Colorado Country Life MVEA March 2012

[[March March 2011 2012]]

LIVING WITH

HOUNDS

[contents]

March 2012 [features] 14 Higher Costs on Horizon

Growing demand and environmental regulations stress electric rates

16 Living with Hounds

Bloodhoud owner fell in love with big,

lovable dogs

14

[columns] 20 Flavorful, Fetching Fare Tastes your dog will thank you for

22 The Root of the Matter

Owner Marlene Groves of Kiowa gets her bloodhound Sebastian ready for his close up.

16

Learn about sustainable gardening

25 Energy Tips

[departments]

Open a window on warmth and create a mini sunroom

26 Outdoors

Wild turkey population thrives,

4 Viewpoint

in Colorado over the phone

Share in caring for Colorado’s statehouse

thanks to group’s efforts

5 Letters 6 Calendar 7 Co-op News 12 NewsClips 29 Funny Stories 30 Discoveries

29 [cover]

30

20

22

Sebastian, a purebred bloodhound, poses for the photographer. Photo by brentwardphotos.com

COMMUNICATIONS STAFF: Mona Neeley, CCC, Publisher/Editor@303-455-4111; mneeley@coloradocountrylife.org Donna Wallin, Associate Editor; dwallin@coloradocountrylife.org • Amy Higgins, Administrative Assistant/Writer; ahiggins@coloradocountrylife.org ADVERTISING: Kris Wendtland@303-902-7276; NCM@800-626-1181

The official publication of the Colorado Rural Electric Association Volume 43, Number 02

OFFICERS: Bob Bledsoe [Tri-State] President; Bill Midcap [Fort Morgan] Vice President; Don Kaufman [Sangre de Cristo] Secretary; Jack Schneider [Poudre Valley] Treasurer; Kent Singer [CREA] Executive Director BOARD OF DIRECTORS: John Porter [Empire]; Don McClaskey [Grand Valley]; Jim Lueck [Highline]; Michael Glass [Holy Cross]; Dan Mills [K.C.]; Tom Compton [La Plata]; Stan Cazier [Mountain Parks]; B.D. Paddock [Mountain View]; Joseph Costa, Reg Rudolph [San Isabel]; Mike Rierson, [San Luis Valley]; Marcus Wilson, Kevin Ritter [San Miguel]; Mark Grasmick [Southeast]; Jim Jaeger, Ron Asche [United Power]; Bill Jordan [White River]; Stuart Travis [Y-W]; Charles Perry [Yampa Valley]; Basin Electric, CoBank, Moon Lake Electric, Wheatland Electric [Associate Members]

EDITORIAL: Denver Corporate Office, 5400 N. Washington Street, Denver, CO 80216; Phone: 303-455-4111 • Email: MNeeley@coloradocountrylife.org • Website: coloradocountrylife.coop • Facebook: Colorado Country Life • Twitter: @COCountryLife Colorado Country Life (USPS 469-400/ISSN 1090-2503) is published monthly for $9/$15 per year by Colorado Rural Electric Association, 5400 N. Washington Street, Denver, CO 80216. Periodical postage paid at Denver, Colorado.

POSTMASTER: Send address changes to Colorado Country Life, 5400 N. Washington Street, Denver, CO 80216 Publication of an advertisement in Colorado Country Life does not imply endorsement by any Colorado rural electric cooperative or the Colorado Rural Electric Association. Editorial opinions published in Colorado Country Life magazine shall pertain to issues affecting rural electric cooperatives, rural communities and citizens. The opinion of CREA is not necessarily that of any particular cooperative or individual.

[viewpoint]

Extreme Dome Makeover

We all share in caring for Colorado’s statehouse

BY KENT SINGER || CREA EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR || KSINGER@COLORADOREA.ORG

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The gleaming gold dome of the Colorado Capitol is probably the single most recognizable man-made structure in Colorado. Covered in gold leaf donated

by Colorado miners, the dome has proudly stood over our state’s Capitol and capital city for more than 100 years.

But the iconic dome is in need of a makeover.

While it doesn’t need quite the kind of extreme makeover featured on the familiar ABC television show, it does need an extreme amount of money to accomplish the work that does need to be done. Money is still being raised, but the work has already begun.

The need for repairs to the Capitol dome became clear in 2006 when a large piece of cast-iron cladding fell onto the observation deck. Since then the observation deck has been closed, denying visitors the opportunity to enjoy the spectacular views of Denver and the Front Range from that vantage point. During this time, investigators were also reviewing the dome structure, determining what kind of repairs the dome needed.

The Capitol Dome Restoration Project was initiated in 2011 when the state legislature appropriated $4 million to begin the work. Repairs will include the replacement of deteriorated cast iron to reinforce the dome’s superstructure, replacement of 110-year-old bolts, restoration of the windows and repainting.

Contractors will also restore the gilded copper dome roofing and apply new gold leaf that will be donated by AngloGold Ashanti and the Cripple Creek & Victor Gold Mining Company in Teller County. The work should be completed in 2014.

If you have visited the Capitol recently, you have seen that the dome is now surrounded by scaffolding and

encased in white shrink-wrap.

Installing this protective covering was the first step in the renovation project that began in late January.

Of course, the Capitol is home to two of the three branches of government in Colorado with the goverKent Singer nor’s office situated on the first floor and the Colorado General Assembly (both the House of Representatives and the Senate) on the second floor. Although the Colorado Supreme Court used to hear arguments in the old Supreme Court chambers on the second floor, the judicial branch of government moved out of the Capitol many years ago.

sharein the carecolorado.org

As a symbol of our democracy and the center of government, the Colorado Capitol is an important place for all Coloradans. Your co-op representatives at the Colorado Rural Electric Association spend many hours at the Capitol making sure that both the governor and the General Assembly are aware of co-op issues and concerns. As the trade association representing co-op interests, we follow the legislative process carefully to be sure that your local electric co-op can continue to provide reliable, afford-

able and environmentally responsible electricity.

For me personally, though, the Colorado Capitol will always hold a special place in my heart.

Not only is it where I spent the first seven years of my legal career as a staff attorney in the Legislative Drafting Office (now the Office of Legislative Legal Services), it is also the place where I met my wife, Deb. Almost all of our friendships are based on the great people we have met over the years who have worked in some capacity, either as members of the body, staff or lobbyists, at the Capitol.

You can disagree with the outcomes from time to time, but the democratic process that unfolds under the gold dome is always recognized for its openness, fairness and lack of corruption.

The gold dome is a fitting symbol for this Centennial State.

Its renovation project is being supported by the Share in the Care Colorado campaign. The campaign is raising funds for the construction efforts. Although the Colorado General Assembly has appropriated funds for the project, private donations are also being sought to offset costs. I encourage all Coloradans to contribute to this worthy cause, this symbol of our democracy.

As Winston Churchill once said: “… democracy is the worst form of government except all those other forms that have been tried from time to time.”

Executive Director

FOLLOW EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR KENT SINGER’S BLOG AT COLORADOREABLOG.WORDPRESS.COM ColoradoCountryLife.coop 4 March 2012

[letters] Long-term Costs of Electricity I want my utility to plan for the future and think about the long-term costs of its electricity supplies, not just getting the cheapest today. Electricity from coal and natural gas is going to get more and more expensive as more and more people compete for limited resources. We need to encourage wise development of inexhaustible supplies that our country controls for our own security and economy. I encourage the electric co-ops to lead the way.

Lee Cassin, De Beque

Alternative Sources of Power Renewable tax incentives should be extended. We need to look at sources of electricity other than what we currently use and encourage individuals to incorporate solar and wind generation to reduce pollution.

Thank you for including information on a thermosyphoning air panel in your December issue. We have been using one to help heat our garage in the winter for years and see temperatures over 120 degrees on sunny days at no cost to us.

Bill Williams, Dolores

Coal, oil and gas are established and well-funded industries. Alternate energy sources face significant political, corporate and financial barriers, and tax incentives help level the playing field. Tax incentives help promote research and move industries forward to determine the viability of long-term sustainability for various energy sources.

Rod Johnson, Eads

Thanks for the Support On behalf of the board of directors of Grand County Council on Aging, and specifically board member Charlotte Waddell, I would like to thank you for your donation to GCCA. Your gift came at the right time to enable us to continue providing programming and transportation to the senior and disabled residents of Grand County.

Sharon Shoenberger Grand County Council on Aging, Granby

Send your letter to the editor by mail or email. You must include your name and address to be published.

Letters may be edited.

ColoradoCountryLife.coop March 2012 5

[calendar]

[March] March 10 Fort Collins KRFC Birthday Bash Lincoln Center 5:30 pm • 970-221-6730 March 10 Ignacio Bridal & Event Showcase Sky Ute Casino Resort 9 am-4 pm • 970-563-1756 March 10 Loveland Get Up & Get Down to Get Kids Out Loveland Ski Area 8:30 am-4 pm goals4youth.org March 10 Ridgway Wine & Whiskers Carnival Ouray County 4-H Event Center 5:30 pm-12 am • adopt mountainpets.org

March 17 Greeley Celtic Tenors concert Union Colony Civic Center 7:30 pm • ucstars.com March 17 Pueblo “Up in the Air” show Sangre de Cristo Arts Center 11 am and 2 pm • sangre decristoarts.org March 18 Beulah (Almost) Spring Equinox Hike Mountain Park Environmental Center 9-11:30 am • hikeandlearn.org March 23-25 Loveland Gem & Mineral Show Larimer County Fairgrounds 970-493-6168 March 24 Durango Choral Society performance St. Columba Catholic Church 7:30 pm • durangochoral society.org

March 15 Elbert Silent auction and concert Elbert School 5:30-8 pm • elbertboosters@ hotmail.com

March 24 Falcon Horseman’s Day Falcon High School coequinevets.com

March 16 Denver Spanish Happy Hour Museo de las Americas 5-8 pm • museo.org

March 24 Grand Junction Walk From Obesity Eagle Rim Park 9:30 am • walkfrom obesity.com

March 25 Northglenn Vintage Voltage Expo Ramada Plaza Convention Center 11 am-4 pm • danacain.com March 27 Denver Free Admission Day Denver Botanic Gardens botanicgardens.org March 29- April 1 Crested Butte Junior Freeskiing Tour Crested Butte Mountain Resort jrfreeskiing.com

April 6 Windsor Easter Eggstravaganza Community Recreation Center 10:30-11:30 am • 970-674-3500 April 7 Boulder Boulder Roubaix Road Race 41st and Oxford Road All day • dbcevents.com

April 7 Durango Easter Beagle Express March 31 Durango & Silverton Railroad Burlington 10 am and 12 pm • durango.

Home & Garden Show Burlington Community Center train.com.

9 am-3 pm • burlingtoncolo.

April 7 com Grand Lake Easter Egg Hunt March 31 Town Park Grand Junction 11 am • 970-627-8428 Fly-Fishing Expo DoubleTree Hotel April 7 grand-valley-anglers.org Loveland Concert for Biodiversity March 31 Rialto Theater Center Trinidad 7-9 pm • www.ci.loveland.

Peacock Ball fundraiser co.us The Mitchell Museum 719-859-1802 April 7 Monarch Kayaks on Snow Monarch Mountain 888-996-7669 x 5050

[April]

April 7 April 3-14 Winter Park Durango Snowshoe Race Graffiti Exhibit March 24 Colorado Adventure Park Durango Arts Center Grand Junction winterparksnowshoeseries.

Golden Age Games fundraiser durangoarts.org com Orchard Mesa Bowling Lanes April 6 5 pm • 970-245-6175 April 15 Littleton March 17 Greeley Free Admission Day March 24 Burlington “Shrek the Musical” Denver Botanic Salida Pitch Tournament Union Colony Civic Center Gardens at Chatfield “Wild Flowers” art Burlington Community Center 3 pm • ucstars.com botanicgardens.org 6:30 pm • burlingtoncolo.com exhibit opening Salida Steamplant 5-7 pm • 719-539-7120 March 17 SEND CALENDAR ITEMS Granby March 25 Beach Bash and snow fun TWO MONTHS Elbert SolVista Basin IN ADVANCE TO: All-you-can-eat breakfast 5-8 pm • granbyranch.com Russell Gates Mercantile Calendar, Colorado Country Life, 5400 N. Washington St., Community Hall Denver, CO 80216; fax to 303-455-2807; or email calendar@ 8 am-1 pm • 306-648-3325 coloradocountrylife.org.

March 16-18 Eckert Crane Days Fruitgrowers Reservoir 970-874-9532

ColoradoCountryLife.coop 6 March 2012

MOUNTAIN VIEW ELECTRIC ASSOCIATION

Electric Power Plants Face Challenges as They Age and Require Maintenance

BY JIM HERRON || CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER || HERRONJC@MVEA.ORG

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We all remember the day we purchased a new car, the fresh paint and a great smell. We also realize a new car comes with a hefty price tag. After a few years of regular payments the scent changes, but we all understand the value of owning an older car that is properly maintained and is running well. Nobody would think about having to run Jim Herron this new car for 30 to 40 years. We realize that all things mechanical tend to wear out.

If you were to compare this new car to the electric generation power plants in America you will discover that most of America’s electric cooperatives bought a fleet of new “cars” — power plants — in the 1970s and 1980s. This ample stock of generation has allowed cooperatives to maintain a safe, reliable and affordable supply of power to the membership.

Half of the nation’s total generating capacity — 530,000 megawatts — was built more than 30 years ago, including some owned by Mountain View Electric Association’s power supplier, Tri-State Generation and Transmission. As with an older vehicle, there are costs associated with maintaining an older power plant. In addition, we are faced with the expenses compounded by a slew of environmental regulations. In fact, these rules could result in a chunk of America’s coal-fired power plant fleet being shut down by 2018. Current conditions may place affordability and reliability at risk.

In addition, some cooperatives need to head back to the “dealership” to add new generation plants to meet growing demand.

However, with required environmental controls coupled with rising prices for construction materials, new power plants — as well as older ones “in for maintenance” — are going to be much, much more expensive. All of these factors will impact our electric bills for many years to come.

The demand for power and energy is rising all around the world; China has surpassed the United States as the top global energy user, and in just over two decades it’s predicted China will consume 68 percent more power than we do. Americans are using more energy, too, despite efficiency measures. With newer televisions, and the addition of computers, “iGadgets” and other electronics crowding power outlets, the demand for electric power to the average home naturally increases. In 2011, the average home on the MVEA system used an average of 909 kWh per month. The monthly usage was 853 kWh ten years ago. This is an increase of 6.5 percent in a 10-year period.

As they do with the latest model car, manufacturers generally open a new assembly plant to roll out more models when there’s increased demand. At a time when electricity needs are rising,

along with ever-changing regulations diminishing our generation resource supply and the fluctuating costs of fuel, we may not meet the goal of affordable power.

In Colorado, about 70 percent of Tri-State’s electricity comes from coal while 51 percent of Xcel Energy’s electricity comes from coal. Why the difference? The majority of Tri-State’s coal power plants were built in the late 1970s to mid-1980s when building a natural gas facility was restricted by the federal Powerplant and Industrial Fuel Use Act because of concerns that natural gas reserves were running low. Those worries proved to be unfounded and the law was repealed in 1987. But by then cooperatives had already built the mandated coal-fired power plants; the same plants that, the government regulated us to build are now being saddled with heavy regulatory costs.

In fact, Tri-State has invested hundreds of millions of dollars over the past couple of decades in environmental upgrades and technology retrofits to meet the changing standards. In addition, Tri-State has committed to a variety of renewable projects including buying power from a wind farm on the eastern plains and a solar farm in New Mexico. But I want to make sure lawmakers in Colorado and in Washington, D.C., keep common sense and affordability in mind when adding layer upon layer of requirements to the way we generate power.

Working with our state and national trade associations, the Colorado Rural Electric Association (CREA) and the National Rural Electric Cooperative Association (NRECA), we’re urging the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency to consider a more balanced and commonsense approach to rules and give consideration to the impact that increased electric power costs has to consumers like you and me.

Stay informed on these issues and find out how you can help us keep the price of power affordable through the “Keep Electricity Affordable” link on our home page at www.mvea.coop and by visiting www.ourenergy.coop.

ColoradoCountryLife.coop March 2012 7

MOUNTAIN VIEW ELECTRIC ASSOCIATION

[ Country Kitchen ] Celebrate St. Patrick’s Day with this traditional Irish meal — easy shepherd’s pie. Ivon Castillo, Mountain View Electric Association member and employee, shares this delicious recipe.

If you have a recipe you would like to share, please send it to MVEA, Attn: Sarah Schaefer, 11140 E. Woodmen Road, Falcon, CO 80831. You will receive a $10 credit on your electric bill the month your recipe appears in Colorado Country Life magazine.

EASY SHEPHERD’S PIE 2 pounds potatoes, such as russet, peeled and cubed 2 tablespoons sour cream or softened cream cheese 1 large egg yolk ½ cup cream 1 teaspoon extra virgin olive oil 1 3/4 pounds ground beef or ground lamb Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste 1 carrot, peeled and chopped 1 onion, chopped 1 bay leaf 1/ 8 teaspoon ground nutmeg 2 tablespoons butter 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour Shepherd’s pie, 1 cup beef stock or broth a traditional Irish meal 2 teaspoons Worcestershire sauce ½ cup frozen peas 4 ounces button mushrooms, sliced 1 teaspoon sweet paprika 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley leaves Boil potatoes in salted water until tender, about 12 minutes. Drain potatoes and pour them into a bowl. Combine sour cream, egg yolk and cream. Add the cream mixture into potatoes and mash until potatoes are almost smooth.

While potatoes boil, preheat a large skillet over medium high heat. Add oil to hot pan with beef or lamb. Season meat with salt and pepper. Brown and crumble meat for 3-4 minutes. If you are using lamb, spoon away some of the fatty drippings collecting in the pan. Add carrot, onion, bay leaf and nutmeg to the meat. Cook 5 minutes, stirring frequently. In a second small skillet over medium heat mix butter and flour together 2 minutes. Wisk in broth and Worcestershire sauce. Thicken gravy 1 minute. Add gravy to meat and vegetables. Stir in peas and mushrooms.

Preheat broiler to high. Fill a small rectangular casserole with meat and vegetable mixture. Spoon potatoes over meat evenly. Top potatoes with paprika and broil 6 to 8 inches from the heat until potatoes are evenly browned.

Top casserole dish with chopped parsley and serve.

ColoradoCountryLife.coop 8 March 2012

NEW PHOTO CALENDAR CONTEST IN THE WORKS

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It seems unbelievable, but it is once again time for MVEA’s Photo Calendar Contest. This is the ninth year and the calendar has just gotten better and better. Last year’s photos were incredible and the new layout allowed for more winners.

MVEA invites you to send in your photos taken within Raccoon by Dennis Goodhart, Colorado Springs MVEA’s territory and reflecting the seasons and the people, lifestyle or landscape of the area. The winners will be included in the 2013 calendar. Please read the following guidelines carefully. The deadline for entry is July 2, 2012. If you have questions, please call Sarah Schaefer at 719-494-2670.

SUBMISSION GUIDELINES 1. Only MVEA members, directors, employees and their family members are eligible.

2. Photos will not be accepted without a completed entry form. Cut out the form below and submit with entry or go online to www.mvea.coop, click on “Community” and then “Photo Calendar Contest.” Duplicate form if necessary.

3. Only two photos per person will be accepted. Submit a separate entry form for each photograph. Both entries may be submitted on same CD. 4. DO NOT WRITE YOUR NAME OR ANY OTHER INFORMATION ON THE PHOTOGRAPH. 5. A digital photo is preferred and recommended. CDs and DVDs will be accepted. Resolution of digital photos must be no less than 300 dpi. It is not necessary to send enlargements.

Photos printed on home printers have too low a resolution for commercial printing and are not recommended.

6. Photos must have horizontal/landscape orientation.

7. DO NOT SUBMIT ORIGINAL PHOTOGRAPHS. PHOTOS BECOME THE PROPERTY OF MVEA AND WILL NOT BE RETURNED. NO EXCEPTIONS. 8. Deadline: July 2, 2012. Mail to: Mountain View Electric Association, Attn: Sarah Schaefer, 11140 E. Woodmen Road, Falcon, CO 80831.

2013 MVEA Photo Calendar Contest Entry Form Name:_________________________________________________ Address:_______________________________________________ ______________________________________________________ Home Phone:___________________________________________ Work Phone:____________________________________________ MVEA Account #:________________________________________ Email Address:___________________________________________ Please title your entry. This will appear with your photo if selected:_ ______________________________________________________ Limit 2 entries per person. Deadline is July 2, 2012.

Send a completed form with each entry.

Photocopy form for additional entries. Mail to: MVEA, Attn: Sarah Schaefer, 11140 E. Woodmen Road, Falcon, CO 80831

MOUNTAIN VIEW ELECTRIC ASSOCIATION

Juniors Participate in Essay Contest for Leadership Experience

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Each fall, Mountain View Electric Association offers an essay contest for high school juniors whose parents or guardians receive service from the cooperative. This month MVEA introduces you to our second place winner, Margaret “Greta” Erickson. Greta is a junior at Elbert High School and the daughter of Erick and Jeni Erickson of Elbert. Greta is creative and participates in art shows both at school and as a repeat participant in the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service junior duck stamp art contest. She has won first place, second place and two honorable mentions in the federal Junior Duck Stamp design contest. So it’s no surprise that her plans for the future include art as she is considering a career in animation.

In July, Greta will be attending the Colorado Electric Educational Institute’s Cooperative Youth Leadership Camp near Steamboat Springs. During the week, she will participate in leadership and team-building seminars and legislative simulations and help start and run a camp cooperative. But there are also a lot of social activities during the week, including dances, barbecues, volleyball games and exploring the beautiful Steamboat Springs area. Greta shared with us that she feels this camp will be a great new experience for her.

Following is Greta’s winning essay. Congratulations!

Greta Erickson is the second place winner of MVEA’s essay contest.

The Smart Grid and Rural Electricity

BY GRETA ERICKSON

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Everybody needs electricity. Electricity makes life more convenient. If you like to eat, watch television, cook, clean or stay warm, chances are you will use some sort of electricity in the process. Almost everybody in America today uses electricity, and the population is growing. As the demand for electricity increases, engineers and scientists alike try to discover more efficient ways to meet this demand. New methods of delivering electricity are being explored and tested, and new developments are being made. In fact, a new system for delivering electricity called the Smart Grid is being advocated. The Smart Grid is a system that will supposedly be fully automated and environmentally friendly as well as completely efficient. But is the Smart Grid really as efficient as it is proclaimed to be, and will it be beneficial to everybody? For example, will the Smart Grid be beneficial to a rural electric cooperative? My name is Greta Erickson, and I believe the Smart Grid would not be beneficial for providing electricity to rural people.

The idea behind the Smart Grid is that residential electricity meters would be controlled by computer. They would collect data about residential energy use and communicate that data to electricity generators. This information and real time digital control will let companies such as Mountain View better tailor their customer’s energy

needs. This system would allow energy companies to smooth out energy usage peaks and distribute energy in a more efficient manner.

Smart Grid may not be efficient in a rural community. Rural electricity consumers are mostly concerned with the reliability of the electrical supply. The Smart Grid would mainly help to manage energy demand, and it is still in the embryonic stage of development. The Smart Grid promises a fully automated and computerized system that will be self-repairing and intelligent, but the concept of the Smart Grid is rather vague.

It’s not clear what this national energy delivering system will look like, how it will function, or who will manage the information required to make the grid intelligent.

The U.S. Department of Energy promises a smart, efficient, intelligent and automatic system, but there is not much information behind this theory besides the statement that the current system is “outdated” and “needs replacing.” Besides being a vague concept, there are other reasons why the Smart Grid system would not benefit a rural electric cooperative.

The second reason why the Smart Grid would be unbeneficial to a rural cooperative is that it seems to be geared more towards large cities. The system uses in-home sensors and meters to provide information on the conditions of power lines as

well as superconducting power lines and integrated communications. These meters and sensors would probably work best in a large city where maintenance workers could repair and update them. In an experiment, Progress Energy of North Carolina and the University of South Florida plan to equip over 5,000 homes in St. Pete Beach and west St. Petersburg with a large Smart Grid system. If the experiment is a success, the Smart Grid system will be introduced to areas in Florida with the highest population, such as Orlando. This means that the Smart Grid system will probably be focused in large population cities and not in rural areas in the next decade.

In conclusion, I do not think the Smart Grid system will be beneficial to a rural electric cooperative. The Smart Grid is a plan for a fully automated system, but that’s just it. It is a plan without much knowledge behind it. There isn’t evidence of how the Smart Grid will work or how it will carry out its work efficiently. Also, if the plan for the Smart Grid is successful, it is likely that the new system will be focused in areas with large populations and big cities. Perhaps one day the Smart Grid system will be an effective and efficient system that will provide electricity to homes all over America, but this will probably not be the case for a long time.

ColoradoCountryLife.coop March 2012 9

MOUNTAIN VIEW ELECTRIC ASSOCIATION

2012 MVEA Board Nominations Now Open

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At Mountain View Electric Association’s Annual Meeting on June 7, 2012, at Palmer Ridge High School in Monument, three directors will be elected to the Mountain View Electric Association Board of Directors from the following districts: District 1 Limon, Karval, Genoa, and surrounding areas (Incumbent Joe Martin) District 4 Calhan, Peyton, a portion of Black Forest and surrounding areas (Incumbent Milt Mathis) District 6 Falcon, Cimarron Hills, a portion of Black Forest and surrounding areas (Incumbent Barry Springer) The procedure for director elections and member voting is available on MVEA’s website at www.mvea.coop.

If you are interested in being a candidate, please contact a member of the nominating committee. A candidate must be a MVEA

member and reside in the district where there is a vacancy. Before applying, please contact either MVEA office at 719-775-2861 or 719-4952283 to verify your district.

A member may also petition for nomination. Petitions and procedures are available at 1655 5th St., Limon; 11140 E. Woodmen Rd., Falcon, or online at www.mvea.coop. Petitions must be signed by 15 members of MVEA and returned to either MVEA office by 5:30 p.m., Monday, April 23, 2012.

A candidate questionnaire must be completed for either the verbal nomination or the petition. This application can be found on MVEA’s website or you may pick one up at either office. If you have questions, please contact a member of the nominating committee. Candidate applications must be received at either office or by the nominating committee by 5:30 p.m., Wednesday, April 18, 2012, for the committee’s consideration.

If you are petitioning for nomination, the can-

Check Out Energy Savings at Local Libraries

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Mountain View Electric Association members have the opportunity to assess how efficient their appliances really are. Plug-in energy meters called “Kill-A-Watt” meters are available from local libraries and Book Mobiles in MVEA’s service territory to check out.

The meter comes with basic, easy-to-follow instructions. It displays kilowatt-hours and makes it easy to find out your electrical expense.

The rising cost of electricity can really hit you where it hurts, and this program provides a no cost way to reduce energy usage and identify the real energy abusers.

Members that have used the meters report unplugging appliances that weren’t being used to save energy.

Key Accounts Representative, Kevin Holbrook, wanted to widen the meters’ availability and turned to the local public library system for help.

“Accessibility to the meters is better for our members and there are several learning opportunities possible with this meter,” said Holbrook.

“With the co-op’s help, users can calculate how much it will cost to use an appliance over a month’s time.”

ColoradoCountryLife.coop 10 March 2012

didate application must be submitted with your petition no later than 5:30 p.m., Monday, April 23, 2012.

Nominating Committee District 1 Michael Bass PO Box 86 Limon, CO 80828 719-775-2683 District 4 Byrel Woolsey PO Box 126 Calhan, CO 80808 719-347-2750 District 6 Timothy Troxel 12015 Sylvan Meadows Drive Colorado Springs, CO 80908 719-495-2853

MVEA DISTRICT MAP

ColoradoCountryLife.coop February 2012 11

[newsclips]

U.S. SECOND IN RENEWABLE GENERATION

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Renewable energy consumption increased by about 8 percent between 2008 and 2009, according to the U.S. Energy Information Administration.

In 2009, electricity from renewable resources contributed about 8 percent of the country’s total energy demand and 10 percent of the country’s total electricity generation.

The United States has fallen to second place behind China in total renewable energy consumption due to China’s recent massive additions of hydroelectric production.

However, the U.S. consumes the most renewable energy from sources other than hydropower, twice as much as Germany and more than three times as much as Spain, according to the EIA’s Annual Energy Outlook 2010.

HOW OLD ARE U.S. POWER PLANTS?

Replacing incandescent lightbulbs with energy-efficient compact fluorescent lightbulbs makes a difference.

Readers Conserve Their Electricity in Multiple Ways

Age of Power Plants Affects Future of Electricity Generation in U.S.

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The current fleet of electric power generation plants across the United States has a wide range of ages. Gas plants tend to be newer than the oil- and coal-fired plants. Wind farms are a newer addition to the capacity mix.

In general, about 530 gigawatts or 51 percent of the electric capacity available in 2010 was at least 30 years old, according to the U.S. Energy Information Administration.

The generation stations owned by Colorado’s electric co-op power supplier, Tri-State Generation and Trans24 out of the mission, tend to fall into that category with five out of 25 oldest U.S. power six stations having been built in the 1970s and 1980s.

The age of power plants is important as power facilities are hydrosuppliers plan for the future and for new regulations power plants that that will require changes. There is concern that many power plants will be closed rather than updated to were built over 60 meet the new standards. Fewer power plants means less electricity available at a time when demand for years ago. electricity is still growing.

COAL-CONNECTED JOBS Coal is mined in 25 states in the U.S. and is responsible for 154,000 direct jobs and more than 400,000 indirect jobs, according to a study by PricewaterhouseCoopers.

ColoradoCountryLife.coop 12 March 2012

In February we asked what readers were willing to do to cut energy use, and we heard from many people who have already trimmed their usage.

They have reduced the number of lightbulbs in their home and have replaced incandescent bulbs with compact fluorescent bulbs. They are living in cooler homes this winter and have cut back on watching television. Others have changed their routines when it comes to washing dishes and washing and drying clothes. Energy conservation is a way of life for many of our readers.

March’s question for readers: What is one advantage of being a member of your electric co-op?

Answer at info@coloradocountrylive.org

Corrected Email

The electric co-op newsletter Innovations in Energy is looking for subscribers. Simply send your name and email address to mneeley@ coloradocountrylife.org for your free subscription. Last month, the wrong email address was listed. We apologize.

ColoradoCountryLife.coop March 2012 13

HIGHER POWER COSTS ON THE HORIZON Growing demand and environmental regulations stress electric rates for electric utilities CRAIG STATION In 2002, Tri-State Generation and Transmission embarked on its largest environmental project upgrade in its 50-year history at Craig Station, a $121 million, multi-year retrofit to Units 1 and 2 to address opacity concerns and the mitigation of particulate matter. Environmental controls at the station include a wet limestone scrubber system that removes 90 percent of the sulfur dioxide produced for Units 1 and 2; a dry lime system used for Unit 3; a fabric-filter baghouse that collects 99 percent of fly ash; state-of-the-art lownitrogen-oxide burners and over-fired air that reduce the formation of nitrogen dioxide; and a continuous 24-hour emissions-monitoring system that ensures that flue gas

ColoradoCountryLife.coop 14 March 2012

BY MEGAN MCKOY-NOE, CCC

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Thirty-five years ago disco was king, personal computers were born and Americans needed more electricity. To meet this demand, not-for-profit, consumer-owned electric cooperatives, in partnership with their wholesale power suppliers, built or invested in power plants, mostly coal or nuclear.

Unfortunately, many of these plants may be forced to make expensive changes to meet increasing environmental regulations, and as electric demand climbs again, new generation will be needed to keep the lights on. Some coal-fired power plants may require modifications so severe that it will be more cost effective to simply shut them down.

Accelerating factors Consumers, adding more plugged-in devices daily, already pay more for electricity. The average annual residential electric bill has risen $263.40 since 2005, with electricity use outpacing efficiency efforts. Despite the recession, U.S. homes on average used an additional 50 kilowatt-hours every month between 2009 and 2010; retail electricity sales rose 4.4 percent.

Americans aren’t the only people using more power; as worldwide energy use grows, resource competition (and prices) shoot up. By 2035, global energy consumption, primarily in China and India, will jump 53 percent from 2008 levels.

In spite of increasing energy needs, 37,600 megawatts of older coal-fired power plants are slated for retirement by 2018. The North American Electric Reliability Corporation, the Atlanta, Georgia-based organization charged with overseeing reliability of the electric grid covering the United States, most of Canada and the Mexican state of Baja California Norte, predicts a worstcase scenario where environmental regulations may force coal plants generating up to 54,000 MW of additional power to shut their doors by 2018.

New power plants could offset this loss, with natural gas taking center stage. The National Energy Technology Laboratory, a branch of the U.S. Department of Energy focused on advancing national, economic, and energy security, predicts 20,000 MW of natural gas facilities will start operating this year, with another 28,000 MW proposed for 2013. A strong breeze from wind project proposals may add 42,000 MW this year and 28,000 MW in 2013, but only if federal production tax credits continue.

Shifting fuel focus While about 50 percent of the nation’s electricity comes from burning coal, co-ops rely more heavily on the fossil fuel with approximately 80 percent of co-op electricity coming from coal.

Why the difference? The majority of co-op coal power plants were built between 1975 and 1986, when using natural gas was prohibited by the federal Powerplant and Industrial Fuel Use Act. Now, a series of U.S. Environmental Protection Agency regulations impacting cooling water intake structures, coal ash disposal, interstate transport of air pollutants and hazardous air

pollutants like mercury are affecting all electric utilities. In most cases, co-ops will need to retrofit coal-fired plants with costly pollution control equipment; in others, co-ops could opt for early plant retirements.

“Time is tight: Improvements take time and new technologies have to be tested before going mainstream,” says Kirk Johnson, senior vice president of government relations for the National Rural Electric Cooperative Association, the Arlington, Virginia-based service organization for electric cooperatives.

“We’re deeply concerned that EPA’s strategy to require significant change within very compressed timelines may be unachievable and could damage the economy of rural America and affect service reliability,” he says.

Seeing the handwriting on the wall, co-ops have taken action. Over the last decade, power supply co-ops have invested $3.4 billion to boost plant perfor-

mance and limit emissions. In fact, since 1990, power plant emissions of nitrogen oxides and sulfur dioxides — compounds formed by burning fossil fuels — dropped at least 67 percent nationally even as electricity use climbed 38 percent. And the large-scale expenditure isn’t over.

Another $4 billion has been slated for upgrades through 2021, with the bulk of the money — $2.18 billion — marked for work this year and next.

Regulation risks “Environmental regulations are shown to be the number one risk to [maintaining electric] reliability over the next one to five years,” reports NERC’s 2011 LongTerm Reliability Assessment.

Why the concern? Because steps required by EPA rules have the potential to cost the industry billions of dollars and don’t provide enough time to comply.

“Regulation on top of regulation, and court decision on top of court decision,

have compounded the situation to the point that we now have contradictory regulations and court decisions that don’t make any sense,” explains NRECA CEO Glenn English. “Our nation needs to adopt a balanced, commonsense approach to environmental protection that factors in electric reliability and affordability.”

NRECA has been actively urging EPA through comments, testimony and litigation to consider the negative impacts of increased electric power costs on consumers as it continues to move forward with its rule making.

Electric cooperatives are leading the way to find affordable solutions to America’s electricity demand. Find out how you can help at www.ourenergy.coop.

Megan McKoy-Noe writes on consumer and cooperative affairs for the National Rural Electric Cooperative Association, the Arlington, Virginia-based service arm of the nation’s electric cooperatives.

ColoradoCountryLife.coop March 2012 15

LIVING with

HOUNDS ColoradoCountryLife.coop 16 March 2012

BY MARLENE GROVES

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Think bloodhound and the image of a dog with its nose to the ground following a scent immediately comes to mind. You think of police departments and crimes solved thanks to a dog’s nose.

And those images are of a working dog that does its thing when called on and then, maybe, quietly waits somewhere to be called on again.

Bloodhounds are so much more than that.

They make great family pets and are active outdoor-loving dogs. They are also fun to show.

My husband always wanted a bloodhound. He looked for one back in 1980, but that resulted in us getting a basset hound. Fast forward several years to when the kids are grown and we are living on a ranch in Elbert County, northeast of Colorado Springs, and my husband is even more determined to get a bloodhound.

Many who are only familiar with the television image of a bloodhound with its nose to the ground ask why a bloodhound? Think about it. Bloodhounds are big. The females can be about 90 pounds or more and 24 to 25 inches at the shoulder. Males weigh up to 135 pounds and can be 29 inches at the shoulder.

At that size, their tails are perfectly able to knock any glass off a coffee table or break a glass cabinet door. And they eat a lot, at least twice a day.

And there is their nose. It will drive them to the kitchen counter where they can easily snag any unguarded meal. And, oh yeah, there is that drool. A bloodhound does drool all of the time and when the dog shakes its head, the drool flies everywhere.

With that type of information, who would consider a bloodhound?

Once you meet a bloodhound, you understand, especially if you are a big-dog person (meaning a person who likes large dogs). How can you not like this dog that goes from noble and dignified one minute to a total comic character the next?

For me, and others, it’s a “touchy-feely” thing. I touched a bloodhound and I liked it — the soft excess skin and those lovely long ears. And then when you rub its ears, it doggie purrs like a kitten. (It’s not really a purr; it’s more like a grumbly-rumbly moan.)

We were ready for a bloodhound. We have always had and loved dogs, so we were prepared for all of the ways life changes when you add a puppy or dog to your family. But who knew we could be so taken with this one breed of dog. We became totally hooked on bloodhounds once we finally got one.

Why is that? Sometimes the best way to explain bloodhound

People think of bloodhousnds as tracking dogs, but they also make great pets.

personalities, traits and behaviors is to tell people about our particular bloodhounds, so here goes.

Our first bloodhound was Marshall. Sadly he only lived about two years, as he had some health problems. But he was an affectionate bloodhound even though he was rather scrawny compared to the American Kennel Club’s bloodhound standard for the breed.

After Marshall we got Hunter and Sassy. Our older male, Hunter, is absolutely the smartest dog we have ever had. He is a bloodhound with high problem-solving abilities. For example, gate latches and doorknobs were problems for him.

They kept him in or out. So, he studied them until he figured out the gate latch is pushed up to open the gate and lever door handles are pushed down to open doors. Needless to say we had to change our gate latches and our door handles to make them dog proof.

Hunter is a true ranch dog, often spending his days with my husband, riding in the tractor and checking fences and animals. He is a bloodhound that does not allow animal intruders. If there are coyotes or foxes, he is not happy until they are chased off. And snakes are also not allowed. He will corner any snake and bellow his distinctive bloodhound bay until the snake is removed from “his” yard.

Hunter is a wonderful bloodhound; but he is an example that not every dog you love should be bred. Hunter lacks some breed type characteristics and more importantly he lacks a good health history. So Hunter is happily neutered and living the good life at our Bloodhound Ranch.

Our female bloodhound is Sassy. She is the most squishy and loveable dog anyone could have ever imagined. She is living therapy for us each day, bringing us nothing but love and joy. Okay if I am honest, she is also a huge attention hog and rather possessive of all doggie toys. Yes, she is a spoiled dog.

She is a large female bloodhound, with good bone and substance, and she is “dripping with type,” meaning she is a good breed type with long ears, abundant skin and, well, drippy skin.

A well-rounded bloodhound, Sassy is an American Kennel

[continued on page 18]

ColoradoCountryLife.coop March 2012 17

THE WORKING EQUIPMENT OF A BLOODHOUND [continued from page 17]

Club and international champion, with her Canine Good Citizen designation, a Rally title and a trailing title. She is working on her obedience title. She is also temperament tested and approved for therapy work. But above all Sassy is an adored family pet.

Bloodhounds can be sensitive, and Sassy is a good example of that. She has a great nose with an aversion to smelling dead things. This makes her great in discerning dead things, but her sensitive nature makes it something we don’t want her to have to do regularly.

A true Sassy story: While traveling with Sassy through Texas, I stopped at a hotel/motel, which was something we had done quite often. It was just one night and, of course, I had to allow Sassy potty time.

As I walked her, I did not understand Sassy’s behavior.

She refused to walk in a certain area or by a parked truck and trailer. I was actually a little frustrated, thinking, “Come on; what’s the big deal?”

The next morning while I was checking out of the hotel, I heard the night clerk exchanging information with the day clerk. The first clerk said something about a strange client who checked in last night. Apparently, he was transporting a dead body. Yep, this was the truck and trailer Sassy refused to be around.

From that day forward I was a better bloodhound owner as I understood that there are things that bloodhounds (all dogs really) smell and know that people just don’t understand.

We also have a young bloodhound male, Sebastian. He is pretty much a regular at the Colorado dog shows, and he has some big paws to fill with a famous half-sister, Kiss, who is the number one bloodhound in the country.

Sebastian has a marvelous example of a bloodhound head, which is narrow in proportion to its length and has a visible occipital peak (the little top knot bump on a bloodhound’s head).

Of course, a bloodhound head is an instrument for scenting.

The long ears sweep the scent up and toward the large nose and nostrils while the excess skin holds the scent near. Even the drool of a bloodhound enhances any scents the bloodhound picks up. Bloodhounds were bred and designed to be scenting

For additional bloodhound information, visit: American Bloodhound Club www.bloodhounds.org South Central Bloodhound Club www.southcentralbloodhounds.org Official Colorado Bloodhound Rescue www.southcentralbloodhounds.org/rescue.html

ColoradoCountryLife.coop 18 March 2012

• EXCESS SKIN wrinkling around the face holds and focuses the scent • EYES are nearly blocked from any visual distractions • LONG SNOUT allows more olfactory (scent) receptors • LARGE NOSTRILS let the scent touch the scent receptors • LONG EARS actually sweep up the scent.

and trailing dogs, so a working bloodhound could be required to follow a trail for a good portion of a day. Therefore, besides needing a good bloodhound head, bloodhounds need a good heart and good lungs. They also need good legs and feet.

Sebastian has all of these characteristics and good bone, good musculature and wonderfully “knuckled up” feet. He spends many of his days on the move, running and chasing birds, butterflies and even bees so he seems to have a good heart and lungs. But how do we really know if our dogs have healthy hearts? We have them tested, relying on a veterinary cardiologist who gives our bloodhounds echocardiograms.

Bloodhounds should also have their hips and elbows tested.

An X-ray should be taken and sent in for evaluation and certification. There are many other optional tests for bloodhounds, but the basic health testing requirements cover heart, hips and elbows. A healthy dog will be a happy dog.

As a big dog, a bloodhound will also do best with a large yard and a good strong fence. It is a breed that is perfect for where we live now at what has become Bloodhound Ranch.

Marlene Groves is a retired business consultant and a member of several dog clubs. She is a current board member for the South Central Bloodhound Club and the treasurer for the Colorado Federation of Dog Clubs. She and her husband raise buffalo, but they also have a passion for their bloodhounds. Learn more at www.bloodhoundranch.com.

ColoradoCountryLife.coop March 2012 19

[recipes]

Flavorful, Fetching Fare Tastes your dog will thank you for

BY AMY HIGGINS || AHIGGINS@COLORADOCOUNTRYLIFE.ORG RECIPE RESOURCES Dig up some delicious ideas from all over the globe on Allrecipes.com, a recipe resource for cooks of all skill levels. You can read reviews, suggestions and articles, and post your own recipes if you’d like.

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Whipping up delicious meals for the family could be common practice in your home, but you might be forgetting about an important member: your beloved canine. It’s amazing how many pet-friendly recipes are out there, many of which can be prepared with ingredients currently in your cupboard. So, instead of picking out a prepackaged treat for your pup, pull out the measuring cups and get cooking.

Bullwrinkle.com offers more than 70 recipes on its website. Here are a couple to get you started:

Bowwow Bonbons 1 large apple 1/4 cup honey 1/2 cup water 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon 1 cup oatmeal 1 1/2 cups whole wheat flour 1/8 cup whole wheat flour

FOOD FOR THOUGHT There are several “people” foods your pet can safely consume, but there are also many deadly ones. Foods like grapes, chocolate and walnuts are commonly listed food items considered dangerous or deadly to pets. For more information on dangerous food items for pets, visit Healthypet. com.

Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Core, slice and mince the apple. In a large bowl, combine the minced apple, honey, water, cinnamon and oatmeal. Gradually blend in the wheat flour, adding enough to form a stiff dough. In a small bowl, add 1/8 cup wheat flour. Spoon the dough by rounded teaspoon onto ungreased baking sheets, spacing about 2 inches apart. To prevent sticking, dip the bottom of a glass in the wheat flour and then flatten each spoonful of dough. Bake for 30 minutes. Remove from oven and flip each cookie. Reduce oven temperature to 325 degrees.

Bake for an additional 30 minutes.

Let cool overnight. Makes 3 dozen large dog treats.

ColoradoCountryLife.coop 20 March 2012

For more healthy snacks for your pet, visit colorado countrylife.coop. Click on Recipes.

Fido’s Favorite Treats 1 cup rolled oats 1/3 cup margarine or butter 1 cup boiling water 3/4 cup cornmeal 1 tablespoon sugar 2 teaspoons chicken or beef instant bouillon 1/2 cup milk 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese 1 egg, beaten 2 cups white or wheat flour Preheat oven to 325 degrees. Grease cookie sheet. Combine rolled oats, margarine and water in a large bowl; let stand for 10 minutes. Stir in cornmeal, sugar, bouillon, milk, cheese and egg. Mix well.

Add flour 1 cup at a time, mixing well after each addition to form a stiff dough. On a floured surface, knead in remaining flour until dough is smooth and no longer sticky.

Roll or pat out dough to 1/2-inch thickness; cut with cookie cutter. Place 1 inch apart on cookie sheet.

Bake for 35 to 45 minutes or until golden brown. Cool completely. Store loosely covered. Makes 3 1/2 dozen treats.

ColoradoCountryLife.coop March 2012 21

[gardening]

The Root of the Matter

Learn about sustainable gardening in Colorado over the phone

BY EVA ROSE MONTANE || WWW.XERISCAPEGARDENS.COM

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Gardening in Colorado’s high and dry climate doesn’t have to be difficult. In fact, it can be just as gorgeous, colorful and uncomplicated as gardening in other “gentler” climates. On March 20, you can call in to a new tele-series that will feature dry climate gardening experts sharing their real life experiences and expertise on how to work with nature in the interior West.

The problems Do any of these statements describe your experience?

• The soil in your backyard is so clay-like you could use it on a potter’s wheel.

• The only plants that grow for you are considered noxious weeds.

• Your xeriscape isn’t supposed to need an elaborate irrigation system, but when you water by hand the water runs off, never soaking into the soil.

• You diligently do everything you’ve been told and your plants still don’t thrive.

• You successfully nurse your new plants through their first season, but then they perish over the winter.

• You need to water your compost heap regularly to get it to do more than sit there for years, unchanged.

• Your xeric plants rot.

• You successfully grew your favorite plants elsewhere, but in Colorado they never take off.

The series This speakers series will teach you the secrets to gardening in our dry climate, saving you from years of trial and error.

These experts will help you save time, toil and hundreds or even thousands of dollars in amendments that don’t work and plants that won’t make it. The best part is you can listen at home for free.

In this series, speakers will share suggestions and advice so you can come to realize that gardening in Colorado is

ColoradoCountryLife.coop 22 March 2012

Thriving gardens in Colorado: With a simple call, learn how to do it with fewer inputs of amendments, water and time.

just as wonderful as it is anywhere else in the world. The high-country West boasts amazing landscape vistas, but unique environmental challenges for gardeners. The good news is that we see gardens thriving, many successfully mirroring the countryside’s natural splendor. These speakers will discuss in length the many coveted plants that prefer these climatic conditions over the soggy coasts and humid midlands.

Colorado gardeners have their share of trials and triumphs, but you’ll learn some tricks from these experts that will make you wonder why it ever seemed so difficult. The intent of this series is to illustrate that gardening can bring you more joy than frustration. You’ll take pride in the renewed beauty of your garden beds as you reclaim the gardening paradise we truly live in here in Colorado.

This series will be held twice per

week and is accessible from your own home telephone. A recording will be posted on the website for 24 hours following each speaker in the event you’re unable to listen live.

If you’d like to participate in this free tele-series, learn more or just see the list of speakers and their topics, visit abundantearthgardens.com/speakerseries.Even though you must participate by telephone or online, you can register online.

Join these experts to learn what it means to work with Colorado’s nature instead of against it.

Eva Rose Montane is a garden designer, writer and educator in Durango.

Read more gardening advice at coloradocountrylife.coop. Click on Living in Colorado and then Gardening.

Grasses:

So much more than lawn cover

BY KATIE LAMAR JACKSON

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To many people, grass is dense, green coverage for the yard. In fact, there are many varieties of grass that can be used for so much more — to accent landscapes and patios; to add color, texture and sound to the garden.

Think pampas, big and little bluestem, prairie dropseed, cord, porcupine, fountain, feather and hair grasses … the names alone suggest the fabulous array of options available for planting, many of which have the added advantage of being native to an area and, thus, environmentally responsible choices.

Not only are ornamental grasses beautiful, they are also easy to grow and maintain.

Give them a home in well-drained soil and sufficient room to grow and they will be happy with hardly any fertilizer or irrigation and only a bit of maintenance.

And some grow with little moisture. Colorado garden centers and nurseries have increased the availability of xeriscape grasses that grow with little or no supplemental water. Among the shorter types, blue fescue is popular for its mounds of bright green and blue grass. Native sideoats grama, sand lovegrass and Junegrass are also good garden grasses.

To find just the right ornamental grass, begin by assessing the area where it will be used. Determine the lighting and moisture available, then think about what size of plant will work best in that spot. Ornamental grasses range from low-growing ground covers to giant, towering clumps and come in a wide range of colors and textures. So the only limit is imagination and space.

Using only native plants may narrow the options a bit, but there should still be plenty to choose.

Once the grasses are in the ground, keep them well watered and tended until they become established, then sit back and enjoy — no mower needed.

Don’t just dream of getting your business in front of a quarter million readers each month … advertise in Colorado Country Life.

Call Kris today at 303-902-7276 for rates and information on special sections

Watch for an educational section in the June Colorado Country Life. To advertise in the section call Kris at 303-902-7276 ColoradoCountryLife.coop March 2012 23

[gardening]

A Bug-Friendly Garden Creating a foundation for the future

BY KATIE LAMAR JACKSON

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Bugs (insects, to be more scientifically correct) are often considered foes in the garden and landscape. To Doug Tallamy, however, they are gifts to our ecosystems.

Tallamy, an entomologist and a professor and chairman of the University of Delaware’s entomology and wildlife ecology department, has demonstrated through his research and experience in his own backyard that nurturing the right insects is a good thing for plants and the environment.

His research on how plants and insects interact and the impact of nonnative plants on insect populations was field tested when he and his wife, Cindy, bought land in Pennsylvania in 2000.

They spent several years eliminating invasive and nonnative plants from their property and replacing those alien plants with native species. Then they recorded the changes in the insect and animal populations that visited there.

Today, their land is a haven for butterflies, bees, beetles and other insects that attract birds, reptiles, amphibians and many other species, some of which are facing declining populations and possible extinction.

As Tallamy began sharing the story of his research and personal experience with community groups, audience members often asked for “how to” information. So he decided to write a pamphlet, which quickly became a book titled Bringing Nature Home: How Native Plants Sustain Wildlife in Our Gardens (Timber Press).

According to Tallamy, biodiversity is in serious decline for a variety of reasons, including urbanization and the loss of natural habitats. As a result, whatever green space is left needs to nurture a diverse array of organisms, from fungi and bacteria in the soil to plants, insects and birds. Beyond supporting a healthy ecosystem, such diversity is critical to humans, who — whether they realize it or not — depend on biodiversity for their own survival.

Unfortunately, the way many people

ColoradoCountryLife.coop 24 March 2012

Every time we use an alien plant when we could have used a native, biodiversity is lost. garden today does not promote a hospitable environment for diverse species. “People don’t realize that the way we have simplified our landscapes has played a big role in the loss of biodiversity,” Tallamy said.

But Tallamy believes that those same gardens can be transformed to support biodiversity without giving up the aesthetics of a beautiful landscape or without going completely native. “Increasing the percentage of natives in your garden is a good goal to start with, and should generate feelings of accomplishment rather than guilt,” said Tallamy.

“Every time we use an alien plant when we could have used a native, biodiversity is lost. It is up to the individual gardener to decide how to deal with this trade-off,” he said. “I always say the more native plants the better, and as you increase the percentage of natives in your yard, you are providing more food and raising the carrying capacity of your yard.”

[energy tips]

A SUNNY DISPOSITION

Download CREA’s NEW 2012 Legislative Directory app for your iPad or iPhone

Open a window on warmth

BY JAMES DULLEY

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What is the most efficient option in creating a mini sunroom with a tight budget?

Visit iTunes to download the app The Colorado Rural Electric Association has published its 2012 Legislative Directory.

Paper copies are available for $1 each by calling 303-455-4111. You can also download the Legislative Directory as an app on your Apple device for $9.99.

Have legislators’ names, phone numbers, email addresses, websites and more at your fingertips.

Did you know that you could get a Colorado Country Life subscription for $9 in-state and $15 out-of-state? Just call the nice people at CCL at 303455-4111.

You know my sister lives in Arizona and would really like to read about home. I will get her a subscription for her birthday. Thanks for the great gift idea.

Creating a bow or bay window, sometimes called the “poor man’s sunroom,” can actually provide some of the benefits of an authentic sunroom at a lower cost. Even though it costs considerably less than adding a small sunroom, installing an efficient bow or bay window is still not an inexpensive home improvement project.

The basic difference between bow and bay windows is a bow window is made of four or more narrow window panels while a bay window is made from three window panels.

More window panels creates a more circular appearance.

A bay window may be slightly more efficient than a bow window because there are fewer joints and seams to be sealed between the window panels, but the difference in energy efficiency and durability is not significant.

In addition to high-quality glass, look for a window that has insulation in the seat board and the top. This saves energy and improves your comfort near the window.

If you are replacing an older window, a new bow or bay window will be more efficient and reduce your utility bills, regardless of which design you choose. By including the utility bills savings with the increase in your home’s resale value, you should be able to recover most of the cost over a reasonable time period.

For more information on creating a mini sunroom, visit coloradocountrylife.coop. Click on Energy Tips then on Energy Tips.

ColoradoCountryLife.coop March 2012 25

[outdoors]

Talking Turkey

Wild turkey population thrives, thanks to groups’ efforts

BY DENNIS SMITH || OUTDOORS@COLORADOCOUNTRYLIFE.ORG

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According to experts, there are now more wild turkeys strutting about the forests, river bottoms and mountains of the continent than at any time in our history.

While state wildlife agencies played a necessary role in this achievement, much of the credit for the outstanding success of the wild turkey recovery programs can be directly attributed to the efforts, dedication, financial assistance and relentless determination of nonprofit, volunteer sportsmen’s organizationsm most notably the National Wild Turkey Federation.

Founded in 1973 in Edgefield, South Carolina, the NWTF has raised more than $331 million to conserve or restore nearly 16 million acres of habitat benefitting not only wild turkeys but also hundreds of other species of upland wildlife, including quail, deer, grouse, pheasants, songbirds and furbearers.

Considering there were only an estimated 1.3 million wild turkeys in North America when the NWTF was founded and that there are more than 7 million wild turkeys today, the NWTF’s recovery and restoration accomplishments could arguably be considered the greatest conservation success story in North America’s wildlife history.

Cumulatively, the NWTF boasts more than 550,000 members in 50 states plus Canada, Mexico and 14 foreign countries.

It supports scientific wildlife management on both public and corporate lands and promotes wild turkey hunting as a traditional North American sport.

Last year, $5,000 of NWTF money was used locally to enhance the large-scale habitat projects in Colorado game management units 57, 58 and 86. To date, the Colorado Top of the World chapter has treated more than 1,000 acres of Bureau of Land Management land, and in 2011 sponsored a Wheelin’ Sportsmen’s event for physically disabled hunters at Canterbury Ranch and a guided youth hunt at Oswald Ranch. The chapter participated in a variety of other worthwhile outdoor programs, such as Women in the Out-

ColoradoCountryLife.coop 26 March 2012

doors and JAKES, a curriculum for young hunters. Obviously, the chapter more than just talk turkey; it walks the talk. And in grand style. It has much to strut about.

In keeping with the NWTF’s fundraising tradition, the Top of The World Chapter — representing Salida, Buena Vista, Leadville, Howard and Cotopaxi — is hosting its 14th annual banquet and auction on Saturday, March 10 at the Chaffee County Fairgrounds in Poncha Springs.

The public is invited to join members for an evening of fun, raffles, auctions, games and dinner. The door opens at 4:30 p.m., the dinner begins at 6 p.m. and the auc-

The Merriam’s subspecies shown here is the only wild turkey species native to Colorado.

It is most commonly found in foothill, ponderosa and piñon juniper environments.

tion follows immediately afterward. There will be drawings and prizes for the kids, so bring them along.

Bid on shotguns and turkey-hunting accessories as well as fine art and sculptures created by some of America’s foremost wildlife artists. Find out what a Golden Gobbler is and give your kids a chance to win a private ranch guided turkey hunt for 2012. The banquet has sold out in the past so call immediately. Seating will be limited to 250. For details and banquet tickets, contact Pete Sar-daczuk (pronounced Sarda-chuck) at 719-942-5037 or psardac@wildblue.net.

Miss an issue? Catch up at www.coloradocountrylife.coop. Click on Outdoors.

[marketplace]

facebook.com/COCountryLife

ColoradoCountryLife.coop March 2012 27

[classifieds] TO PLACE A CLASSIFIED AD Please type or print your ad on a separate paper.

Indicate how many months you would like your ad to run and which month to start. There is a minimum of 12 words at $1.63 per word/month.

Be sure to include your full name and address for our records. Check MUST accompany this order or call to pay by credit card. Send your ad to: mail: Colorado Country Life

5400 N. Washington St., Denver, CO 80216 phone: 303-902-7276 fax: 303-455-2807 email: classifieds@coloradocountrylife.org

ANTIQUES

ANTIQUES AT THE ABBEY — Sale and Show, May 5-6, Abbey in Cañon City, 2951 E Hwy 50, Saturday 9-5, Sunday 10-4, Admission $3, no charge 14 and under. Glass grinder on duty for repairs to your chipped glass. Go on a treasure hunt seeking all things worth remembering plus so much more, from vintage clothing and jewelry to artwork, memorabilia, toys, furniture, retro, just to mention a few of the fabulous finds waiting for you. Info: Jo Peterson 719-5961022 (510-03-12) CHAIR CANING, hand caning, machine caning, fiber rush caning. Pueblo West, 719-547-0723. chaanita@q.com (858-04-13) FURNITURE RESTORATION. Quality craftsmanship since 1974. Bayfield, CO, www.antiqueresdurango. com 970-884-1937. Prompt service, guaranteed repairs. (988-04-12)

BOOKS

BLACKSMITHING BASICS for the Homestead. Well illustrated, easy to understand. Signed by the author. $18 includes shipping. www. delarondeforge.com DeLaRonde Forge, PO #1190, Mancos, CO 81328 (010-03-12) IZZY AULD’s incredible e-Books.

Download mysteries, intrigue, suspense, from Amazon or B&N, www.izzyauld.com (014-12-12) LET US PUBLISH your book! We can take your manuscript, design a cover, edit and format it, and print it. Check us out. Personalized service is our specialty. 719-7492126. www.peakvistapress.com (933-03-12)

ColoradoCountryLife.coop 28 March 2012

BOOKS

RODEO ROOTS to Modern-Day Cowboys is a fine, fun book about rodeo. Great gift! $20. Bulk order discounts. Call 303-455-4111 to order one today. (106-12-12)

BUSINESS OPPORTUNITIES (These opportunities have not been investigated by Colorado Country Life.)

AVON sells – you earn big. Build sales via internet or local. Flexible hours. $10 start up. ISR. 719-5500242. (133-05-12) BUSY, FULL SERVICE, AUTO REPAIR workshop in SW Colorado. No competition. Est. 35 yrs. Retiring owner may carry. Solid investment, dependable staff, 6 bays, paint booth, offices. 1-970563-4500. Please ask for Joyce.

(942-05-12) GET PAID TO PLAY THE LOTTERY, even if you never win. Visit our website today for more information. www.lottomagiconline. com/?S4465. (911-03-12) INDEPENDENT CONTRACTORS/ dealers. Complete range commercial restoration products. Free guide. Call Janice, 1-800-800-2844 www.andek.com Restores metal, flat roofs, etc. 573-489-9346 (856-03-12) K-LAWN – LAWN FERTILIZING business opportunity. Part-time seasonal work. Be your own boss. NOT a franchise. It’s YOUR business! Training by turf professionals. Superior quality products.

Protected territory. Low startup costs. www.k-lawn.com. 800-4459116 (914-04-12)

BUSINESS OPPORTUNITIES

LEGITIMATE WORK AT HOME opportunity. No sales, investment, risk. Training/website provided.

Weekly/monthly income plus bonuses, benefits. Call Carrie 303-579-4207, www.workathome united.com/ourabundance (932-06-12) PIANO TUNING PAYS. Learn with American School home-study course. Tools included. Call for info. 800-497-9793. (158-01-13) ROOMY AND SPACIOUS in rooms and outside accommodations -- this motel has 14 rooms, beauty shop (rented), studio apartment, lovely owners’s quarters. Good Business. Many repeat guests every month. Nearly everything has been updated or replaced. Call Betty 719-263-4773 or cell 719-2511554 (025-04-12)

FOR SALE

HEAVY DUTY CATTLEPENS. Portable or permanent; 32x45 working pen w/16’ crowding tub, $3,325. Call Kenneth 580-876-3699, www.cccattleequipment.com (882-04-12)

FREE

FREE BOOKS/DVDS. Soon the “Mark of the Beast” will be enforced as Church and State unite! Let the Bible reveal. The Bible Says, POB 99, Lenoir City, TN 37771. thebiblesaystruth@yahoo. com 888-211-1715. (814-04-12) FREE SERMON: What is the world’s age? Does original sin exist? No! Does God love all? No! Is there reincarnation? No! Sacramentarian Christian Assembly, 606 Pratt St., #602, Longmont, CO 80501-4946, 303-772-8825 (995-06-12)

START YOUR OWN BUSINESS – home/internet. Simply the highest quality candles/gifts/beauty. Enter free drawing. www.naturesbest. scent-team.com (831-05-12)

FREE SERMONS: • Myth of AntiChrist! • Myth of Secret Rapture!

• Myth of Beast’s Mark! • Myth of Great Tribulation! Pastor Edwin Vrell, 606 Pratt St., #602, Longmont, CO 80501 (995-03-12)

CARS/TRUCKS/BOATS

HELP WANTED

50 SUBARUS! (1995-2011) Outbacks, Foresters, Imprezas, Tribecas & more! Great prices! One-year warranty! Dealer: www.

MonumentMotors.com 719-4819900 (574-08-12)

CLOCK REPAIR & RESTORATION

DURANGO AREA. CLOCKS of all kinds repaired. Antique and modern. Clocks bought and sold. Call Robert 970-247-7729, bob.scott@ usa.net (109-05-12)

EDUCATION

GRIGGS MASTERY ACADEMY: 10 Courses – 10 Books – 10 Months.

Innovative professional development. www.griggsachieve.com (994-04-12)

EQUIPMENT & SUPPLIES

COMMERCIAL WEED and fire spray equipment. 307-660-8563 or visit us at www.oldwyomingbrand company.com (024-08-12)

FINANCIAL SERVICES

NEED A LOAN? Members Federal Credit Union can help with your Auto, Home, Credit Card, and more! Visit www.mbrcu.com or call 303-755-2572. (965-03-12)

$400 WEEKLY ASSEMBLING PRODUCTS FROM HOME. For free information, send SASE: Home Assembly – CC, Box 450, New Britain, CT 06050-0450.

EARN $75,000/yr PART TIME in the livestock or equipment appraisal business. Agricultural background required. Classroom or home study courses available. 800-4887570. www.amagappraisers.com (935-04-12)

HOBBIES & CRAFTS

AWARD WINNING LONG-ARM QUILTING — reasonable rates, quick turnaround. Karen Niemi, 303-470-9309, http://creative. stitching.home.comcast.net, creative.stitching@comcast.net (846-08-12) BOOKS, PATTERNS, CLASSES, knitting, felting, crocheting, weaving, spinning, natural dye extracts, Jacquard and Gaywool dyes. www. tablerockllamas.com Colorado Springs, 866-495-7747 (791-05-12)

HOUSEHOLD HELPS

LOOKING TO REPLACE AMWAY PRODUCTS? Lose your distributor?

I can ship to your home, no hassle, no salesman. Monika Cary 970-7242912. (982-03-12)

MACHINERY & PARTS

SAWMILL EXCHANGE: North America’s largest source of used portable sawmills and commercial equipment for woodlot owners and sawmill operations. Over 800 listings. THE place to sell equipment. 800-459-2148 www. sawmillexchange.com . (267-03-12)

MUSIC

LEARN TO PLAY GUITAR from the convenience of your own home.

Fast, fun, and guaranteed. www.

LearnGuitarCentral.com. (106-12-12)

POULTRY/GAMEBIRDS

FREE – 5 EXOTIC CHICKS or 3 ducks with 100 frypan special @ $36.95 plus shipping. Also Cornish Cross, standard breeds, fancy chicks, ducks, geese, turkeys, bantams, guineas, pheasants, quail, supplies, video. FREE COLOR CATALOG 417-532-4581. Cackle Hatchery – PO Box 529, Lebanon, MO 65536. www.cacklehatchery. com. (876-07-12)

REAL ESTATE

CAÑON CITY – 35 ACRES, new 6-stall Morgan-built barn, attached 36x36 insulated shop with 2 baths, 3 corrals. Custom built home (2007) 3/4, metal roof, BLM views, wrap around deck – many extras! $555,000 719-275-2616 (026-03-12) GRAND JUNCTION HORSE FARM, 3130 A 1/2 Rd, 3550+ sq. ft. home on 14 acres. Newly remodeled, new central air, new boiler, new water heater, new roof, half brick ranch w/new vinyl siding. 5 bdrm, 3 1/2 bath, living room, dining room, large kitchen, large family room. New carpet/tile/wood floors. Full horse barn w/indoor stalls & outside runs. All steel fencing, arenas, loafing sheds on large pastures. Additional fencing around home & inground heated pool. RV building (50x28’), two large ponds, etc. Ginny 970-2609629, Terry 970-261-3001, Gtraudt@ edbozarth.com 3% to 6% to any REALTOR w/buyer (946-06-12) LAND WANTED — cash buyer looking to purchase 500-20,000 acres in Colorado. Will consider bailouts, foreclosures, joint ventures, condo/commercial projects.

Will close quickly. Call Joe at Red Creek Land 719-543-6663.

(648-04-12)

[funny stories] REAL ESTATE

ROCKY FORD 20 ACRE FARM with 2 houses: 1st, 4/1, enclosed porch, wood burning stove, 3 car garage, BIG RED BARN and shed.

2nd, modular, 3/2, gas fireplace, enclosed back porch, open front porch, 2 car garage and shed. 2 shares of highline canal, well and creek. Dan 303-995-2005 or dan@ afinc.net Will pay commission to realtor with buyer. (027-03-12) TURN-KEY CATTLE/HORSE ranch.

NM-Col. border, 5 miles to Navajo Lake. 120 acres, 80 shares water ponds, springs, home, barns, 505872-2141, dbenesch@earthlink.net (018-03-12)

RELIGION

BECOME AN ORDAINED Minister by correspondence study.

Founded in 1988. Free info. Ministers for Christ Outreach, PMB 767, 6630 W Cactus, B107, Glendale, AZ 85304. http://www.ordination.org (441-06-12)

TICKETS

NFR & PBR RODEO TICKETS – Las Vegas. All seating levels available.

Call 1-888-NFR-rodeo (1-888637-7633) or www.NFR-Rodeo. com. *BBB Member; Since 1990.

(912-11-12)

VACATION RENTAL

WANTED TO BUY

OLD GAS AND OIL items: Gas pumps, advertising signs, globes, etc. Pieces, parts, etc. considered. Also 1932-34 Ford cars and trucks, parts and pieces too. Any condition. Brandon, 719-250-5721.

(519-11-12)

KAUAI VACATION RENTAL, 2bdr, full kitchen. Minutes from beaches. $600/wk. 808-245-6500; makanacrest.com; kauaiweddings. com. (756-05-12)

OLD POCKET WATCHES – working or non-working and old repair material. Bob 719-859-4209 watchdoctor@hotmail.com.

(870-06-12)

WANTED TO BUY

VINTAGE FISHING TACKLE. I buy rods, reels, lures, creels, etc. Call Gary at 970-222-2181 (960-06-12)

NAVAJO RUGS, old and recent, native baskets, pottery. Tribal Rugs, Salida. 719-539-5363, b_inaz@ hotmail.com (817-06-12) OLD COLORADO LIVESTOCK brand books prior to 1975. Call Wes 303-757-8553. (889-08-12) OLD COWBOY STUFF–hats, boots, spurs, chaps, Indian rugs, baskets, etc. ANYTHING OLD! Mining & railroad memorabilia, ore carts!

We buy whole estates. We’ll come to you! Call 970-759-3455 or 970565-1256. (871-05-12)

WANT TO PURCHASE minerals and other oil/gas interests. Send details to: PO Box 13557, Denver, CO 80201. (402-02-13) WANTED DEAD OR ALIVE – ATV’s, UTV’s, motorcycles 719-404-3144. hillarone@comcast.net (015-04-12)

Call Kris to advertise in Classifieds: 303-902-7276

NEED HELP GOING ‘GREEN’ THIS ST. PADDY’S DAY? Win one of these ‘green’ products: • Power Smart Wall Outlet This four-outlet adapter has two outlets that shut down when not in use; two outlets are always on • U-Socket This outlet adapter includes two USB ports • Designer CFL by Plumen This ultra-modern CFL looks stylish while saving energy

Visit Contest at coloradocountrylife.coop for how to enter to win.

An Irishman was terribly overweight, so his doctor put him on a diet. “I want you to eat regularly for two days, then skip a day, then eat regularly again for two days, then skip a day,” the doctor instructed. “Repeat this procedure for two weeks. You should have lost at least 5 pounds the next time I see you.”

The next time he saw the Irishman, the doctor was shocked because he lost nearly 30 pounds.

“That’s amazing!” the doctor said. “Did you follow my instructions?”

The Irishman nodded and said, “I’ll tell you though, I thought I was going to drop dead on that third day.”

“Because of the hunger?” the doctor asked.

“No,” said the Irishman. “From the darn skipping!”

Doris Achenbach, Collbran

A taxi driver and a pastor arrive at the Pearly Gates at the same time. A stretch limo pulls up, the driver steps out, drapes a beautiful silken robe on the taxi driver’s shoulders and helps him into the back of the limo.

The pastor watches as the limo drives off and then pulls into the driveway of a huge mansion. The pastor thinks to himself, “Wow! If a taxi driver gets all of that, I can hardly imagine what’s coming my way!” But the next car to pull up is a Ford Pinto. The driver steps out of the car, tosses the keys and a terry cloth robe to the pastor and starts walking back toward the gates.

“There must be some mistake,” the pastor exclaims. “I served the Lord faithfully for more than 40 years. That guy was a taxi driver. Are you sure there wasn’t a mix-up?”

“I’m sure,” the driver says. “You see, while you worked, people slept. While he worked, people prayed.”

Liz Ackerman, Cheyenne Wells

Our 3-year-old daughter stood watching as I nursed her baby sister. “Mommy, what’s the baby doing?” she asked.

“She’s drinking milk,” I said.

With a puzzled expression, she asked, “What’s in the other one?

Orange juice?”

Diane Kleinman, Pagosa Springs

We pay $15 to each person who submits a funny story that’s printed in the magazine. At the end of the year, we draw one name from those submitting jokes and that person will receive $150. Send your 2012 stories to Colorado Country Life, 5400 N. Washington St., Denver, CO 80216 or email funnystories@ coloradocountrylife.org.

ColoradoCountryLife.coop March 2012 29

[discoveries]

Hand Over the Reins

T

The LeashLocket is ideal for dog owners who want a convenient alternative to the standard leash. This retractable lead attaches to your dog’s collar as a lightweight fob ready to grab, release and go. There is no trying to clip a leash to an eager, jumping pup.

The LeashLocket lead is nearly 6 feet long and comes in a small and large size — one for up to 55 pounds and the other up to 90 pounds. There is also an optional wrist strap.

The Denver-based company sells the LeashLocket for around $25 and it comes in red, pink, black or blue. For more information, visit leashlocket. com.

[Canine Cookies ] Taste tested by Colorado Country Life hounds, these Colorado-made treats are sure to satisfy your pup.

SAVE WITH PET ASSURE Veterinarian care is costly, so it’s a nice surprise when you discover a company like Pet Assure. With Pet Assure, pet owners receive discounts on veterinarian medical services, pet products, lost pet recovery service and office visits.

Any pet is covered for any medical service with no annual limit, the company touts.

Everyone can sign up for Pet Assure, but Co-op Connections Card members receive a discounted rate of $7.95 per month or $79 per year. For more information, visit the Co-op Connections Card list on your local co-op website or petassure.com.

[The KONG Holds Strong]

F

Fill a super sturdy KONG with your dog’s favorite treat and keep your dog happy. These hollow rubber toys have been satisfying spirited canines throughout the world for more than 35 years.

It started with a rock-chewing dog named Fritz and his frustrated owner, Joe Markham, who gave the dog a rubber suspension part from his Volkswagen van out of desperation. Fritz loved it and, after Markham made some revisions, the KONG came to be.

Today, the Golden-based KONG Company manufactures a variety of durable products for dogs and even cats. KONG products are available at pet stores and online. Visit kongcompany.com.

ColoradoCountryLife.coop 30 March 2012

Zuke’s — Durango-based With Zuke’s all-natural treats, you can immediately smell the goodness simply by opening the resealable packaging. The texture in Clean Carrot Crunch Z-Bones helps clean dogs’ teeth while herbs like rosemary and parsley help freshen their breath. Peanut Butter Formula Power Bones are bite sized and loaded with ingredients to help fuel your active dog.

Visit zukes.com.

Doggie Dips & Chips — Loveland-based Doggie Dips & Chips’ crunchy dog biscuits contain no preservatives, artificial colors or flavors, sugar or salt. Texas T-Bone biscuits are made with beef broth and barbecue sauce. Monkey Bars are filled with bananas, oatmeal and cinnamon. The company’s biscuits can be purchased prepackaged or direct from the store bakery. Visit doggiedipsand chips.com.

Both companies’s dog treats were wag tested and slobber approved. Although completely different in aroma and appearance, all treats produced the same happy result, free of residual crumbs.