< Previous20 COASTMONTHLY.COM | DeCeMber 2022 FEATURE ‘THEY’RE PRETTY SPOILED’ Islander Helen Carmody Stroud pampers her fur babies so well, her friends often say they hope to live as one of her pets in their next lives, she said. Tosha, is a Plott hound, was a rescue dog, Stroud said. Tosha is accompanied by her three Shetland sheepdog siblings, Armani, Isla and Jayson, Stroud said. Jayson also is a rescue dog, Stroud said. “Jayson’s owner died in May and he was turned into the Galveston Island Humane Society,” Stroud said. “Our vet, Dr. Lea Fistein of the Animal Clinic, saw him there, pulled him out, did a dental and groom- ing and I had him driven up to me in my summer home in North Carolina.” Georgio, a little Maltese, also is included in the long list of dog siblings, Stroud said. Martha, a gray tabby cat, and Oscar de la Renta, a “tuxe- do” cat, were strays when they were taken and now join in the holiday festivities, Stroud said. “They’re pretty spoiled,” Stroud said. “We like to dress them up with big bows and spoil them with nice treats and gifts.” Stroud shops at Strand Brass and Christmas on The Strand to find ornaments and stockings for her pet family, she said. But holiday giving isn’t limited to her pets, she said. “We like to give donations to the Galveston Island Humane Society, such as towels and food for dogs and pets that aren’t so lucky,” Stroud said. “Veterinarians and shelters need support all the time and especially during the holiday season.” Helen Carmody Stroud’s dogs Isla, from left, Georgio, Armani, Tosha and Jayson are ready for holidays in their Christmas sweaters, scarves and pajamas. (Opposite) Georgio shows his holiday spirit in his Christmas tree costume. PHOTOS: J e NNIF er re YNOLDS “We like to dress them up with big bows and spoil them with nice treats and gifts.” HELEN CARMODY STROUD COASTMONTHLY.COM | DeCeMber 2022 21PAVING THE ROAD TO HEALTH EQUITY Not having access to nutritious food, safe housing, health insurance and reliable transportation can all affect your health. Let’s work together to make sure everyone has a fair chance to be as healthy as possible. ALLANANDO EL CAMINO HACIA LA No tener acceso a alimentos nutritivos, vivienda segura, seguro de salud y transporte confiable puede afectar su salud. Trabajemos juntos para asegurarnos de que todos tengan una oportunidad justa de estar lo más saludables posible. EQUIDAD EN SALUD Scan the QR code to complete our survey and make our community healthier! ¡Escanee el código QR para completar nuestra encuesta y hacer que nuestra comunidad sea más saludable! 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Time and dedication are the core values at BTLS Landscaping. Twelve years ago, Michael and Angela Martinez started BTLS because they wanted to do something different. They had a vision to create a different type of landscaping company. Their “Everything must be perfect” approach has gained them the recognition of one of Galveston’s most sought-af- ter landscape providers. The company handles everything from commercial properties to residential homes and will keep your property looking flawless. Advertising feature Looking to transform your backyard into a TROPICAL OASIS? Hundreds of Plants & Palm Trees available at our location. 26 COASTMONTHLY.COM | DeCeMber 2022 Christmas ornaments featuring a variety of dog breeds as well as cats are displayed on a tree at Strand Brass and Christmas on The Strand in Galveston. (Opposite) Midge watches Boris go for the hand-iced Christmas cookies from the doggie bakery at Wagabonz in Galveston. COASTMONTHLY.COM | DeCeMber 2022 27 FEATURE SLEIGH YOUR LIST Island shops offer distinctive gifts for pets and pet lovers story by SARAH GRUNAU | photos by JENNIFER REYNOLDS S hopping for a discerning dog, a finicky cat or persnickety pet lover? Bypass the large chains filled with cookie-cutter inventory and shop local for the perfect gifts. Strand Brass and Christmas on The Strand in Galveston’s downtown carry a sleigh full of gifts for people and their pets. Popular items for humans on your list are breed-specific Christmas ornaments, a specialty at Strand Brass, 2115 Strand St. The ornaments feature the faces of specific breeds with a background of snowflakes. There also are socks and pajamas with specific breeds and collars for both cats and dogs. It helps that the stores’ owners are animal lovers. “Not only do we have a number of great gifts for pets and pet owners, our store is also extremely pet-friendly,” said Ginger Herter, co-owner of Strand Brass and Christmas on The Strand. Wagabonz, also in downtown Galveston, is an in- dependent store offering dog grooming, a dog bakery and pet supplies. The bakery at Wagabonz features an assortment of hand-iced cookies, bagged treats, cheesecake, pup tarts and hand-decorated pup cakes. It also offers a variety of seasonal holiday treats and dog-friendly Christmas cookies. And Wagabonz carries cat and dog Christmas ornaments, as well as a range of Christmas-related dog toys. IntheClassroomandBeyond Ourdistrictunveiledanexcitingadditionthisfall- BallHighSchool'snewSTEAMBus! ThisMobileMakerspaceisaclassroomonwheels,anditprovides studentsofallagesandgradelevelswithnewopportunitiesto learnaboutscience,technology,engineering,art,andmathematics. Justonemoreexampleofhowtogether,weareElevatingGISD. Tolearnmoreaboutourdistrict'sofferings,visitwww.gisd.org.TICKETS ON SALE NOW! TheGrand.com | 409.765.1894 THE GRAND 1894 OPERA HOUSE 2022–23 PERFORMING ARTS SEASON Fri, Dec 2, 2022 | 8 PM Sat, Dec 3, 2022 | 3 PM A powerful story of redemption, Charles Dickens’ A Christmas Carol has enchanted audiences all over the world with its simple message of holiday joy. This new adaptation of Dickens’ ever popular classic fills the stage with lush costumes, stunning sets, song, dance, a heavy dose of humor and a timeless message. Sat, Dec 10, 2022 | 2 PM Sat, Dec 10, 2022 | 6:30 PM Sat, Dec 11, 2022 | 2 PM An annual holiday favorite that delights audiences of all ages, City Ballet of Houston’s presentation of The Nutcracker Ballet returns to The Grand 1894 Opera House. The City Ballet of Houston presents Holiday Hits Sat, Dec 17, 2022 | 8 PM Stars from the original Broadway cast of the smash hit musical Jersey Boys will bring comfort and joy to The Grand this holiday season! Highlighted with their own high- octane arrangements, slick moves and one-of-a-kind repartee, The Midtown Men deliver a holiday concert like nothing you’ve experienced before! Next >