





There’s something quietly powerful about the way children and pets move through the world.
They don’t rush. They don’t overthink. They don’t measure worth by productivity or appearances. Instead, they remind us—daily, and often without words—of the things that truly matter: presence, connection, curiosity, joy.
In a culture that can often feel hurried and distracted, they ground us. They pull us away from screens and to the floor for play. They nudge us toward the sunshine, the backyard, the present moment. They ask us to listen more, to laugh often, to look—really look—at the world around us.
Maybe that’s why their impact is so profound. Children and animals don’t just fill our homes with noise and fur and snack crumbs—they fill them with purpose. They help us zoom out and see the bigger picture: that life is made not of milestones, but of moments. That growth isn’t always linear. That love, more than anything, is a verb.
As we dedicate this issue to the kids and pets who bring so much light into our lives, we also celebrate the caregivers, parents, pet lovers, teachers, coaches, and community members who nurture that light and care for them every single day.
Here, in our little corner of the world, we’re surrounded by reminders of what matters most—whether it’s a toddler chasing bubbles at Fairgrounds Park or a golden retriever with their head out the window, tail wagging down 4th Street.
Let this season be one of slowing down, soaking it all in, and maybe even seeing the world through their eyes. There’s wonder all around us—they remind us that we just need to notice. DESIREE
GUSTAFSON, PUBLISHER
PUBLISHER
Desiree Gustafson | desiree.gustafson@citylifestyle.com
PUBLICATION DIRECTOR
Shen Wu Tan | shenwu.tan@citylifestyle.com
CONTRIBUTING WRITERS
Jessica Pominville, Adriana Karagozian, Shen Wu Tan
CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS
Monica Jean Photography, Four Seasons Veterinary Specialists staff, Wild Bliss Photography
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 Amanda Schilling
QUALITY CONTROL SPECIALIST Brandy Thomas
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We proudly support the youth of our community with a variety of programs and services.
• Scholarships worth up to $2,000 for high school seniors
• Go to the Washington, D.C. Youth tour
• Attend the youth leadership summer camp
• Grant funding for classroom STEAM projects
• Free electrical safety demonstrations
• Internships, job shadows & future employment
1: Club Loveland at Orchards member Christine Pachuda placed 2nd in her age group in the Colorado Triathlon. 2: NoCo Shop Hop at Wild Oats Sewing Company 3: Kinston Centerra hosted a model home tour. 4: 477 Distilling celebrated its 7th anniversary with community members in Greeley. 5: NOCO Unify chatted with Diane Heldt of A Woman's Place about their work to combat domestic violence. 6-7: Poudre Valley REA hosted a bring your kids to work day event.
8: The Loveland Chamber of Commerce held a Business Before Hours event at Ent Credit Union. 9: The Loveland Chamber of Commerce held a Business Before Hours event at Ent Credit Union. 10-13: Community members attended the superhero-themed 71st Annual Berthoud Day celebration. 14: Cristina Walston Agency - American Family Insurance at the 71st Annual Berthoud Day celebration.
If your business is not getting the leads you want from your website, it might be a good time to have professionals take a look at it. Ouzel Creative is offering a free 30-minute website homepage review that will reveal gaps you don’t realize are hurting your sales. Book a date at OuzelCreative.Studio or email hello@ouzelcreative.studio and start turning browsers into buyers. - Katy Delehoy
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Sweet Heart Brands, one of the fastest-growing wine and cider companies in the United States, proudly announces the acquisition of Blue Mountain Vineyards’ remaining wine inventory, winemaking equipment, and two beloved Coloradogrown labels: Christie’s Blend and Harvest Gold. This acquisition strengthens Sweet Heart’s rapidly growing portfolio while reinforcing its commitment to excellence and innovation. - Sweet Heart Winery & Event Center
This year, Poudre Valley REA has awarded over $50,000 in continuing education scholarships to 29 local high school seniors. PVREA President and CEO Jeff Wadsworth stressed that it’s essential to support youth and teach them about the importance of cooperative membership. Not only does PVREA give back to its communities through scholarships, but also youth-focused initiatives, such as grants for STEAM projects, a youth leadership camp, student internships, and electrical safety demonstrations. Scan to read more Scan
The BluSky Salon Suites was welcomed into the local community with a ribbon cutting ceremony. The Johnstown business provides beauty entrepreneurs, from massage therapists to hairdressers to estheticians and more, with spaces and a high-end salon suite experience to grow their businesses in a luxurious and private setting. Renters also can personalize their suites, which are fully stocked with top-of-the-line equipment, with their own decor and furnishings. Scan to read more
ARTICLE BY JESSICA POMINVILLE, MARKETING & OUTREACH SPECIALIST, FOUR SEASONS VETERINARY SPECIALISTS
PHOTOGRAPHY BY FOUR SEASONS VETERINARY SPECIALISTS STAFF, WILD BLISS PHOTOGRAPHY
A Locally-Owned Specialty Hospital Providing Exceptional Pet Care in Northern Colorado
In Loveland and Northern Colorado, exceptional veterinary care is essential. Four Seasons Veterinary Specialists, a locally-owned and independent specialty hospital, is dedicated to providing advanced care. Our commitment stems from a strong connection to the Northern Colorado community and a pursuit of clinical excellence. This ensures beloved pets receive advanced medical treatments, personalized attention, and compassionate care. Unlike corporate veterinary models, independent specialty hospitals like Four Seasons Veterinary Specialists benefit from direct, hands-on leadership. Dr. Jen Lowry and Dr. Tara Britt are actively involved in both clinical practice and daily operations. This ensures personalized, prompt, and well-informed decisions, prioritizing individualized care, free from corporate mandates. Our active participation fosters empathy and meticulous attention, building stronger relationships within our veterinary community and extending to each specialized department. This structure fully supports our specialty veterinarians, empowering them to make the best decisions for their patients' health. Referring veterinarians benefit from direct communication with our specialists,
facilitating seamless collaboration and a unified approach to patient care. Choosing a locally-owned hospital like Four Seasons Veterinary Specialists directly benefits the Loveland and Northern Colorado community through local business support, job creation, and a genuine commitment to the well-being of our neighbors and their pets.
Building on our unwavering commitment to providing exceptional local care, let's explore the specialized departments that make Four Seasons Veterinary Specialists a comprehensive resource for advanced pet care:
Emergency & Critical Care (ER): The ER department is a vital lifeline for pets experiencing sudden illness or injury, offering
immediate medical attention during critical situations. Staffed by highly experienced emergency veterinarians and technicians, this department provides round-the-clock care for a wide range of conditions, from trauma and toxicities to complex cardiac and respiratory emergencies. Our facility is fully equipped with an onsite laboratory, digital radiography, ultrasound, C-Arm Fluoroscope and 64-slice CT imaging, advanced surgical suites, oxygen cages, and an intensive care unit (ICU).
Surgery: Our Surgery department offers a full spectrum of advanced surgical procedures. This includes complex orthopedic surgeries for bone and joint issues, as well as soft tissue surgeries
“Our commitment stems from a strong connection to the Northern Colorado community and a pursuit of clinical excellence. This ensures beloved pets receive advanced medical treatments, personalized attention, and compassionate care.”
for tumors, organ conditions, and emergency interventions. Our experienced and compassionate surgical team is proudly led by three board-certified surgeons: Dr. Molly Boegeman, Dr. Jen Kuzminsky, and Dr. Tara Britt. Complementing their expertise are our highly skilled, credentialed technicians—experts in anesthesia, pain management, and advanced patient care. Together, this dedicated team brings decades of collective knowledge and expertise to every procedure, ensuring the highest standards.
Internal Medicine: The Internal Medicine department at Four Seasons combines cutting-edge diagnostics with compassionate, personalized care to support pets facing both acute and chronic
health challenges. We are committed to guiding you and your pets every step of the way, with a strong focus on compassion, education, and open communication. Our experienced team, led by Dr. Caroline Aldridge, Dr. Megan Kelley, and Dr. Kelly McCord, specializes in diagnosing and treating a wide range of conditions, including diseases affecting the endocrine system, gastrointestinal tract, immune system, and infectious diseases, as well as liver, kidney, urinary, and bone marrow conditions. We also offer nutritional management and are dedicated to providing fear-free care, ensuring every visit is safe and comfortable for both you and your pet.
Oncology: The Oncology team is led by board-certified specialists Dr. Erica Faulhaber and Dr. Emily Janik, who are deeply committed to providing compassionate, personalized cancer care for pets. They work closely with their skilled oncology technicians, who are highly trained in administering chemotherapy, meticulously monitoring patient comfort, and providing unwavering support to families throughout their pet’s treatment journey. Four Seasons embraces an integrated approach to oncology, collaborating seamlessly with our internal medicine, surgery, radiology, and emergency teams to ensure comprehensive and effective care. Whether your pet requires advanced diagnostics, surgical intervention, or long-term cancer management, our dedicated team provides expert guidance and steadfast support.
Radiology: The Radiology department provides precise diagnostic imaging, crucial for accurate diagnoses and effective treatment plans for your pet. Our board-certified veterinary radiologists, led by Dr. Jennifer Lowry, bring decades of expertise to every imaging study. Along with our skilled and experienced technical team, we prioritize creating a gentle, calm environment for your pet during all imaging procedures.
Cardiology (Joining Fall 2025): We are excited to announce that our upcoming Cardiology department will focus on the specialized diagnosis and treatment of heart conditions in pets. This department will offer sophisticated cardiac diagnostics, such as echocardiograms, electrocardiograms (ECGs), and Holter monitoring, allowing for precise identification of heart murmurs, arrhythmias, and other cardiovascular diseases. Our cardiologist will develop tailored treatment plans, including medication and lifestyle recommendations, to effectively manage chronic heart conditions and significantly improve the quality of life for pets with cardiac issues.
Anesthesiology (Joining Fall 2025): Our new anesthesiologist will provide specialized anesthetic care for surgical and diagnostic procedures performed at our facility. She will be a great addition to the already seasoned anesthesia technician staff. Her specialized expertise will provide peace of mind, minimizing risks and ensuring optimal patient comfort, especially for pets with pre-existing health conditions.
Four Seasons Veterinary Specialists offers compassionate, integrated care from a dedicated team, fostering trust and seamless communication across specialties. Our commitment to hands-on leadership, clinical excellence, community investment, and tailored patient care provides Northern Colorado pet owners and referring veterinarians with a distinct and invaluable local option, setting us apart from other specialty vet practices in the area. Excellence in care, with love for our community.
There’s so much more to Maggie Livingston than exemplifying the beauty and resolve it takes to serve as the 2025 Larimer County Fair & PRCA Rodeo Queen.
Outside of her rodeo queen responsibilities, Maggie is pursuing a degree in agricultural education at Colorado State University (CSU). She also works at the Eaton Area Community Center, interns with the CSU extension team, and tends to her family’s animals, including her beloved horses, Wally and Bella.
“It’s wonderful to come back to this property and to come back to my animals and just kind of decompress,” Maggie shares. “Honestly, some of the chores we do here is the most therapeutic thing you could do. I’m so incredibly blessed.”
In addition to Wally and Bella, the family’s property has a few other animal residents: two pigs, a handful of chickens, a rooster, a trio of ducks, a pair of cats, and a couple of dogs.
Maggie takes turns with her younger brother, Landen, to care for the animals, usually trading off with him in the evenings to feed the pigs. Each day, she’s out on the property, carrying out her chores and riding her horses – and doing everything in her power to advocate for agriculture, both on a personal level and as rodeo queen.
Passion for agriculture, love of animals serve as driving forces for Maggie Livingston
ARTICLE BY SHEN WU TAN | PHOTOGRAPHY BY MONICA JEAN PHOTOGRAPHY
“My time has been beautifully challenging,” Maggie says about serving as the 2025 rodeo queen. “It’s honestly been an experience unlike anything I’ve ever had before. It’s been a mix of keeping this beautiful persona and this glamorous appearance with the grit and the grace that it kind of takes to be a rodeo queen. I’ve learned a lot about myself and about my horses and about the rodeo industry and about how to be a spokesperson for not just my rodeo, but for the industry.”
While balancing her rodeo queen duties, along with everything else, she also handled an unexpected difficult situation with her long-standing show horse, Wally. Toward the end of her reign as rodeo queen, Maggie actually had to switch from Wally to her new horse, Bella, to finish off the season.
Wally, her 4-H horse she’s had for nearly 10 years, was diagnosed with Cushing’s disease, a progressive disorder of the pituitary gland, in early June and placed on “bedrest” for weeks to help him recover.
Bella, a 6-year-old mare, took over as Maggie’s horse for the remainder of the 2025 rodeo season.
“She’s amazing,” Maggie says. “She takes such good care of me.”
Maggie and her family purchased Bella from a cow operation in Nebraska. Wally originally came from a family in Grand Junction with two teenage boys who were looking to buy a newer horse.
Although a tad broken-hearted that she had to replace Wally as her rodeo horse, Maggie is truly grateful to have Bella and her steady confidence and readiness.
With Wally, Maggie realizes that she might never be able to show him again in an intensive way. Yet, her ultimate hope for him is to live a comfortable, fulfilling life.
“My goal for him is to be able to move without pain, to be out in our arena and pasture and to run and to kick and to not be held back by that pain,” Maggie comments.
“I’m really, really blessed to have two wonderful horses,” she adds. “I know that everything happens for a reason. And that even through this hardship, I know that I can push on and continue on and that I just need to accept the blessing of the fact that I needed this to connect with Bella for a bigger reason.”
And as Maggie prepares to step down as rodeo queen in August, she hopes her successor continues to follow the passions that got her involved in the industry in the first place.
“Something that I’ve really spoken on and really learned about these last two years is finding your strength, finding things that you like to do that make you feel strong, not just things you think you’re good at or that people expect you to do,” Maggie urges. “Choose what makes you feel strong.”
There is a place where healing lives. Its walls do not echo pain. They absorb it.
Its rooms are not silent with sorrow. They speak in soft voices, in crayons and sand trays, in trust slowly built between tears.
ChildSafe does not rush healing. Instead, time is wrapped in patience. Therapy stretches over months, sometimes years. But what makes this place special isn't just the clinical care. It's the people—the therapists, the staff, the invisible scaffolding of love beneath every effort.
“KNOWING THAT YOU HAVE THE SUPPORT OF ALL OF YOUR COWORKERS, KNOWING THAT IF YOU HAD A REALLY ROUGH DAY OR A ROUGH CLIENT OR SOMETHING LIKE THAT, YOU CAN GO TO ANYBODY IN THE OFFICE.”
This is ChildSafe. This is where stories long buried are gently lifted into the light.
Nestled in the embrace of Loveland, ChildSafe is a sanctuary for the wounded, a place where the most fragile truths are not only believed—but held, honored, and healed.
"We are a nonprofit that provides therapy and support for victims of child abuse, primarily child sexual abuse," says Kathleen Baumgardner, executive director of ChildSafe.
ChildSafe helps children of all ages, and even adults, and is committed to providing safe, responsive treatment, education, and recovery without prejudice or discrimination in order to respect the personal dignity and worth of each individual.
The number of victims ChildSafe helps is sobering. These victims are not just statistics, they are small faces. They are trembling hands, wide eyes, broken beginnings—and yet, every one of them steps into this space with a chance to begin again.
“Knowing that you have the support of all of your coworkers, knowing that if you had a really rough day or a difficult session, you can go to anybody in the office,” Kristin Mjelde, a clinical therapist and assistant clinical director of ChildSafe’s Loveland office, reflects.
The work is sacred, and it is heavy. Sometimes, it pulls at the hearts of those who serve. But in this place of healing, no one holds the weight alone.
“Another thing that ChildSafe does so well is self care, making sure that we are taking care of ourselves so we can continue to support our clients,” Kristin adds. “There are a lot of opportunities for us as an agency to support and connect with each other outside of just the difficult work.”
That care spills into every interaction—with children, with parents, with each other. At ChildSafe, wellness is not a luxury. It is a necessity. It is modeled as much as it is offered, and it makes all the difference.
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“We’re human beings with all the same emotions as everybody else, and acknowledging that and owning that is the biggest thing that we can do,” Kristin shares.
Therapists here do not wear armor. They do not pretend that pain is something separate from them. Instead, they walk beside it with humility and grace.
"We believe in meeting our clients where they're at,” Kristin says. “That is why ChildSafe offers a wide range of services, including individual, group, and family therapy, EMDR and neurofeedback, play, art, sand tray, and animal-assisted therapy, to name a few.”
The honesty of this place is disarming. The love is quiet, but fierce. And beyond the individual sessions, ChildSafe builds circles of healing.
“ChildSafe offers a lot of opportunities for connection outside of individual therapy,” Kristin explains. “We also offer group therapy, which includes our moms group. This is a group of moms, whose kids have been abused by the mom's partner. They come together and help each other through this lived experience. That is one of the most awesome examples of support I've ever seen.”
In those circles, shame loses its grip. Connection replaces silence. And families find their feet again.
“We also offer parenting classes where we train and support parents around trauma and its effect on kiddos,” Kristin proudly shares. “Another huge thing that ChildSafe does is connect clients with community resources. We have relationships with many agencies and organizations, and we step into that advocacy role for our clients, helping get them set up with the outside resources or support that they need.”
“WE’RE HUMAN BEINGS WITH ALL THE SAME EMOTIONS AS EVERYBODY ELSE, AND ACKNOWLEDGING THAT AND OWNING THAT IS THE BIGGEST THING THAT WE CAN DO.”
Healing does not happen in isolation. It requires resources, community support, and people who show up. People who stay.
And in this sanctuary, access is not determined by wealth.
“We offer a sliding fee scale, and we make services financially accessible for all,” Kathleen says. “We write grants, we accept donations, and we host fundraising events to ensure that children, individuals, and families get the help they need in order to live the happy and fulfilling lives they want and deserve.”
Here, no one is turned away.
And in this place—this brave, warm, tender place—help is given freely and lovingly.
ChildSafe is actually more than its rooms and walls.
It is a promise.
A promise that pain can be softened. That silence can be broken.
That healing—real, lasting healing—is not only possible, but waiting.
If you want to donate, get involved with fundraising events or volunteering, or find that you need support, please reach out to ChildSafe. There is always an ear that will listen. Learn more at childsafecolorado.org
AUGUST 1ST
Rialto Theater, 228 E. 4th St., Loveland, CO 80537 | 7:00 PM
Come celebrate the 30th anniversary of the 1995 “Clueless” movie at the Rialto Theater as part of the Flashback Friday event series! Movie tickets cost $5. “This coming-of-age teen comedy about a ditzy but well-meaning Beverley Hills high school student still feels fresh and makes us laugh.” - Rialto Theater
AUGUST 2ND, 9TH, 16TH, 23RD, AND 30TH
Foundry Plaza, Downtown Loveland | 8:00 AM
Join us every Saturday until August 30th at 8:00 AM and 9:00 AM for free outdoor fitness classes in downtown Loveland! Downtown studio, Resilient Soul Yoga, will be teaching a Yoga Flow class at 8:00 AM and Gentle Yoga at 9:00 AM. No registration is required for yoga classes. Bring your own mat, towel, and water bottle. - Downtown Loveland
AUGUST 3RD, 4TH, AND 5TH
Blue FCU Arena, 5290 Arena Cir., Loveland, CO 80538 | 7:00 PM
The 2025 Larimer County Fair PRCA Rodeo, presented by Pedersen Toyota, will make its return to the Blue Arena on August 3 - 5. Get ready for the action as the rodeo kicks off at 7:00 PM each night, starting Sunday, August 3rd. This three-day event will be an experience you won’t want to miss! - Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association (PRCA)
AUGUST 8TH
Symphony on the Plaza
Foundry Plaza, Downtown Loveland | 6:00 PM
This is a very special event in downtown Loveland. Join us at The Foundry Plaza for an evening of classical music, featuring The Loveland Orchestra. - Visit Loveland
AUGUST 9TH - 10TH
Benson Sculpture Garden, 1125 W. 29th St., Loveland, CO 80538 | 9:30 AM
Sculpture in the Park is the largest outdoor juried show and sale in the United States. The Sculpture in the Park Show is open to the public on Saturday, August 9th from 9:30 AM to 5:00 PM and Sunday, August 10th from 9:30 AM to 4:30 PM. This year, general admission tickets can be purchased online. - Sculpture in the Park
AUGUST 15TH
Discovery Air Aviation at NOCO Regional Airport, 5017 Lindbergh Dr., Loveland, CO 80538 | 6:00 PM
This is NOCO Unify’s premier fundraiser where our lucky raffle winners will be whisked away by private plane to Palm Springs, CA! The event is a memorable evening for winners and all attendees, featuring a live auction, silent auction, live music from The Spazmatics, food and drink galore, dancing, and a tremendous party vibe. Don't miss this event that raises much needed funds for our NOCO youth. - Northern Colorado Unify
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AUGUST 15TH
Public Star Night
Little Thompson Observatory, 850 Spartan Ave., Berthoud, CO 80513 | 7:00 PM
Stop by the Little Thompson Observatory for its monthly Public Star Night event! With a mission to teach others about astronomy, staff at the observatory want to help people of all ages learn about the universe and experience the wonders of the night sky!
AUGUST 16TH
Morning Goat Yoga
6402 Union Creek Dr., Loveland, CO 80538 | 10:00 AM
Start your day with movement, mindfulness, and a few unexpected cuddles at Morning Goat Yoga! Join us at 10:00 AM for a refreshing yoga session surrounded by cheerful, curious goats that love to interact as you stretch, flow, and breathe in the fresh morning air. This joyful blend of gentle exercise and playful animal encounters creates the perfect setting to reset, recharge, and smile your way through the morning. - Centerra
AUGUST 16TH
2366 E. 1st St., Suite #266, Loveland, CO 80537 | 10:00 AM
Join us for a Back-to-School "Give Back" Day at ChildSafe’s new Loveland campus! Help us support local children and families by donating needed toys, art supplies, books, toiletries, or gift cards. Full supply lists will be posted. Your generosity helps survivors of trauma start a new chapter with confidence and care. Stop by, drop off, and make a difference! Together, we can turn giving into healing.
AUGUST 25TH
Berthoud Chamber, 428 Mountain Ave., Berthoud, CO 80513 | 2:00 PM
Join us for Momentum—a summer think tank series of monthly sessions that bring nonprofit leaders, change makers, and community advocates into thoughtful conversation about the challenges nonprofits currently face, the forces that are shaping the nonprofit landscape, and the opportunities for nonprofit impact in the future. Session III will close the series by considering the longer range work of nonprofits and the implications for nonprofit planning and future impact. - Berthoud Chamber
AUGUST 28TH
Better Business Bureau, 8020 S. County Road 5, Unit 100, Fort Collins, CO 80528 | 11:30 AM
In this Lunch & Learn, you will learn how to nail your marketing so your business can grow. We'll walk through a 7-part framework to learn exactly how to talk about your products or services in a way that captures your customers’ attention and compels them to buy. The event is free to attend and lunch is provided, but please RSVP to attend at hello@ouzelcreative.studio. - Katy Delehoy
AUGUST 30TH
Loveland Sour Invitational
desk chair workspace, 201 E. 4th St., Loveland, CO 80537 | 1:00 PM
Get ready for our annual Sour Beer festival in downtown Loveland! We have two exciting ticket options available for you to choose from: VIP ticket ($55/person) and general admission ticket ($40/person). Both ticket options include entry, a Sour Fest branded commemorative glassware, and unlimited 2 oz pours with over 15 breweries to choose from. This is an event you won't want to miss. - desk chair workspace
A McWhinney Community
Let’s keep making room for the good stuff. All things artful, delicious and wild. Let’s mix it up. With more workplaces and green spaces. Local food and native plants. Homes and trails. Town and nature. Let’s use our legs. Let’s walk to the park and bike to lunch. Let’s run some errands … literally.
And let’s create a shared vision for our community. For an even more prosperous, livable, loveable Loveland.