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Bennington Police Chief Paul Doucette, left, nurse Jennifer Coutu, Dr. Matthew Vernon, Dr. Charlene Ives, Bennington Police Association President Scott Legacy, Police Lt. Camillo Grande, and SVHC CEO Thomas Dee.

Bennington Police Donate to SVHC Cancer Center

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BENNINGTON, Vt. — The Police Department raised $2,850 for the Southwestern Vermont Regional Cancer Center during its cancer awareness fundraiser. 
 
"We are happy to provide these funds for equipment and supplies at the Cancer Center," Police Chief Paul Doucette said last Wednesday, when members of the department handed over the donation to the cancer center. "Many members of the department have friends or family members that have been affected by cancer and felt this was a positive way to give back to the community, as well as showing support for all patients at the Southwestern Vermont Regional Cancer Center."
 
The funds were raised by selling pink T-shirts and patches to department personnel and members of the public. Civilian staff could pay to wear the T-shirts to work on Fridays throughout the few months of the fundraiser. In addition, officers could pay to grow facial hair. A department policy that prohibits growing facial hair was suspended temporarily for the purposes of the fundraiser.
 
"On behalf of our patients and staff, we'd like to thank the Bennington Police Department for this generous donation." said Dr. Charlene Ives, medical director of the center. "It is remarkable that this support should come from our local police officers and police department staff, because they already do so much valuable work in service to the public every day. We are so grateful."
 
President and CEO Thomas A. Dee added: "The Bennington Police Department has always been a fantastic partner for the health system. This donation is another example of their community-minded approach and their genuine care for the people they serve."

Tags: cancer center,   donations,   svhc,   

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Companion Corner: Odie at Second Chance

By Breanna SteeleiBerkshires Staff

ARLINGTON, VT — There is a sweet Beagle boy waiting for his new family to play with.

iBerkshire's Companion Corner is a weekly series spotlighting an animal in our local shelters that is ready to find a home. 

Odie is a four year old Beagle who has been at the shelter for about a month.

Lead canine care technician Alaura Lasher introduced us to him. 

"He came to us with another beagle friend because his previous owner was moving. As you can see he's a very loving, sweet, sweet boy. He loves his toys and he loves to snuggle. He also loves going outside and running and rolling in all the grass, frolicking along the grass." 

Odie loves his stuffies and will even play with other dogs once he isn't shy.

"He does well with other dogs. He can be a little nervous at first meeting other pups, but he does do well with them. We think he'll get along with cats just fine, and kids too, as long as they're respectful."

He would love someone who will cuddle him and give him all of the pets he deserves and throw some stuffed toys around for him.

"The perfect home is honestly just someone who wants to give him snuggles and play with him. He's a pretty easygoing dude. He really just loves affection. Like he'll just come up to you and stand and wait for pets all the time. So, someone who wants a snuggle buddy, who's also you know he's a good age for a snuggle buddy, but also can play with him quite a bit."

He would also love someone who will take him outside to roll around and run as fast as he can or a long walk to enjoy some more sights he has yet to see.

"His favorite things again: toys, snuggles, kisses. Favorite activities are just going outside for walks. He loves to go for long walks with some of our volunteers."

He does not know basic commands like sit but he is very happy to learn.

While he did come to the shelter with some medical needs he is getting them treated and is healthy and ready for his new family.

"He came in and he was positive for Lyme and anaplasmosis, but we are treating him currently for that. Other than that, as far as we're aware, he's a pretty healthy, young boy."

If you need or want a new companion in your home consider meeting Odie.

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