Today's Features

On a scenic parcel nestled at the base of the foothills at the edge of Chatfield State Park, healing is happening.

Happy Dog Ranch began as a sanctuary for unwanted horses. And that is still very much part of the mission. With 53 grassy acres to roam, Happy Dog is a place where horses thrive.

In addition to the 40-horse herd, alpacas, goats, sheep, chickens, ducks and a steer all call Happy Dog Ranch home, and the animals provide a unique learning tool for those who enter the gates.

William Witt never saw the front lines.

But because of that, the 92-year-old World War II veteran says, he’s still here to recount the stories of his time spent in the South Pacific.

Witt, a Wisconsin native, now lives at Brookdale Senior Living in Littleton. He worked in chemical warfare and considers himself to be lucky man.

“I was just assigned to it. Luckily … If I’d have been out in the fire, shooting them off at the pillboxes, I might not be here,” he said.

From across the gym at CrossFit Watchtower in Englewood, the shadow of a wheelchair is visible.

David Ortiz of South Jeffco rolls out of the shadows and into the harsh light of the gym, weaving in and out of kettlebells and barbells to grab weights of his own.

Pull-ups, push-ups, kettlebell swings, free weights — Ortiz does it all.

The 34-year-old U.S. Army veteran became a T-10 paraplegic after a helicopter crash in June 2012 while overseas in Afghanistan.

“How many of you know ‘Head, Shoulders, Knees and Toes?’ ” librarian Nora Stewart asked a dozen kids who attended a special Day of the Dead celebration at the Columbine Library on Oct. 26.

Smiles and icing covered the eager faces as they nodded their heads and waved their arms in confirmation.

Stewart then proceeded to teach the children the familiar song in Spanish. All stood, touching their heads and repeating the words after Stewart.