Hey, y’all. It’s Amie.

It was the most monotone “woof” I’d ever heard. Covering a story in Martinsville about an SPCA summer camp, I fell head over boots for—quite honestly—the laziest dog I’d ever met: Cleo.

I was determined when I walked through those doors that I wouldn’t leave with a pet. And I didn’t! But I sure did think about her and cry over her and yep, I went right back to bring her home. Boy, did I ever get some questionable glances when I arrived with my new fur child. She wasn’t a showstopper in the looks department, and she wasn’t a puppy—that was for sure. While the shelter estimated her age at “around five,” she was at least eight… probably closer to 10 or 12.

We brought Cleo home in 2016, and shared many happy adventures in her golden years. She passed away naturally in her sleep the night of Dec. 23, and we laid her to rest in our backyard on Christmas Eve. That was emotionally tough, especially seeing family and opening gifts and feeling a need to act “holly jolly”—such a dichotomy, though a distraction.

When we got home, it all hit again. For the first time in seven years, we couldn’t wish her a Merry Christmas with a special treat. Ah, but the story doesn’t end there. I was about to feed our pets when I realized the back porch light was on; that light leads to the fenced in area where our dogs play daily. Y’all. Our house was built in 1910. Sometimes, things just stop working and don’t work again no matter what we do, and that’d been the case with that light for two years (despite multiple attempts over that time).

The night of Christmas Eve, it was shining. We hadn’t flipped the switch. We hadn’t changed the bulb. I can’t explain it, other than it was on. Friends, I share that story to say this: Even on the days you “feel like a dog,” your impact is so special. Your light is so bright. And I’m so glad you’re here. Keep shining.

Amie Knowles

Community Editor, Dogwood

Jessica Lewis/Unsplash

Creative ways to recycle your Christmas tree in Virginia

Here’s what you need to know: There’s little more that can bring the nostalgia of years gone by indoors quite like a handpicked Christmas tree. But after a few weeks, it’s time to return them to the great outdoors—or at least, outside of your doors.

Our top picks:

Donate to the animals—The Junkluggers (Williamsburg) are partnering with the Virginia Living Museum to collect Christmas trees to use in animal habitats. To donate a tree to the cause, there are two options: Clients can either schedule free tree removal with any size job booked with The Junkluggers, or they can drop off their tree at Remix Market Williamsburg, the company’s retail location.
Save the sand dunes—In an effort to combat erosion, provide nutrients for beach plants, and foster habitats for beach animals, the Virginia Aquarium recently announced a partnership with Marine Stewards America to collect and recycle Christmas trees.
Revitalize your area—Through mid-January, several locations in Loudoun County are offering tree recycling. The county will turn the recycled trees into mulch, and that product will be available for free to residents while supplies last.

Want more ideas? By clicking below, you’ll access a way to help underwater creatures, as well as a crafty solution for your tree disposal needs.

Read this article

Are you more of the fresh cut or artificial tree type? At our home, we’ve tried “real” trees before, but think artificial is where it’s at! Send your preferences to amie@couriernewsroom.com or reply to this email. Or just say “hi”—I like that a lot, too.

Check out the new healthcare laws taking effect in Virginia this year: From hearing aids to counselor licensing, these changes are making a difference.

Read this article

~ ICYMI ~

Eli Lilly, Sanofi, and Novo Nordisk—which make up roughly 90% of the insulin market—are now offering price caps and savings programs, which started Jan. 1. The programs lower the cost of some of their most widely used insulin products to only $35 per month. The price cuts are expected to help many of the roughly 8.4 million Americans who need insulin to survive (READ MORE HERE).
Good news, 757: You’re getting a brand new shopping center, The Village, in downtown Norfolk. The shopping center will sit at the corner of Brambleton Ave and Church St, and will include a grocery store—which will eliminate a food desert that’s been an issue for two nearby public housing communities (WATCH HERE).
President Biden has issued expanded pardons for people convicted of simple cannabis possession, attempted simple cannabis possession, or cannabis use on federal lands and in Washington, D.C. The president’s actions will not release any federal prisoners, but will lift barriers to housing, employment, and educational opportunities for those convicted of the offenses (READ MORE HERE).

Your History Highlight

Our weekly history highlight uncovers local stories you might not have heard—even if you’ve lived in Virginia for years! Got an untold story or legend you’d like us to investigate? We’re all ears.

Virginia’s history is filled with stories that will leave you both bewildered and intrigued. In this episode of our new video series “Unearthed Chronicles,” we explore the legend of the Bunny Man, who attacked locals in Fairfax County in 1970.

Watch here

This email is written by Amie Knowles, community editor at Dogwood, lifelong Virginia resident, and mom to a fantastic five-year-old who loves monster trucks.
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