This is Deputy Digby Pancake.  And we are blogging to you from this Vermont place.  A land full of maple syrup, pancake to put maple syrup on, stinky cheese I can roll around in and beautiful scenery. Almost as beautiful as Sheriff Peanut Butter Brickle.  As you know, he paid me in maple syrup to say that.

Last night we were taking a walk in the woods at this Vermont place.  There were odd sounds all around combined with a peacefulness we haven’t felt in a bit.  It got us to wondering as we were appreciating all of these new things and beauty.  What was in our own backyard that we didn’t appreciate?  What did we not hear? What would someone have heard in our home place that we had forgotten was so special?

So I ask you this.  What is in your own backyard or home place that someone visiting would appreciate?  Have you forgotten how truly special it is?  Since we are seeing new things every single day for a year, we are appreciating what many people may take for granted.  Be proud of where you live, what is in your own backyard.  That tree that you have looked at so many times and don’t see any longer may be the most beautiful tree a visitor has ever seen!  That bird that wakes you up too early on the weekend may sing a song that a visitor will think is the most beautiful sound he has ever heard.

Yes, our trip is all about adventure and of course animal rescue.  But what we are finding along the way in the people that live in these places all across our country is that your history, your families, your pride in where you live touches us the most.  Stop today.  Listen.  Hear what is special about where you are. And pass me the maple syrup. Thanks.

-Deputy Digby Pancake