38 JANUARY 2019 By Anthony Wallace Although dogs have been loyally serving humanity as pets for at least 14,000 years, their current role as highly supervised house dwellers is a relatively new phenomenon, according to Brian Willis, who owns a daycare center for dogs called Gofetch & Barkalott. “In the late 70s and early 80s, dogs became members of the household,” Willis explained. “They moved inside, slept inside, ate inside, and they were also modeled beyond the home as a symbol of social status or fashion accessory.” Willis also said that dogs were no longer used to perform practical functions such as protecting property, herding, or working on the farm. This loss of purpose was less than ideal from the dog’s perspective, especially for those breeds that thrive on running free and performing stimulating tasks. Gofetch & Barkalott offers dogs the opportunity to reclaim their true “dog hood.” Each morning, Willis fires up his van to pick up his canine clients for an enriching excursion into the Sonoran Desert, just beyond Phoenix’s sprawling metropolis. A typical Gofetch & Barkalott jaunt consists of unleashed running, hiking, swimming, and fetch, followed by a nap, bath, socializing, some training exercises and a ride home. People are often surprised to hear that the dogs aren’t on a leash while hiking and running through the wilderness, but Willis has never misplaced a dog in the 10 years that he has operated Gofetch & Barkalott. He says that being off the leash is a key part of the experience. “They’re able to really explore what the true meaning of being a dog is, to explore and experience their natural environment with no restrictions,” Willis said. “They’re fully engaging their senses. Dogs that experience that on a regular basis become great citizens and great family members.” Beyond the physical exercise and adventurous stimulation, the dogs are also integrated into a familiar group of friends that give each a sense of belonging. You may be thinking that a dog park accomplishes these very things, but according to Willis, this is not the case. “It’s a really different experience for the dogs than what we humans intended it to be. It’s an arena for power struggle. Your dog is having to re-establish its role in its environment each time it goes and that can be a real stress on a dog,” Willis said. Willis offers a special brand of dog training by appointment in addition to his daily excursions. According to its website, Gofetch & Barkalott’s belief is: “dogs learn more from love than they do from fear.” You have to work with your dog and reward the behavior you seek. That’s how Willis approaches his dogs. This, he claims, makes for a much happier dog and much closer bond between pet and owner. Unlike some dog walkers and doggy day cares, Willis is not merely working the dogs to where they’re too tired to act out. He is eliminating the angst that builds up when a dog is not allowed to stretch its legs and explore its full potential. Arcadia resident Wendy Dickerson, who has used Gofetch & Barkalott for nearly 10 years, says the effect on her two Great Danes’ behavior and well-being is dramatic. “I think the time outdoors in nature really lets them ‘be dogs’ and brings them so much joy. Our dogs are all rescues, which comes with issues. They have learned to be well mannered with other dogs and people and they are very well behaved at home,” Dickerson said. “Our dogs are cooperative, relaxed, confident, and easier to deal with,” Willis says. “Everyone wants that perfect dog but not everyone has the time or the ability. It really does exist, it’s just a question of whether or not the dog is given the opportunity to develop it.” Gofetch & Barkalott welcomes new dogs into its crew and Willis will pick them up from anywhere in the Arcadia area. For more: gobark.org. Gofetch & Barkalott lets dogs be dogs Brian Willis with (from left) Brophy, Ronnie, Pancho, Daisy, Dunbar, Winston, Boomer, Tillman, Tiberius and Dingo. PHOTO: BRIAN WILLIS new homes IN THE ARCADIA CORRIDOR from $ 465,000 home is here. OPEN DAILY 10:00am  5:00pm 3200 N 39th Street, Phoenix, AZ 85018 mulberryparkaz.com | 480-431-9377 Sales By RE/MAX Fine Properties, Sandy Karpen, Broker #BR042809000. Prices, dimensions, square footages, designs and features are subject to change without prior notice or obligations. Save up to 40% off! Furniture v Accessories v Lamps v Antiques 7077 E Main Street Suite 1, Scottsdale AZ 85251 Studio hours: 9 a.m. - 4 p.m., Monday - Friday 480.994.1993 | hasbrookinteriors.com WE ARE MOVING! - ENDURING STY LE SINCE 1981 -

39 JANUARY 2019 Mr. Stanton goes to Washington Arcadia News caught up with the new District 9 Congressman as he prepares to serve the nation District 9 Congressman Greg Stanton. Did you always know you wanted to be in politics? I grew up in a household where my parents taught my siblings and me that if there’s a need in your community you fill it – essentially that there is nothing more important than serving others. I never had any specific plan of pursuing politics; my plan was just to always have a career animated by service to others, which subsequently led me into politics. How did your time as a Phoenix Councilman affect your introduction to politics? I loved my time serving as a Councilman for District 6. My staff and I worked hard to be responsive to the people I represented and to be present at thousands of community events. I learned that it takes time to build a strong trust relationship with the people you represent, but that the effort is well worth it. What inspired your decision to run for Mayor? For a Congressional seat? Throughout my campaign for Congress, I repeatedly said that it’s time that we got Washington back to work for Americans. Like many of those reading this, I am incredibly frustrated by the state of our politics – where partisanship and short-term political gains are prioritized over simply getting things done. As Mayor, I wasn’t concerned about giving a nice speech or getting on a talk show, I was only focused on delivering results that made people’s lives better. That’s exactly what we need in Congress and that’s exactly how I will be. Your pursuit of giving back to the community includes a time when you lived on the street as a homeless person for two days in order to find out first-hand what life is like for those who have no home. You’ve supported numerous causes, organizations and community issues. What advice would you give those families looking to get started and instill this same dedication to giving back with their own family? While it may have made our family’s living room a city code violation, my parents’ running of our service organization out of our home ensured that our family was always involved in service together. If I could advise anyone on instilling the value of service in their kids, I would say that finding a way for all of you to give back together regularly is key. What are your favorite aspects of the Arcadia neighborhood? My favorite part of Arcadia is the people. Arcadians are some of the most active leaders in our city and they work hard for their schools, churches, Scout troops, neighborhoods and their city. They possess a “can-do” attitude and a desire to help their neighbors. Every time I work with an Arcadia community group, it’s a positive experience with a successful outcome. What was your reaction when you won the Congressional race? Did you celebrate? When we found out our numbers, I immediately turned to my campaign team and we started talking about what I will do in Congress. Every time I vote to advance the interests of Arizonans will be my celebration. I enjoy rolling up my sleeves and working. Do you have a favorite part of the “political scene,” so-to-speak? There is nothing better than going door- to-door talking with people about their concerns. In the last few weeks of our campaign I knocked on over 500 doors. I plan to do the same once I’m in Congress. What do you do for fun? Both of my kids play basketball and I try to go to as many of their games as possible and cheer them on. Describe your perfect day in office. A perfect day is anytime you’re able to accomplish something that makes someone’s life a little better. Whether that’s ensuring someone gets their Social Security check on time or helping pass a bill that provides more affordable healthcare to millions – it’s all about serving others. Any parting words? I’m proud to continue representing the people of Arcadia in Congress as you are in the 9th district. I will be taking over Senator- elect Sinema’s old office located at 2944 N. 44th St., Suite 150 Phoenix, AZ 85018. Come see us anytime! Mark A. Wyse, M.D. Kate Montgomery, FNP Allan Goldman, D.O. David Francyk, D.O. T.E. McCauley, M.D. Tyler Southwell, M.D. Joanne Stark Esthetician Alisha Archibeck, D.O. Jennifer Francyk, PA-C Victoria Rhodes, PA-C Dermatology Charles Levison, M.D. Because caring for your health has always been our passion, we’ve made the following services conveniently available in our office. • Excellent care for all ages • Same day appointments • On-site clinical laboratory and X-rays • Dermatology services • Botox and Jan Marini skin care now available • Acne treatments, facials, peels and dermal blading MON–WED 7AM–7PM THURS–FRI 7AM–5PM SAT 7AM–NOON EXPERT DOCTORS AND PRACTITIONERS. CONVENIENT SERVICES. EXTENDED HOURS. 4350 E. Camelback Rd., Ste F100, Phoenix, AZ 85018 • 602.955.8700 • FPSAZ.com C E L E B R AT I N G 49 YEARS of family care Catherine O’Neill, MSN, FNP