Every year we tell our readers how much we love our annual The Valley Reporter Goes to the Dogs (and Cats) issue and this year it did not disappoint.
We are in awe of the people and organizations (almost all 100% staffed by volunteers) who spend so many hours and so much energy working to bring dogs from the South, desperately in need of homes to the Northeast, taking the time to vet foster families and adoptive families. These people work hard to set adoptees up for success with their pets, making sure that conditions are right and that dogs and humans will be happy.
We’re in awe of the fosters, and those who volunteer to bring their therapy dogs to hospitals, nursing homes and schools (also volunteers) to help bring comfort to those who need it.
We’re fortunate to have amazing local veterinarians who care for our pets and help local dog rescue organizations and shelter dogs found unattended.
We thank all of our readers who shared pictures and those who shared details about their lives with their dogs and cats, whether they were family pets, or in one case, a guide dog. We love what you tell us about your pets and we love interacting with our fellow community members who are so candid and unguarded about why they love their pets.
Thanks to all who shared pictures and stories about their pets who crossed the Rainbow Bridge. We are so sorry for your loss and the hole that leaves in your hearts and in your homes.
We lost one of our office dogs this year, Roxy Doodle, who worked at The Valley Reporter for 13 years. While our other office dogs barked at us, customers and friends who stopped by, Roxy’s greeting was to come over and push her furry head between peoples’ knees or on their laps seeking a few pats of affection which she returned by wagging her body and her tail. Roxy lived with the Knight family in Waitsfield and we will miss her loving energy so much, as will they.
We know the world is a chaotic place and that Vermont has its own whole host of issues demanding justice and attention but let’s take this one issue and simply celebrate the unconditional love that exists between humans and pets.
