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The invisible burden of type 1 diabetes through the eyes of a caregiver

2024-09-10T07:01:00

(BPT) – Sponsored by Sanofi

Caregiving for those with type 1 diabetes is more than a responsibility, it’s a full-time job, requiring around-the-clock care and attention. From monitoring your loved one’s blood sugar, to managing food intake, and so much more, being a type 1 diabetes caregiver requires being comfortable and confident in the face of a million uncomfortable decisions that must be made every day. These ongoing, significant – and the seemingly mundane – actions and decisions can take both a tangible and intangible toll on the health and well-being of caregivers, who often put their own needs on hold to support someone else.

Cassie Bailey, a mother to son Josiah, who was diagnosed with type 1 diabetes at age 5, knows firsthand the toll caregiving can take. “When Josiah was first diagnosed, our family’s whole world got flipped upside down,” Bailey explains. “As a mom and a caregiver to a young person living with type 1 diabetes, there’s no textbook that tells you how your day is going to go – and that can be both mentally and emotionally taxing.”

To better identify and ultimately understand the impacts of a type 1 diabetes diagnosis on caregivers like Bailey, Beyond Type 1 – a leading organization dedicated to changing what it means to live with diabetes – conducted “The Cost of Not Knowing” survey, which was commissioned by Sanofi. The findings highlighted the emotional, social, and financial impacts of diagnosis on caregivers of children under 18 with type 1 diabetes, and also adults over 18 with the condition.

Let’s take a look at key takeaways from “The Cost of Not Knowing” as it relates to caregivers of type 1 diabetes children, told through Bailey’s experience:

Navigating the emotional toll

For many, a type 1 diabetes diagnosis can come unexpectedly and can happen when someone is already seriously ill, leaving caregivers shocked and uncertain about the future. Unfortunately, that was the case for the Baileys. When Josiah was first diagnosed, he ended up in the hospital in diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA), a serious complication of type 1 diabetes that can be life-threatening. “Josiah’s diagnosis was heartbreaking; as a mom, you never want to see your child sick,” Bailey shares. “We were completely blindsided and unprepared. In hindsight, I know now that he was experiencing symptoms but, at the time, it was easy to explain them away, until one day he collapsed. We rushed him to the hospital, where he was diagnosed that same day. I felt like I had no time to do research or educate myself. I remember feeling incredibly worried about how this would impact not only his childhood but also his long-term health.”

Survey findings show more than half (51%) of caregivers who have been caring for their loved one since diagnosis described their emotional health as poor when they learned of their loved one’s type 1 diabetes diagnosis. Caregivers noted feeling sad (41%), afraid (40%), and uncertain for the future (30%), among other emotions. Knowing about the risk of type 1 diabetes in advance of a diagnosis may help alleviate these negative emotions – in fact, 97% of caregivers say knowing sooner about their loved one’s risk of developing type 1 diabetes would have diminished these feelings.

Transforming daily routines

Common parental worries are forever transformed into serious concerns about a child’s physical well-being in the wake of a type 1 diabetes diagnosis. Imagine the magnitude of this adjustment and how it leads to caregivers completely changing their daily lives – they literally have no choice.

Additional survey findings paint a picture of this – consider that a staggering 83% of caregivers reported having changed how they lived their life when they first learned of their loved one’s type 1 diabetes diagnosis because they felt overwhelmed and unprepared. Moreover, nearly nine in 10 caregivers (87%) gave up some of their interests or future plans when they first learned of their loved one’s diagnosis.

As Bailey explains: “There are no ‘breaks’ when it comes to managing type 1 diabetes. Had my husband and I known about our son’s diagnosis sooner, I believe we would have been better prepared for the realities of this condition, giving us more time to adjust our routines to our son’s – and entire family’s – new normal.”

Taking the next step to get screened

Despite the benefits of early detection, type 1 diabetes screening is not commonly performed prior to diagnosis. Like many families, the Baileys didn’t know that early screening for type 1 diabetes was available. “Everything in me wishes we were aware of screening and had taken the step to get it done. It would have given us time and space to get educated, and most importantly, potentially reduced the risk of Josiah going through DKA. Knowing what I know now, I am a big advocate of early screening,” Bailey notes.

Many caregivers echo this sentiment, with 96% of caregivers in the survey recommending friends and family members get an early autoantibody test for type 1 diabetes to understand their risk of developing the disease. As published literature indicates that up to nearly 90% of people diagnosed with type 1 diabetes have no family history of the condition, it’s easy to understand why nearly all caregivers recommend screening. Don’t wait to get screened; talk to your doctor about getting your family screened.

This research was conducted by Wakefield Research via two survey instruments – one among 1,000 US adults with type 1 diabetes and a second among 1,000 US caregivers to those under the age of 18 years with type 1 diabetes. Learn about “The Cost of Not Knowing” and methodology at https://beyondtype1.org/unexpected-type-1-diabetes-diagnoses/ – and visit The1Pledge.com to get answers to your screening questions, discover more information about type 1 diabetes, find resources, access live chat, and more. You can also explore even more resources, including information on the signs of diabetes, on the Beyond Type 1 website.

Sanofi does not provide medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment – information is provided for educational purposes only. Your doctor is the best source of health information. Talk to your doctor if you have any questions about your health or treatment.

Cassie Bailey is a paid spokesperson for Sanofi.

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5 Ways to Conquer ‘Adulting’ with Smarter Financial Habits

2024-09-09T10:33:00

(BPT) – By Mary Hines Droesch, Head of Consumer, Small Business & Wealth Management Banking and Lending Products at Bank of America

Pack your bags and sharpen your pencils because it’s time to kick off another school year. Whether you’re heading to college with new responsibilities or figuring out what to do with the first paycheck from your full-time job, there’s no better time than the back-to-school season to prioritize financial education and refine your money management skills.

This season is all about setting the habits that will lay the foundation of your adult life, from learning to do laundry and cook on your own to managing your finances. Whether you’re just starting out or already maintain a budget, here are a few tips to help you develop smart financial habits on your path to financial independence:

1. Organize your finances with a budget

Transitioning into adulthood means managing monthly expenses and bills, possibly for the first time. That’s where budgeting comes in. According to recent research from Bank of America’s Better Money Habits financial education team, 52% of Gen Z say they both don’t make enough money to live the life they want and share that the high cost of living is one of the primary barriers to financial success. With so much unease about their financial futures, it’s important for current students and recent grads to start budgeting and saving early on.

The appropriate monthly savings amount varies by situation, but an easy strategy to get you started is the 50/30/20 method: 50% of your after-tax income should cover needs (rent, groceries, student loan payments, etc.), 30% should go to wants, and 20% should go into savings. These percentages can be adjusted as needed, but this framework can help first-time budgeters.

2. Open a savings account and add to it regularly

A dedicated savings account helps safeguard your deposits and ensures you’re intentional about saving. Unlike a checking account, which provides you with access to your money for everyday needs, savings accounts enable you to set aside money for bigger purchases or special occasions. This is crucial for growing your money and ensuring you can achieve long-term goals.

Take it a step further and make saving money a no-brainer by automating it. Consider digital solutions like the Bank of America Keep the Change® program — it rounds up the price of every debit card purchase to the next dollar and automatically adds that to your savings account. Watching your savings grow can be motivating and will help you save up for things like new textbooks, a laptop, or even a fun spring break trip.

3. Build an emergency fund

Did you know 57% of Gen Z lack enough emergency savings to cover three months of expenses? Emergency funds are financial safety nets that are meant to be used, as the name implies, in case of an emergency — whether you need to replace your brakes, your apartment floods, you have a medical emergency, etc. Life is unpredictable and often throws us curveballs, so doing what you can to prepare, like building an emergency fund, is one way to get ahead of those surprises. Start small and build your fund over time — your future self will thank you.

4. Build strong credit and maintain a high credit score

Credit scores might be a vague concept to understand when you’re just starting out. Think of your credit score as a financial report card, similar to the ones you get at school. To build strong credit and maintain a high credit score, it’s important to pay your bills on time and in full. You can ensure that you stay on top of this by setting up reminders for upcoming expenses or using digital automatic payment tools available through your bank. Your credit score is especially important as you begin thinking about making larger purchases down the road.

Group of college students with backpacks, books, headphones and a laptop talking in the library.

5. Get a better deal for your buck with student discounts

Between textbooks, rent, groceries and having some fun, being a student requires a fairly stringent budget, but your “student” status also comes with its perks. From tech to dining out to entertainment and online streaming services, there are a plethora of deals that you can access through your student email or your school’s offerings. Take some time to scout these out and take advantage while you can.

Embracing these habits as you step into this exciting new chapter will empower you to be proactive about your finances. With time, you’ll set yourself up for a smoother, more independent financial future.

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Are heat pumps worth it? Debunking 6 common heat pump misconceptions

2024-09-09T14:01:00

(BPT) – Heating and cooling often make up the bulk of utility bills — and the right HVAC system can make a world of difference in both energy bills and home comfort. Recently, heat pumps have become a trending topic in the news for their ability to address both of these needs by providing sustainable home comfort while simultaneously lowering utility bills. But can they really do both?

To answer that question, it’s important to first understand how a heat pump works. When the thermostat temperature is raised and heat is needed, the system pulls heat energy from the ambient air outside the home to heat the home. When air conditioning is desired, it does the opposite, removing heat from inside the home and expelling it to make the home cooler.

Because heat energy is moved around rather than being produced directly, heat pumps can provide more sustainable — and more efficient fuel source alternatives. In addition, recent advancements have made heat pumps far more efficient and more reliable than ever before — even in colder climates. As a result, both federal and local agencies are offering money-saving incentives to help more homeowners switch to heat pumps making it an ideal time to invest in a new heat pump.

But even with these benefits, there are still a lot of myths about how heat pumps work. We’re debunking some of the top heat pump misconceptions.

Myth 1: Heat pumps won’t work in cold climates

Fact: Today’s heat pumps can provide efficient heating in colder climates than ever before

In the past, some older heat pumps could struggle to heat a space efficiently when outdoor temperatures were especially cold. However, today’s heat pumps are engineered to function as the primary heating source in almost all geographic regions, even when temperatures drop below freezing.

The key to providing sufficient heat capacity in especially cold climates is the compressor — the part of a heat pump that moves heat through the system. In the past, heat pumps typically relied on single-speed compressors that functioned like an on/off switch, making it harder for the system to cope with extreme swings in temperature. Today’s more advanced heat pumps leverage variable-speed compressor technology to make incremental adjustments that keep pace with changing temperature more efficiently and more accurately. In addition, many heat pumps rated for cold-climate use now feature vapor injection technology, which further boosts cold-weather heating performance.

Myth 2: Heat pumps don’t really save money

Fact: 90% of homeowners can reduce their utility bills with a heat pump

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) estimates that almost all homeowners can expect to see cost savings by switching to an energy-efficient electric heat pump. Today’s heat pump offerings are wide-ranging and can meet the unique needs of almost any home, comfort level, or budget. Innovations in energy efficiency mean less electricity is used to cut costs in most homes. For example, the newly launched YORK® HH8 Side-Discharge Heat Pump can precisely match a home’s changing comfort needs while reducing homeowners’ energy bills by up to 50% compared to less efficient HVAC systems.

Myth 3: Heat pumps are noisy

Fact: Many heat pumps are as quiet as a dishwasher

No one wants to hear excessive noise coming from their HVAC system. Premium heat pumps combine insulated cabinets and low-sound fan designs to deliver whisper-quiet performance when operating in both heating and AC modes.

Myth 4: Temperatures will be inconsistent

Fact: Heat pumps seamlessly move between heating and cooling for consistent comfort

We all want to feel comfortable in our homes. Variable-speed heat pumps automatically move between heating and cooling modes throughout operation to maintain precise temperature and humidity levels. These seamless adjustments provide unmatched home comfort while helping to maximize energy efficiency, especially when compared to single-phase heat pumps that simply turn on and off and provide inconsistent inside temperatures.

Myth 5: Heat pumps require a lot of space

Fact: New compact designs are 30% smaller than traditional equipment

Innovative, new heat pump designs like the YORK® HH8 Side-Discharge Heat Pump offer top-tier efficiency and variable-speed performance in a compact size. The side-discharge design allows the heat pump to be stacked, placed under raised decks, or installed in zero-lot-line neighborhoods.

Myth 6: Installing a new heat pump is expensive

Fact: A wide range of rebates and incentives are available now

A historic number of savings programs are available to help offset the cost of installing a high-efficiency home heat pump. Through a combination of immediate discounts, tax rebates, and utility and manufacturers’ offers, some qualifying homeowners can offset 100% of the cost of installing a heat pump. Additionally, some manufacturers offer simplified financing options with fixed monthly payments to make the investment more manageable.

Learn more about today’s heat pump innovations and cost-saving programs from YORK®: https://www.york.com/residential-equipment/heating-and-cooling/split-system-heat-pumps.

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How to repair 4 common types of wall damage

2024-09-09T10:01:00

(BPT) – Maintaining the walls of your home is essential for both aesthetic appeal and structural integrity. Over time, walls can suffer from various types of damage, whether it’s from everyday wear and tear, accidents or environmental factors. From the more common drywall holes to texture damage, concrete wall cracks and water damage, understanding how to effectively address these issues is crucial for any homeowner. Proper repairs not only restore the appearance of your walls but also prevent further deterioration and potentially costly repairs down the line. Here are practical solutions for repairing different types of wall damage, ensuring your home remains in top condition.

Drywall hole repairs

Drywall hole repairs are among the most common wall repairs homeowners encounter. Many drywall holes can be easily patched with spackling or a drywall patch kit. For the ultimate spackling option, DAP Fast Dry Premium Spackling is a professional-grade spackling compound with a smooth, one-strike application that leaves a rock-solid coat that won’t sink, shrink or crack, offering superior impact resistance and is paint ready in as little as just 15 minutes. Another great solution for repairing drywall holes is the Eclipse Rapid Wall Repair Patch. Whether the damage is small from a picture frame nail or anchor or as large as doorknob damage, simply apply the patch and it’s paint ready immediately. With Eclipse, projects can be completed faster with a permanent, mess-free solution that offers superior impact resistance.

Texture damage repairs

Texture damage repairs are necessary when the wall’s surface texture is compromised, often after fixing cracks or holes. The challenge lies in matching the existing wall texture to create a professional look. For a seamless repair, try DAP’s 2in1 Wall & Ceiling Spray Texture for orange peel, knockdown and popcorn textures. Unlike competitive products on the market, DAP’s aerosol cans feature Aim Tech technology that offers a 60-degree adjustable nozzle angle to easily repair vertical, overhead and hard-to-reach areas with one can, providing users much flexibility when completing projects. Once dry, the wall can be painted to match the rest of the room. A useful tip is to practice on a piece of cardboard before applying the texture to the wall to ensure you achieve the desired consistency and pattern.

Concrete wall repairs

Concrete wall repairs are typically needed when cracks or spalling occur, often due to settling or exposure to the elements. For small cracks, applying concrete repair caulk or epoxy filler can restore the wall’s integrity. Larger cracks may require chiseling out the damaged area and filling it with a concrete patching compound. Spalling, where the surface of the concrete flakes or chips away, involves removing the damaged material and applying a new layer of concrete. To ensure a durable repair, it’s essential to clean the area thoroughly before applying any patching materials and to use a bonding agent to help the new concrete adhere to the old.

Water damage repairs

Water damage repairs are critical not only for aesthetic reasons but also for preventing mold and structural issues. The first step in repairing water-damaged walls is to identify and eliminate the source of the moisture to prevent future problems. Once the area is dry, remove any damaged drywall or plaster and replace it with new material. It’s essential to treat the area for mold or mildew, using appropriate cleaning solutions, before proceeding with repairs. After replacing the damaged sections, apply a stain-blocking primer to prevent water stains from bleeding through the paint. For lasting results, ensure the area is completely dry before painting and consider using moisture-resistant materials in areas prone to dampness.

For more wall repair tips, visit DAP.com.

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Breaking down the facts of Ozempic (semaglutide), a type 2 diabetes treatment

2024-09-09T10:01:00

(BPT) – Novo Nordisk is a healthcare company with a 100­-year history of driving change to improve the lives of people living with serious, chronic diseases. As broader conversations about diabetes medicines are ongoing in both mainstream and social media, we believe it is important to continue to raise awareness and to reinforce our commitment to responsible use of Novo Nordisk medicines. These efforts are intended to support the safety of all people for one of our medicines that is well known in the diabetes community, Ozempic®.

See Medication Guide: bit.ly/OzempicPI & Safety Info: bit.ly/OzempicISI for Ozempic (semaglutide) injection 0.5 mg, 1 mg, or 2 mg.

Infographic addressing misinformation regarding Ozempic

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Worth the wake up: 5 expert tips to kick-start your day

2024-09-09T08:05:01

(BPT) – Starting your morning off right can make all the difference in how your day unfolds, setting the tone for a successful and energized day ahead. Don’t have a solid morning routine? Fear not. Bob Evans®, a leader in providing high-quality farm-fresh, quick-to-table food including its flagship Bob Evans sausage, knows the importance of starting your day off on the right foot. Check out its five expert tips to kick-start your morning and tackle whatever challenges life throws your way.

1. Wake up at the same time every day

A great morning starts with consistency. Make it a habit to wake up every morning at the same time. Doing so can increase your alertness and mood so you can start the day on an energetic and positive note. It may be tough at first, but once you’ve established a solid morning wake-up time, you’ll be able to feel the difference throughout your whole day.

2. Embrace the power of breakfast

Never skip breakfast! When you eat a hearty breakfast, you’re providing your body with the essential fuel to kick-start your metabolism and help you power through even the busiest days.

Choose a delicious and easy-to-make breakfast food like Bob Evans® Sausage. Made with premium cuts of pork and available in a range of flavors from Original to Brown Sugar and Honey and Zesty Hot, you’ll start your day with a full belly and a smile.

3. Double down on protein

Not just any breakfast will do. You’ll want to start the day off with protein to keep you satisfied and improve your focus. Make sure to include foods rich in protein — like eggs — to sustain your energy levels so you can easily manage all your daily tasks.

To make quick and delicious egg-based breakfasts, use a product like Bob Evans® Liquid Egg Whites. This high-protein breakfast staple is made from real eggs and provides 5 grams of protein per serving. You can find a variety of breakfast recipes on eMeals’ Worth the Wake Up landing page.

4. Get some sun

Exposure to morning light helps regulate your circadian rhythm and makes you feel more alert. Whether it’s opening the blinds, a stroll around the block or enjoying breakfast on your patio, soaking up the morning sun can improve your mood.

5. Move your body

Revitalize your body and mind with some light physical activity in the morning. Consider starting the day with gentle stretching, a brisk walk or a short yoga session to get your blood flowing and stimulate your senses. You’ll feel more focused, productive and lively.

Get ready for a great morning and an even better day. Using these five tips, you can transform your morning and feel ready to seize the day.

Make your morning worth the wake-up

Bob Evans® and Thomas’® are partnering to celebrate National Breakfast Month this September with a promotion that is worth the wake-up. Now through Oct. 31, consumers who buy one Bob Evans® Sausage, Bob Evans® Liquid Egg Whites, Simply Potatoes® or Owens® Sausage product and one Thomas’® Bagels or English Muffins product will be eligible to get $2 cash back via Venmo or PayPal.

Visit BobEvansGrocery.com/wake-up for the full promotion details and to upload your receipt to receive the cashback.

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How to make 3 popular exterior project updates with spray paint

2024-09-06T12:05:04

(BPT) – Easy-to-use Glidden® Master Finish™ spray paint, available at Walmart, allows DIYers to complete projects faster.

Whether homeowners need a backyard refresh ahead of hosting a party or they never completed those outdoor projects planned at the beginning of summer, Glidden® Master Finish™ spray paint has them covered.

“Refinishing furniture with spray paint is one of the easiest DIY projects out there, and the perfect way to quickly get your space ready for weekend hosting,” said Anamaria Cindric, product manager of spray paint, Glidden Paints by PPG. “With Glidden Master Finish, you can refresh your patio furniture that might be looking a little worn from the winter or update color to match a new trend or aesthetic.

Anyone who has spray painted in the past knows that one of the biggest application concerns is the potential for drips and streaks due to over-spraying. Glidden Master Finish has a unique spray pattern that provides the high-coverage and durable finish of spray paint, without the worry of drips or streaks.

Finding the right time to spray paint is also a challenge, with concerns about when the next passing summer storm could impact the project drying outside. With a five-minute dry time, Glidden Master Finish allows DIYers to quickly complete their end-of-season projects in the span of a few hours, depending on project size.

Popular exterior project updates using Master Finish include:

  • Create instant curb appeal — Homeowners can make updates to small exterior items like house numbers, light fixtures and mailboxes. Small upgrades like these can add instant curb appeal to a home’s facade, creating an inviting aesthetic to welcome weekend guests, in as little as two hours with just one can of spray paint. At less than $8 a can, these projects are a low time and budget investment that deliver high.
  • Beautify the backyard — Homeowners can turn flowerpots and beds into colorful backyard focal points by adding a fresh coat of paint or creating a fun design. Available in 22 colors, Glidden Master Finish offers a hue to fit any backyard aesthetic.
  • Take a seat (or two) — Summer parties, strong sunshine and summer rains can all give outdoor furniture a beating by this time of year. With a few additional cans of Master Finish and a few more hours to spare, homeowners can revitalize their outdoor furniture. A table and four chairs can be refreshed in just one day using three to six cans of spray paint, depending on the size and number of furniture pieces.

“With a dry time of less than five minutes, Glidden Master Finish is a great option for quick end-of-summer projects, allowing you to refresh your space while still allowing time to enjoy the weekend,” said Cindric.

The best part is that picking up a can of Glidden Master Finish doesn’t add an extra stop to your errands and weekend shopping. This spray paint is available at select Walmart stores and on Walmart.com, so homeowners can grab a can on-the-go.

Glidden Master Finish can be used on all surfaces including vinyl, wood, metal, plastic, terracotta and glass. It is available in matte, satin and gloss finishes.

For more spray paint project inspiration as well as application tips, visit Glidden.com or Walmart.com.

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What your dog breed pick reveals about your taste in wine

2024-09-06T08:59:00

(BPT) – Did you know your favorite dog breed can reveal a lot about your personality? According to celebrity dog trainer and certified pet behavioral expert Nicole Ellis, it can even tell you what kind of wine you’ll enjoy.

In honor of National Service Dog Month, Ellis teamed up with St. Francis Winery & Vineyards to take the guesswork out of the wine aisle by proposing perfect wine recommendations based on the traits of their favorite pooch. The pairings list honors and benefits the brand’s ongoing partnership with Canine Companions, a leading nonprofit organization that trains and provides service dogs to people with disabilities, empowering them to lead more independent lives. St. Francis donates $1 of every bottle sold from the Sonoma County and Reserve lines, adding a layer of purpose to every pour.

To find out which wine is your “PAW-fect” match, Ellis evaluated and matched a number of characteristics.

Classic dogs and classic wine

Golden Retrievers are one of the most beloved, classic American dog breeds. Similar to the Chardonnay, a classic California varietal, they are versatile and well-loved due to their ability to excel in various roles, from family pets to service dogs. Canine Companions trains these intuitive pups to support people with disabilities, and just like these sociable, energetic dogs, this Sonoma County Chardonnay is one you’re bound to love.

Strong, loving spirits and robust, complex wine

Staffordshire Terriers often have layered and very endearing personalities. They’re known for their confidence and boldness, too — very similar to the strong characteristics of the full-bodied Sonoma County Cabernet Sauvignon. So, if you admire the robust strength and loving nature of this breed, you’ll enjoy the earthy and layered profile of this Cabernet Sauvignon from St. Francis Winery & Vineyards.

Lively wine for people who love cheerful dogs

If you enjoy the friendly and cheerful nature of Bichon Frises, then you’ll appreciate the smooth texture and fruity profile of the Sonoma County Sauvignon Blanc. A Bichon Frise’s fluffy white coat and playful personality align perfectly with the refreshing flavor of this energetic wine.

Harmonious qualities in canine and wine alike

Affable and dynamic are great descriptors for the ever-popular poodle mixes known as “Doodles” (Golden Retriever or Labrador combined with Poodle). Just like these mixed breeds, the Sonoma County Merlot has playful qualities — combining hints of plum and chocolate, along with dried fig and bright Rainier cherry flavors, into a thoroughly enjoyable wine. Doodles are celebrated for their adaptable temperaments, combining the best traits of their parent breeds, just like the harmonious blend of flavors you’ll find in this Merlot.

Balance and complexity leave an impression

Powerful, sturdy Bull Mastiffs mirror the firmly structured nature of the St. Francis Winery & Vineyards’ Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon. Bull Mastiffs are big and strong but have a gentle temperament, offering a great mix of calmness and strength. Their presence commands respect and attention— just like the long, lingering finish of the Alexander Valley Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon.

Grace and sophistication that catches your attention

The look and spirited nature of a Sighthound — such as a Greyhound, Whippet or Saluki — turns heads wherever it goes, much like the elegant characteristics of this Dry Creek Valley Reserve Zinfandel. With vibrant flavors of juicy cherry, fresh boysenberry, blackberry pie, black tea, baking chocolate and spice, it complements Sighthounds’ lively and agile nature.

Adaptable wine for those who champion mixed breeds

Mixed breeds often rescue their humans as much as their owners rescue them and can be highly adaptable to different environments, much like the diverse yet harmonious tasting notes of Pinot Noir, which pairs well with various foods. Mixed breeds often embody the best traits of various breeds, leading to a well-rounded temperament that’s perfect for the approachable Sonoma County Pinot Noir.

A social wine for lovers of highly social dogs

Cavalier King Charles Spaniels are known for their friendly, affectionate and adaptable dispositions, which is reflected in the smooth and balanced nature of the Sonoma Valley Reserve Merlot, perfect for social settings like celebrations with friends and family. The Cavaliers’ energy and good temperament make them great companions, just like this versatile wine that can be paired with any food or setting.

You can purchase these and other wines while helping support Canine Companions by visiting StFrancisWinery.com.

Please drink responsibly. For more information, visit Responsibility.org.