Koi, Kids, and Cameras: A Heartfelt Summer in Durango
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A Joyful August
I hope this letter finds you in good health and high spirits. As the summer heat begins to soften and the rivers slowly recede, we approach what feels like our seasonal exhale—a quiet moment between the rush of July and the turn toward fall. It’s the perfect time to celebrate two of life’s most joyful (and occasionally chaotic) companions: kids and pets
For some, children are our greatest investment. For others, they are our legacy. And for many, they represent the hope and promise of the future—our best chance at leaving the world a little better than we found it. In this issue, we spotlight a local golf camp that’s doing more than teaching swings and putts; it’s instilling life lessons that will shape Durango youth for years to come.
And of course—who could forget our pets? Here in Durango, we love our dogs. You’ll find a heartwarming story featuring human’s best friend, along with a look into an unexpected wellness trend: salt therapy for animals Yes, it’s a thing—and our four-legged companions deserve all the care we can offer. We’ll also explore the peaceful art of creating backyard koi ponds, with tips from a local expert raising Colorado-adapted, extra-large goldfish.
Here’s to the laughter of children and the loyalty of animals—two of life’s purest joys. We hope this issue brings a little of both into your home.
BRANDEN (BRANDY) MURRAY, PUBLISHER
August 2025
PUBLISHER
Branden (Brandy) Murray branden.murray@citylifestyle.com
PUBLICATION DIRECTOR
Denise Leslie | denise.leslie@citylifestyle.com
EDITOR
James Leonard | james.leonard@citylifestyle.com
CONTRIBUTING WRITERS
Rachel Rosenthal | rachel.rosenthal@citylifestyle.com
Jennifer Mason | jennifer.mason@citylifestyle.com
Denise Leslie | denise.leslie@citylifestyle.com
A.C.E. Ridenour | a.ridenour12@gmail.com
James Leonard | james.leonard@citylifestyle.com
CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS
Andy Wingerd, Kelly Miranda, First Tee Four Corners staff, Nichole Ramey
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 Andi Foster
QUALITY CONTROL SPECIALIST Hannah Leimkuhler
Learn how to start your own publication at citylifestyle.com/franchise.
Design for Elevated Living.
city scene
WHERE NEIGHBORS CAN SEE AND BE SEEN
1: Concert Hall @ The Park in Buckley Park kicks off family fun with Nosotros! 2: Durango PlayFest sponsor, Sadie; playwrights Lucy Wright, William Missouri Downs, Andrea Aptecker & Ian August 3: Local First member, Urban Market, officially reopens its doors! 4: The Bookcase & Barber celebrates someone’s end of their 20s era - congrats! 5: Bayfield Farmers Market attendees enjoy some tunes with musician, Devin Scott. 6: Durango Chamber’s Girls Gone Golfing with bold hats, bright energy, mini horses, costumes and beer! 7: Local First’s Indy Award winner Claire Attkisson with Sustainable Goods and team!
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DENISE LESLIE
COURTESY OF DURANGO PLAYFEST
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TRUE BLUE LANDSCAPE & DESIGN
Durango’s Trusted Landscaping Experts for Over 25 Years
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ARTICLE BY A.C.E. RIDENOUR | PHOTOGRAPHY BY ANDY WINGERD
PONDERING LIFE’S BIGGER QUESTIONS WITH FISH CONNECTION’S BRUCE LONGWELL
PONDERING LIFE
Bruce Longwell, owner of The Fish Connection, surrounded by the lush aquatic plants
Picture living outside during the coldest of Durango winters. Now, picture living underwater, beneath a sheet of ice and two feet of fresh powder. Believe it or not, hundreds do it every year. They aren’t humans, of course. Many of them are outdoor goldfish.
From ground-breaking a new pond to dropping the first fish, Bruce practices a strictly natural approach. The goal with a backyard pond project, in his mind, is to mimic the natural flow of water to promote oxygen circulation, aesthetic beauty, and environmental longevity.
“THERE’S ALWAYS A BIGGER FISH OUT THERE, AND IT’S GOING AFTER YOU.”
Owner of Durango’s Fish Connection, Bruce Longwell, ponders his place in nature through the creation of accessible and attainable outdoor ponds. “People think that nature is a place of peace. Nature is not a place of peace. Evolution is a very, very harsh thing. It’s merciless. It’s survival of the fittest.”
Nevertheless, the experts at Fish Connection know a thing or two about helping fish survive—and thrive—in even the most intense of Mountain Time Zone climates. As with any project, there are common mistakes. Some are so common that Bruce once put a sign on the front of the store that read: “Ponds and Waterfalls—done right the first time.”
That particular sign is no longer there, but his experience and knowledge remain.
His biggest tip for new pond owners is simply to use high quality components. Using cheap plastic liners, for example—then leaving them exposed— causes them to break down. “People just don’t realize how fast plastic actually does break down with UV lighting.” Animals can also poke holes in liners, causing leaks. “You always want to make sure that 100% of your liners are covered up with rocks.”
Everything in nature has a niche, and for Bruce and Fish Connection, that began with all things outdoor gardens, ponds, and waterfalls. While the store’s huge selection has evolved to include exotic indoor varieties, they are still well-stocked with beautiful pond goldfish. In Bruce’s words: “We’ve got the reds. And then we’ve got the Sarasa,
which is red and white. And we’ve got the shubunkin, which is the calico. And real nice specimens of all of those.”
They also stock aquatic plants like water hyacinth, floaters, lilies, and shallow water marginals. Pond materials for construction, such as large custom vases or basalt columns, can also be ordered upon request.
One key factor is that you want the ponds to last. As Bruce notes, “there are some beautiful ponds in the valley. Ponds with nothing less than one, two, threeton rocks. It just looks like it’s been there forever, you know?”
Another principle of permaculture: use as little as possible and enjoy as much as possible. Even with limited space, a wellput-together pond can utilize less water than a yard. So, by adding a water feature, you are actually saving water.
In other words, not every pond needs to look like Shaquille O’Neal’s brand new $500,000 backyard pond marvel, where he recently purchased and placed the world’s largest golden Koi (named “Charles Barkley,” as opposed to the suggested “Shakoi O’Neal”). In fact, Koi are difficult to manage in Colorado due to low oxygen levels at the bottom of ponds during winter months. As Bruce’s dad would say, “that fish is one heartbeat away from a bad investment.”
“EVOLUTION
IS A VERY, VERY HARSH THING.”
For that reason, Bruce recommends the heartier alternative: pond goldfish. They don’t get as big as Koi and can usually withstand the coldest of Colorado winters.
All that said, despite the harshness of nature, Bruce is not afraid of being reincarnated into a goldfish—although he does admit he’d rather not be reincarnated as an animal at all.
One reason for his preference may be the high variety of predators seeking fresh sushi (Bruce included). “There’s always a bigger mouth, man. There’s always a bigger fish out there, and it’s going after you.” Racoons, cranes, herons, and snakes are primary concerns.
But to pond-lovers, the risk is worth it. Align with nature, and you’ll learn you are a part of nature—as opposed to apart from nature. Try to fight nature, and you won’t win.
Bruce Longwell invites Durango to visit Fish Connection for the best in fish resources and free advice. Outdoor ponds are only the beginning. Fish Connection also supplies a huge variety of exotic fish and indoor tank elements. However, to align with nature, this season is the time to break ground on a new outdoor pond. #PondLife
SCAN TO JOIN
This Is No Ordinary Dust
History, Science Reveal Equine Halotherapy Is Hot to Trot, Not Hot Air for Horse Health
This is no ordinary dust. It suspends time. It imparts invincibility. It redefines flavors and, for margaritas, it is pure magic crowning the rim of a glass.
Salt, a natural mineral compound, plays a profound role in human life. Our cells need it to function. Our recipes need it to transcend bland. Ancient economies used it as money; Roman soldiers earned “salt money” or salarium agentum , which we now call a salary.
At the Salt of the Earth Ranch in Hesperus, Colorado, salt provides a host of wellness benefits for horses. Known as halotherapy, salt therapy involves the inhalation of micro-sized salt particles. Horses can sniff the salt through a nozzle mask or hang out in an enclosed room where the salt is dispersed into the air. The benefits are both surprising and broad.
“It will kill bacteria. It opens the airways and drains the sinuses,” explains ranch owner and founder, Chelsea Kiter. She continues, noting, “It increases energy. It increases hydration. It’s overall really great holistic therapy. There’s no side-effects. It’s drug-free. It’s non-invasive. You could do it every day.”
That salt kills or repels microorganisms is the same reason why ancient civilizations used it to make both immortal mummies and deliciously preserved pickles. And the American Lung Association and National Institutes of Health confirm that as purposeful therapy applied since the mid-1800s, salt therapy has promoted beneficial outcomes in
ARTICLE BY JENNIFER MASON PHOTOGRAPHY BY ANDY WINGERD
the human respiratory system. From discharging mucus to blocking allergens, halotherapy has been shown to relieve symptoms of bronchitis, asthma, and other diseases.
Kiter discovered equine salt therapy when a beloved horse developed heaves, or the equivalent of asthma.
“I grew up with the horses,” Kiter says. “My mom’s been working with horses for forty years.”
Raised in a holistic household, Kiter erred on the side of all-natural, alternative treatments for her horses. “Steroids and the drugs were just going to cause underlying problems and side-effects,” she recounts. “I wanted to give him something I could do every day and not worry about it.”
After a lot of searching, Kiter found a halotherapist at Florida racetrack who shared his knowledge of gear and technique so that she could treat her horse. “I saw amazing results right away so I continued to do it.”
A horse’s lungs move almost 60 liters of air every minute. Unfortunately, horses may not always enjoy the best air quality dwelling in dusty stables or barns. While running races, rounding barrels, or hauling gear out on trails, horses wind up inhaling lots of irritants.
Salt therapy combats the inevitable respiratory inflammation they develop, as well as a host of skin conditions. It is broadly endorsed by track officials, veterinarians, trainers, and equine centers of health and safety.
Newly launched in 2024, Salt of the Earth Ranch is both wellness retreat and bed & breakfast, with luxurious accommodations for people while horses enjoy verdant “layover” paddocks plus halotherapy treatments to help them prepare for or recover from an event, or simply better acclimate to the high elevation. Locals can also bring their horses to the ranch for a quick treatment, or Kiter can bring the equipment to them. She’s also retrofitting a trailer to serve as a salt “cave” she can bring to rodeos where two or three horses can simultaneously relax, munch hay, and bask in salty air currents.
As far as Kiter is concerned, a horse is no ordinary animal. As she puts it, “There’s definitely a soul connection there with a horse. They can feel your heartbeat from several feet away.” Seems only natural they benefit from no ordinary dust.
STAND OUT WITH STUNNING HEADSHOTS & BRANDING PHOTOGRAPHY!
Elevate your brand with professional headshots and marketing images that make a lasting impression. Whether you’re an entrepreneur, small business, or creative professional, Kelly Miranda Photography will capture your brand with polished, eye-catching photography. We offer both on-location and studio photography! IMAGE IS EVERYTHING
GOLF, GROWTH, AND GRIT
LEARNING LIFE LESSONS ONE SWING AT A TIME
ARTICLE BY JAMES LEONARD
PHOTOGRAPHY BY FIRST TEE FOUR CORNERS STAFF
At First Tee golf camps, participants learn more than just patience and respect for the game of golf — they learn the values needed to play the game of life, explains Tina Pacheco, executive director of First Tee–Four Corners.
Founded over 20 years ago, First Tee offers golf camps and programs for youth and community members across the Four Corners region. With local programs hosted at Durango’s Hillcrest Golf Course, First Tee uses an evidence-based curriculum developed by coaches, educators, and child psychologists — one that blends the mechanics of golf with the fundamentals of character.
At the heart of that curriculum are First Tee’s nine core values, seamlessly woven into every lesson. Principles like respect, integrity, honesty, and perseverance don’t just show up in play — they show up in the way kids carry themselves on and off the course. With some students receiving scholarships, First Tee turns no one away and takes pride in working with diverse populations. Among those served are youth with special needs, children from domestic violence shelters, and veterans living with PTSD. Veterans, in particular, find peace and camaraderie on the green, aided by adaptive equipment that helps them reengage with the game regardless of physical ability.
Simply observing these camps, it becomes strikingly clear how powerful mentorship and consistency can be in a young person’s life, Tina Explains “For some of these kids, it’s the first time they’ve ever been able to call someone ‘coach.’”
The instruction is as varied as the individuals they serve, but the core philosophy remains the same. Offering programs for kids ages 7 to 17, First Tee builds its lessons gradually, reinforcing core values while increasing the complexity of both the game and the life skills being taught.
Equally important, First Tee coaches cultivate a “safe to fail” environment — a space where students can take risks, fall short, and still walk away with self-respect and emotional resilience.
“For some of these kids, it’s the first time they’ve ever been able to call someone ‘coach.’”
And when long-term students graduate from high school, they’re eligible to apply for college scholarships — not because of their golf scores, but because of the character they’ve built along the way.
If you’re interested in getting involved, donating, or enrolling a young person in the program, visit firstteefourcorners.org.
—TINA PACHECO
From Film to Family
Kelly Miranda MacNiven on Finding Her Calling and Freezing Time One Portrait at a Time
Sometimes, we inherit our passions from those who raised us. Other times, we chase meaning to the far corners of the earth. And occasionally, we stumble into purpose when we least expect it. That’s exactly how photographer Kelly Miranda MacNiven discovered her calling.
Kelly first discovered photography by chance. While living with her husband in Durango, she was searching under the bed for something—when she came across his old film camera, gathering dust. Intrigued, she began experimenting, capturing everyday moments of pets, nature, and life unfolding around her.
In 2008, Kelly and her husband, Casey, moved to Austin, TX, to pursue music. After playing in a band and waiting tables, Kelly realized she wanted something more. She enrolled in the photography program at Austin Community College, where she learned not only how to take professional-quality photos but also how to build and run a business. In 2012, she graduated with a degree in photographic technology with a focus on people and portraits.
Kelly started out photographing weddings, abstract art, and live events, but when she gave birth to her son that same year, her focus shifted. She and Casey returned to her hometown of Durango to be closer to family. As a new mother, Kelly naturally gravitated toward photographing newborns and intimate family moments. Her own experience of motherhood helped her recognize the profound value of documenting these fleeting memories.
Over the past decade, Kelly has worked in a variety of studio spaces in Durango. Today, she has a 2,400-square-foot studio in BODO Park, where she focuses on maternity and newborn photography, as well as headshots, branding sessions, and visual content for local businesses. The studio features curated wardrobes, backdrops, and props that help create expressive, unique imagery.
Kelly’s personal connection with clients— many of whom are also new parents—allows her to capture authentic, deeply personal moments. She blends gentle guidance with creative flair, helping families relax and let their genuine emotions shine through.
“
“My
photography is a blend of guided poses and a photojournalistic approach that captures organic moments and emotions.”
SENIOR PETS: CHERISHING THE Golden Years
HONORING THE GOLDEN YEARS OF OUR BELOVED COMPANIONS
ARTICLE BY NICHOLE R. RAMEY, DVM | PHOTOGRAPHY COURTESY OF NICHOLE RAMEY
Ponderosa Pet Vet Service Team
Caring for an aging pet is one of the most beautiful—and sometimes bittersweet— experiences a person can have. It’s characterized by slower walks, longer cuddles, pill bottles on the counter, and the warm, trusting eyes of a beloved companion who has grown older by your side.
Senior pet care often involves adjusting to a new routine. It might mean installing a ramp by the bed, placing potty pads, trimming nails more (or less) often, or learning to cherish a toothless smile. A client once told me, “It’s more pills and vet bills now… but he’s our special little guy.” That’s the kind of love that defines this chapter—unconditional, patient, and deeply rooted in shared memories.
These golden years require a bit more attention and effort. Some pets are lumpy and bumpy, while others move slowly or sleep all day. Some struggle with vision or hearing loss or pace around the house at night, unsure of where they are. It can be challenging, yes—but also tender and meaningful. It’s a time when many pet parents say they’ve learned the most about love.
I once had a cat named Goldie who, after I left for college, adopted my mom as her new person. I’ll never forget the moment I came home and saw the way she looked at my mother—like she believed we’d both just grown old together. That moment reminded me that even as their bodies change, our pets stay loyal to the love we’ve shared.
Super senior, Tarzan laser treatments and supplements kept this gentle giant happy!
Meka is 17 this year.
In veterinary medicine, we typically refer to dogs as “seniors” around age eight and cats around ten, but this varies based on breed, size, and individual health. A small Chihuahua might be lively at 12, while a Great Dane can show signs of aging at five. We also consider hamsters elderly at 18 months, and tortoises don’t reach their senior years until well into their 60s.
Regardless of age, what matters most is quality of life. Many senior pets slow down, lose muscle tone, or struggle with arthritis. Some become anxious or disoriented. Others surprise us by staying active and engaged long after we thought they’d passed their prime. I’ve seen “young-at-heart” seniors who keep up with puppies at the dog park!
One of the best gifts we can give aging pets is creative support. If your dog doesn’t hear well anymore, no worries—thunder doesn’t scare them now. If your cat can’t leap onto the counter, she might enjoy a soft perch by the window with a bit of help from pet stairs. A hike might be too much, but a sniff around the trailhead still brings joy.
dog new tricks. Positive reinforcement training is beneficial at any age.
As a member of the International Association for Animal Hospice & Palliative Care, I’ve seen firsthand how caring support, open conversations, and veterinary tools can make the aging process easier. From laser therapy and supplements to in-home visits and gentle medications, we offer a range of options to enhance comfort and well-being.
Senior pet care isn’t just about managing decline—it’s about honoring a life well-lived and finding beauty in the present.
Enrichment is more important than ever. Puzzle toys, scent games, short “sniff-aris,” and slow-motion fetch keep minds sharp and joints healthy. And yes, despite the old saying, you can teach an old
And when the time comes to say goodbye, it’s different for every family. We offer a “Quality of Life Scale” at PonderosaPet.com to help guide pet parents through the process. These moments require grace—not judgment—and space to trust your instincts and the bond you’ve shared. Talk to your pet. Talk to your people. Talk to me.
A colleague once told me, “Leaving this world isn’t the opposite of living—it’s the opposite of arriving.” I carry that thought with me.
Senior pet care isn’t just about managing decline— it’s about honoring a life well-lived and finding beauty in the present.
Ponderosa Pet Mobile Vet offers loving in-home care and support to comfort and honor your senior pet’s golden years. Reach out to us today!
Celebrating 31 years of showcasing fine arts and crafts by makers from across the country, the Durango Autumn Arts Festival takes place amidst the vibrant fall colors on quaint East Second Avenue in historic downtown Durango, Colorado.
Organized as a fundraiser by the Durango Arts Center—the region’s premier non-profit visual and performing arts organization —the festival is ranked among the top in the country, attracting an estimated 8,000 visitors annually. Artists and craftspeople consistently praise the event for its excellent organization, warm hospitality, and steady, friendly crowds.
New this year: Young Artists - Huge Impact - 10 booths featuring young artists making their debut in the art festival world.