What happens when dog training focuses on building relationships rather than just obedience? Mary Siero, founder of K9 Coaching Academy, reveals a fresh approach to helping everyday people with their household pets.

Mary's journey began when she noticed a crucial gap in dog training services. While most facilities focused on competition and performance dogs, many pet owners simply needed help integrating their furry friends into family life. This realization led Mary and her colleagues to establish K9 Coaching Academy, where the focus shifts from rigid obedience to nurturing the human-canine bond through understanding, patience, and tailored training techniques.

The conversation debunks common myths about dog training, particularly the notion that older dogs can't learn new behaviors. Mary shares a touching story about rescuing an eight-year-old dog who had spent his entire life chained outdoors, yet through thoughtful training became a well-adjusted companion. "Dogs live in the present," she explains, offering an insight that applies as much to human psychology as canine behavior. This present-focused approach allows rescued animals to move beyond difficult pasts when provided with consistent love and proper guidance.

Beyond their standard classes, K9 Coaching Academy gives back through extensive community outreach, working with animal shelters to train volunteers and help special needs dogs, including deaf and blind rescues. They've created programs like "Canine Waggers" where therapy dogs visit nursing homes and businesses, and a performance team that entertains at community events. Their commitment extends to education programs in schools, teaching children about responsible pet ownership.

Want to transform your relationship with your dog? Visit K9coachingacademy.com or call 336-925-8817 to discover how understanding your pet's unique needs can create harmony at home. Whether you're adopting a rescue or bringing home a new puppy, proper training makes all the difference in building a lasting bond with your four-legged family member.

Mary Siero

8151 North Point Blvd Winston-Salem, NC 27105

336-925-8817

https://www.k9coachingacademy.com

What happens when creativity flows across seven different artistic mediums? Meet Sandra Kimzey Wimbish, a versatile artist whose passion transforms spaces large and small through murals, mosaics, and more.

From her home in Clemmons, North Carolina, Sandra has built a creative life that spans public art installations and intimate home pieces. She recently finished projects ranging from a 13-inch garden gazing ball using intricate tile mosaic techniques to community murals in Kansas and Carolina Beach. Whether creating large-scale public art or adding a "splash of something" to a kitchen or bathroom, Sandra's adaptability shines through her work.

"My favorite medium? Whichever one I'm working on right now," she shares with a warmth that reflects her genuine love for the creative process. This flexibility has allowed her to work with diverse clients including homeowners, businesses, churches, and community organizations. Beyond creating art herself, Sandra has dedicated years to teaching both children and adults, helping them discover their own creative voices. "I think one of my passions as an artist is to inspire other people to explore their creativity, whether they think that they aren't creative or whether they think they are," she explains.

What makes Sandra's journey particularly inspiring is her largely self-taught path. While blessed with an encouraging high school art teacher who nurtured her early talents, she's spent her adult life continuously learning through workshops, studying master techniques, and hands-on practice. The result is an artist comfortable with everything from live painting events to collaborative community projects.

Ready to bring some artistic magic into your home or business? Visit sandrawimbush.com to see examples of Sandra's work across different mediums and connect with her about your project ideas – whether you have a specific vision or just know you want something special but aren't sure what.

Sandra Kimzey Wimbish

skwimbish@gmail.com

sandrawimbish.com

https://www.facebook.com/sandra.wimbish

Marcus Erlandsson embodies the spirit of local service that makes Davie County special. Born and raised in the community with Swedish immigrant parents, Marcus didn't start his career path thinking about insurance. After working in construction while earning his degree, a chance connection through his father-in-law led him to Farm Bureau Insurance, where his natural people skills and sales background have made him a trusted advisor for families throughout the county.

What makes Marcus stand out is his commitment to personal connection in an increasingly digital world. "I'm old school and I like to sit down and meet with families across their kitchen table," he explains, highlighting the importance of face-to-face relationships when helping people protect what matters most. Licensed in five different insurance areas and capable of writing over 20 different types of coverage, Marcus primarily focuses on helping families with auto, home, and life insurance needs.

While Farm Bureau's historical roots began with serving agricultural communities (hence the name), Marcus emphasizes they now protect everyone from young families to established businesses. He takes particular pride in educating new insurance buyers who might otherwise feel overwhelmed by industry jargon and complicated policies. "Insurance can be confusing," Marcus acknowledges, "and they can maybe get taken advantage of by people sometimes. I really like sitting down with them, educating them on the whole process and making sure that they're taken care of from an early stage."

Marcus's passion for his community shines through in everything he does. "I take a lot of pride in being from Davie County. It's given me everything I have," he shares. This deep local connection translates into responsive service and genuine care for his clients' wellbeing. If you're looking for insurance protection from someone who truly understands your community because he lives it every day, reach out to Marcus through his Facebook page, by phone at 336-909-1679, or by email at Marcus.Erlandsson@ncfbins.com.

Markus Erlandsson

336-751-6207

https://www.ncfbins.com/markus.erlandsson