ARVADA’S PETS ARE LUCKY. MEET THE PROS WHO MAKE THEIR LIVES BETTER EVERY DAY. Dog Days of Summer
Over $20 million in recent closed transactions in Arvada
Meet Lori Abbey, a passionate and compassionate real estate broker with over 20 years of experience, who brings enthusiasm and top-level knowledge to every transaction. An expert in negotiation, problem-solving, diplomacy, and relationships, Lori is dedicated to protecting her clients’ priorities and financial interests, providing a fun, professional, full-service experience. Her clear communication and expertise in all stages of the process enable her to successfully close many deals in Denver’s fast-moving market.
Lori has earned recognition in Real Producers Magazine’s Top 200 Denver Agent list, ranking #3 in the metro area. Specializing in residential, investment property, new construction, and land, Lori ensures top-level service and peace of mind for her clients.
Here’s to the pets who make everything better.
This issue holds a special place in my heart. Pets are more than furry, four-legged animals, they’re family. They are there for the best moments and offer comfort through the tough ones. Their quirky habits and loyalty tug at our hearts and make them the most unexpected best friends. They give us unconditional love and teach us so much about empathy, responsibility, and connection.
In this issue, we feature a local Colorado influencer, Denver Dog Guide where Gina shares her favorite hikes, beer gardens and more to explore with your pup. Plus, we share award-winning local grooming, training, and boarding businesses that help care for our animals like they are their own.
My dog Azra is truly part of our family and my best friend. My husband and I adopted her seven years ago from a local shelter, and she’s been the best addition to our lives. Getting to know her sweet and sleepy personality has brought us so much joy, we cannot get enough of her. From having her in our wedding, to adventuring around Colorado and her favorite- naps at home, we truly consider her the third member of our family. She reminds us of what really matters and always greets us like it’s the best day ever and we are her favorite people.
At the heart of it all, our pets need us. Our care shapes who they become and the life they have, and in return, they shape us. This issue is a celebration of the pets who fill our lives with love, laughter, and so much joy. And to all the pets who are no longer with us but always in our hearts, how lucky are we to have known a love that big.
I hope this month’s issue inspires you to give your pet a little extra love and attention. They’re the ones who remind us to slow down, play more, and love big. Cheers,
LYNN DAVIS, PUBLICATION DIRECTOR @ARVADALIFESTYLEMAGAZINE
August 2025
PUBLISHER
Randy Good | randy.good@citylifestyle.com
PUBLICATION DIRECTOR
Lynn Davis | lynn.davis@citylifestyle.com
SOCIAL MEDIA COORDINATOR
Lynn Davis | lynn.davis@citylifestyle.com
CONTRIBUTING WRITERS
Michelle Parnell, Valerie Bianculli, Bailey Hall
CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS
Rachel Audette - The Turquoise Camera, Gina from The Denver Dog Guide, Daria Terry
Corporate Team
CEO Steven Schowengerdt
COO Matthew Perry
CRO Jamie Pentz
VP OF OPERATIONS Janeane Thompson
VP OF SALES Andrew Leaders
AD DESIGNER Josh Govero
LAYOUT DESIGNER Kathy Nguyen
QUALITY CONTROL SPECIALIST Megan Cagle
TRAINING CAN BE HARD WORK...
city scene
1: We hosted our Second Annual Daddy Daughter Dance at the Arvada Center in June. 2: We had wonderful vendors like M&M Photobooth join in on the fun. 3: Each guest received a beautiful flower to make the night extra special. 4: Treats and cookies from La Patisserie Francaise were enjoyed by all. 5: The photobooth from M&M is always a hit. 6: There was dancing. So much dancing! 7: Thank you to Great Harvest for donating miniature sandwiches along with a cookie decorating station.
Photography by Arvada Lifestyle
1: The sweetest nights make the sweetest memories between dads and daughters. 2: No sitting, only dancing! 3: DJ Drake proves time and time again that he knows how to bring the fun. 4: All smiles for cookie decorating with La Patisserie Francaise. 5: The smiles say it all. 6: There was no getting the girls off the dance floor, they danced all night long. 7: More cookie decorating with Great Harvest and they were delicious.
Photography by The
Turquoise Camera
1: Arvada Barre hosted a Summer Kick-Off Party with saunas and cold plunges included. 2: Guests shopped summer merch for their Pink Revival Summer theme. 3: The event also included a workout making it a healthy and energizing experience with recovery.
Photography by Arvada Barre
business monthly
Bonfire Burritos Opens in Olde Town Arvada
Bonfire Burritos brings their famous burritos to Olde Town Arvada. Known for its unique twist on fast-casual dining, everything on the menu is made in-house with quality ingredients and care. Stop by for a burrito that’s anything but ordinary. Located at 5800 Olde Wadsworth Blvd, Arvada.
The Arvada Beer Garden Now Open
Experience the best of Colorado’s craft beer scene at Arvada’s newest beer garden. With 14,000 sq. ft. of outdoor space, a covered pavilion, and Oktoberfeststyle tables for 500, it’s the perfect place to unwind. Enjoy a lineup of local brews served alongside gourmet brats, burgers, fresh pretzels, and more. Visit them at 9258 58th Pl., Arvada.
The Colorado Painting Company Restores History
Local owner Sam Magnes of The Colorado Painting Company recently completed a meaningful statue restoration in Denver’s Highlands neighborhood. This statue has been part of the community for over 50 years and restoring it to its original beauty was an honor for the team. Known for their care and craftsmanship, The Colorado Painting Company is proud to help preserve local landmarks and bring new life to treasured pieces of the past.
Scan to read more
Photography by The Colorado Painting Company
Photography by Arvada Lifestyle
Photography by Arvada Lifestyle
CITY LIST
We have such amazing, innovative business leaders in our community who are proud to serve you, our residents, with class and quality. We’ve compiled some of our top company picks for the services that might be on your mind this month in an effort to make your lives a little easier.
Pet Shop
Pet Wants Arvada petwantsarvada.com | 720.392.3691
Paws 'n' Play pawsnplay.com | 303.420.2525
Woof Gang Bakery & Grooming woofgangbakery.com | 303.879.9299
Chuck & Don's Pet Food & Supplies chuckanddons.com | 303.467.7777
Pet Supplies Plus Arvada petsuppliesplus.com | 303.429.9317
Veterinary Practice
Sploot Veterinary Care splootvets.com | 720.780.8874
Arvada Flats Veterinary Hospital arvadaflats.com | 303.467.9212
Animal Urgent Care www.aucvet.com | 303.420.7387
Want to suggest a monthly pick?
Five Parks Animal Hospital fiveparksanimalhospital.com | 303.647.3241
Homeward Bound Animal Hospital homewardboundah.com | 303.981.4663
SETTING YOUR DOG UP FOR SUCCESS
TIPS ON MAKING THE MOST OF YOUR DOG’S STAY AT THE BARKING LOT
ARTICLE
Twelve years ago, DeeAnna Osborne stepped into the world of doggie daycare and never looked back. In 2020, she took her passion to the next level and became owner of The Barking Lot, a locally owned and family operated dog daycare, boarding, grooming, and training facility. “I absolutely love all things dogs,” DeeAnna says. “I am passionate about what I do, and I'm blessed to get to be with the dogs and do what I get to do every single day.”
BY MICHELLE PARNELL PHOTOGRAPHY BY RACHEL AUDETTE
Based on her years of experience, DeeAnna has developed tips to help pet parents ensure their dogs have the best experiences possible at The Barking Lot.
FOR DAYCARE:
Dogs are most comfortable and enjoy daycare play time when they attend regularly and consistently. When dogs are familiar with the facility, other dogs, and the staff, such as morning manager Ashley and evening manager Camille, their level of stress is lower, and it is a more enjoyable experience for everyone. The Barking Lot provides everything needed for a fun day and no appointment or reservation
is necessary, but pet parents can pack a lunch for their pup if that is part of its daily routine.
FOR BOARDING:
Successful boarding stays begin with a few visits to daycare ahead of time to allow the dog to get to know the staff and become familiar with other dogs. Although the Barking Lot provides comfy bed and bowls, sending a few comforts of home, like a blanket or something with familiar smells on it, will help dogs acclimate more easily. Since it is best to keep dogs on their normal diet, pack more than enough food for the entire stay. Lastly,
“I AM PASSIONATE ABOUT WHAT I DO, AND I’M BLESSED TO GET TO BE WITH THE DOGS AND DO WHAT I GET TO DO EVERY SINGLE DAY.”
double check travel schedules to ensure you have firm reservation dates and schedule a grooming session right before pick-up so that your dog is fresh and clean for the journey home.
FOR GROOMING:
The best grooming sessions begin with a well-exercised and tired dog, so plan a fun walk or outing before dropoff. Resident groomer Gloria resonates with gentleness and kindness, ensuring dogs are calm and happy when they head home as well. It is also helpful to avoid feedings right before the appointment. Since the Barking Lot’s dog bather, Raun,
specializes in using dog safe hair dye, opting for a colorful canine and choosing a color palette for your pup ahead of time makes the visit’s results more fun. To keep dogs fresh and looking great, keep them dry and avoid mud. Also, before you leave, schedule the next appointment as grooming slots fill up quickly!
FOR TRAINING:
Beginning as early as 4 months old, puppies can start training classes to help address behaviors such as jumping on people and leash reactiveness. When dogs learn basic manners, the whole family benefits, and it makes having a dog a
more enjoyable experience for everyone. Training classes usually last 6 weeks and can be customized to address the needs of each family and dog. For example, dogs can be trained to safely enjoy the water in preparation to be a paddleboard companion or to ring a bell when they need to go outside.
Dogs who struggle to have good behavior in groups benefit from settings like the Barking Lot where training can take place with other dogs present. Keys to effective long-term behavior modification include consistency with commands and follow through, but if both the dog and the pet parent need a refresher course, those are available as well.
For more information on ensuring a great experience for your dog, visit thebarkinglot-arvada.com, call 303420-5388, and follow @arvadabarkinglot on Facebook. The Barking Lot is located at 5890 Lamar Street in Arvada.
Owner, DeAnna Osborne of The Barking Lot
TAILORED COVERAGE: CUSTOMIZED SOLUTIONS FOR YOUR UNIQUE NEEDS. COMPETITIVE RATES: QUALITY COVERAGE AT AFFORDABLE PRICES. PERSONALIZED SERVICE: GUIDING YOU EVERY STEP OF THE WAY.
REVIEW YOUR INSURANCE NEEDS BEFORE THE SCHOOL YEAR RUSH.
ARTICLE BY VALERIE BIANCULLI | PHOTOGRAPHY BY GINA BETTERS, DENVER DOG GUIDE
When Gina Betters moved from Wisconsin to Colorado in 2021, she found herself in a new city with a curious heart and her dog, Charley, by her side. Like many pet owners, she was eager to explore the outdoors—but quickly discovered that finding reliable, dog-friendly resources wasn’t as easy as it should be.
“I was trying to find things to do with Charley—hikes, restaurants, just fun summer stuff,” Gina recalls. “But there wasn’t one place that had it all. I had to search through random blogs and websites, and I thought, ‘Wouldn’t it be easier if all this info just existed in one spot?’”
So in August 2022, Gina created Denver Dog Guide, an Instagram-based resource packed with recommendations for Colorado’s dog lovers—from scenic trails to patio brunches, events, shops, hotels, and more.
“I really thought it would just be something small,” she admits. “A fun way for me to remember the things Charley and I did together. But the response has been incredible. It turns out a lot of people were looking for this kind of resource and didn’t even know it.”
Her dog Charley, a golden basset hound, is the heart of it all. “He’s like a golden retriever riding on short legs,” she laughs. “I always joke that my husband knows Charley is the love of my life.”
Gina’s feed is more than cute pictures—it’s trusted. That’s because she personally vets every location she shares. “I won’t recommend something unless I’ve done it myself—been there, eaten there, hiked it, used the sitter, whatever it is. I take that responsibility really seriously.”
When choosing what to feature, she considers more than just aesthetics. “How dog-friendly is it really? Do they have dog bowls, shaded areas, a dog menu? And was it a great experience overall—for Charley, for me, for my husband? That matters.”
Over time, she’s watched Denver and its surrounding communities become increasingly dog-aware. “I’ve seen more places hosting yappy hours or dog events. Farmers markets are putting up signs asking people not to bring dogs on hot days. It’s not just about allowing dogs—it’s about protecting their well-being too.”
CONTINUED >
DENVER
Some of her favorite finds? “I love pairing a hike with a spot to eat nearby,” she says. “Flatirons Vista Trail near Boulder is beautiful, and three minutes away is The Flats Beer Garden—super dog-friendly. Another hidden gem is Coyote Song Trail in Littleton. It’s easy, scenic, and great for any dog, from puppies to seniors.”
While the guide started local, its reach is now national. “I get messages from people in Texas, Wisconsin, wherever, saying they follow me, so they’ll know what to do when they visit Colorado with their dog,” she shares. “There’s really a whole community that’s grown from this.”
And yes, she’s partnered with some of the most recognizable names in the pet world. “Kong’s headquarters are near Denver, and we’re partnering to donate to a local shelter. I also work with the Colorado Rapids—they’ve started doing Bark at the Park, which has had an amazing turnout.”
Her dream collaboration? “REI would be awesome,” she says. “They’re so outdoorsy and their brand aligns really well with what me and my followers love.”
Seasonal content keeps things fresh. “In the summer, it’s patios and swimming spots. In winter, it’s dog-friendly snow hikes. I try to keep things hyper-local and timely. If tickets for something like Bark at the Park go on sale, I’ll post about it right away so people don’t miss out.”
“I love pairing a hike with a spot to eat nearby, Flatirons Vista Trail near Boulder is beautiful, and three minutes away is The Flats Beer Garden— super dog-friendly. Another hidden gem is Coyote Song Trail in Littleton. It’s easy, scenic, and great for any dog, from puppies to seniors.”
“I won’t recommend something unless I’ve done it myself—been there, eaten there, hiked it, used the sitter, whatever it is. I take that responsibility seriously.”
Looking ahead, Gina is hoping to branch more into travel content. “My dream is to take Charley to see the ocean,” she says. “He’s 11 now, so it’s a bucket-list moment. I’m working on a dog-friendly airline trip to show others how to make those travel dreams happen too.”
With air travel becoming more pet-accessible—Air France recently announced in-cabin dog travel, and Denver is home to the new dog-friendly airline Fly Retrieve Air—it’s a growing space. “People want to travel with their dogs,” Gina says. “And companies are starting to recognize that.”
For anyone hoping to follow in her footsteps, Gina’s advice is simple: “Be yourself. Find your unique angle. The things people connect with most are often the small, personal touches—like my snow report. Every time it snows, I bring Charley outside and measure the snow based on how far up his legs it goes. People love it.”
Consistency is key, too. “It’s a lot of work, but if you’re consistent and authentic, the right people will find you.”
Denver Dog Guide isn’t just about showcasing places—it’s about building a community. “I love when people tag me in their photos or message me with their own recommendations,” she says. “It’s become this shared experience that brings people—and their pets—closer together.”
And if you’re looking for a new spot to check out this summer, Gina has one on her radar: the new Arvada Beer Garden.
You can follow Gina and Charley’s adventures on Instagram at @denverdogguide.
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Ralston Valley Canine provides expert dog training, boarding, and grooming services, all on one campus
ARTICLE BY MICHELLE PARNELL
PHOTOGRAPHY BY RACHEL AUDETTE
Tiffany Terroux met her husband, Ted, in 2003 when she sought his expert advice and training assistance with a dog she was fostering at the time. She quickly realized that her quest had led to two of the most experienced and wellknown dog trainers not only in Colorado, but in the Rocky Mountain Region.
Ralston Valley Canine Trainer- Sara
“We offer training for all dogs of all ages and virtually every issue, covering foundational skills, living skills, obedience skills, and good manners.”
“I quickly found myself in the middle of a dog knowledge gold mine! Ted was a kennel owner, many times over referred professional dog trainer, and instrumental in developing two major local breed rescue organizations, Safe Harbor Lab Rescue and Golden Retriever Rescue of the Rockies. Over his career, he has served over 30,000 clients,” shares Tiffany. “His mother, Sally, was a nationally renowned trainer, professional handler, Flat-Coated Retriever breeder, and co-founder of the Flat-Coated Retriever Society of America. She developed one of the first board and training programs in Colorado, trained the first hearing dog, and conducted group classes for 60 years.”
Inspired and excited by what she was learning, Tiffany began her own journey in dog training, received formal education in animal behavior, and applied that knowledge and training in the therapy and service dog industries. In 2005, Ted and Tiffany opened a dog training facility in Lakewood and coauthored The Complete Family Dog.
In 2024, the couple brought Terroux Dog Training and Ralston Valley Canine onto the same campus and now provide boarding and grooming services alongside their professional dog training services.
“We have a full suite of services available when you come onto the campus. Our boarding services provide skilled and passionate care for dogs while
Top: Highly rated grooming services by expert groomers for every breed. Bottom: Training services are at the core of what Ralston Valley Canine offers with teaching foundational skills, living skills, obedience skills, and good manners.
their families go out of town,” says Tiffany. “We offer training for all dogs of all ages and virtually every issue, covering foundational skills, living skills, obedience skills, and good manners. We’re basically teaching everyone how to live with their dogs 24-7, not just when they're on a leash. We also offer a full slate of highly rated grooming services by expert groomers for every breed because we know that grooming is an important element in a dog's health, hygiene, and appearance.”
One of the many things that make Ralston Valley Canine unique is the decades of experience and long tenure of the team combined with the passion they each have for providing the best care and training possible. With two staff members who live on-site and do bedtime checks every night coupled with video surveillance, the team monitors boarders closely and responds quickly when needed.
Training is offered in both private and group settings and can be utilized through a board and train program or just as training courses. Puppy classes provide socialization and good manners training for dogs 9 to 17 weeks old. Basic obedience training is a 7-week course offered for dogs 18 weeks and older and addresses common behaviors and commands as well as information on successfully living life with a dog.
“Our training program is popular for its focus on protecting the relationship between people and dog, between dog and owner,” shares Tiffany. “Care is taken to educate the owner on how to constructively live with a dog and maintain their training. We do not use e-collars or pinch collars in our program.
“We love bringing people and their dogs together, helping them learn to speak each other’s language, and enjoy life together,” says Tiffany.
We use decades of experience and training rather than relying on tools.”
The AKC Canine Good Citizen class is open to dogs 6 months and older who have completed the basic obedience training. “The aim of this course is to earn the AKC CGC certificate, which has value in that there are some insurance companies who have said that they will offer a discount to homeowners’ insurance if the owner's dog has a CGC certificate,” Tiffany explains. “There are also some condominium associations who will offer discounts or only allow dogs who have a CGC certificate.”
Whether through boarding, grooming, or training, the team at Ralston Valley Canine provides dog owners with the tools they need to enjoy life with their furry friends. “We love bringing people and their dogs together, helping them learn to speak each other's language, and enjoy life together,” says Tiffany. “We have a saying here…. improving family relationships one dog at a time.”
Ralston Valley Canine is located at 12975 W. 80th Avenue in Arvada. For more information and to book services, visit www.ralstonvalleycanine.com or call 303-423-2243.
ARTICLE BY BAILEY HALL | PHOTOGRAPHY BY DARIA TERRY
DIY DOG BIRTHDAY PARTY
THROW A PAWSOME BIRTHDAY PARTY FOR YOUR FURRY FRIEND
DIY PARTY FAVORS FOR DOGS
Create delightful DIY party favors for your dog guests by filling small bags or boxes with goodies. Include a tennis ball for playtime fun and a selection of treats for them to enjoy. You can also add a small toy or chew for variety. These favors ensure that every pup goes home happy and tired from all the play and treats.
TREAT STATION FOR OWNERS
Keep the human guests happy with a creative Treat Station for Owners. Use brand new, clean dog food bowls as serving dishes for snacks like chips, pretzels, and candies. Arrange the bowls on a table with a festive tablecloth and some dog-themed decorations. Label each bowl with fun names like “Puppy Chow” for trail mix or “Doggie Biscuits” for cookies.
HOW TO MAKE A DOG BIRTHDAY CAKE
A birthday party isn’t complete without a cake, even for dogs! To make a dog-friendly birthday cake, start with ingredients like peanut butter, bananas, and carrots. Mix 1 cup of flour, 1/4 cup of rolled oats, 1 teaspoon of baking powder, and a pinch of cinnamon in one bowl. In another bowl, blend 1/4 cup of unsweetened applesauce, 1/4 cup of peanut butter, 1 mashed banana, and 1/2 cup of grated carrots. Combine the wet and dry ingredients, then pour the batter into a greased cake pan. Bake at 350°F for 25-30 minutes. Let it cool, then frost with a mixture of Greek yogurt and peanut butter. Decorate with dog treats and serve to your excited pup!
Arvada Real Estate Report
events
AUGUST 2ND
Yoga in Mcllovy Park Presented by Gray Yoga
McIlovy Park, 5750 Upham St. Arvada, CO 80002 | 9:00 AM
Join Gray Yoga for a refreshing start to your weekend with Yoga in the Park for an all-levels yoga class outside in the fresh air. Bring your yoga mat and water every Saturday morning from 9:00 - 10:00 AM.
AUGUST 3RD
Tangerine Sky Market Arvada
Arvada Marketplace, 7490 W 52nd Ave. Arvada, CO 80002 | 10:00 AM
Enjoy a day of shopping and fun at Tangerine Sky Market in Arvada. This family-friendly event features local vendors, artisans, handmade goods, and fun activities for kids. It’s the perfect way to support small businesses and spend a summer day with the whole family.
AUGUST 3RD
Rescue Puppy Yoga at Pet Wants Olde Town Arvada
Pet Wants Arvada, 7674 Grandview Ave. Suite # 100 Arvada, CO 80002 | 10:00 AM
Get your downward dog on with actual dogs. Join Pet Wants Olde Town Arvada for Rescue Puppy Yoga on Sunday, August 3 from 10–11 a.m. Enjoy a gentle yoga flow while adoptable rescue puppies roam and play. It’s a feel-good way to support local rescues and maybe meet your future furry best friend.
AUGUST 6TH
Sage Spade Potting 101 Workshop
Sage Spade, 8295 Ralston Road, Suite 101 Arvada, CO 80002 | 6:00 PM
Join Sage Spade for a hands-on workshop covering plant selection, potting, and care basics. Great for all skill levels, this $30 class helps you grow your green thumb and create something beautiful. Held at the Sage Spade retail shop. For more info, email info@sagespade.com
AUGUST 8TH
Movies Around Town: 'Happy Gilmore'
Bridgeside Park, 11570 W 59th Pl. Arvada, CO 80002 | 8:30 PM
Enjoy a summer night under the stars with a free movie at Bridgeside Park on Friday, August 8. Come early for live music. Happy Gilmore starts at dusk. Bring a blanket and snacks. Please note: no pets, barbecues, fires, smoking, or alcohol permitted.
AUGUST 9TH
Olde Town Second Saturdays 2025
Olde Town Arvada, 5700 Olde Wadsworth Blvd, Arvada, CO 80002 | 5:00 PM
Celebrate summer with Olde Town Arvada’s Second Saturdays Concert Series and Street Festival. On August 9, enjoy live music on two stages, 50+ artisan vendors, food trucks, local drinks, and a fun kid’s zone. It’s free, family-friendly, and full of community spirit. Don’t miss the final date of the season!
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