The Taos News

Unlocking treasures, Transformi­ng Lives

Taos Black Dog

- BY EMILY MENDEZ TAOS BLACK DOG 705 Paseo Del Pueblo Sur, Taos taosestate­sales.com • 575-613-0998

In the heart of Taos, a wonderful collection of antiques is housed by Ron Usherwood and Dancer Dearing in their charming 1930’s adobe on the corner of Paseo del Pueblo Sur and Cervantes Street. For Ron and Dancer, it’s not just about the antiques or the estate sales; it’s a heartfelt commitment to their community. Drawing inspiratio­n from their background­s in the local non-profit community, they’ve woven a communityc­entric perspectiv­e into every aspect of what they do. When their neighbors need a helping hand during major life transition­s, they are there with the expertise and knowledge to execute a clean and organized estate sale.

Picture this: a dispersed estate, a lifetime of memories left behind, stored in every nook and cranny of a full and lived-in home

In these challengin­g situations, Dancer and Ron step in with a small yet dedicated team to handle all aspects of this potentiall­y overwhelmi­ng transition.

Their mission goes beyond just selling furniture and decor – it’s about salvaging, recycling, and repurposin­g items that deserve a second life. Further, they work to maintain an empathetic balance to their joy at this work and the reality of supporting a family through their transition.

A staggering 12 million tons of furniture find their way to landfills annually. But with Black Dog’s careful approach to pricing and a commitment to a circular economy of antique and vintage furnishing­s, art, and décor, they’re changing that narrative for Taos. In helping one part of the community handle their estates, they’re also positively supporting others with their collection of antiques with life and love left in them.

As part of their commitment to sustainabi­lity, Black Dog collaborat­es with local non-profits, extending the life of unsold items through donations. It’s not just about selling but about giving back where they can. The community isn’t just their customer, it’s also their partner in creating a more sustainabl­e and interconne­cted future.

Compassion­ate, understand­ing, responsive, and reasonable — these are the pillars of Black Dog’s service. Coming from artistic and stage background­s, Ron and Dancer bring empathy to the forefront. It’s not just a job; it’s a passion rooted in their artistic history and community service ethos. Taos Black Dog stands out not just for its impressive collection but for its unwavering commitment to ethical practices. They take pride in being more than just antique dealers; they’re stewards of memories and advocates for a greener tomorrow. The added bonus for Taoseños? They clean up old estates without the hassle of endless trailers to the dump! Even if you’re only interested in a partial estate sale or buy-out, Taos Black Dog can help.

Managing overwhelmi­ng estate sales is Ron and Dancer’s forte. What doesn’t find a new home through the sale may be offered on consignmen­t in their store and all products are readily available through their online estate sales. They aim to support people in every possible way and tailor their services to their unique needs. With 7 years of experience in estate sales and 14 years as shop owners, they’ve honed their process. Families don’t just walk away with their items sold, donated, or otherwise sorted and managed; they leave with a weight lifted off their shoulders.

Ron’s upbringing with an antiquing grandfathe­r gives them a unique generation­al perspectiv­e while Dancer’s art education adds a visionary touch to their curation. They also refuse to guess on value – every item is researched for “fair market value.” The joy comes not just from helping others but also from the genuine delight of discoverin­g treasures.

Check out their website, TaosBlackD­og.com, to learn more about their online estate auction process, their philosophi­es, and view their collection­s. Black Dog doesn’t just end their commitment with a sale; they manage the entire process from start to finish, ensuring a stress-free experience for their clients. Join Ron and Dancer in preserving the past, supporting the present, and building a sustainabl­e future.

Ron and Dancer are stewards of memories and advocates for a greener tomorrow.

 ?? ABOVE PHOTOS COURTESY ?? The age of objects and art at Taos Black Dog range from the late 17th Century to Mid-Century modern.
ABOVE PHOTOS COURTESY The age of objects and art at Taos Black Dog range from the late 17th Century to Mid-Century modern.
 ?? ?? ABOVE Taos Black Dog’s welcoming façade off Paseo del Pueblo Sur, across the street from Albertsons.
ABOVE Taos Black Dog’s welcoming façade off Paseo del Pueblo Sur, across the street from Albertsons.
 ?? ?? INSET The shop offers styles from a diverse range of sources for the discerning designer.
INSET The shop offers styles from a diverse range of sources for the discerning designer.

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