2008 Year-end Wrap Up.  From January 1 through December 31, 2008, a total of 1821 properties were listed in our MLS area (this includes residences, homes with acreage, farms, lots and commercial properties in Chaffee, Saguache, western Fremont, Lake and Park counties).  732 listings sold.  Supply is 2 1/2 times greater than demand.  Total sales volume for the year was down 24% while median home sell prices stayed the same as in 2007 at $210,000. - from the desk of Leslie Walker, GRI, CRS, Broker/Owner

"No Pets Allowed" is a sign that sports our town's public parks.  It even graces the mini-Nuno park where I walk my yellow labrador, Estes Bark.  These ''forbidden" signs and even tickets for trespassing give people the impression that the city is not dog friendly. I can understand the frustration when out-of-towners ask, "Where can I walk my dog?"   I direct them to the railroad yard on the north side of the F Street bridge - the "unofficial dog run."  On the other hand, there is an organization fighting to install an "official" dog park, we have canine events, Ark Valley Humane Society is a popular charity and Fifi is treated like a member of the family by everyone.  For instance, I know that Gypsy, the golden retriever, wore a sari to greet Halloweeners; that Elway, the serivce dog, died in the near past; that Angel, the white-haired, blue eyed mutt, won't eat the office dog biscuits and doesn't really like to be petted; that Gus won't pass by our building without pulling his master inside, same with Grommet; that Gracie and Emma have a sitter who stays overnight; that Abby loves to bark and run; that Poncha (sister to Gracie) and Roscoe love to burrow and jump into snowbanks; that the Yolo pup loves to lie in the sun outside the clothing store; that puppy Marley often escapes then hides in the tall grasses; that eating poop is a favorite food for a cutie owned by Karen; that when Elizabeth travels she calls home to see how "Josie girl" is doing.  Well, I could go on.  But our dogs are essential sidekicks to hiking, snowshoeing and cuddling.  Some pooches even put air in the tires and take their owners out for a bike ride!