August 5, 2021
FREE
DOUGLAS COUNTY, COLORADO
A publication of
LoneTreeVoice.net
INSIDE: VOICES: PAGE 12 | LIFE: PAGE 14 | CALENDAR: PAGE 17 | SPORTS: PAGE23
Adoption event showcases giant breed dogs Douglas County nonprofit helps rehome large dogs throughout region BY JESSICA GIBBS JGIBBS@COLORADOCOMMUNITYMEDIA.COM
People huddled on the floor between chairs, tables, puddles of drool and furiously wagging tails. Although dogs are always welcome at Lone Tree Brewing Company, more than usual gathered in the tasting room on July 31, towering over patrons as they doled out pats and ear scratches. Big Dogs Huge Paws, an organization specializing in rehoming giant breed dogs, had come to town to hold an adoption event promoting the 65 dogs under the group’s care. The nonprofit places dogs in roughly 14 states and holds events like the one at Lone Tree Brewing to help people begin the adoption application process or learn about the organization. The Larkspur-based nonprofit does not have a brick-and-mortar location and instead places dogs with foster families until a permanent home can be found. Dogs come into Big Dogs Huge Paws’ care from a variety of backgrounds and at different ages. Vetting potential adopters takes between four and six weeks. Volunteer staff with Big Dogs Huge Paws speak SEE DOGS, P2
BY JESSICA GIBBS JGIBBS@COLORADOCOMMUNITYMEDIA.COM
Douglas County Sheriff’s Deputy Brian McKnight said the chance
Plans between Douglas County Schools and a consulting firm hired to conduct diversity and equity training crumbled last school year after backlash toward the group’s work mounted, records show. Now the district is preparing to continue equity work in 2021-22, but leadership said the district is not ready to release details. “We heard and reflected on the concerns raised and have decided to slow down and regroup on Educational Equity and Inclusive Excellence in DCSD,” district spokeswoman Paula Hans said in an emailed statement. The Gemini Group, a consulting firm based in Denver, became a lightning rod in April and May as some community members argued their trainings were evidence the district was teaching the much-discussed academic concept of critical race theory after adopting an equity policy. The district has repeatedy denied that it teaches critical race theory to its students. Nevertheless, the controversy culminated when Superintendent Corey Wise abruptly canceled a staff summit scheduled with The Gemini
SEE THREAT, P31
SEE EQUITY, P16
The vetting process for families to adopt a giant dog breed through Big Dogs Huge Paws takes several weeks and most dogs have a waitlist. PHOTO BY JESSICA GIBBS
Douglas County Sheriff’s Office provides Active Threat Awareness training Going into survivor mode or slip-
Backlash stalled DCSD equity plans, records show Contract with consultants came to abrupt end
Learning to survive in the face of a threat BY THELMA GRIMES TGRIMES@COLORADOCOMMUNITYMEDIA.COM
VOLUME 20 | ISSUE 24
ping into a victim mentality can make a big difference in the face of a threat posed at school, work, a shopping center or elsewhere.
THRIVING AT 99
Douglas County woman marks her birthday with an exercise class P10
NEW PLACES TO PLAY New breed of entertainment centers offer food, brews, fun P14
