a number of former inmates and noted the horrible condition of their teeth caused by prison life, previous drug use and poverty. Since I traveled extensively as a national dental practice management consultant, I was moved to do something. I reached out to a dental colleague, told him my idea and asked if he would take a case. That case led to others and additional dental teams anxious to experience the joy of seeing a deserving recipient get a second chance at life. And now Smiles is where it is today. 9. Can you share a story of a patient whose life was transformed after receiving dental care? A woman named Vanessa comes to mind. She was a lovely young woman who had been in prison. A tall, slender, beautiful young woman, she came into the program with black teeth. Her heart had been changed, but she had no confidence. She had the desire to be independent, and we gave her a beautiful new smile. She got her son back and started her own cleaning service. Today, she has women working for her. She met a wonderful young man, they married and now have another child and are tax-paying citizens. To see someone change from a gang leader (which she was) to a great mother, wife and business owner is a dream come true for her, and to Smiles as well. We are changing the world, one smile at a time. 10. How can readers help your efforts? Donations of any amount are gratefully received to support the cost of lab services and efficient case management. In addition, personal referrals to dentists are always welcome and needed. We also invite readers to attend our Women for Women fall luncheon on Oct. 2. To learn more, go to smilesandbeyond.org . 10 QUESTIONS CONTINUED “Buying a home out of state has never been so easy! Elsa kept in constant communication, and looked out for our best interest from start to finish. To all of our Arizona friends, Elsa is the Realtor you need when you’re buying a home in San Diego!” Your San Diego Real Estate Expert I’ve been so fortunate to help hundreds of families buy and sell their second homes in San Diego. I believe each home has a story to tell, and I love connecting my clients with their perfect getaway home. — John and Kathleen Graham Elsa Benedict 619.279.2536 elsa.benedict@compass.com DRE 01107823

Helping pets in need and those who love them {PetSmart Charities} THE PAW REPORT SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION SEND HELP During the month of June, stop by a PetSmart store to donate pet food and supplies to help local animal welfare organizations prepare for an unexpected emergency. Find a store near you for details. www.petsmartcharities.org/locator GIVE TODAY More than 90 cents of every dollar donated goes directly to help pets in need. In 2018 alone, contributions made it possible to assist 44,000 pets in disaster- stricken communities. www.petsmartcharities.org/give SPREAD THE WORD Use the power of social media to raise awareness about National Pet Preparedness Month with helpful resources from Ready.gov. www.ready.gov/pet-toolkit Like you, we don’t let distance keep us from making an impact in communities that need our help. As Phoenicians prepare for the dog days summer, the rest of the country also prepares, only in a much different way. With the official start of National Pet Preparedness Month, millions of Americans plan in anticipation of the pending devastation, not only for themselves but also for their furry family members. At PetSmart Charities, we also prepare — we prepare to deploy funds and resources that help pets in need and those who love them. Whether it’s helping local shelters with necessary funds to care for displaced pets, deploying truckloads filled with resources to storm-ravaged communities or helping reunite pets with their loving families — it’s the support from local pet-lovers like you that make relief efforts possible no matter where or when pets need our help. Three thousand miles away from Hurricane Maria in Puerto Rico One thousand miles from Hurricane Harvey in Houston Eight Hundred miles from the Camp Fire in Northern California Twenty-five hundred miles away from Hurricane Irma in the Florida Keys BE THERE, FROM HERE We may be miles away, but we can still be there for those in need NATIONAL PET PREPAREDNESS MONTH