IslandVibesIOP.com 23 To be frank, I have never quite understood the need for making New Year’s resolutions. For one thing, if one needs to make a change, why wait for Jan. 1? If you are a bit portly on Jan. 1, does it not equate that perhaps, bear with me dear reader, you were also a bit on the rotund side in August? If you are feeling the need to be kinder, act nicer, eat better, drink lesser in January, my bet is you have needed to make those changes for more than a mere morsel of time. If you insist on making said resolutions, maybe a better approach would be to set small, specific, (ahem) attainable objectives rather than one singular, monumental, yearlong goal. Perhaps, like me, you strive to be your best every day already. Maybe, again like me, you are already perfect the way you are. Maybe, just maybe, you could focus on and nurture the good within yourself and reject the urge to follow the antiquated phenomenon that is “new year, new you!” What’s wrong with the old you, or better yet, the current you? I for one refuse to participate in a tradition so steeped in self-hatred and redundancy. Need to make a change, improve or otherwise better yourself? Do it, but please, for the sake of my sanity and yours, do not label it, and do not adhere to an unrealistic pressure of coming up with falsely acquired revelations about your wholeness or worth. This isn’t just the opinion of yours truly; science suggests that most people who set resolutions for the new year do not stick to them. Mental health experts have noted increased levels of guilt, stress and anxiety amongst those who set unattainable resolution expectations. So don’t take my word for it – or do because I am right. You are good enough, smart enough, accomplished enough – in short, you are enough. Frankly, I’ve always known that I am enough, which renders making New Year’s resolutions as useless to me as a chocolate teapot. Last month we introduced you to Isla, the chocolate lab who started one of the most beloved dog families on Isle of Palms. We also introduced you to three of her 13 puppies: Rue, Nellie and Maggie. This time, we’re back to meet more of her babies that have since grown up and settled into loving homes across the island. One of these pups is Palmer, a black lab who was adopted by Bobby’s daughter Hailey. The Ross family had a black lab while Hailey was growing up, so these two clicked from the moment they met. Palmer is one seriously spirited pup who can get excited about absolutely anything. She loves giving kisses and soaking up all the attention she can get, but beach days with her brother Cash are her favorite. Even though Cash isn’t from Isla’s original litter, he is still very much part of the family, and she follows him everywhere like his little shadow. Naturally, Palmer spends a lot of time back at the Ross house. She knows exactly who Isla is and the family dynamic between the dogs is adorably clear. Palmer is known for being the clumsiest pup of the bunch, approaching life with lots of enthusiasm but very little concern for her own safety. In last month’s article, we introduced you to her sister Nellie and these two are hilarious together. They’re famously competitive when it comes to Isla’s attention, both determined to be mom’s favorite. Another familiar face in Isla’s Island Crew is Leroy Brown. He was adopted by Nikki, who you might know from her role as bartender at The Windjammer for the past cottage converted into a dental practice that makes it feel like home. Each patient is treated like family as soon as they walk in the door. Although McClellanville is not IOP, it definitely has its own charm and reminds me of how the island was when I grew up, with more of a small-town feel. Patients drive their golf cart to the office, and children PEOPLE & PETS TO BE FRANK, Don’t settle, set goals Pet of the Month The Three Amigos By Allyah Harrar -FRANK Island Neighbors From Page 22. Ansley, Laura Jean and Kevin Varadi SCAN FOR A VETERINARIAN DIRECTORY! ride their bikes after school to their appointments. It definitely feels more like a step back in time.” Varadi and husband Kevin Newman currently reside in McClellanville with their daughter Ansley and have relished becoming part of their new community. Varadi declared, “We have grown to love this little town!” Filled with delightful energy and a warm vibe, Varadi described her new 13 years. Leroy quickly stole Nikki’s heart with his expressive ears and lovable personality, but he has one other true passion in life: his ball. He will use his sweet puppy dog eyes to persuade anyone and everyone into a game of fetch. And then another. And then another. This little charmer has also earned a reputation for being quite the ladies’ man. Like many of Isla’s pups, he’s a frequent visitor at the Ross house, joining in on boat days and hanging out with Uncle Bobby while Nikki is at work. At home, Leroy is a total cuddle bug and an unapologetic bed hog. He also absolutely adores Nikki’s 1-year-old son, and they’ve formed a bond so special that he was clearly destined to be part of this family. For Nikki, the best part of life with Leroy is how much love he has to give – something all of Isla’s pups seem to bring wherever they go. Over the next few issues of Island Vibes, we’ll be catching up with even more of Isla’s Island Crew and sharing stories from the families who are lucky enough to love them. There are plenty more paws to meet, so stay tuned! favorite island pastime. “I love bringing our daughter out to the island to Gigi and Papa’s house where I grew up. I love watching her excitement, especially with riding the golf cart around the island and going to the beach. I love seeing how much joy she gets playing in the sand and tidal pools.” What a wonderful, full-circle adventure for this charmingly sweet family.
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