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LIFESTYLE LETTER
Kids & Pets Issue
Dear Readers,
There’s something magical about August. The days are still long, the air still warm, but you can feel time ticking just a little faster. Before we know it, school bells will ring and routines will return. That’s why our August issue is all about the joy, chaos, and charm of Kids & Pets—and the moments we still have left to savor this season.
Here in Castle Rock, we’re lucky to be surrounded by family-friendly adventure. Whether it’s cooling off at the Philip S. Miller splash pad, hiking the Ridgeline Open Space with your four-legged sidekick, or catching a concert at Festival Park where toddlers and terriers alike can dance in the grass—this town knows how to treat its little ones, furry or not.
In this issue, we spotlight local spots that make life with kids and pets more fun—and a little easier. Think dog-friendly patios, play cafes, grooming spas, even custom birthday parties for your pup. We’ve also included stories from local families about the moments that made them pause and realize: this is the good stuff.
So take a breath. Let the laundry wait. Say yes to one more popsicle, one more walk, one more game of chase at the park. These are the days we’ll miss.
Thanks for letting us be part of your summer.
Warmly,
STEVE HILL, PUBLISHER & DEBBIE HILL, CO-PUBLISHER @CASTLEROCKLIFESTYLE
August 2025
PUBLISHER
Steve Hill | steve.hill@citylifestyle.com
CO-PUBLISHER
Debbie Hill | debbie.hill@citylifestyle.com
SOCIAL MEDIA COORDINATOR
Kristen Gonzales | kristen.gonzales@kcrcopywriting.com
CONTRIBUTING WRITER
Sonja Nix
CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS
TJ Holmes, Holly Myers
Corporate Team
CEO Steven Schowengerdt
COO Matthew Perry
CRO Jamie Pentz
VP OF OPERATIONS Janeane Thompson
VP OF SALES Andrew Leaders
AD DESIGNER Rachel Chrisman
LAYOUT DESIGNER Emily Lisenbee
QUALITY CONTROL SPECIALIST Marina Campbell
Crystal Cleaning
Mentor Meet Up for The Aspen Effect at Happy Dog Ranch 2-3: Renova Medical Aesthetics' Annual Anniversary Event 4: Starting Young at the Castle Rock Cruise in Car Show 5: Dancing Up a Storm at First Friday in Festival Park 6: Dr. Craig Maples, Still Point Osteopathic Care, at Castle Pines Food Truck Frenzy 7: Outdoor Summer Fest at the Outlets at Castle rock
ART & SCIENCE
COLORADO EYE CONSULTANTS is committed to delivering compassionate and quality care in a safe and nurturing environment. Using the latest technology and innovative practices, our doctors dedicate themselves to excellent outcomes, every time. For more than forty years, the Colorado Eye Consultants team has been caring for patients and changing lives.
To learn more, or to schedule a consultation, please contact us at (303) 730-0404.
1501 West Mineral Avenue | Suite 100 | Littleton, CO 80120 ColoradoEyeConsultants.com
Personalized Care At Every Visit
Brekke Veterinary Clinic 10 Year Anniversary
The clinic was founded in 2015 by Dr. Jay Brekke and his wife, Gina Brekke. They initially opened their doors in Castle Pines and have grown to a second location on Aloha Street in Castle Rock.
Since its founding, the practice has expanded to include Dr. Jacqueline Rudzinski, Dr. Andee Youngblood, and Dr. Emily Sponseller. The clinic is family-owned and operated, with Gina Brekke managing the business aspects and her sister handling customer service.
DCL Celebrates 10 Years of Fête des Fables!
Douglas County Libraries’ annual Fête des Fables Gala celebrates 10 years of dazzling nights and fabulous fundraising! Join us Friday, September 19, for an elegant Beauty and the Beast-themed evening at the historic Highlands Ranch Mansion and support the Douglas County Libraries Foundation. Enjoy champagne and chocolate, hors d’oeuvres, drinks, fine dining, exciting entertainment, French-inspired glam, whimsical photo ops, fresh florals, a classic silent auction, wine pull, and much more. Get details and tickets at DCL.org/fete-des-fables
Scan to read more
Membership includes: Comprehensive hormone optimization and testing for one year
• Initial hormone panel and labs
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• HRT prescription and dosing
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Meet the Vets at Privately and Locally Owned Brekke Vet
Dr. Brekke the Team of Veterinarians
Dr. Andee Youngblood, DVM
WHY DID YOU BECOME A VET?
Veterinary medicine is the perfect blend of physical, emotional, and mental challenge. I enjoy problem-solving, staying active, and building meaningful connections—with both animals and people. It’s a profession that keeps me growing every day.
WHAT’S YOUR TOP ADVICE FOR KEEPING YOUR PET HEALTHY DURING THE SUMMER AND WINTER IN COLORADO?
In the summer: never leave pets in the car—not even for a minute. Always have plenty of water, protect their paws from hot surfaces, hike only in the cooler early mornings, and avoid pushing them beyond their fitness level.
In the winter: limit outdoor time during freezing temps and be mindful of ice melt chemicals that can irritate or harm paws.
WHAT ELSE DO YOU WANT OUR READERS TO KNOW?
We treat every pet like they’re part of our family. Our goal is not just to provide care—but to build trust and long-term relationships with the families we serve.
WHAT’S YOUR FAVORITE PART OF WORKING AT BREKKE VET?
I’m proud to work at a privately owned practice where we’re able to focus on personalized care without corporate pressure. We have a dedicated, compassionate team that truly puts pets first.
WHAT ARE YOUR HOBBIES OR HOW DO YOU SPEND YOUR FREE TIME?
Outside of work, I love being with family, learning tennis, tackling woodworking and home improvement projects, and enjoying the Colorado outdoors.
Remi, Sully and Tux
Dr. Emily Sponseller, DVM
TELL US ABOUT YOURSELF.
I grew up on the East Coast and always had a strong interest in science and animals. After undergrad, I moved to Arizona to earn my Doctor of Veterinary Medicine degree from Midwestern University,. After graduation, I moved to Colorado, with my 13-year-old miniature dachshund Lillian, to begin this next chapter of my life. This move has given me a renewed sense of balance and motivation, I’m excited to continue to bring that energy into my professional journey.
WHY DID YOU BECOME A VET?
Becoming a veterinarian combined my lifelong love for animals with my interest in science and medicine.
I was always caring for pets, fostering animals, or asking questions at the vet clinic. My family includes four veterinarians so this has been a part of me for as long as I can remember. As I got older and studied animal biosciences, I realized how much I was drawn to the complexity of animal health and the impact veterinarians can have - on both animals and the people who love them.
WHAT’S YOUR FAVORITE PART OF PRACTICING VETERINARY MEDICINE?
My favorite part of practicing veterinary medicine is the opportunity to build meaningful connections—both with my patients and with their people. There’s something incredibly rewarding about earning an animal’s trust, and being a source of comfort and guidance for their owners during stressful or emotional moments.
Lillian
Dr. Jacqueline Rudzinski, DVM
to health, all the way to working at the one local vet clinic at 15, I continued to move forward in my path towards becoming a veterinarian.
Please make sure during these warm summer months that you always have lots of water available and be mindful of how hot the ground gets. I saw many paw pad injuries from the hot pavement in Las Vegas, and although it’s only sometimes 85 degrees here, it often feels like I am back in Las Vegas’ desert heat. Limit midday walks and try to get your walks in in the early morning or evening.
I was born and raised on the Big Island of Hawaii. I attended Syracuse University where I obtained an undergraduate degree, and Colorado State University where I obtained my veterinary degree. I lived in Las Vegas immediately after graduating where I met my husband and started our family. Currently, in my free time I enjoy watching my children grow up in this beautiful community.
I had always loved animals, as I feel most kids at some point think they want to be a veterinarian at some point in their life. It just always stuck for me. Living in rural Hawaii, there was always a stray cat, goat, chicken, bird or dog in need of a home or care. My parents, thankfully, always let me provide what care I could. From nursing injured birds back
Dr. Jackie with Jax and Maple
WHERE THE WILD HORSES ROAM
Local Jewelry Designer and Store Owner Mauzie Mays Spends Weekends in the Wild to Connect With Majestic Mustangs in Sanctuary Program
ARTICLE BY SONJA NIX
PHOTOGRAPHY BY TJ HOLMES & HOLLY MYERS
Colorado’s majestic mustangs offer a sense of wonderment and awe, roaming free on wild lands not found in many other places. Take in the flowing manes, the muscular shoulders, and the ease with which they move along in stride with one another. Jewelry designer and owner of Mauzie’s Fine Jewelry, Mauzie Mays, spends many weekends close to these fantastic creatures.
Mays volunteers with the Serengeti Foundation, founded in 1997 by Bert von Roemer, to protect threatened mustangs and their habitats. The foundation’s work in Colorado includes protection, sanctuary, advocacy, and working with all interested parties to achieve a balanced solution.
Serengeti focuses on balanced ecosystems in which all creatures that occupy the habitat have a vital and irreplaceable role.
“We have restored the freedom of more than 250 high-risk mustangs and burros, primarily seniors and those with temperament concerns. They now live a hands-off life in a dynamic herd setting, free to roam, graze, and socialize. They are re-wilded on a vast landscape within our sanctuary borders and live as free as ethically possible,” says Holly Myers, Serengeti’s director of Wildlife and Community Projects.
“We focus primarily on those with nowhere else to go. Many are deeply traumatized and are highly fearful and reactive of people. The horse’s well-being is prioritized by providing a refuge away from the public.”
Mauzie & Sinatra
Mays was drawn to the Serengeti Foundation, inspired by its mission and passion. “I’m captivated by the horses’ resilience, strength, and remarkable capacity for forgiveness. Their sheer beauty and spirit are absolutely awe-inspiring,” Mays says.
Horses are naturally inquisitive, curious, and intelligent animals. In fact, early humans were able to domesticate horses due to these character traits. Mustangs are curious about humans, and while some are too skittish and fearful to approach closely, others can form strong bonds with specific individuals.
Myers praises Mays’ work with the horses. “Sinatra, Mira, and Pete, for a brief time, experienced a taste of human kindness before being subjected to abuse and starvation. That experience with kindness, combined with Mauzie’s gentle heart and respect for their autonomy, has given them the sense that she is safe. Several of our herd members take comfort in her presence; it’s heartwarming to see.”
Mays’ work includes navigating the vast terrain to photograph the horses and document their condition, progress, and general locations within the sanctuary.
Rita, Gloria & Jude
“THESE CREATURES ARE TRULY MAJESTIC— STRONG, GENTLE, SOMETIMES SKITTISH, BUT ALWAYS REMARKABLE.”
Hacho
For those of us who’ve only seen these wild horses in photographs or videos, Mays says, “These creatures are truly majestic—strong, gentle, sometimes skittish, but always remarkable. The first time I watched a band of about 25 running over the hills, coming close to check on us, I was overwhelmed with gratitude. I had never witnessed such powerful grace. Each horse weaves around the others, finding its place in the line; you can see their manes flowing in the wind, hear their whinnies, and feel their strength—all while reminding you they are still wild. They command respect, and they truly deserve it.”
If there is one thing that both Mays and the Serengeti Foundation want people to know, it is that education is the best way to support these amazing animals.
“There are many perspectives on the issues surrounding land and wild mustangs; learning and listening are essential in a balanced approach to their protection,” Mays says. “Beyond education, sanctuaries rely heavily on public support.”
If you’re curious to learn more, explore the topic further and consider contributing, even in a small way, at serengetifoundation.com
Mauzie’s work can be found online at mauzies.com or shop local at 7200 E. Dry Creek R., Ste, B-204
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August is the time to reap the harvest of all the hard work and labors of love you have put into your garden. The days are warm and dry. The nights will begin to cool by the end of the month. Pull up a chair, pour some sweet tea, and take in the beauty of the sunflowers and fresh tomatoes. Have more than you can eat? Preserve them, share with your neighbors or donate them to a food bank. Even though our nights are beginning to cool, there is still a lot that can be done to keep the season going.
Time to Reap the Benefits of Your Effort and Passion
ARTICLE BY DEBBIE HILL PHOTOGRAPHY BY STEVE HILL
AUGUST Garden Guide
MAINTENANCE
• Continue to maintain watering, deadheading, and harvesting.
• Keep a watchful eye out for damaging insects.
• Remove plants that are past their prime to make room for cool season crops.
• Plant crops like peas, broccoli and kale.
TREES AND SHRUBS
• Prune summer blooming shrubs that have finished their bloom. Do not prune spring blooming shrubs. Their bloom for next year is already set.
• Hold off on pruning trees until the weather cools.
• Give trees extra water if they are heat stressed.
LAWN CARE
• Over seed bare spots in mid to late August.
• Keep lawn height 2.5 inches or higher for a thick healthy lawn. This will also help with weed prevention.
FERTILIZE
• All plants will benefit from a weekly treat of a kelp based foliar fertilizer. To prevent burning, be sure to fertilize in the early morning hours or in the twilight hours.
Happy Harvest!
Debbie and Nashville
Gardening is more than a lifestyle to me, it is my passion. After 25 years in landscape design, I still spend every moment I can nurturing my garden, watching it grow and sharing my harvest. Whether it is vegetables or flowers, I hope I will encourage everyone of you to get outside, enjoy the fresh air, and get your hands dirty. Let's grow together. Happy Gardening!
SCAN TO ENTER
UNPLUG HAVE FUN! &
ARTICLE BY PAM REID | PHOTOGRAPHY PROVIDED
Summertime is the best time for kids to disconnect and enjoy being outdoors.
Long, long ago, in a time before technology, children entertained themselves and played endlessly with nothing more than ... wait for it ... their imagination. They played outdoors for hours with friends, balls, jump ropes, buckets, chalk, bicycles, you name it! The level of creativity saw no limits in the minds of these children. While some families have plans for getaway vacations, there are those planning to stay home and scrambling for things their children can do. We’d like to share some ideas that don’t include technology or cost a boat load of money for that matter. The benefits of spending time outdoors and unplugged outweigh complaints about temperature or those annoying creepy crawlers. The added bonus is that many outdoor games secretly teach life skills. Technology is used only to confirm game rules.
Ready or not, it’s time to play! A day - or two or three - full of outdoor games will invoke a trip down memory lane for some adults, or a “this is great” thought for others. In either case, playing these games has tremendous benefits - young people can fully embrace human connection, get a break from the instant gratification associated with technical devices and social media, and enjoy some good wholesome, age-appropriate fun. Many adults admit they played many of their favorite childhood games well into their teen years, and still others say they relish in a good game of dodgeball or tug of war today. This list is not all-inclusive, but it certainly gets the games started!
“READY OR NOT, IT’S TIME TO PLAY!”
CHILDHOOD GAMES
TUG OF WAR - contest between two teams at opposite ends of a rope; each team trying to drag the other across a center line.
SACK RACE - stand in your sack, hold on to the top of your sack and hop as fast as you can to the finish line!
FREEZE TAG - each player freezes when tagged and can be unfrozen only by a player who is not yet frozen. Game ends when all players are frozen.
RED LIGHT GREEN LIGHT - shout “green light” and all players run towards you, shout “yellow light” and they are allowed to walk, but when “red light” is shouted, they must stop and freeze. If player moves at “red light”, they go back to start line.
MUSICAL CHAIRS - walk to music around a group of chairs containing one chair fewer than number of players, and rush to sit down when music stops. The player left standing in each round is eliminated.
KICK THE CAN - find players in their hiding spots and put them in “jail”. Once a player is “jailed” the only way to be freed is for another player to beat the “IT” person to the can and kick it.
DODGEBALL - team sport in which players on two teams try to throw balls and hit opponents, while avoid being hit themselves. Consider water balloons instead of balls on a hot day.
There are more great outdoor games. Get unplugged and get outside!
AUGUST 5TH
National Night Out 2025
Philip S. Miller Park - 1375 West Plum Creek Parkway Castle Rock, CO 80109 | 5:00 PM
National Night Out was created to foster positive relationships between police departments and the residents they serve. In Castle Rock, we want to throw the party and showcase what makes CRPD unique!
Attendees will have a chance to interact with the divisions and specialized units at CRPD, participate in a number of activities and watch demonstrations put on by members of our team.
AUGUST 9TH
Hot Rods in The Park Car Show
8720 Spruce Mountain Road, Larkspur, CO 80118 | 10:00 AM
Hot Rods in the Park Car Show is a smaller, more intimate and informal gathering of car owners. Larkspur Community Park is located at 8820 Spruce Mountain Rd. Larkspur, CO 80118. Hot Rods in the Park Car Show is open to all make and model year cars and trucks. It offers a beautiful setting in the Larkspur Community Park.
AUGUST 21ST
Tunes for Trails Free Concert: Linger - Tribute to The Cranberries
Amphitheater at Philip S. Miller Park - 1375 W. Plum Creek Parkway Castle Rock, CO 80109 | 6:30 PM
Celebrate the summer season with live music, and participate in a good cause with the Tunes for Trails / Perks for Parks free concert series. Gates open at 5:30 p.m. The concert will begin at 6:30 p.m. Pack a picnic and enjoy some time with the family before the show. Food and alcohol will also be available for purchase.
AUGUST 22ND
Vino in the Village
The Village Shops at Castle Pines 880 W Happy Canyon Rd Castle Pines, CO 80108 | 5:30 PM
The Castle Pines Chamber’s signature event in partnership with Dodd’s Wine Vault. This elegant evening features over 75 exceptional wines and spirits to sample as you stroll through the Village. Enjoy delicious small bites from some of our area’s best local restaurants while sipping and savoring with friends. Known for its upscale atmosphere and unforgettable experience.
AUGUST 23RD
Touch-A-Truck 2025
Douglas County Fairgrounds - 500 Fairgrounds Drive Castle Rock, CO 80104 | 9:00 AM
Castle Rock Police Department invites you to sit in the driver's seat and explore the many vehicles that serve our community. Not only will you have an opportunity to climb inside and take pictures of the various trucks, their operators will be on hand to answer questions and teach you how they work.
AUGUST 23RD
Summer Ball and Kids Concert; Welcome to the Jungle
Amphitheater at Philip S. Miller Park - 1375 W. Plum Creek Parkway Castle Rock, CO 80109 | 6:00 PM
Welcome to the jungle! Get ready for the 2025 Summer Ball, an evening featuring live music from The Man Cubs, games and activities, photo ops and high-energy fun. Food and drinks will be available for purchase from local food trucks. Pack your sense of adventure, and make memories with your family!
Peach Sparkling Lemonade
The Best Way to Enjoy Palisade Peaches
Feeling bubbly? Try this refreshing, adult lemonade spiked with Jim Beam Peach Bourbon. Add a pop of color by garnishing with a sprig of rosemary and convince your friends that you’re basically a professional bartender.
INGREDIENTS
• 1 ½ ounces Jim Beam Peach Bourbon
• 3 ounces lemonade
• Splash of soda
• Peach wedge
• Sprig of rosemary
Combine peach bourbon and lemonade in a glass over ice and stir. Top with a splash of soda and garnish with a peach wedge and sprig of rosemary.
The Village at Castle Pines
Castle Pines Village HOA
Castle Rock Realty Report
A SAMPLE OF RECENTLY SOLD PROPERTIES IN CASTLE ROCK
Bell Mountain Ranch/ Advance HOA Management
The Village at Castle Pines
Keene Ranch
Keene Ranch Homeowner's Association
Brookwood HOA
The Village at Castle Pines
Castle Pines HOA
MSI LLC
MSI LLC
Cohere
Regency at Montaine Community Association Inc.
Keene Ranch
The Meadows Community Association
The Villages at Castle Pines
Diamond Ridge Estates
Castlewood Ranch
Meadows Community Assn
Meadows Neighborhood Company
The Meadows Neighborhood Company
Crystal Valley Ranch Master Association
Terrain at Castle Oaks
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