The Colorado Dog Magazine: Your Dog. Your Family. Your Lifestyle.

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Text by J.M. Downey | Photos by Heather Green

Do you consider yourself an exceptional "dog parent"?
Are you always ready to hang out with other "dog people"?
Does your life revolve around daycares, dog parks and yappy hour?

These families featured are recognized for their unconditional love and dedication to their children wih fur, while making the "family dog" an important member of their pack to be loved, cherished, worshipped and spoiled.

If your life revolves around a wet nose and a wagging tail, then send us an e-mail why you would like to be considered in the next issue of "Dog Parent Families." You can e-mail us at editor@thecoloradodog.com

Molly Hughes and John Butler bought Rocky from a reputable breeder, JC’s Bulldogs, out of Fort Collins, Colo. This adorable pooch will turn 1 on April 7. They both agree that Rocky has added so much love and joy to the home. Their two boys love playing with their canine sibling. Rocky even has his own bed in the boys’ room, although Rocky prefers to sleep under a bed. After the boys get home from school, the family usually takes Rocky on some sort of an adventure. He loves snow, fishing, school, people, dogs and wheels (any kind of wheels).

Rocky also goes for a walk most evenings and generally chews bones and plays around the house with the boys. On the weekends, Rocky gets to be a “rock star” and stroll along the streets in Cherry Creek North. Everyone loves to pat him and say hello.

Rocky knows a lot of commands and goes to obedience school with his dad. His special tricks are rolling over, crawling, putting his toys away and ringing a bell when he has to go potty. Being the social creature that he is, Rocky has several friends, but his best friend is Tag another bulldog. They go to training school together. Life is great when you have friends, an incredible family and toys.

Tuxedos provided by Mister Neat’s Formalwear in Cherry Creek North.

You know you’re an animal lover when you trademark the term “pet-friendly.” That’s exactly what Ed and Lynda Vanderpool have done with their pet-friendly real estate company. This husband-and-wife duo has three beautiful canine kids. Aspen turns 14 in March and the “twins” turn 1 in July.

All three dogs have a job and go to work with mom and dad on most days. Since the Vanderpools specialize in horse property on acreage, the dogs assist clients with walking property boundaries. The kids also enjoy helping mom with open houses on the weekends and keeping her company while greeting potential buyers. Sometimes during the week they take pleasure in socializing, meeting new people and pets while walking the neighborhood with mom, and passing out flyers and brochures.

After work, everyone likes to have dinner together then snuggle on the giant puppy beds by the fireplace and relax. Since these fur-children are such honest, trustworthy, loving members of the family with great manners, they get to travel and have an appreciation of the finer things in life. Like vacationing at Hotel Jerome in Aspen.