Roaring Fork, CO August 2020

AUGUST 2020

Wags and Whiskers

CityLifestyle.com/RoaringFork

CELEBRATING THE SENIOR CATS OF C.A.R.E.

PREVENTING CANINE HEAT STROKE

REFLECTIONS ON THE HUMAN-ANIMAL BOND

We are here for you.

Roaring Fork Lifestyle continues to be a leader bringing positive stories from our community and encouraging you to support our local businesses by buying locally. Even in times that are challenging for all of us, we chose to move forward with value for our Readers and Business Partners placing your message in the homes throughout our valley.

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Roaring Fork Lifestyle | August 2020

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Fairplay

LIFESTYLE LETTER

AUGUST 2020 PUBLISHER

Rick French | rfrench@lifestylepubs.com EDITOR

Caitlin Causey | caitlin.causey@lifestylepubs.com

A Tale of Two Love Stories “SO HOW DID YOU GUYS MEET?” This has got to be one of the most fun questions that my husband and I receive. We get it nearly every time we attend a gather-

CONTRIBUTING WRITERS

Caitlin Causey, Finn Collier, Genevieve Joelle Villamizar, Tracey Yajko CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS

Keira Clark, Genevieve Joelle Villamizar

ing of new acquaintances, and honestly, we love to tell our story.

“Her dog found me,” my husband will reply. When the Huh? expression draws across the asker’s face, I step in to explain.

And it goes something like this: In 2009, I adopted a lovable one-eyed basset hound and named her Clementine. Two weeks later, I got a voicemail one afternoon from some guy who said she had wandered into his yard (and pranced into his house like she owned it, rolling on the couch). I left work and went straight there to pick her up.

About three years later, that guy and I got married.

The rascally basset hound who discovered an opening in my backyard fence that day altered my future forever. My kids exist because of this dog. Nowadays we like to joke about Clem’s orneriness, but seriously: I am filled with bottomless gratitude

CORPORATE TEAM CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER Steven Schowengerdt CHIEF SALES OFFICER Matthew Perry CHIEF FINANCIAL OFFICER DeLand Shore ART DIRECTOR Sara Minor

that she led me to the rest of my life. She sniffed out a good one for me.

OPERATIONS DIRECTOR Janeane Thompson

This issue of Roaring Fork Lifestyle is dedicated to all the pets who make our lives

REGIONAL SALES DIRECTOR Eric Williams

AD MANAGER Chad Jensen

richer and more fulfilling. The human-animal bond is, like life in general, both mysti-

WEB APPLICATIONS Michael O’Connell

cal and mundane; the humor lies in never really knowing which moments are which until much later on. After all, who could have guessed in 2009 that my escape-artist hound would become my matchmaker? Not I. Oh Clem, I love you old girl. Let’s see where life takes us next.

ARIZONA | CALIFORNIA | COLORADO | CONNECTICUT | FLORIDA | GEORGIA IDAHO | ILLINOIS | KANSAS | MARYLAND | MASSACHUSETTS | MICHIGAN MINNESOTA | MISSOURI | MONTANA | NEVADA | NEW JERSEY | NEW YORK NORTH CAROLINA | OHIO | OKLAHOMA | OREGON | PENNSYLVANIA

Caitlin Causey, Editor

ON THE COVER 15-year-old senior cat Tangerine, adopted from Colorado Animal Rescue in 2018 and now enjoying her golden years in her forever home.

PHOTOGRAPHY BY KEIRA CLARK 4

Roaring Fork Lifestyle | August 2020

SOUTH CAROLINA | TENNESSEE | TEXAS | VIRGINIA | WASHINGTON

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Proverbs 3:5-6 Roaring Fork Lifestyle™ is published monthly by Lifestyle Publications LLC. It is distributed via the US Postal Service to some of the Roaring Fork areas’ most affluent neighborhoods.

Articles and advertisements do not necessarily reflect Lifestyle Publications’ opinions.

No portion of this magazine may be reproduced in any form without written consent.

Lifestyle Publications does not assume responsibility for statements made by advertisers or editorial contributors. Information in Roaring Fork Lifestyle™ is gathered from sources considered to be reliable, but the accuracy of all information cannot be guaranteed.

INSIDE THE ISSUE AUGUST 2020

FEATURES 08 The Heat is On Carbondale Animal Hospital’s Dr. Ben Mackin Says an Ounce of Prevention is Worth a Pound of Cure When it Comes to Canine Heat Stroke

12 Better with Age Adult Cats Often Wait Longer Than Other Pets to be Adopted from Shelters.

Here’s Why They Deserve to Shine

20 A Golden Life Learning from a Master

12

26 Simple Grace Honoring the Spiritual Bond Between Seniors and Pets in Our Community

08

20 DEPARTMENTS 4

Lifestyle Letter

8

Healthy Lifestyle

12

Giving Back

20 Animal Kingdom 26 Inspired By 30 DIY

26

34 Parting Thoughts

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CityLifestyle.com/RoaringFork

7

HEALTHY LIFESTYLE

DON’T LET THE DOG DAYS OF SUMMER RUIN YOUR PUP’S FUN. CARBONDALE ANIMAL HOSPITAL’S DR. BEN MACKIN SAYS AN OUNCE OF PREVENTION IS WORTH A POUND OF CURE WHEN IT COMES TO CANINE HEAT STROKE

T H E H E AT I S O N INTERVIEW CAITLIN CAUSEY

ROARING FORK LIFESTYLE: WHAT IS HEAT STROKE,

dogs and people who are visiting our area and going out-

AND HOW DOES IT MANIFEST IN A DOG’S BODY?

doors, because they don’t register the risk here at altitude.

Dr. Ben: “The basic gist is that as the body becomes

It’s just so dry in many places and a lot of trails don’t have

overheated, the body will move blood away from the core

great water sources. It’s always good advice to help your

so that the organs don’t overheat. Organs start shutting

out-of-town visitors understand the risks.”

down; the dog can go into acute kidney failure and/ or acute liver failure. Then sometimes you begin to see

WHAT ARE THE KEY SIGNS TO WATCH FOR?

manifestations of skin death and necrosis, and in the worst

Dr. Ben: “Unfortunately the signs are subtle and deceiv-

cases it turns into multi-system failure and death. It’s a

ing at first because they’re exactly what you’d expect after

horrible condition and wildly difficult to treat, but it’s not

exercising your dog: he’s totally exhausted, panting, and

uncommon. It can all happen really quickly, taking over the

thirsty. But as things progress, the dog might collapse and

body within an hour or more, so it’s really important for

not be able to move. If you were to check his rectal tem-

owners to focus on prevention more than anything.”

perature you’d find it’s massively elevated. (Normal temperature for a dog should be 100.0 to 101.9.) Or the dog

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WHAT SITUATIONS COMMONLY CAUSE

might begin drinking water excessively. The progression

THE CONDITION?

to a life-threatening situation can be rapid depending on

Dr. Ben: “Generally what happens is that people don’t

the level of exposure. Sadly, by the time some owners

have this condition on their radar, and they’ll head out to

notice something is really wrong, it might be too late at

hike in the middle of the day when it’s just too hot for some

that point. So again it’s crucial to always plan your out-

dogs. Leaving a dog in the car is another classic mistake,

door activities with prevention in mind. You will want to

but heat stroke can also happen in a back yard with no

do everything you can to make sure your dog never even

shade or access to enough water. It also happens with

reaches this point.”

Roaring Fork Lifestyle | August 2020

ARE CERTAIN DOGS MORE SUSCEPTIBLE THAN OTHERS? Dr. Ben: “Yes, most commonly this is going to show up in large breed dogs, those with thicker fur or long hair, and darker-colored dogs. Dogs with underlying health conditions like respiratory or heart issues are more at risk, or hormonal disease or arthritis that comes with old age. Panting is their way of releasing heat, so if a dog can’t keep up with the rising heat in its body and cool itself quickly enough, it can definitely be more prone to heat stroke.”

WHAT SHOULD AN OWNER DO IF THEIR DOG IS OVERHEATING? Dr. Ben: “If you’re even a little suspicious that something is wrong, call your vet and get in immediately. As a vet, I’d always rather have a false alarm—so don’t worry that you’re overreacting, because taking action quickly could save your dog’s life. If you’re concerned, it’s better to check. As you’re transporting your dog to the vet, offer water to drink and try to wet them down if you can. Turn up the air conditioner in the car. Do everything you can to cool them down while you’re on your way in. From there, we would start on IV fluids at high rates and assess how much damage has occurred.”

HOW CAN OWNERS PLAN OUTDOOR EXCURSIONS TO MINIMIZE HEAT STROKE RISK? Dr. Ben: “It’s mostly about knowing your pet: knowing the breed, and knowing the physical capabilities and limitations.

In general, plan your hikes for the cooler morning hours this time of year. If you’re out longer, make sure the trail you choose has mid-day shade with a consistent water source for drinking or wading. When it comes to camping trips, especially to the desert, plan to go during the shoulder months or have some way for your dog to cool down whenever it needs to. Don’t turn dogs into weekend warriors—they can’t tell you when they’re in trouble, so it’s up to you to look out for them.”

"IF YOU’RE EVEN A LITTLE SUSPICIOUS THAT SOMETHING IS WRONG, CALL YOUR VET AND GET IN IMMEDIATELY. AS A VET, I’D ALWAYS RATHER HAVE A FALSE ALARM."

Dr. Ben with his French bulldog, Groot.

CityLifestyle.com/RoaringFork

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Roaring Fork Lifestyle | August 2020

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11

GIVING BACK

better with age

Ophelia, 10 years old, adopted March 2020. After being surrendered to C.A.R.E. for medical concerns, Ophelia was given a urinary stress support diet and a consistent routine. Her new family is in love, and reports that she "always seems to be in a good mood!"

ADULT CATS OFTEN WAIT LONGER THAN OTHER PETS TO BE ADOPTED FROM SHELTERS. HERE’S WHY THEY DESERVE TO SHINE

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Roaring Fork Lifestyle | August 2020

DO YOU KNOW WHAT THE STATE PET OF

assumptions are correct. Aging is not a

COLORADO IS? As of August 2013, seven

sickness and, like with humans, just requires

years ago this month, senate bill 13-201 took

a little more attention to detail. Aging also

effect and proclaimed: “Dogs (Canis lupus

does not prevent a cat from developing new

familiaris) and cats (Felis catus) that are

bonds or habits. All cats have unique and

adopted from Colorado animal shelters and

individual personalities based on the care

rescues are hereby made and declared to be

and respect they are given.”

the state pets of the state of Colorado.”

Bottom line? Older cats have a lot of life,

Pretty cool, right?

and love, left to give. While your kitty will

But let’s be honest. Around here, our

likely never be found trekking Sopris with

adopted dogs usually receive far more atten-

you and your dog, it still possesses its own

tion than our adopted cats. Understandably,

special potential for meaningful companion-

this may be due to how well our companion

ship—at any age.

canids fit into our active lifestyles: they hike

C.A.R.E. defines an adult cat as any feline

with us, camp with us, romp in the hills and

over the age of one year, and a senior as one

rivers with us. Colorado was made for dogs;

over the age of seven. Still, Hickman notes,

they’re our adventure buddies, and indeed

“Cats don’t often see signs of aging until 10

we wouldn’t trade the world for them. But

and up. From there, it’s not uncommon for

many local rescue cat owners argue that it’s

cats to live well into their 20s.”

high time for mountain pups to share some

In 2019, the shelter took in a total of 386

of the spotlight with their feline counterparts,

cats (of which 150 were kittens less than a

especially considering the distressing fact

year old) and as of press time in 2020, has

that on average, older adult and senior cats

taken in 170 cats (including 53 kittens and

spend far more time in local shelters waiting

15 seniors). Older cats come to C.A.R.E. for

for adopters to take them home.

a variety of reasons, Hickman says, such

“This is mainly due to common misconceptions about older cats, which include

as owner housing problems, allergies, and financial difficulty.

assuming the cat is old and therefore sick,

“Sometimes, senior cats also have senior

assuming it will pass away soon and they

owners. When the owner’s health starts

don’t want to get attached, and/or assuming

declining, they have to make the heart-

a cat might be ‘set in its ways’ or unfriendly,”

breaking decision to bring their cat to us,”

says Colleen Hickman, the feline specialist

Hickman adds. Through no fault of their

at Colorado Animal Rescue (C.A.R.E.) in

own, these older cats must be rehomed with

Glenwood Springs. “The reality, however,

a new family. Although this means a signif-

is that more often than not, none of those

icant change for the animal, Hickman says CONTINUED >

ARTICLE CAITLIN CAUSEY

CityLifestyle.com/RoaringFork

13

GIVING BACK (CONTINUED) that they “are often some of the happiest and most social cats, often becoming our adoptable ‘front office cat,’ where they can roam freely, enjoy lap time with staff, and greet visitors while they await their forever home.”

And just like every C.A.R.E. animal no matter the species, these older cats are folded into the staff’s routine enrichment schedule and offered personalized medical care such as

“SENIOR CATS MAKE AMAZING PETS BECAUSE THEY ARE READY TO RETIRE WITH YOU—THEY TEND TO BE MORE RELAXED AND READY TO JUST SNUGGLE OR LOOK OUT THE WINDOW ALL DAY.”

prescription diets, dentals, medication, or other treatments.

Once each cat is medically and behaviorally evaluated and cleared for adoption, the waiting begins. When will that special person walk through the door and decide they can’t live without a certain cat? It depends.

Many healthy, social senior cats have waited a year or more to be adopted. Kittens, on the other hand, might have multiple adopters vying to take them home as soon as they’re old enough to leave the shelter. Kittens are delightful, and while Hickman stresses that every pet owner should always be able to choose which feline is the right fit for their family, she says that older cats do offer many attractive benefits over youthful ones.

“Kittens require constant care,” she says.

“Kittens are very high energy, and they require learning, socialization, and a watchful eye. From kitten-proofing your home to litter box training, cleaning up after them, and their own set of medical concerns, kittens are a serious commitment. The reality is, some people just don’t have the time to manage all of that so having an older cat that’s ready to fit into your existing routine can be much more ideal.”

And, she adds, “Senior cats make amazing pets because they are ready to retire with you—they tend to be more relaxed and ready to just snuggle or look out the window all day. They don’t require babysitting like a younger cat or kitten would!”

If the softer charm and easygoing nature of a senior sweetie sounds appealing to you, check out profiles of the shelter’s adorable adoptables at ColoradoAnimalRescue.org.

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Roaring Fork Lifestyle | August 2020

Muffin, 11 years old, adopted September 2019. Muffin's owner had to relinquish her to C.A.R.E. due to a move abroad. After spending a few months as the office cat, she now happily resides with a new owner who adores her sassy personality.

Tangerine, 15 years old, adopted June 2018.

Transferred in from another shelter, Tangerine needed a complete tooth removal upon arrival at C.A.R.E. She was placed in foster care, where she soon became a foster "fail."

Her adoring new owner says, "Adopting her was the best choice of my life."

Charlie Brown, 17 years old, adopted December 2019. Surrendered to the shelter by his original owner who was sadly facing her own medical problems, Charlie Brown's new owners say that "He loves to cuddle with us and our two large dogs. He is talkative, active and full of spunk."

Gage, 14 years old, adopted July 2019. Gage was transferred to C.A.R.E. from an overcrowded shelter in Houston. His new family says that he is "exceedingly affectionate" and gets along swimmingly with everyone at home, people and other pets alike.

CONTINUED >

CityLifestyle.com/RoaringFork

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GIVING BACK (CONTINUED) ENGAGE AND PLAY Whether you just adopted a new cat or you’ve owned one for years, planning a steady schedule of enrichment activities and interactive play for your furry pals can help keep them happier and healthier as they age. As C.A.R.E.’s feline specialist, Colleen Hickman is a pro when it comes to making sure the shelter cats are mentally and physically stimulated while they wait for homes.

“Enrichment happens by initiating any of the five senses of the cat,” she says. “Keep in mind that interactive playtime is separate from enrichment.

The combination of these two help create a fulfilling life for your cat.”

Hickman adds, “Always supervise your cat when giving enrichment activities, toys, and food to make sure they are safe for your cat. Most of all, have fun with these ideas!”

Enrichment activities to incorporate into your cat’s daily routine: + Taste - cat grass, cat gardens, catnip, treats + Smell - catnip, kongs, treat puzzles + Touch - scratchers, boxes, paper bags, solo toys, carpet squares + Sound - low energy music, reading, podcasts/ audio books, tv, talking + Sight - pinwheels, foil balls, bubbles, a view from a window to see the outdoors Interactive Play Guidelines: Cats need a minimum of two 15-minute daily interactive play sessions that mimic hunting real prey. Prey types include: + Ground Prey - Try a mouse toy at the end of a string on a stick, played with by mimicking the movement of a mouse on the floor. + Air Prey - Use a bird/feather toy at the end of a string or stick, played with by waving around in the air. + Insect Prey - Try a cat dancer toy on wire, played with by wiggling around on the floor and in the air.

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Roaring Fork Lifestyle | August 2020

Colleen Hickman with 10-year-old Tinkerbelle, who found her forever home in February 2020.

FALLin Glenwood CLASSES Springs CLASSES FOR YOUR DEGREE This fall, we offer online and in-person classes, plus some that will have small group meetings with options to join remotely. View the complete class schedule at www.ColoradoMtn.edu/classes.

COLLEGE CREDIT FOR HIGH SCHOOL STUDENTS Start out ahead when you go to college! Our Concurrent Enrollment Program (CEPA) provides opportunities for students to earn transferable college credits in CMC classes while using those same credits to apply toward their high school diploma.

CONTINUING EDUCATION CLASSES Art, sign language, fitness, wellness and many personal interest classes are planned for the fall, with meetings online or in small groups off-site.

We add classes often. For complete details, visit www.ColoradoMtn.edu/ community-education.

CHART YOUR FUTURE We’re here to help. College counselors are available for you to discuss your educational and career goals. Financial aid specialists and other staff can assist you. Call the Glenwood Center Front Desk for more details.

Glenwood Center / 1402 Blake Avenue / 970-945-7486 CityLifestyle.com/RoaringFork

17

ANIMAL KINGDOM

a golden life LEARNING FROM A MASTER

ARTICLE AND PHOTOGRAPHY GENEVIEVE JOELLE VILLAMIZAR

MY MOTHER HAD A GOLDEN RETRIEVER IN GRAD SCHOOL. Maybe that’s why I chose Scott. The relationship I observed between him and his Golden captured me. Bouldering after work at Horsetooth Reservoir, a miles-long scenic body of water in the first fold of Front Range foothills, Scott would prompt Bailey into climbing boulders, too. Pumped out, hot and dusty, we’d poach a swim in the evening light and throw sticks for “B-Kid,” who was indefatigable.

He’d launch over the water, every retrieve wrapped in that goofy Golden smile.

The sound of their truck crunching to a stop outside my bunkhouse tickled my heart. Apprenticing at Soldias Farm, “section road” country north of Fort Collins, was isolating. I’d grin at the sight of them from my Dutch door, my two “golden boys.”

Summer evenings, we’d chuck an Aerobie into the sunset, captured by the boughs of an ancient black pine. Bailey would climb its thick limbs, spiraling upward. Eyes on the Aerobie, he’d sidestep along the branch, gripping one above, and chomp the Aerobie in triumph.

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Roaring Fork Lifestyle | August 2020

The writer with daughter Juniper and Zoë.

I’d never shared a dog with a lover before. Our morning

Answering a pet ad in the paper, I was reassured

snuggle fests led me to nickname Bailey “Fluffy Love a

when I arrived at the breeder’s home: warm, welcom-

Kiss,” riffing off the Muppet, Mr. Snuffleupagus. We three

ing, with gables and a front porch. The puppies were

were a family.

enclosed in a sunny, clean laundry room. Six or seven

I watched the B-Man during Scott’s climbing trips. B

puppies rooted and nuzzled at Mama's belly. Daddy

ran the foothills with me, guard dog. He was gentle, lap-

stood over her, wagging his tail at us, looking at his

ping at the dinner morsels from my fingers. He slept with

family...and smiling like a Golden.

his head on my thigh as I read, sighing and groaning with contentment. We spooned sleeping.

When I left Scott, I lost Bailey too. Both hurt, but especially losing B-Man—the “purity” of us.

I was 29, single, and my biological clock was ticking. I moved to Durango, into wilder mountains. Supervising a landscape project at an enclave near Molas Pass, I saved all season, preparing for a 30th birthday road trip: I would quit my job, move into my truck camper, climb until elk season, fish until the snow fell, and then climb all winter in Thailand.

And then, September 11.

Planes

stopped

flying.

The

economy

His coat was a shorter, lustrous red-gold, his head sleek and angular with expressive eyes and ears.

And that smile! Tail and chest proud, erect , he drew attention and affection wherever we went.

crashed.

Unemployment shot to five percent. So I climbed, hunted,

Two weeks later I returned for Zoë Luzienne. “Zoë”

and fished the Rockies from New Mexico to the Wyoming-

for the daughter Scott and I never had, and “Luzienne”

Montana border. But by November I was exhausted,

for the chapter of life engendering my Golden. I will

lonely. Haunted. And over my “adventure.” I hadn’t planned

never forget the stew of emotion I felt, driving off, tak-

well—I had no re-entry plan to a post-9/11 world.

ing one sentient Being from another. Zoë whimpered

I wanted my sister. I wanted the comforts and anonym-

in his crate; guilt enflamed me. But oh, my God! I had

ity of her very different Louisiana culture. I wanted a lot.

my own dog! No one could ever take him away. I finally

Including a dog. A bird dog. I limped across the South in

had my own family.

my F150, tail between my legs.

CONTINUED >

CityLifestyle.com/RoaringFork

21

ANIMAL KINGDOM (CONTINUED) Unemployed, I devoted my full attention to training Zoë in Louisiana. He was my little buddy and I owed it to him. A well trained dog would listen, stay healthy, be safe, and be appreciated.

At six months, we headed back to Colorado, where his training increased. Zoë grew lean, well-muscled, and lanky. His coat was a shorter, lustrous red-gold, his head sleek and angular with expressive eyes and ears. And that smile! Tail and chest proud, erect, he drew attention and affection wherever we went. Bonded to me, Zoë was always at heel. He didn’t pull at a leash, jump up, beg, bark, pick fights, or destroy things.

Those first years together, I was a land manager in the foothills.

My days were mine. We walked every morning, often scouting the State Trust Lands just beyond an irrigation canal defining our boundary. As I restored and enhanced the acreage, Zoë would swim, chasing after his bubbles, and return to me, flopping down, exhausted. We were inseparable.

Zoë became my fishing buddy, patiently nosing at scent molecules along the banks. When he sensed me ready to relinquish a hole, he would look at me with excitement, waiting: “Go ahead!

Go get it, Zoë!” He’d slip into the pool, red fur floating, back legs pumping through the deep, chasing his own bubbles down the current. Bliss.

Tick, tock went the bio-clock. I longed to be a mother, the mother I never had. The landowner and I had fallen in love. We spoke of dreams, starting a family. Noting a disconnect between dreams and action, I set my Plan B in motion: I encouraged him to get a Golden Retriever. Zoë and I trained both him and his new pup. Once they were bonded, Zoë and I moved on, to a funky little mountain town that I had chosen for its watershed: Carbondale.

Answering some epigenetic call, I then traveled to the landscapes of Northern Mongolia in pursuit of the elusive “river wolf” fish, hucho taimen. My guide and I fell in love. He moved west to create a life with me and my bird dog. We fished together, hunted grouse in the high country and pheasant out on the plains. I had “Fluffy Love a Kiss” mornings again. When I gave birth to our daughter Juniper, though, the relationship failed. When she and I moved out, Zoë became the man of my house and helped me raise a little girl.

Every job I’d had, I accepted on condition that Zoë was with me, be it in the office or in the field. He ran alongside Juniper in her Chariot, as we biked to preschool. He protected me on trail runs and guarded the house. He was my “man.” I watched the years accumulate in his white face mask, in the shorter runs, in his worn out frame.

In those twilight years, Zoë became Master, imbuing compassion. How to bequeath dignity, peace, and contentment to a slowly dying Being? On our last walk at the dog park, Zoë stopped, unable to continue. We sat in the April sun, sharing silence, Sopris, bird song. I carried Zoë the last half, like a puppy again, his head on my shoulder, trusting me.

To this day, Zoë is “still” at my side, and a very real presence in Juniper’s daily life, through the stories we still share. Like this one.

22

Roaring Fork Lifestyle | August 2020

The writer notes, "Central to our family, ZoĂŤ's exuberance, explorations, and even his senescence enriched us wholly."

CityLifestyle.com/RoaringFork

23

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Roaring Fork Lifestyle | August 2020

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INSPIRED BY

simple grace

HONORING THE SPIRITUAL BOND BETWEEN SENIORS AND PETS IN OUR COMMUNITY

I AM NOT CERTAIN WHEN I BEGAN TO PAY ATTENTION TO, AND, IN TURN, ENJOY THE COMPANY OF SENIORS. I was young. My mother’s parents were older. Her father, my “Granpy,” passed at 100 years old on Christmas Day in a veteran’s hospital in Massachusetts. He fought in WWI. Maybe it was the history, the stories, the simple wisdom, the depth of character—that has always compelled me to lean in, listen, and learn from our cherished elders.

ARTICLE TRACEY YAJKO 26

Roaring Fork Lifestyle | August 2020

After working professionally with dogs and

The writer (right) visits with Glenwood Springs resident Sally Lippman and puppy Rocco.

then studying the human-animal connection in my postgraduate coursework, I began to recognize the beautiful and genuine bond that exists in a very special way between seniors and their pets. I have witnessed amazing wonders working with this group. For me, my most celebrated observation is that when we enter into a relationship with an animal, our understanding of life is enriched. Animals awaken in us the desire to love and to respond. They awaken a childlike kinship that many of us felt so inherently when we were young.

The simple grace of watching an elderly friend interact with their cat, dog, or other pet offers the opportunity to see life at its very best. When I have spent time at two of Glenwood’s senior communities, Grace Healthcare and Renew, with my therapy dog Annie, I would see utter joy wash over the faces of so many. Everyone has an animal story that they want to share! One of the women I visit almost daily tells me over and over again, “Tracey, all I wish is to go before my fur baby, Emma. She is my everything.”

The deep, spiritual relationship that develops between seniors and their pets becomes one of the most vital parts in maintaining joy and companionship for this sometimes very lonely and confused age group in society.

With animals, we seem to be able to move

a beneficial bond:

beyond basic human restraints: insecurity,

Dogs and cats live very much in the present. They don’t worry

resentment, sadness. It is as if we can learn

about tomorrow, which can be a very scary concept for an older

together about the importance of letting go,

person. An animal embodies that sense of here and now, and it

about forgiveness, and perhaps about enjoy-

tends to rub off on us—which is a gift for people in any life stage,

ing a different kind of freedom. During our

but especially for seniors.

golden and wise years, maybe it is embracing these pet relationships that becomes the

Seniors who own pets may experience:

light we need to move forward and embrace all of life’s wonderful mysteries.

Lowered blood pressure

Tracey Yajko is a Roaring Fork Valley native

Reduced chance of depression and loneliness

with a passion for animal welfare who worked as Canine Behavior and Training Manager at

Living in the present moment

Colorado Animal Rescue for over a decade.

With her Master of Social Work with an

Increased mobility and independence

emphasis on the human-animal bond from the University of Denver, Tracey continues

Lessened anxiety and pain

to help pets and their humans live together harmoniously through community classes and private training.

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DIY

DOGS WILL GO NUTS FOR THESE QUICK + EASY SNACKS

TREAT YOUR PET MAN’S BEST FRIEND DESERVES MAN’S BEST FOOD. Dogs will go nuts for these quick and easy peanut butter and oat treats.

With just a few ingredients and a little bit of time, you’ll be well on your way to getting your dog to do anything you ask. And, if you get hungry, you can even sneak one for yourself—just don’t let your pup see!

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Roaring Fork Lifestyle | August 2020

+

IMPORTANT Be sure the peanut butter you use does not contain xylitol—the artificial sweetener can be fatal to dogs.

Peanut Butter + Oats INGREDIENTS + 1 cup old-fashioned oats + 1/2 cup flour + 1/4 cup creamy peanut butter + 1 egg

INSTRUCTIONS 1. Preheat your oven to 300 F. 2. In a large mixing bowl, mix together oats, flour, peanut butter and egg until combined.

3. Roll your dough out on a flat surface to about 1/2-inch thickness.

4. Cut out your dog’s favorite shapes with cookie cutters.

5. Place your treats onto a baking sheet and bake for 15 minutes.

Makes about 36 1-inch diameter treats.

CONTINUED >

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31

DIY (CONTINUED)

BARK IT UP

If your dog doesn’t settle for plain, kick these treats up a notch by incorporating some of these dog-safe fruits and vegetables: + BANANAS—In moderation, bananas are great treats for dogs. Just beware of the sugar content—they shouldn’t be part of your dog’s regular diet. + BLUEBERRIES—Blueberries are a superfood full of antioxidants and fiber. Try these as a substitute to training treats. + CARROTS—Carrots are a great low-calorie snack high in beta-carotene and fiber. Chomping on them is also great for your dog’s chompers. + GREEN BEANS—Full of fiber and low in calories, plain green beans are great prepared any way! + WATERMELON—Filled with vitamins and potassium, this summer treat is sure to be your pup’s new favorite. For those dog days of summer, watermelon is a great way to keep your dog hydrated! Just be sure to remove the rind and seeds.

Learn more about safe food for your four-legged friends at AKC.org.

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PARTING THOUGHTS

Pet Etiquette for Kids

SIX TIPS FOR HELPING YOUR LITTLE ONES LEARN TO SAFELY ENGAGE WITH ANIMALS

the basics

#1

1.

A l w a y s a s k .

One of the simplest rules that parents can teach children from a very young age is to

#2

always ask a pet owner for permission to interact. Encourage kids to keep a safe distance from animals they don't know.

2.

Ta l k a b o u t p e r s o n a l i t i e s .

It's important for kids to learn that every dog/ cat/bunny/bird/hamster is an individual with its own likes and dislikes. Help little ones

#3

understand that just because the cat at home enjoys belly rubs, doesn't mean that all cats enjoy them.

#4

3.

R e s p e c t b o u n d a r i e s .

During encounters with others' pets outdoors, try to make interactions short and sweet in an effort to show respect for both the owner and the dog. It's also much easier to keep short experiences consistently positive.

4.

#5

Tr y t h e ' o n e f i n g e r ' t r i c k .

If your toddler is having a tough time learning to be gentle with animals, instruct them to start touching the family pet with one finger. This can satisfy their curiosity while limiting the potential for harm.

#6

5.

Te a c h b o d y l a n g u a g e .

Older kids are especially capable of recognizing the physical signs of a pet that wants to be left alone. Help children learn what it means when a cat puffs its tail, when a dog shies away, etc.

ARTICLE FINN COLLIER

6.

G e t k i d s i n v o l v e d .

Children who take part in the daily care of family pets can better understand how to appropriately interact with them. Keep a checklist with items such as refilling the water bowl, brushing or bathing, giving treats, and other simple tasks for kids to complete.

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Roaring Fork Lifestyle | August 2020

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