PetsEDITION
More v isits w it h t hem .
Fewer w it h u s .
When you walk through our doors, our mission is simple: to help you achieve your health goals. With thousands of dedicated and compassionate providers and suppor t st aff, Banner Health is here for you Whether it’s playing with your grandkids or running a 5K , we’ll get you back to what matters most . Because for all of us, today is another Banner day.
Editor’sNote
As we step into this season of giving, gratitude and gatherings, let’s not forget about the abundant source of love and comfort in our furry companions. They greet us after long days, serve as our adventure buddies, and offer a kind of joy that goes without words. As the days grow colder, this edition is dedicated to the animals who bring unconditional warmth to our lives.
As seen in our Beyond Pets article, we’re reminded of how various animals can be supportive to mental and physical well-being, from goat yoga to horse therapy However, don’t rush to put a shiny red ribbon atop one of them without reading our So You’re Thinking About Getting a Pet! We also advise aspiring pet owners to read our Food section as experts weigh in on kibble trends
For current pet parents, check out our Holiday Hosting Prep+Pet Guide, just in time for all the seasonal travel, gifts and get-togethers Make sure your pet is well-exercised and equally entertained through the holidays with opportunities in Outings Worth the Wag You’ll also want to see the resources available for that dreaded future care in our Senior PET Corner.
Lastly, it wouldn’t be the Pets Edition without stories and initiatives to warm the heart. Sandi shares tales of her family’s life with many pets. Our Nonprofit features a few organizations working hard to care for furry friends. Start making your plans to contribute with upcoming events found at the NOCO Cat Cafe and more in our calendar.
Remember, sometimes gratitude can be as simple as a wagging tail or a quiet purr curled up at our feet.
With Love and Fur, Jody Carlile (Editor) and Luca (Co-Editor)
Publisher
Jill Stravolemos, jill@greeleytribune.com
Editor Jody Carlile
Graphic Designer Layne Petersen
Contributing Writers
Darien Armer, Miriam Fauzia, Sarah Fuhrey Huber, Rebecca Furuta, Sandi Squicquero, Matthew Van Deventer, Kristen M. White, Shelley Widhalm
Advertising Coordinator
Jeanine Fritz
Advertising Sales
Susan Giglio, Thais Hafer, Abbie Lance, Sara Luttes, Jeri Martinez, Desirea Martinez
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COVER STORY
Recent studies from the University of Colorado show that those who interact with animals — through therapeutic programs, service animals and play — experience improved physical and mental health.
NONPROFIT SPOTLIGHT
As we head into the holiday season, we’ve rounded up local area nonprofits that care for animals and ways you can contribute
SENIOR CORNER
Some elderly or ill pets need extra help with finding ways to be comfortable and have quality of life Dr James Dye is helping make that a reality.
TREAT YOURSELF TO WELLNESS
A life well lived is a life full of paws. Pets enrich our lives in more ways that we can count, but at the very least they aid our mental and physical health.
YOUR PET’S FOOD
Walk down any pet food aisle and you’ll quickly notice a growing trend: grain-free dog food Once a niche offering, these diets now make up nearly half of all dog food on the market.
PET ADOPTION
There is a lot to consider when bringing a new best friend into your family. Here are some tips to make an informed decision before making a commitment.
HOLIDAY PET PREP
We offer tips for hosting a holiday get-together, and for those with pets, ways to keep them calm and happy during a party, day trip or traveling.
OUTDOOR LIFE
Our pets’ lives are only as full as we make them, and one of the best expressions of love that we can give them is through acts of adventure, exercise, new places or play.
THE LANGUAGE OF PETS
A University of Texas at Arlington researcher is using AI to turn barks, howls and whimpers of man’s best friend into intelligible speech
UPCOMING EVENTS
Plan ahead for these autumn events happening across northern Colorado this time of year, from roller derby to arts markets
Pets PeBEYOND BEYO
BY SARAH FUHREY HUBER
ANIMALS FOR HUMAN WELL-BEING
esearch has proven true what animal lovers know: Time with a furry friend brings joy. In fact, recent studies from the University of Colorado show that those who interact with animals — through therapeutic programs, service animals and play — experience improved physical and mental health.
DOGS FOR JOY
“A dog doesn’t ask you anything It just wants your attention,” said Magdeline Hall, manager of public relations and communications at the nonprofit Caring Canines.
Serving northern Colorado, Caring Canines provides support to traumatized and at-risk students, seniors in care facilities and day program attendees with developmental disabilities, among others In schools,
a counselor sets a goal for a child to achieve through, in part, interaction with a trained dog and its Caring Canines volunteer handler.
“A bond is created with the dog, and there are a lot of teachable moments,”
Hall said A student with ADHD, for example, might spend time brushing the dog, learning self-soothing skills “Other students might practice commands,” she explained. “We practice doing the command and being patient.” While Caring Canines has nearly 100 volunteers, “there is always a waitlist and a need,” Hall said “Time with a dog can bring so much joy.”
Get a therapeutic laugh and an exercise with Barnyard Buddies Fainting Goat yoga Courtesy/Barnyard Buddies
Caring Canines provides support to traumatized and at-risk students through interaction with a trained dog Courtesy/Caring Canines
ATOP A HORSE: PEACE, LOVE AND NATURE
As with dogs, horses can inspire self-regulation and happiness. At Hearts & Horses, Inc., equine-assisted activities feature therapeutic riding for kids and adults, as well as classes in which people interact with horses on the ground. For those unable to walk, riding a horse mimics the gait of a human, providing core strength exercise alongside freedom of movement.
One of the most beloved offerings at Hearts & Horses is sensory classes for those with dementia. “We’ve had people who haven’t spoken in months to their caregivers, and then they are asking a horse to ’walk on,’ and they are engaged and singing,” said Kathryn Yuma, director of development and communications at Hearts & Horses, located in Loveland. Later, she said, when the senior riders see or smell their riding clothes, “they remember the horses and make connections to the people who care about them.”
Coloradans who simply want to enjoy time with horses often gravitate to a boarding facility, such as NOCO Equine in Windsor “The barn is a place where everyone can just go to breathe, get out of the chaos of life and being in town, schedules and take a moment to
get more in touch with who you are and with nature,” said Tracy Mask, NOCO Equine owner. As for horses, she said, “They’re going to love you because of the connection you have.”
Mask has seen many young people blossom in her riding class. “Some kids are afraid at first, so we take it really slow,” she said. “When they do achieve something— controlling a 1,000-pound animal, talking to a horse through body and movement—there’s a big sense of accomplishment They find their place on and with a horse.”
GOAT YOGA WITH HUGS
Others have discovered their Zen with yoga goats. At Barnyard Buddies Fainting Goats in Loveland, Kaitlin Mueller leads goat yoga, which involves baby goats meandering around the yoga space, hopping atop practitioners mid-pose for a hug and napping on mats “It’s a great way to connect with nature and brings in people who have never tried yoga before,” she said One of her clients attended a class because of the animals but also struggled to
stand up from a chair; within three classes, she was much more limber. Said Mueller, “She came for the goats and stayed for the yoga.”
ADA ANIMALS FOR LIFESAVING SUPPORT
Animals provide transformative well-being support for those with medical
disabilities. According to Emily Shuman, director of the Rocky Mountain ADA Center, dogs and miniature horses are the only two animals officially recognized by the American with Disabilities Act (ADA) as service animals ADA animals can serve as guide dogs, ground a person
with high anxiety or panic attacks, provide an alert to people with high or low blood sugar or seizures, retrieve items and help with self-care tasks. Shuman said, “Service animals should be considered more like a medical device than a pet. They are trained to provide critical and sometimes lifesaving services.”
This page top left and right: Antoinette and a young boy enjoying a moment at Hearts & Horses Courtesy/Hearts & Horses; to the left: people discovering their zen at Barnyard Buddies Fainting Goats.
Courtesy/Barnyard Buddies Fainting Goats; below: A tranquil sunset atop a horse at NOCO Equine Courtesy/NOCO Equine
It’s All For The
By Darian Armer
Paws! Pa
When it comes to giving back and getting involved this holiday season, don’t forget your furry friends. We’ve rounded up local area nonprofits that care for animals and ways you can contribute this season.
COLORADO KITTY COALITION – A FOSTER-BASED RESCUE IN NORTHERN COLORADO
The Colorado Kitty Coalition focuses on spay/neuter, vaccinations and socialization through a network of more than 100 foster homes. Many of the cats the group helps come from at-risk situations, including strays, overcrowded and highkill shelters.
“There are a lot of shelters that can’t do what we do and don’t have the same resources,” says Victoria Uglyar, secretary, director of marketing and shelter management for the Colorado Kitty Coalition. “We take a lot of cats set to be euthanized They deserve a chance to be treated. Many we take are behavioral cases. We send them to our fosters and see really good results.”
This year Uglyar says they are at about 700 adoptions already, compared to 850 last year. They have more than 100 fosters and 70 volunteers with shifts every day and transports every other month.
Colorado Kitty Coalition needs volunteers in various capacities and donations though. “We’re always looking for volunteers and donations. If you’re not ready to adopt or have another
Woof & Willow is an in-house rescue that utilizes foster homes and the community to save and rescue dogs
Courtesy/ Woof & Willow Co Puppy Rescue
The Colorado Kitty Coalition focuses on spay/ neuter, vaccinations and socialization through a network of more than 100 foster homes. Courtesy/Colorado Kitty Coalition
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cat, you can foster and help us save more cats The more fosters and volunteers we have the smoother things run and the more cats we can save,” says Uglyar.
She says they’re also always in need of cat food and litter boxes. “We’re always in need of cat food We just got 43 cats in, a lot of kittens. We always need donations to help repair or add things to the shelter itself We’re slowly running out of space.”
When the group started leasing the shelter space they didn’t expect the number of cats they would have in the shelter because of the large number of fosters they had Recently they have had 56 cats in the shelter and the rest in foster homes for a total of 170 cats.
The best way to get involved is to go to the website to see adoptable cats and how to become a volunteer and apply. “You’ll go through an orien-
tation so even if you have very little experience you can still volunteer It’s just the three of us and we run as much as we can, but anybody with any skills to help contribute and grow we will train them.”
For more information, visit cokittycoalition.com/volunteer
WOOF & WILLOW PUPPY RESCUE
At Woof & Willow Puppy Rescue, founder Dana Buglak’s mission is to “save the dogs that have never known love, the unwanted forgotten, abused, neglected — the ones that need us the most.”
Woof & Willow is an in-house
rescue that utilizes foster homes and the community to save and rescue dogs.
“Dog rescue is something I’ve always wanted to do my entire life really I was given the opportunity to do so about a year and a half ago,” says Buglak Buglak says she was inspired to start the rescue after taking in a pregnant dog who gave birth to seven puppies in her house 72 hours later “It was kind of like this crazy moment I felt like it was a sign. It took a few months and I had no idea really what I was doing, but it’s been awesome being able to connect with the community, save lives and see puppies and dogs go into families and complete homes.”
Originally, Buglak’s focus was to rescue puppies or pregnant dogs from high-kill shelters, but says that very quickly changed in the first few months She now takes in a lot of puppies from the streets from
Cameron Ivy NateScofield
Cambrilynn Ivy Tim Byrd
AmyMcCarty Christian Moyers Kyle Venable Jackson Smyth
Michael Stalder Jamison Will Pierce Patterson
Woof & Willow takes in a lot of puppies from the streets from places like South Texas, New Mexico, Oklahoma, California and Colorado. Here's owner Dana with dog Charlie. Courtesty/ Woof & Willow
places like South Texas, New Mexico, Oklahoma, California and Colorado. She also takes any on an euthanasia list and a lot of owner surrenders.
The biggest need for Woof and Willow is for fosters and donations for medical expenses “When you’re a foster for us we provide everything you need. Literally anything and everything After that would be donations for medical expenses Puppies from the street come in very sick and the bills add up.”
To get involved and learn more, including dates for local fundraising events, visit woofandwillowco.com.
SPA
4
PAWS SALON & 4 PAW PET PANTRY
4 Paws Pet Pantry started back in 2009 out of necessity Founder April Castillon saw a huge need in the community and decided to take action
“Thanks to the generosity of Poudre Pet & Feed and count-
community, the pantry has been able to thrive. The idea is simple: we take in donations and give them right back out to pet owners who need a little extra help.”
For the last 16 years they’ve
en working out a small 10✕10 ace, open five ys a week, n entirely by lunteers and e staff of Spa 4 ws, where the ntry is located. that time they ve distributmore than 15 llion pounds pet food — lping families ep their pets at me
“We know hard mes can fall on yone, and here, one is judged stances. The pantry is here to offer support and kindness, making sure pets stay with the people who love them most.”
Castillon says their biggest need right now is more space They’ve been actively searching
for a larger location so they can expand and offer even more services to the community.
“We also need help building a new website to make it easier for people to learn about what we do, get involved and donate We welcome monetary donations, food donations, and volunteers — especially to help organize the pantry on delivery days, where extra hands are always needed.”
“We are always looking for new and creative ways to spread awareness about the pantry One of the things we love most is when members of our community take the initiative to organize food drives in their schools, offices or neighborhoods. These efforts not only bring in much-needed supplies but also create a ripple effect of compassion and understanding.”
To learn more about 4 Paws Pet Pantry and to get involved, visit 4pawspetpantry.org/home.
Courtesy/Colorado Kitty Coalition
BY MATTHEW VAN DEVENTER
Home Heaven He to
Dr. James Dye can tell a lot about an animal from a simple home visit. “You get really good at picking up on things,” said Dye. He can get an understanding of a furry friend’s health by observing their movement or breathing among other actions. He can even smell some ailments like kidney disease.
It’s all information he takes in to figure out what stage a pet is at in their end-of-life process and what can be done to make them more comfortable Dye, a long-time veterinarian, owns and operates Home to Heaven, which provides inhome hospice and euthenasia services to the northern front range community. His team of doctors focuses on a pet’s comfort level and quality of life
They may use pain management practices like acupunc-
This page top: Our pets are coziest at home with us; far left: Dr. James Dye; Below: dogs from Home to Heaven care. Courtesy/Home to Heaven
ture, medication or sometimes just making simple adjustments to their environment Perhaps one of the major comforts is the in-home part of his operation. Having to transport an older, sick “friend”, as Dye puts it, and drive them to a veterinary clinic with other animals and obstacles, ”that can be challenging for older pets,” said Dye.
When Dr. Alida Mataczynski started her veterinary career working with large animals she realized that many livestock producers evaluated and discussed the animal’s quality of life in-depth, a luxury that wasn’t always afforded at the small, but busy clinics and emergency rooms she would also work at.
“At people’s homes, it is calm. The pet is in its normal routine. I can evaluate their true living conditions and there is no rush,” said Mataczynski, who also provides in-home hospice and euthenasia with her mobile clinic, Helping Hands
Veterinary. Currently, Mataczynski is a solo practitioner. She said, “I encourage all clients to have relationships with other practices as well, to best serve the patient.”
When Mataczynski first started her clinic five years ago she offered limited services like acupuncture, cold laser and euthenasia, but has since grown due to the demand. She now offers full-service care to Fort Collins, Windsor, Greeley and Loveland for patients and clients who can’t or do not want to travel to a brick and mortar clinic.
Dye said that pet owners often feel guilty for not caring for their pets correctly during this difficult time, but he discouraged that. Their pets are tough and they will do everything to mask what they are feeling so their owner doesn’t know
This page: Dr. Alida Mataczynski with Helping Hands Veterinary. Courtesy/Helping Hands Veterinary
By Sandi Squicquero | Photos Shutterstock
A Life Well Lived is a Life Full of Paws
Home, Sweet Home.
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From the moment we first set eyes on them to the moment we say goodbye, we take care of them, provide them with the best veterinarian care and love them unconditionally In return, pets enrich our lives in more ways that we can count, but at the very least they aid our mental and physical health When we’re lonely, sad or sick
they provide companionship When all might feel lost, they love and accept us just the way we are They give us pure joy! They are God’s gift to mankind, and my husband and I are so thankful to have had the privilege to receive it. Here’s our story, and the many pups who have improved our life
Love At First Sight
In 1982, my husband Dave and I decided to add our first fur baby to the family. Our friend Lorene had received a puppy from her parents that she was unable to keep At first sight, we fell in love with this bundle of fur — a black lhasa apso, complete with a white chin and belly. His name was Poco, short for the spanish word Poquito, meaning “a little” However, Poco was large in personality, contrary to his size! Throughout his long life, we enjoyed often finding him rolling around, enjoying the backyard.
Rescue No. 1 and 2
While we lived in Ohio, Dave first rescued a white puppy from a local pet store. Gizmo may have been blind in his left eye, but oh was he smart. Throughout his 17 years, we were always finding his toys and biscuits hidden under the bed.
During this time, our son Troy and his wife grew too busy to care for their dog Ace, a chow.
We gladly took him in, to which he became our bear and protector. One day, he had grown to dislike the mail man so much that he tore off the window casing in our front room in an attempt to get him. Our mail carrier threw the mail on the porch, refusing to bring it any closer He may have been a bad dog that day, but he always looked after our safety, first and foremost
Then There Were Two
Soon, our lives took another fur-baby-turn. One day, I made the mistake of going to look at a litter of puppies One of the female pups, in particular, kept chewing on my shoe laces I knew right then and there, she was next! She was a cinnamon Cocker Spaniel, to which we named Moxie. However, I fell in love with more than one pup that day I couldn’t help but also notice the beauty of her father Max. Some day, I wanted a cocker that resembled him as well.
A year later, over Christmas time, that wish quickly came true Moxie’s owner called with news that they had a puppy similar to Max. There was our next Christmas present — Holly We now had fur baby sisters!
Holly was always getting into the trash, no matter where it was Moxie, while mostly smart with a love for toys and play, also had a bit of a mischievous spirit She once chewed Dave’s new ski boot! This made him so furious that he got in the car to take her back. However, on the way she sweetly fell asleep in his lap. It didn’t take long for him to turn the car around and come back home with her.
to Texas, where we bought two more fur babies. First, we fell in love with a blue healer, to which we named Rocky (for the Colorado Rockies). Shortly thereafter we brought a yellow lab home, which we named Dally (like Dallas, Texas). Combined with Ace, Moxie and Holly, this made five pups in the household.
Ace stayed in the shadows protecting us. If someone was ever sad or sick, we could count on Dally to lay with them. She would sense our pain so much that it would cause her not to eat! Rocky would often run errands with Dave, patiently awaiting his return peering out the window of the truck. Rocky and Dally would occasionally fight, both for dominance and with the cockers. But for the most part, all the dogs understood their place, got along and our friends loved them
Our Colorado Yorkies
Our Texas Five Amigos
Our next adventure took us
Since then and in our time now living in Colorado, we have adopted five more dogs, including our one remaining sweet yorkie, Izzy I often sing to her the same baby songs I used to sing to the others When I tell her stories or speak of them she moves her head as if she acknowledges and understands. I believe she does
BY REBECCA FURUTA
HotTake: Ho GRAIN FREE VS. HEALTHY GRAINS
alk down any pet food aisle and you’ll quickly notice a growing trend: grain-free dog food Once a niche offering, these diets now make up nearly half of all dog food on the market, promising everything from shinier coats to fewer allergies. But as the popularity of grain-free formulas soars, so do the questions about their true benefits — and the possible risks. Are these grain-free meals a healthier choice for your fourlegged friend or just another marketing fad, and what’s the best type of food to fill your
dog’s dinner bowl?
Dr Jessica Albright, DVM owns Country Haven Veterinary Services, which is a mobile veterinary hospital serving animals of all sizes in northern Colorado She explains that “grain-free” dog food essentially lacks what we think of as “carbs.”
“Grains also contain important components like vitamins, minerals and enzymes or certain amino acids which help dogs to convert essential nutrients,” explains Albright. “We have to make sure that whatever diet an owner provides, it has all the nutrition an animal needs to be healthy over the lifespan.”
Feeding a dog a grain-free diet may mean leaving nutritional gaps Albright says that while it is possible to supplement grainfree diets to achieve a well-balanced nutritional profile, it can be tough to know which foods are appropriate without doing serious research, putting in a lot of legwork, and consulting with a
Dr Jessica Albright, DVM, owner of Country Haven Veterinary Services.
veterinary nutritionist. “I would never tell an owner that they can’t feed a specific type of diet to their pet, but I would caution them to look for indications that a dog isn’t getting the right nutrition,” she says
Dr Erin Eversole, DVM has been working at the Loveland Veterinary Clinic since 2021 She, too, has concerns about grain-free diets in dogs “Although people have good intentions when feeding their dogs a
grain-free diet, it may actually be harmful The FDA has alerted pet owners that there may be a link between grain-free diets and a diagnosis of dilated cardiomyopathy,” she says. The disease causes the heart muscle to become enlarged, which hinders its ability to pump blood
So, how can you tell if your dog’s food is healthy? “The first thing to look for is a label that states that the food complies with Association of American
YourSpaceAwaits
Gather. Reflect. Connect.
Duringthisseasonofgratitude, maketime
Feed Control Officials standards
These are set to ensure that commercial food products meet the nutritional needs of pets without owners needing to supplement the food in any way,” says Dr. Eversole Any brand that you consider offering to your dog should have a disclaimer in some fashion that its food provides complete nutrition that is based on official AAFCO standards
“You also have to remember that nutritional needs vary with a
dog’s age, size, activity level and health,” says Dr. Eversole. “It’s a good idea to choose foods that are formulated for specific life stages, such as puppy, adult and senior.”
Dr Albright agrees. “Pet owners should avoid choosing diets arbitrarily or based on human food fads. Your veterinarian is your best, and most overlooked, resource to help you find the safest and most appropriate diet for your pet.”
Courtesy/Shutterstock
PetAdoption
BY KRISTEN M. WHITE
Getting
We get it — your Instagram feed is full of adorable kittens, you see neighbors walking their dogs or maybe just fondly remember your own furry childhood pal And suddenly, yet ever so naturally, you’re thinking about adopting a pet. Great idea, but there is a lot to consider in order for you to make an informed decision before making a commitment.
Teri Segelke, owner of J&T Feeds in Greeley, noted that aspects such as pet size, the
Pet
time you have to devote and an animal’s personality traits are all important things to think about pre-adoption
“Size is a very good thing to consider,” Segelke said. “Energetic or job-driven dogs like Border Collies and Australian Shepherds need to be walked or worked everyday. So if you can’t commit to walking or playing with your new pet every day, maybe rethink what kind of pet to get.”
Romario Romain, owner and head trainer of The Dog Wizard Fri.,Dec 12 @7:30pm Sat.,Dec.13@ 3:00pm&7:30pm Sun., Dec. 14 @3:00pm Rialto Theater 228 E4th St,Loveland, CO
in Fort Collins, said lifestyle is an important consideration before getting a puppy or adopting a rescue dog. “What kind of person are you and what do you like to do for fun?” he asked. “Get a breed or mix that matches you. Mental fulfillment is really important for dogs.”
If you’re set on a specific breed of dog, Selgelke said to “research, research, research… Some dogs may not fit into your family if you have small children, elderly or handicapped people in your household,” Selgelke said.
If it’s a cat or kitten on your wish list, make sure you’ve got a place for a litter box (and time to clean it, or invest in an automatic self-cleaning style). While cats need less social interaction than dogs, they might claw at furniture and carpets, so adequate stimulation and appropriate places to put their claws to use are important.
Small animals like hamsters and gerbils are often popular pets for children, but remember they
still need to be regularly cared for with food, water and clean homes. They have short lifespans which can be difficult too.
With the holidays approaching, some people consider giving a pet as a gift Romain cautioned that gift-givers should carefully think through that option.
“Getting a puppy is a great idea just make sure the person wants a puppy,” he said “Some people might not want to add caring for a live animal to their plate You need to have some notion that this would be a great thing for the person.”
J&T Feeds has a rewards program for most pet food, some treats and toys There are also rewards at their self-wash stations, and they offer a variety of free items (with valid adoption paperwork) to people who rescue a pet.
BY SHELLEY WIDHALM
Holiday Hosting Prep Pet Guide
With the holidays quickly approaching, now is the time to plan for those big parties not only for your guests but for your pets too. Two local businesses, The Artisan Shop &
Studio and K-9 Island, offer tips for hosting a holiday get-together, and for those with pets, ways to keep them calm and happy during a party, day trip or traveling
The Artisan Shop & Studio in Loveland schedules 20 to 25 classes a month in painting and crafts, plus sells handmade goods from more than 50 Colorado artists. “If you want something that’s unique, you can design it to whatever need you have,” said Jennifer McPheeters,
&
owner of The Artisan Shop & Studio
Many of the artists selling their artisan goods also teach classes, such as making soap, one of the items in the holiday make-andbuild-a-gift-basket class, along with handmade candles, pottery and cards. Another class focuses on creating a custom charcuterie board, which can be complimented with a cheese and honey pairing class. “The charcuterie board can be designed to meet your specific needs or purposes or to match your décor,” McPheeters said. “If you’re hosting, (your guests) are not going to have seen anything like that.”
Hosts may opt to take classes on making wreaths, centerpieces, pumpkins out of clay for Thanksgiving, or knitted stockings and custom candles for Christmas. Handmade items also can be
bought for centerpieces, décor or hostess gifts, including quilted or embroidered wall hangings, embroidered holiday towels, handmade puzzles and games
“They get a chance to see your personality, how you set up space and put thought into it,” McPheeters said. “It’s really great to let people know this is made local. It’s great for conversation.”
K9 Island, a doggie day care and overnight pet boarding facility in Loveland, provides pet boarding services to give not only dogs and
Left: items available at the Artisan Shop & Studio in Loveland Courtesy/Artisan Shop & Studio; Right: Dogs at K-9 Island in Loveland enjoying the play area Courtesy/K-9 Island
cats, but also small mammals and exotics, a place to stay for the day, a week or even months at a time during a party or trip.
“A lot of times owners have more anxiety than the animals do, so that tends to rub off on the animal,” said Brenda Koehler Tennal, owner and manager of K9 Island “A big comfort for most
people is knowing they’re in a controlled environment, so they’re not going to get loose and we’ll monitor their feeding and medication.”
Koehler Tennal recommends starting with a session of doggie day care before boarding a pet. This gives the animal a sense of comfort that the owners will, in fact, return If the dog, cat or other pet will be at home during the party, especially if they tend to be anxious, Koehler Tennal recommends inviting guests over for smaller amounts of time one month before the actual event
“If you gradually get them used to it, they’re usually going to handle that day much better,” Koehler Tennal said. “It just makes them a well-rounded animal and it makes it easier for the (pet owner) to take them outside of the home.”
Outings Worth the
BY JODY CARLILE
Whether it’s your personal exercise, a snacking habit or caring for your pet, it’s easy to become mundane while getting a day’s work complete. However, our pet’s life is only as full as we make it. They see and live out their lifespan through our chosen lens. Therefore, one of the best expressions of love that we can give them is through acts of adventure, exercise, new places or play
While nowadays there are endless products, services and companies to choose from in aiding your pet’s needs, in Colorado we have the luxury of organizations dedicated to an abundance of outdoor dog adventures. For instance, Dogs Colorado is “all about getting dogs the exercise, enrichment and engagement they need” says Founder Jeff Their primary offerings are as follows:
l ENERGIZE is their most active option — a 45-minute group hike or run on local trails It’s great for
medium- to high-energy dogs who thrive with a little cardio and social interaction
l GO SLOW is a gentler version — a calm, 45-minute walk designed for lower-energy pups, seniors or dogs who just want to sniff and stroll at their own pace
l HANG OUT is their individual care service. These are solo walks or home visits, perfect for shy dogs, puppies under six months, seniors or pups recovering from surgery or illness.
“What makes us different is how much thought we put into each outing” Jeff continues, “It’s not just a walk — it’s a full outdoor experience for your dog.” Dogs Colorado’s services include grouping dogs based on temperament and pace, GPS tracking, detailed reports and more They customize each service to the animal’s needs and what the owner is hoping to see improvement on They also work with cats and chickens!
Local Dog-Friendly Restaurants
l Lazy Dog Bar & Grill (Johnstown)
l Sky Bear Brewery & Pub (Loveland)
l Backyard Tap (Loveland)
l Mash Lab Brewing & Kitchen (Windsor)
l otto PINT (FOCO)
l DC Oakes Brewhouse and Eatery (FOCO)
l Rally5 Crafted Eats & Bar (FOCO)
l Mighty River Brewing Company (Windsor)
l Windsor Mill Tavern (Windsor)
l Berthoud Brewing Co (Berthoud)
l The Sand Bar (Windsor)
l Rock Bottom Restaurant & Brewery (Loveland)
l Ridgehill Tavern (Windsor)
l City Star Brewing (Berthoud)
l TightKnit Brewing Co (Evans)
Jeff even recalled a transformative experience with a young Golden Retriever, Cooper, who was struggling with high-energy and leash reactivity “After a few weeks of consistent ENERGIZE hikes, Cooper’s behavior shifted. He was more relaxed at home, started sleeping better, and his leash manners improved significantly Today, he’s one of our star hikers — full of personality, but with an outlet for his energy. His family says he’s a totally different dog at home. That’s why we do what we do!”
Dogs Colorado’s newest offering includes one on one training sessions, or a Guided Adventure service. “These are walks, conducted by trainers for dogs that are nervous, reactive or otherwise could use a higher level of care and attention out in the world.”
Local Dog Parks
l Spring Canyon Dog Park (FOCO)
l Mehaffey Park — Dog Park Area (Loveland)
l Dog Park at Fairgrounds Park (Loveland)
l Timnath Dog Park (Timnath)
l Fossil Creek Dog Park (FOCO)
l NOCO Humane Society Dog Park (Loveland)
l Severance Dog Park (Severance)
l Rover Run Dog Park (Greeley)
l Berthoud Dog Park (Berthoud)
l Soft Gold Dog Park (FOCO)
l Freedom Park (Evans)
l Milliken Dog Park (Milliken)
No matter your location, Dogs Colorado is happy to try and help. They have hikers and runners across the region, and they’re always exploring new trails to aid any adventure-ready pup. Reach out to Jeff or Dogs Colorado for all questions at (720) 334-7327 or email jeff@dogscolorado.com
TheLanguageOfPets
From Barks to Words
Researchers aim to translate dog sounds with AI
BY MIRIAM FAUZIA THE DALLAS MORNING NEWS (TNS)
DALLAS — Ever wonder what your dog is trying to say? Well, a University of Texas at Arlington researcher is aiming to turn barks, howls and whimpers of man’s best friend into intelligible speech — a kind of Rosetta Stone of woof
Computer scientist Kenny Zhu has built what he says is the world’s largest video and audio catalog of canine vocalizations. In papers published this year, Zhu and his colleagues at the university report potential phonemes — the smallest units of sound — and word-like patterns that could one day be turned into full sentences understandable to humans.
“The ultimate goal is to make a translator where you can talk freely with your pet,” said Zhu, a professor of computer
science and engineering at UT Arlington. “We can already do instantaneous communication between human languages Perhaps in the future we can do the same with animals.”
AI INTERPRETS DOG
Humans have long wanted to talk to animals, and in the last century, scientists have tried: from teaching great apes sign language and English to bottlenose dolphins
Zhu’s fascination with animal communication began in Nanjing, China, where he spent his childhood surrounded by dogs, ducks, chickens and the occasional hedgehog. He often wondered what the animals were saying to each other, though his curiosity cooled over time.
It wasn’t until decades later, when he was watching a BBC documentary on whale and dolphin communication, that questions from his childhood
Courtesy/Dallas Morning News
reemerged. The documentary showed how long and hard it was to record and decode whale and dolphin exchanges. But with artificial intelligence, Zhu thought, there had to be an easier way to translate animal speech. With his background in natural language processing and AI development, he felt up to the task
For his first project, Zhu wanted to see if a language model could hear a difference between Shiba Inus in Japan and in the United States He and his colleagues mined dog videos posted on YouTube for the test After it didn’t reveal any doggy dialect split, Zhu and his colleagues compiled hundreds of hours of synced audio and video to train an AI model to separate canine vocalizations into discrete phonemes
Deciphering the vocalizations involves both sound and context, as a dog’s bark or whine may be tied to its
situation, Zhu said. If a term aligns with the dog’s activity, that correlation signals potential meaning.
So far, the researchers have transcribed about 50 hours of barks into syllables They have identified some possible words, like cat, cage and leash, and how these words seem to sound different based on the dog breed They have also identified how a dog’s linguistic capability appears to change as it ages. In one study, Zhu and his colleagues found that as a husky grows older, its bark lasts longer and potentially becomes more sophisticated.
DR. DOOLITTLE AT YOUR FINGERTIPS
This effort isn’t just about chatting with Fido like your next-door neighbor: It could also help flag early clues about your dog’s health, Zhu said. If a dog experiences any mental or
physical changes, a smartphone app or other device outfitted with a dog translator could inform the owner
To a similar end, Zhu is working on decoding cats He’s drafting a proposal to the Morris Animal Foundation for a study investigating whether a cat’s vocalizations can provide insight into its mental state or behavior
Another one of Zhu’s projects, with Texas A&M University, is tackling the sounds of cattle. Dozens of cows in monitored pens at the university have been recorded 24/7 for audio and video for over two months. The data will be compared to the animals’ veterinary records to see how it correlates with their health
Zhu and his collaborators hypothesize that herd small talk may carry cues about bovine well-being. By analyzing those vocal patterns for linguistic structure, they hope to spot
illness before a human sees a sick cow
They aren’t the only ones using AI to decipher animal speech. At the University of Michigan, researchers have processed dog barks using AI models originally trained on human speech, and at Virginia Tech, scientists are building an AI system to decode cow vocalizations. Meanwhile, a cottage industry of AI-powered dog collars and “cat translator” apps has sprung up, promising users the ability to better understand the needs of their pets
Miriam Fauzia is a science reporting fellow at The Dallas Morning News Her fellowship is supported by the University of Texas at Dallas. The News makes all editorial decisions.
©2025 The Dallas Morning News Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC
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ESPN + Gracie
Precious
Mocha Jo Happy Days
NOVEMBER 1
upcoming noco events
FoCo Roller Derby’s Black & Blue Ball
Bigger and better than ever — this event of the year will be a triple-header of games! While you take in the action or are off the court, there will be a silent auction to aid the derby community Stay late for the after party. Cost: $15-20, Kids are FREE | 2 p.m. | treventscomplex.com | Thomas M. McKee 4-H, Youth & Community Building, 5280 Arena Cir., Loveland
NOVEMBER 1
Day of the Dead Bar Crawl
Enjoy the vibrant traditions of Día de Muertos amongst the FoCo nightlife and with exclusive drink specials, lively music and your best themed attire
Honor your loved ones and celebrate life with an unforgettable party! Cost: $12.25+ | pubcrawls.com | 4-10 p.m. | The Yeti Bar and Grill, 23 Old Town Square, Fort Collins
NOVEMBER 1, 8, 15, 29 Adoption Event
Fall in love with a new furry friend at any of these upcoming adoption events. All animals are spayed/neutered, vaccinated, microchipped and tested You must complete an application before the event to allow time for processing! | 10 a.m.-12 p.m. | bounceanimalrescue.org | Pet Supplies Plus, 2912 Council Tree Ave #100, Fort Collins
NOVEMBER 2
Colorado Bridal Show
It’s time for Colorado’s largest and longest running bridal expo to venture through NoCo! Shop samples, show-only pricing, vendor prizes and, of course, plenty of local wedding professionals. The Colorado Bridal Coupon Book will be available to all attendees Cost: FREE$50 packages | 11 a.m.-3 p.m | coloradobridalshows.com | Embassy Suites Loveland, 4705 Clydesdale Parkway, Loveland
NOVEMBER 13
Steep & Sculpt | Custom Mug + Tea Blending Workshop
There’s no better time than fall to dip into this coziness with Flingin Pots and Soul Shine Botanica Design your own ceramic mug, curate a personal tea blend, and learn about herb and spice benefits all while sipping on an alcoholic or dry beverage of your choice Cost: $75/person | 6-9 p.m. | deskchairworkspace.com | desk chair workspace, 201 E 4th St, Loveland
NOVEMBER 21
Cost: $20 | 6 p.m. | nococatcafe.com | NOCO Cat Cafe, 121 E. 5th St., Loveland
NOVEMBER 22
The Sleeping Beauty
Embrace the age-old belief in true love’s kiss with this timeless production - “breathtaking choreography, Tchaikovsky’s unforgettable score, and a truly magical stage design”. Brandnew sets, exclusive costumes and world-renowned ballet artists bring this experience to life Cost: $16+ | 6 p.m | ucstars.com | Union Colony Civic Center, Montfort Concert Hall, 701 10th Ave, Greeley
NOVEMBER 22-23
Rocky Mountain Skis and Boards Swap
Cat-ingo Night!
Cat bingo includes prizes and, of course, plenty of cats roaming (possibly even on your board!).
In time for the upcoming season, shop and swap new or used gear up to 70% off! Cost:
Saturday $7, Sunday FREE, Kids Free | 2-9 p.m. Sat, 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Sun | rockymountainskisandboards.com | Thomas M. McKee 4-H, Youth & Community Building, 5280 Arena Cir, Loveland
NOVEMBER 22-23
Applewood Holiday Arts & Crafts Festival
Commence the season by perusing over 135 local & handmade artisans of decor, gifts, fine art, food, clothing, jewelry and more Cost: $8, kids & veterans are free | Sat 9:30 a.m.-4 p.m., Sun 9:30 a.m.-3 p.m. | apple-
woodfestivals.com | The Ranch Events Complex, 5280 Arena Cir, Loveland
NOVEMBER 29
Yoga with Cats
Mix up your usual routine with this gentle yoga class enjoyed amongst some felines Be sure to bring your own mat! Cost: $27 | 10:30 a.m. | nococatcafe com | NOCO Cat Cafe, 121 E. 5th St., Loveland
NOVEMBER 29
Indie Arts Winter Market Explore about 35 artist’s work on display and for purchase, all local and handmade These will
be great holiday gifts, and what a unique way to kick off the season following Thanksgiving. Cost: FREE | 8 a.m.-4 p.m. | visitgreeley.com | Atlas Theater, 709 16th St, Greeley
DECEMBER 6
Winter Market at Mountain Roots
Celebrate the magic of the season by bundling up to enjoy live carolers, yummy food trucks, local artisans or make your own wreath | 11 a.m.-4 p.m | mountainrootsgarden.com | Mountain Roots Gardens, 8275 WCR 54, Milliken
DECEMBER 7
Johnstown Jingle
Help spread and ignite the holiday spirit by joining in on Johnstown’s favorite celebration Contribute to the toy drive, shop the christmas market and don’t miss the tree lighting ceremony here. | 2-6 p.m | visitdowntownjohnstown.com | Downtown Johnstown
