So, plan to visit these amazing places this summer that assist Birmingham in staying true to its nickname, The Magic City. There is great summer fun to be had at many locations near The Retreat at Mountain Brook!
Amenities Abound at The Retreat at Mountain Brook
May is an exciting time of year and a busy one. Finally, the days are mostly sunny and at The Retreat at Mountain Brook, that means it’s time to enjoy the alluring mix of amenities that we offer for outdoor (or indoor) enjoyment! Our community residents can choose relaxing, entertaining or fitness-focused activities thanks to the wide variety of options that The Retreat offers. For tennis players, we have two championship-modeled tennis courts that are perfect for a game of doubles or for simply learning how to swing a racquet. Or, tennis aficionados can relax in one of our two WIFI-equipped clubhouse resident lounges and watch the French Open held in Paris, France beginning May 20 at the Roland Garros Stadium. Of course, with the warmer weather comes the opportunity for outdoor entertaining. That’s why we offer a poolside outdoor kitchen, grilling spaces and a dining terrace. Grilling enthusiasts may want to try out Master Chef Bobby Flay’s recipe for amazingly tender grilled chicken skewers that are a great, easy menu option when entertaining a group of family and friends. But perhaps nothing symbolizes the start of summer like a splash in the swimming pool. The Retreat offers not one but three resort-style saltwater pools to enjoy. Relax poolside and soak up a few rays. Just don’t forget the sunscreen! And it’s not just humans that enjoy being outside. The Retreat realizes how important pets are, so the community also features a 6,500 sq. ft leash free pet park. And, the community is located adjacent to the Flora Johnston Nature Trail, giving residents and their pets even more possibilities for recharging in the rolling, forested hills. Finally, The Retreat offers a relaxing community garden featuring local flowers and herbs. Residents with a green or even a brown thumb are invited to enjoy planting and cultivating their own veggies, herbs, or flowers in the garden. According to Southern Living’s monthly garden planting calendar, May is a great time to plant lima beans, cucumbers, eggplant, okra, peppers, sweet potatoes, and watermelon. Of course, residents can get a head start by visiting local garden shops for a wide selection of ready to plant offerings. Nearby shops include Oak Street Garden Shop, Charlie Thigpen’s Garden Gallery and Leaf n’ Petal which has several locations nearby. And of course, no amenity package would be complete without a great fitness studio. The Retreat features two in fact, with free weights, treadmills, elliptical, spinning bikes, recumbent bikes, and weight machines. Fitness Studios also offer free space for yoga and other work-out options. So, pull out your racquet, lace up your shoes, or toss on a swim suit and come enjoy all that The Retreat has to offer in terms of amenities. Want to see them for yourself? Call us at (205) 956-9722 to schedule your personal tour with one of our friendly leasing center team members.
Are You Ready for Do Dah Day?
The Retreat at Mountain Brook is especially proud of our pet-friendly policy and our Pet Park allowing our residents to enjoy the benefits of their community. And since May is National Pet Month we are excited to highlight one of the most unique pet festivals anywhere—Do Dah Day coming up May 18 in Birmingham’s Historic Rhodes Park, a 12 minute drive from The Retreat. Bring your pet and plan to enjoy a marvelous day! Do Dah Day focuses on pets of all shapes and sizes and culminates in a parade for walkers on foot, cars, floats, marching bands, and of course pets of all kinds. Each year Do Dah Day Royalty is crowned and anyone with a pet can enter! A Do Dah Day King and Queen (of the furry kind) are selected and featured on the Do Dah Day website. The Do Dah Day Parade appreciates entrants of all kinds and according to their website, this can include marching bands, briefcase drill teams, synchronized dancers, mimes, clowns, decorated cars and creative floats! Or, anyone that wants to walk in the parade with their animal, with a dictate to be festive. Registration begins at 9:01 a.m. the day of the Parade. Click here for more information on how to register. Regardless of whether you are participating or watching the parade, be sure to bring the whole family because there are cool activities for kids including face painting, hair weaving, craft making with the McWane Science Center folks, basketball, live music, and even bungee jumping! And if you enjoy live music, you will find a robust line up of bands in both Caldwell and Rhodes Park throughout the day until the event ends at 6:01 p.m. The Birmingham Pipers will kick off the event in both parks to start Do Dah Day. There is also a wide variety of food and beverage for purchase. A sampling of those includes: Sweet Parad-ICE, Allen’s SNOBIZ, Nanny’s Old Fashioned Lemonade, Domino’s Pizza, City Bowls, Ray Ray’s BBQ, Cantina on Wheels, Joe’s World Famous Wood Fired Pizza, and The Cuban Café to name a few. The festival began in 1979 when a small group of friends got together and decided to have a party — and Do Dah Day was born. As the 100% volunteer-run event has evolved, it has become a fundraiser with the focus on supporting local animal charities, raising more than $1.5 million since 1992 for Jefferson County animal shelters. So grab your pet, borrow a pet, or there is still time to adopt a pet, and plan to come enjoy one of Birmingham’s best springtime events, Do Dah Day, celebrating more than 40 years. We look forward to seeing you there!
May is National Pet Month!
The Retreat at Mountain Brook is especially proud of our pet-friendly policies and Pet Park which provides a leash-free environment for residents with furry family members to enjoy. And since May is National Pet Month, we thought we’d highlight some of the reasons National Pet Month is observed. It is to: • Promote the benefits of pet ownership • Support pet adoption • Make people aware of the benefits of pets for people and people for pets • Increase public awareness of services available from professionals who work with animals • Raise awareness of the role, value and contribution to society of working companion animals The Retreat at Mountain Brook understands the importance of giving residents and other community members places to spend quality playtime with their pets and to socialize with each other, says Lauren Turner, community manager. Our Pet Park is 6,500 square foot dog-park that includes obstacle-course-style activity stations called The King of the Hill and Over Rover. Residents of The Retreat and nearby Mountain Brook and Eastwood neighborhoods are welcome to visit with their furry companions. Studies have shown spending time with pets, particularly dogs, can reduce stress, anxiety and depression. The American Heart Association has linked pet ownership with a reduced risk for heart disease. If you are interested in reducing stress in your life, you may want to consider adopting a pet. Below are several local nonprofit organizations that can help. Cat lovers can visit Kitty Kat Haven, an organization whose missions is to save abandoned, stray and injured cats and kittens. Right now, Stevie 2 (pictured below) is weaning kittens and will be available for adoption in June. Animals of all sorts can be adopted through the Greater Birmingham Humane Society, founded in 1883. The organization’s mission is “to promote respect for life through education and prevention of cruelty to animals and people. In addition to placing dogs and cats of all ages, the nonprofit has also been known to place rabbits, birds, and even amphibians for adoption. Another organization that helps pets find their perfect human is the Alabama Animal Adoption Society, offering a wide variety of dogs and cats for adoption. If you hurry, you may be able to adopt Butterball, an American Staffordshire Terrier – Boxer who is described as being house trained! Also coming up in May is the grandest and oldest pet festival and celebration, Birmingham’s own Do Dah Day held this year on May 18. Check our blog next week for all things Do Dah Day!
