The fluid and ever-changing Southwest Colorado real estate market requires a licensed Realtor™ to be knowledgeable and experienced on multiple levels to serve their clients in a professional manner with a winning attitude
Hal Lott brings over 23 years of experience in Durango-area real estate, accumulating knowledge and expertise via a broad spectrum of positions in the field, from Marketing Director to licensed Real Estate Broker since 2015
I hope this letter finds you in good health and high spirits.
This issue is always one of my favorites. I suppose because of the immense joy that children and pets bring to their families and the significant impact they make on their communities.
Children are not merely the hope for a brighter tomorrow; they are the foundation upon which our society stands. Their innocence, curiosity, and boundless potential have the power to shape the world in ways we can only imagine. Kids represent our hardest work and greatest investment. In this issue, we highlight one of Durango’s most potent resources for youth development plus one of our most powerful local youth voices.
And who could forget about pets? The special kind of companionship can be a transformative experience for children and adults alike. Pets provide us with unconditional love, the opportunity to learn, grow and develop essential life skills in a nurturing environment. And who could ignore the bond between kids and their furry or feathery friends? The bond is often deep and meaningful, fostering qualities like empathy, responsibility, and companionship.
In tribute to all “pawsome” pals, this issue delves into pet rescue and foster care, how to host the perfect pet party, what some pets seek in their ideal forever friend, as well as the boundless capacity for mental-emotional healing that horses open up for hurt humans.
Ultimately, what children and pets share in common is that they need us. Our care, attention, and intention shapes how they are raised and who they become. We hope this issue inspires you to pour a little extra into the children and pets in your life this month.
Cheers!
August 2024
PUBLISHER
Branden (Brandy) Murray branden.murray@citylifestyle.com
PUBLISHER ASSISTANT
Chelsey Juarez | chelsey.juarez@citylifestyle.com
EDITORIAL COORDINATORS
Jennifer Mason | jennifer.mason@citylifestyle.com
James Leonard | james.leonard@citylifestyle.com
CONTRIBUTING WRITERS
Jenny Mason, Kalista Peña, Summer Rogers, Rachel Rosenthal, Stacy Sutton
CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS
Frank Comisar, Jenn Bartlett, Ashton DeVillier, Kaytea Mahan, Brandon Mathis, Stacy Sutton
CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER Steven Schowengerdt
CHIEF OPERATING OFFICER Matthew Perry
EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR OF HR Janeane Thompson
AD DESIGNER Rachel Chrisman
LAYOUT DESIGNER Jamie Housh
Learn
Scenic Aperture features fine-art nature photography of the four-corners area of the American Southwest. Located in the heart of Durango’s vibrant art scene, the Gallery will transport and transform you.
Scenic Aperture showcases the photography of Durango’s own internationally collected nature photographer, Frank Comisar. Comisar’s photos are infused with colors and details so vivid they are more of an experience than a simple viewing. Stop by and see for yourself!
And They Call It Puppy Love
Parker’s
Rising
Deb Wolf of DWolf Designs, Fine Art & Custom Framing offers affordable original art and quality hand-built frames, from rustic to contemporary, and everything in between. Her craftmanship honors each unique piece with a frame that highlights the treasure within. Enjoy 20% off custom framing for the month of August. Drop by her shop located at 925 Highway 3 in Durango.
ARTICLE BY KALISTA PEÑA | PHOTOGRAPHY BY ASHTON DEVILLIER
Dogs and people have co-evolved to support each other for thousands of years.
PARKER’S ANIMAL RESCUE FINDS FOREVER HOMES FOR RESCUED DOGS USING FOSTER-BASED CARE SYSTEM
As a teenager, Lisa Parker remembers driving to Canyon de Chelly with her father and stopping in Kayenta, Arizona, for gas. Three dogs rushed to their vehicle in hopes of any food scraps or soft pats. Parker's heart fell at the sight of them—perhaps it was their frail stature or the adoration in their eyes. Either way, she knew she wanted to help. She decided, “As soon as I am old enough, I’m going to open the door and let them all in!”
Years later, that resolution grew into a reality when she opened Parker's Animal Rescue (PAR).
She chuckles when asked how her vision for her business came to be. “All my friends had always said, ‘You’re going to make a career out of this! You’re going to start a nonprofit!’ and I thought they were foolish but then it happened.”
PAR has grown a lot since its founding 10 years ago. Their foster-based program has helped hundreds of dogs and touched countless hearts along the way. Located on North Main, PAR headquarters has become an essential hub for rescue intakes, meetand-greets, behavioral training, and more. On the website, people can make direct donations or donate to Aspen Tree Animal Caring Center for vet care.
Parker has always been drawn to dogs and made it her life’s work to reach out to them, extending compassion and empathy. As Lisa tends to her oh-so-curious dog Clyde, she makes a compelling comparison between dogs and children. “This brain,” she pauses pointing at her mischievous furry companion, “is no more than a two-year-old, an infant. And we don’t blame infants for going to the bathroom in the house. We teach them how to be what we want them to be.”
Whilst always, accepting, protecting, and loving them, she adds.
Parker frames this truth in the fact that we are dogs' emotional support humans. By better educating people about the stewardship of animals, PAR builds a better perspective for these animals to thrive in; hence, directly impacting the satisfaction and success of adoptions.
Contrary to popular fantasy (and Parker's own wishes), the PAR crew does not play with puppies all day. Parker notes, “Dogs are not my job; people are my job.” More specifically, educating people about the stewardship of dogs and the benefits of foster care. Supportive efforts such as fostering and donating make a major difference in Lisa’s work and PAR’s mission.
From intake to adoption, there are countless hours of preparation, communication, and organization put into every rescue. Starting with emails or texts regarding transportation to PAR’s headquarters, where the dog is then bathed and further assessed by PAR senior staff. Once they find a suitable foster, the dog is placed into the home along with their assessment. For the first few days, there's constant communication as everyone gets to know the dog. Once they are settled, photos are taken and puppy profiles are made and posted to the website in hopes of their landing an official adoption and forever home.
“...dogs are sentient beings; they need to feel safe to display their true personalities.”
PAR could not function without the immense support of local fosters and donations. They’re constantly trying to recruit new fosters and encourage them to share with friends and let them know that PAR is a hands-on resource for their fosters. They are only a text away if any issues or concerns arise. “If you don’t offer them that support, they’re out. So we always want them to feel very welcomed and supported. So not just offering all the physical support but the emotional, too,” Parker says. By allowing these dogs in your home, you offer them a new chance at life.
According to Parker, dogs are sentient beings; they need to feel safe to display their true personalities. Foster care offers dogs the opportunity to build trust between a dog and a human. Parker notes, “If I’m going to give you this dog, I want you to be very loving of it and know that, hey, I’m giving you one of my kids, you better take care of it.”
Visit PAR today and you may find the perfect pup for you—maybe for a short time or maybe forever.
Don’t make mistakes on your home design that will cost you! Make sure we are your FIRST call. We can get you on the right track to your perfect mountain home.
SCAN THE CODE BELOW TO FIND OUT WHY YOU NEED TO CALL US 1ST!
PHOTOGRAPHY BY KAYTEA MAHAN
THE FISH CONNECTION PLAYS MATCHMAKER FOR PEOPLE AND PETS
Looking for love in all the wrong places? Consider stopping by the Fish Connection to meet your match. Your animal match, that is!
The Savannah Monitor, with cat-like tendencies, is looking for a home with a forgiving owner who understands boundaries.
The Blue Tongue Skink would enjoy a home with someone who shares the same love for blueberries.
The Fish Connection makes it their mission to find a fitting home for all animals—furry, scaly, or spiky.
Creative expression is a force to be reckoned with when it comes from a place of genuine self-reflection and empowerment. Wise beyond her years and poised to take center stage in the story of her life, Durango's Rising Poet Laureate Zoe Golden shares what gets her pen moving and keeps her feet on solid ground.
RISING POET LAUREATE ZOE GOLDEN SHARES HER PASSION AND GRACE WITH THE WORLD
ARTICLE BY RACHEL ROSENTHAL | PHOTOGRAPHY BY BRANDON MATHIS
WHEN/HOW DID YOU DISCOVER YOUR PASSION FOR WRITING POETRY?
Before I was introduced to poetry, I wrote songs to express myself. In third grade, my teacher had our class write poems. She selected one of mine for our school talent show. Being on stage reading something I poured my heart into, I developed a passion for writing and performing poetry.
WHAT INSPIRES YOUR POETRY?
My muse is my heart and mind and how they experience life. I write about the challenges of having mental illnesses and the beauty of growing through them. I also write about love, experiencing teenage love, learning self-love, and the love of life.
WHAT IS YOUR CREATIVE PROCESS?
Seclusion. I enjoy writing in the peace of my bedroom or a quiet outdoor space. I prefer to have music playing, and I always bring two poetry books to read sections from before I write.
WHO IS YOUR FAVORITE POET, AND WHY?
My favorite poet right now is Amanda Gorman. Her work as an activist and a poet is incredibly admirable, and I love her poetry because of its rhythm, which immediately ignites her readers’ passion.
CONTINUED >
I have always dreamed of living and studying in a large city like New York, Seattle, or Portland. I want to explore a more social/political career rather than solely make a living as a poet. However, once I turn 18, I already have a couple of manuscripts prepared to submit for publishing, and being a poet is my main priority.
YOU GIVE
First and foremost, write for yourself. It is a wonderful experience to have the world appreciate your work, but the words originate in our hearts, and in our souls. They are birthed from our trauma and our triumphs. Don’t get caught up in what other people want you to be.
the world is a museum of what others have that we don’t, that we want.
envy guards our gates. happiness scoffs at our need to be others, she begs for you to burn the bridge of jealousy, figure out it’s hearsay to hate what your mother gave you. i promise the pine trees don’t want to be aspens.
i am soft where you have edges, i promise we need both the water and the flame.
MEDICINE HORSE CENTER DOES NOT HORSE AROUND WITH ITS HEART-TO-HEART TRAINING
“
“I need to tell you that my time at Medicine Horse was so powerful for me.”
Dusk’s lavender shadows dimmed the wintry day. Women from a local domestic abuse shelter crept inside a small barn brandished with a sign that read Medicine Horse Center. The women formed a circle along with two horses, a therapist, and Lynne Howarth, founder and Executive Director of Medicine Horse.
“They started telling their stories. Heinous stories,” Howarth recalls. The women spoke of abusive relationships fraught with violence. The horses listened, ears swiveling. Steamy breath plumed from their nostrils. Their massive bodies loaned solidity and strength to a sore, vulnerable moment.
Years later, Howarth ran into one of the women from that night. Once shattered, she was now radiant and healthy. “I’m so glad to see you,” the woman said. “I need to tell you that my time at Medicine Horse was so powerful for me that I had the courage to step out of the relationship totally.”
Since its founding in 1999, Medicine Horse Center has helped thousands of adults and young people discover their best selves by developing a relationship with horses.
Individuals who visit the ranch (now in Mancos) will spend 70% of their time with a horse or horses; however, they will not spend any time riding a horse.
“So one of the reasons we don’t ride is that you have all the power and control and the horse has no choice,” explains Karen Finch, one of two full-time therapists employed at the ranch. “To me, connection is the energy when you feel valued, heard, and seen and you get to decide for yourself and control yourself. Here what we try to focus on is can you try to groom that horse, can you halter that horse, without any power and control? It’s all at the horse’s choice.”
School trips swarm the Center for much of the year. Staff witness how, in a two-hour visit, children who struggle to regulate their emotions blossom. Drug addiction. Corporate team building. The ranch plays host to diverse groups, big and small, as well as individuals in need of trauma or addiction recovery. In 2023, Medicine Horse served 648 people—with a scrappy nonprofit crew of five people, five horses, and one mini-Shetland pony named Bronco.
Goldie, Disco, Chitsa, Indi, and Quinn—the horses have their own backstories and traumas. Some had to be surrendered when their prior owners fell on hard times. Others were rescued from pharmaceutical laboratories. However, their current sanctuary is under threat. By 2028, Medicine Horse Center must purchase the 14 acres where its facilities have grown over many decades.
The Center’s annual golf tournament fundraiser in Cortez is scheduled for August 24th, 2024 and anyone can contribute to the ongoing capital campaign anytime. Howarth hopes the community will give back in big ways to these horses that give their whole hearts to healing people.
“The human heart weighs anywhere from one-half to three-quarters of a pound, but it projects a measurable electromagnetic field about three feet out from the body,” Finch says. “The horse’s heart is nine to 11 pounds—ten times bigger than ours—so they are projecting this incredible electromagnetic field. When those two fields collide, that’s the energy part. That’s why standing in a horse’s presence can have a calming effect.”
“It’s that kind of magical connection that makes this Center unique,” Howarth adds. “And it’s not really magic. It’s how horses connect. We’re the ones who have to learn that process.”
Planning or attending a dog party is a wonderful opportunity for your pet to have an exciting and enriching day that is not only fun for them, but for you as well! You should consider your pet’s physical, social, and emotional needs while planning their day of fun. It is important to invite guests that match your own dog’s size and play style. You may also want to consult your veterinarian about what vaccinations your dog may need to help keep them safe in social settings. Once you know your intended guests, you can plan your enrichment activities!
ARTICLE AND PHOTOGRAPHY BY STACY SUTTON
1/ Using novelty items such as bubbles, swimming pools, new toys, or special treats will give your guests a fun cognitive experience that will meet their physical needs. 2/ Parties are exciting and stimulating environments, so it is also important that you familiarize yourself with appropriate play and body language. Monitoring behavior and giving your guests breaks as needed will help your event run smoothly and keep everyone safe. 3/ Adding creative features such as photo booths, props, or arts and crafts is an easy way for you to get involved and creates a lasting memory for everyone. 4/ Remember to join the fun! Your pet wants to play with you, as well as with other furry friends.
ARTICLE BY JENNY MASON | PHOTOGRAPHY BY JENN BARTLETT
I bombed a big test at school—will I be held back a grade? Is it normal to feel prickly sensations in my tummy whenever my crush walks by?
For young people, some questions are too big—too embarrassing—to share with parents, siblings, or chums. That is where an actual Big Brother or Big Sister steps in. These ordinary humans volunteer to be one-on-one mentors for children ages 6-17 in La Plata County.
“Everybody could use a mentor, no matter what socioeconomic background you come from, no matter
what age you are, whatever privilege you come from— everybody can benefit from a mentor,” notes Jenn Bartlett, Executive Director of La Plata’s Big Brothers Big Sisters (BBBS) chapter, which celebrated its 40th anniversary in 2024.
BBBS’s mission is to ignite the power and potential of young people. Its mentorship model has proven effective at boosting children’s confidence, academic performance, and sense of belonging, to name only a few metrics.
With Big Brothers Big Sisters, a Little Time Makes a Big Difference
Once paired, a Big and a Little embark on building a profound bond using a timetested tactic: hanging out. BBBS sponsors free activities like rafting and paintball derbies. Bigs and Littles can also venture off on their own to see a movie, go bowling, get pizza and ice cream.
“We find that some of the best memories they have together is not really even doing anything,” Bartlett explains. “Sometimes it’s sitting in the driveway, having a three-hour conversation!”
By simply “being there” for the Little, a Big becomes a powerful role model. For a child whose parents are divorcing, or is bullied at school, or had a pet die, the steady presence of a Big turns out to be a really big deal.
What if I don’t have time to mentor? Mentoring needs only 4 hours a month (or one hour a week). Bartlett notes most people spend more time than that scrolling through social media. Mentoring would be much more satisfying.
What qualifications are needed? Being an adult human (or a teen in high school) is the primary qualification. Bartlett states, “Everybody could be a good mentor for a kid. Everybody has something to offer.” Bigs also receive specialized training and regular support check-ins with BBBS staff.
Is mentoring expensive? Nope. BBBS minimizes or eliminates the burden of expenses from Bigs by sponsoring free events or providing gift cards or tokens donated by generous local businesses who support the BBBS mission.
