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Urine in Town, Local Love, And Loss
Everything we know about living in community packed into this week.
The Farmington Valley
January 19, 2026
Hi Neighbor!
This week’s newsletter is a little bit of everything, because that’s what real community life looks like.
We’re sharing more local stories that remind us why small towns matter, the good, the awkward, and the deeply human. There’s the kind of local moment that makes you shake your head, laugh a little, and say, “Yep, that could only happen here.” Sometimes community news isn’t polished, sometimes it’s messy, and sometimes it involves someone making a very questionable bathroom decision in public with urine in town, or something like that, maybe? Or????
Alongside that lighter, community event, there’s also loss. This week our community says goodbye to someone who mattered. These are the moments that slow us down, that remind us how connected we really are, even if we didn’t know the person personally. In small towns, loss ripples. It shows up in quiet conversations, shared memories, and a collective pause that says, “This person was part of us.”
That contrast, humor one minute, grief the next, is not a contradiction. It’s the heartbeat of a real place. Life doesn’t arrive neatly sorted, and neither does this newsletter. We aim to reflect the full picture, the stories that make us smile, the ones that make us sigh, and the ones that remind us to be a little kinder to each other.
Thanks for being here, for caring about where you live, and for showing up week after week. Community isn’t just about the highlights, it’s about witnessing it all together.
~Your Neighbor
This edition brought to you by Camp Pickleball
Table of Contents
Urine In and Around The Valley
Coming to the stage at Simsbury High School: Urinetown
Don’t let the name fool you, Urinetown is a sharp, hilarious, and surprisingly thoughtful musical that tackles some very big ideas. Set in a city facing a severe water shortage, the story follows a world where a powerful corporation controls all public restrooms, and citizens must pay just to pee. Break the rules, and you’re sent to the ominous place known only as “Urinetown.”
Through satire, catchy songs, and clever storytelling, the show takes on themes like environmental responsibility, corporate greed, and social justice, all while keeping the audience laughing. It’s bold, timely, and a great showcase of the talent and creativity coming out of Simsbury High School.
If you’re looking for a night of theater that’s smart, funny, and a little unexpected, this is one you won’t want to miss.
Avon Volunteer Fire Department In Loss
Avon Volunteer Fire Department Mourns the Line of Duty Death of Deputy Chief David Theriault
The Farmington Valley community is mourning the loss of Deputy Chief David Theriault of the Avon Volunteer Fire Department, who passed away on January 15, 2026, following a courageous battle with occupational cancer. He was 48.
Deputy Chief Theriault dedicated nearly his entire life to serving the Town of Avon and its residents. He joined the Department as an Explorer at just 14 years old and went on to serve for almost 35 years, rising through the ranks to Deputy Chief. Throughout his career, he was known as a steady, reliable presence, a leader who led by example, and a mentor who deeply cared for those around him.
In a statement, Fire Chief Bruce Appell shared that Deputy Chief Theriault was a constant presence within the Department, selfless in his service, and fiercely committed to his fellow firefighters and the community. His passing represents the loss of not only a respected leader, but also a friend to many.
Deputy Chief Theriault’s service included roles such as Explorer Advisor, Special Operations Captain, Chair of the AVFD 75th Anniversary Committee, and he was recognized with awards for Most Calls for Interior Firefighter (2022–2023) and Most Training Hours for Support Firefighter (2024–2025). His impact helped shape generations of firefighters and strengthened the Department he loved.
The Avon Volunteer Fire Department has asked that the family’s privacy be respected during this difficult time. Funeral and memorial service details will be shared once arrangements are finalized.
The Farmington Valley extends its deepest condolences to Deputy Chief Theriault’s family, friends, and all who had the honor of serving alongside him. His legacy of service, leadership, and quiet dedication will not be forgotten.
About the Avon Volunteer Fire Department
Incorporated in 1943, the Avon Volunteer Fire Department proudly protects nearly 20,000 residents throughout the Town of Avon. Staffed entirely by volunteers, the Department provides fire suppression and prevention, life safety and rescue services, and mutual aid to surrounding communities when requested, operating six companies out of four stations across town.
Feature Story - A Conversation about dogs, care, and building something that lasts
Getting to Know Dogology
Dogology opened its doors in February of 2013, and nearly thirteen years later, the mission behind it remains remarkably grounded, intentional, and human. Founded by three canine professionals, Dogology was built on a simple but powerful belief, that the most important parts of caring for a dog, nutrition, behavior, and overall wellness, should not live in silos.
Each founder came from a different background, veterinary and wellness care, professional dog training, and canine nutrition. After working with many of the same clients in separate settings, one truth became clear, dogs and their families were better supported when those areas worked together rather than independently.
Over time, Dogology transitioned to full ownership under its current leadership, allowing that original vision to continue in a thoughtful, deliberate way. As any small business owner knows, longevity doesn’t come easily. It requires long hours, consistency, and an honest commitment to the work. What has sustained Dogology all these years is a practical, education-first approach, rooted in trust, experience, and helping dogs thrive as individuals, not checklists.
A philosophy built around real dogs, not trends
What truly sets Dogology apart isn’t just what’s on the shelves, it’s the philosophy behind everything they do. Often referred to as their “dog ideology,” the belief is simple but uncompromising, dogs deserve the best care possible, and supporting them well requires more than a single product or quick fix.
Everyone at Dogology lives this work personally. They share their lives with dogs of their own and understand how overwhelming the pet world can feel. Trends, conflicting advice, and loud marketing messages make it hard for dog owners to know what actually matters. Dogology takes a different approach. There is no one-size-fits-all solution for a living being, and they take that responsibility seriously.
Every recommendation is grounded in research, real experience, and thoughtful consideration of the individual dog standing in front of them. Education is central. Judgment has no place here.
Their guiding principle can be summed up simply, know better, do better. Most people are doing the best they can with the information they have. Dogology exists to help close that gap, offering clear, honest guidance so small changes can lead to meaningful improvements in a dog’s health, behavior, and overall quality of life.
What dog parents are excited about right now
Lately, one of the biggest conversations in the shop centers around fresh food. With the rise of direct-to-consumer “fresh” food marketing, dog parents are curious, but also understandably confused. Many products appear highly customized on the surface, but lack transparency when it comes to ingredient sourcing, formulation choices, and whether certain proteins are truly appropriate for an individual dog.
That curiosity, however, has opened an important door. One truth Dogology emphasizes often, all living beings benefit from fresh food, dogs included. No healthy animal thrives on a diet that is entirely dry and shelf-stable. Introducing fresh food doesn’t need to be overwhelming or all-or-nothing. For many families, it begins with simple additions that enhance the nutritional quality of traditional kibble and support better overall health.
Another category drawing genuine excitement is chews. Thoughtfully selected chews provide mental enrichment, support natural behaviors, and, quite honestly, give humans a little breathing room, especially with puppies and young dogs. Beyond entertainment, chews can aid dental health, digestion, and overall mental well-being. There’s also far more variety available than many people realize, with options tailored to size, chewing style, duration, and budget. Helping families find the right chew for their dog is something the team truly enjoys.
Rescue at the heart of it all
Behind Dogology’s work is a deep commitment to rescue. Nearly sixteen years ago, while working in the veterinary field, the founder of New England Puppy Rescue recognized that their experience, knowledge, and professional connections could be used in a more direct way to help dogs in need.
The mission was, and remains, simple, save dogs who might not otherwise have a chance and place them into homes where they can be valued, understood, and loved. Rescue is about improving outcomes for dogs, but it’s also about building strong, lasting bonds between dogs and the families who welcome them.
Why puppies, and why it matters
New England Puppy Rescue primarily focuses on puppies, especially those most vulnerable and at risk. This includes neglected, unwanted, and abandoned puppies from high-intake shelters, as well as local surrenders. A particular emphasis is placed on under-aged and orphaned puppies, including those who arrive without a mother and require intensive medical and developmental support.
The reason is practical and urgent. Puppies are medically fragile, labor-intensive, and highly susceptible to disease, which puts them at increased risk in overcrowded shelters. With a background in veterinary care, nutrition, and behavior, intervening early allows these puppies the strongest possible start, while also setting families up for long-term success.
The rescue is fully foster-based, with every puppy living in a Connecticut home. This allows for proper socialization, observation, and intentional matching. Adoptions are private, thoughtful, and fully compliant with Connecticut rescue regulations, including mandatory veterinary exams by a Connecticut-licensed veterinarian.
A defining piece of the rescue’s work is its Orphan Puppy Program, which supports puppies as young as two weeks old who require round-the-clock care. These puppies are raised using structured protocols that address veterinary care, nutrition, and behavioral development at every stage. Because of this program, shelters across the country now reach out when neonatal puppies have nowhere else to go.
The story that shaped everything
One story that continues to define the rescue is River. Found alone on the side of a road in Connecticut at just four weeks old, River became the organization’s original orphan. What began as a learning process, guided by research and veterinary support, grew into a model for how orphaned puppies could not just survive, but thrive.
River went on to become a calm, confident presence for other orphaned puppies, helping them learn social skills, trust, and resilience. His story directly shaped the protocols used today and stands as a reminder of how saving one life can ripple outward to save many more.
How the community can help
Support comes in many forms, and all of it matters. Fostering remains the greatest and most impactful need. Volunteers are essential, as are donations and wish-list items that help sustain daily operations. Simply following the rescue, sharing posts, and spreading the word plays a meaningful role in connecting puppies with homes and support.
This past year marked a major milestone, with the transformation of Dogology’s former space into a fully functioning rescue facility, complete with an in-house veterinary clinic, intake space, and adoption and event center. Community-favorite events like Puppy Yoga, Puppies & Coffee, Puppy Happy Hour, and an upcoming Open House at the end of January continue to create fun, accessible ways for people to get involved.
Why buying local matters
Choosing to shop local at Dogology means more than making a purchase. It means access to real guidance, the ability to ask questions, and recommendations tailored to your dog, not an algorithm. Many everyday items are priced comparably to, or even lower than, big-box or online alternatives, and the selection often surprises first-time visitors.
Supporting Dogology also directly supports rescue work. The two are deeply connected, sustained by people who care about dogs and their community. Keeping that support local helps ensure both continue to thrive.
A final thought for dog parents
If there’s one thing Dogology hopes every dog owner understands, it’s this, there is no universal solution. Dogs are individuals. Supporting them well means curiosity, flexibility, and the willingness to adjust along the way. Be wary of anyone offering a fix-all. Ask questions. Trust your instincts. And know that good care is an ongoing relationship, not a destination.
At Dogology, education and advocacy are at the heart of everything they do, creating a space where people feel supported, informed, and empowered, alongside their dogs.
Mind, Soul, And Heart - Uplift
Sometimes a newsletter isn’t about headlines, hacks, or how to do more.
Sometimes it’s about slowing down long enough to remember you’re human.
That’s what Uplift is.
It’s a small corner of the internet where we talk about life as it actually feels, not how we pretend it feels online. We write about time, creativity, grief, joy, burnout, starting over, and the quiet moments in between. There are letters from the editor, short reflections, poems, journal prompts, and reminders that it’s okay to breathe, to pause, to change direction.
If you’re feeling overwhelmed, stretched thin, or just craving something honest and grounding in your inbox, you might feel at home there.
You can find Uplift here, and you’re always welcome.
Cold Weather Reminder Around The Valley
Heads up, folks — a significant drop in temperatures is on the way for the Farmington, Connecticut area this week. We’re looking at daytime highs mostly in the 20s to low 30s, with overnight lows dipping into the single digits and teens — and wind chills making it feel even colder. There’s also a chance of continued snow showers and flurries as the cold air settles in.
This kind of deep freeze can be tough, especially for neighbors who may struggle to stay warm, pets left outside, or anyone without steady heat. Take a moment to check on elderly family members, neighbors, or anyone you know who might need help getting supplies, stacking wood, or just a friendly call to make sure they’re okay. A little connection goes a long way when the temperature drops.
Stay safe, bundle up, and look out for each other out there.
