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Meet my sweet mutt and soul dog, Sprout! She may be five years old now, but we've been attached at the hip, and paws, si...
09/04/2026

Meet my sweet mutt and soul dog, Sprout! She may be five years old now, but we've been attached at the hip, and paws, since she was just four weeks old and still being bottle-fed. As you may have guessed, she became my "foster fail," and I wouldn't have it any other way.

As a full-time dog mom and photographer, Sprout is one of my greatest inspirations, even if she'd rather I throw a tennis ball than pick up my camera. One of my favorite photography tricks is holding up a dog's favorite toy to capture those adorable, curious expressions. Better yet, have a helper stand behind you with the toy, ready to toss it once you've snapped the perfect shot. It's often more effective than treats, which can make some pups a little too excited!

Over the years, Sprout has been by my side through college graduation, navigating post-grad life during a pandemic, and finding the confidence to start my own photography business. No matter how long the day, her wagging tail and nightly cuddles have a way of making everything better.

I truly couldn't imagine life, or my journey, without my best friend, Sprout. She'll always be the best foster fail I ever had!

✨ A New Smile. A New Confidence. All in One Day. ✨Tired of hiding your smile, living with painful teeth, or struggling w...
09/02/2026

✨ A New Smile. A New Confidence. All in One Day. ✨

Tired of hiding your smile, living with painful teeth, or struggling with ill-fitting dentures? Imagine walking into an office with broken or missing teeth—and walking out with a beautiful, natural-looking smile that’s designed to last.

At Facial Designs, P.A., that transformation can happen in just one day. 🦷✨

We’re excited to welcome Facial Designs, P.A. as one of our valued sponsors and expert contributors. With locations in Minnetonka and Excelsior, this locally owned practice is helping patients restore not only their smiles, but their confidence.

Led by board-certified Oral & Maxillofacial Surgeon Dr. Roderick D. VanSurksum and Prosthodontist Dr. Zane Clark-Gold, the team provides comprehensive care—from wisdom teeth removal and dental implants to complete full-arch restorations.

Their proprietary Total Design!™ Teeth for Life approach combines digital imaging, advanced technology, an in-house lab, oral surgery and prosthodontic expertise to streamline treatment and provide permanent, natural-looking teeth in far less time than traditional implant processes.

And the best part? It’s all under one roof. From your digital smile consultation and scans to surgery, custom prosthetics and follow-up care, their experienced team is with you every step of the way.

Because a smile isn’t just about teeth. It’s about confidence, comfort and getting back to living life fully. ❤️

Restore Your Smile. Renew Your Confidence. Transform Your Life.

📍 Minnetonka & Excelsior
🦷 Facial Designs, P.A.

🐾 Remembering Logan, Lake Minnetonka’s Lifeguard Dog 🌊Some of Lake Minnetonka’s most memorable stories aren’t about gran...
08/31/2026

🐾 Remembering Logan, Lake Minnetonka’s Lifeguard Dog 🌊

Some of Lake Minnetonka’s most memorable stories aren’t about grand hotels, booming businesses, or famous figures. Sometimes, they’re about the four-legged friends who quietly became part of everyday life.

One such story dates back 125 years to 1901, when 13-year-old C. Winthrop Bowen shared memories of a neighborhood dog named Logan.

When Bowen and the neighborhood boys swam in the lake, they sometimes ventured into water over their heads. As they dove beneath the surface, they would raise their hands above the water.

Logan thought they were in trouble. 🐶

The loyal dog would swim from boy to boy, slapping their raised hands with his tail so they could grab on. One by one, Logan would tow them safely back to shore.

His reputation became so strong that the boys’ mothers were comfortable letting them swim without supervision whenever Logan was with them. They trusted him to watch over their children. ❤️

Logan wasn’t simply a neighborhood dog. He was a friend, a lifeguard, and a trusted guardian of summer days on Lake Minnetonka.

More than a century later, his story reminds us that the history of a community isn’t only found in buildings and businesses. Sometimes, it has four paws, a wagging tail, and a whole lot of heart. 🐾🌊

Here’s to remembering the good dogs who helped make our communities what they are.

08/28/2026

🔥 Meet Kellie & Gary Ringate: Community, Service & a Little Fun Along the Way

July may have been hot and busy, but for Kellie Murphy-Ringate, Fire Marshal of the Excelsior Fire District, it can mean investigating a house fire after the 4th of July.

Kellie has been serving as a firefighter since 1993, taking on roles in public education, fire inspection, medical coordination, and now fire investigations and fire code enforcement. Her commitment to fire safety also extends to SmARt Kids, a fire and life safety program reaching children nationwide. 👩‍🚒🔥

Her husband, Gary Ringate, Mayor of Excelsior, is equally dedicated to the community. With more than 40 years in automotive repair, Gary has worked on everything from classic Mustangs to exotic cars—and currently has an old Model T getting some much-needed attention. 🚗

Together, Kellie and Gary have built a life centered around community, family, friendship, and giving back. They love their close-knit Excelsior neighborhood, weekly date nights, local restaurants and events, remodeling projects, travel, and their Galveston “workcations.”

They also organize the Giving Tree Project, which has been providing decorated Christmas trees to Minnesota Veterans through MACV since 1996. 🎄❤️

And at home, they’re kept on their toes by their two Dalmatians, Dalton (6) and Rosie (3). Dalton is cautious and sweet, while Rosie brings plenty of goofy, energetic personality to the family. 🐾

When they’re not serving the community, Kellie enjoys running, paddle boarding, art, gardening, and thrifting, while Gary enjoys model cars, trains, and tackling projects around the house.

Kellie and Gary, thank you for the countless ways you serve, support, and strengthen our community. Excelsior is better because of you! ❤️

When an accident happens, life can change in an instant. Medical bills, lost wages, and the stress of dealing with injur...
08/26/2026

When an accident happens, life can change in an instant. Medical bills, lost wages, and the stress of dealing with injuries can feel overwhelming. The right personal injury attorney can take much of that burden off your shoulders so you can focus on healing and getting your life back to normal.

Not all personal injury attorneys are the same—and when a case becomes complicated, experience matters.

Before choosing an attorney, ask:
• Are they licensed to practice in Minnesota and located in Minnesota?
• Do they focus exclusively on personal injury?
• Have they handled cases like mine before?
• Are they willing and experienced enough to take my case to trial if necessary?

Insurance companies know which attorneys are prepared to go to trial. A strong trial background can make a significant difference in how your case is handled and ultimately resolved.

For 18 years, I have focused exclusively on personal injury law and have represented thousands of injured Minnesotans, recovering hundreds of millions of dollars for my clients.

I am a Board-Certified Civil Trial Specialist, a designation held by fewer than 2% of Minnesota attorneys. This certification requires advanced training and a demonstrated record of taking cases to trial—not simply settling them.

In October 2025, I obtained a $5.3 million verdict in Hennepin County for a man who tragically lost his leg in a bus accident.

I have also been named a Minnesota Super Lawyer for several consecutive years, an honor awarded to only 5% of Minnesota litigators.

My experience includes:
🚗 Car & truck collisions
🏍️ Motorcycle crashes
⚖️ General liability cases
💼 All aspects of personal injury litigation

I am licensed to practice in Minnesota, Iowa, and South Dakota.

If you or someone you love has been injured in an accident, I would be happy to provide a free consultation. There is no cost to you to learn about your options.

📞 612-344-0468
📧 [email protected]

🐾 Slow Down & Notice More This Summer ☀️🍉Summer has a sneaky way of slipping by in a blur of vacations, to-do lists, and...
08/14/2026

🐾 Slow Down & Notice More This Summer ☀️🍉

Summer has a sneaky way of slipping by in a blur of vacations, to-do lists, and notifications. What if enjoying the dog days of summer isn’t about doing more—but noticing more?

Dogs are pretty great at this. 🐶 They find joy in the little things: the sound of crickets, warm sunshine on their backs, a butterfly floating by, or a tasty treat.

So here’s a little summer challenge: once a week, take your dog for a walk without your phone distracting you. Turn off the ringer, tuck it away, and pay attention to what your dog notices.

Is it the smell of freshly cut grass? A bunny hopping nearby? The sunshine? Or maybe a tasty watermelon treat? 🍉

You might be surprised how relaxing it can be to slow down, be present, and enjoy the moment—just like your dog does. ❤️

Less rushing. More noticing. More summer. ☀️🐾

🐾☀️ Dog Days of Summer are officially here on Lake Minnetonka! 🐶💦There’s something special about summer on the lake, and...
08/10/2026

🐾☀️ Dog Days of Summer are officially here on Lake Minnetonka! 🐶💦

There’s something special about summer on the lake, and if you’re anything like us, your four-legged family members are enjoying every minute of it too!

Whether they’re splashing off the dock, cruising on the boat, exploring local trails, or happily riding sh***un on the next adventure, dogs have a way of making every summer day a little brighter. 🐕💙

Our Dog Days of Summer issue of TONKA Living is packed with fun! 🐾

🔥 Meet some of our community’s favorite furry friends, including the beloved Dalmatians of Excelsior Fire Chief Kelly Ringate and family.

🥾 Discover local dog-friendly trails and get inspired by how neighbors spend the perfect summer day on the lake with their pups.

🚤 Find helpful tips for traveling with your dog, training, boating safely, and even getting rid of that not-so-pleasant skunk smell! 😳🐶

📸 Plus, enjoy heartwarming stories, local pet spotlights, and a few surprises along the way.

We’re incredibly thankful to our sponsors and readers for helping us share the people, places, businesses, and stories that make the Lake Minnetonka community so special. 💙

So grab a leash, toss a tennis ball, enjoy an extra Pup Cup, and make time for a few unforgettable adventures with your best friend this summer! 🐾🍦☀️

Happy Dog Days of Summer! 🐶💦

💙 Erica & the TONKA Living Team

08/06/2026

The Dog Days of Summer are here and so is our August issue! Here is your sneak peek.

This month you will meet Kellie and Gary Ringate - who happen to be the Excelsior Fire Department Marshal and the Excelsior Mayor. And how cute are their dogs?! 🐾

Enjoy!

Now that is a great shot! ⚾️Thanks Kevin Andvik for submitting this photo!
08/05/2026

Now that is a great shot! ⚾️

Thanks Kevin Andvik for submitting this photo!

Excelsior Commons Park has been bringing people together for more than 150 years, and its next chapter is just beginning...
08/05/2026

Excelsior Commons Park has been bringing people together for more than 150 years, and its next chapter is just beginning.

Nestled along the shores of beautiful Lake Minnetonka, the Commons has long been a place where memories are made. From the wooden toboggan water slides and beachside bathhouse of the early 1900s to decades of family picnics, concerts, swimming, and play, this beloved park has always been at the heart of the community.

Now, the Commons Mini Master Plan is helping ensure this treasured space can be enjoyed for generations to come. Planned improvements include enhanced ADA accessibility, a new bathhouse, expanded scenic overlooks, updated play and leisure spaces, and beautiful native plantings, all while preserving the park's iconic mature trees, rolling hills, beaches, and breathtaking lake views.

Most importantly, the vision for the Commons has been shaped by the community, honoring its rich history while creating an even more welcoming and vibrant gathering place for the future. 💙🌊🌳

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Excelsior, MN
55331

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