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2023’s most heartwarming animal stories in Vermont and New York

These stories of rare birds, daring dogs and incredible rescues were among our favorites in 2023.

From rare birds that live on glaciers to cross-country reunion stories, animals provided some of the most amazing and heartwarming stories of this year in Vermont and New York.Here’s a look back at a few stories from this year that had animals as the main characters:Rare ocean bird found in the Northeast Kingdom following floodingAn incredible rare bird rarely seen south of Maine washed ashore in Vermont this December following a recent bout of flooding, giving wildlife experts in the Northeast Kingdom the chance to study the bird up close and personal before sending it back into the wild.Dog returned to family in Florida after being found four years later in Peru, NYA family in Florida received a happy ending to the saga of a beloved pet that had to be given up for adoption due to an international move nearly four years ago, thanks to the efforts of a group of Northern NY residents. Cubby the dog was found injured in Peru and brought to a local shelter, where he was identified and able to return home to his family more than 1,000 miles away in the Sunshine State.Vermont 12-year-old teaches adorable dog to scooterFor one family, teaching their dog, Lola, to sit, stay and roll over wasn’t enough; this incredible goldendoodle can use a scooter! Lola’s family, including 12-year-old Kate, taught this clever pup to ride through their Essex Junction neighborhood on a scooter, in an incredible and heartwarming display of just how intelligent man’s best friend can be.Farm sanctuary in Charlotte gives abused animals a second chanceAt a local farm sanctuary in Charlotte, second chances for happiness come every day. The staff at the Merrymac Farm Sanctuary are experts in helping abused and sick animals live happy, full lives, with more than 120 animals living and thriving at the nonprofit. “Animals have feelings. They are part of our world and they need to be taken care of,” said the founder, Era MacDonald.Lake Placid Volunteer Fire Department rescues dog from fast-moving watersFollowing flooding in December, one pup was in need of rescue in the North Country, and a group of local firefighters answered the call. Thankfully, this good boy was safely reunited with his human a short time later all due to the heroics of several first responders.Burlington Fire Department rescues kitten from treeIn another daring rescue, the Burlington Fire Department saved a four-month-old kitten who had gotten itself stuck high up in a tree in November. Crews said the cat was trapped more than 50 feet in the air.

From rare birds that live on glaciers to cross-country reunion stories, animals provided some of the most amazing and heartwarming stories of this year in Vermont and New York.

Here’s a look back at a few stories from this year that had animals as the main characters:

Rare ocean bird found in the Northeast Kingdom following flooding

An incredible rare bird rarely seen south of Maine washed ashore in Vermont this December following a recent bout of flooding, giving wildlife experts in the Northeast Kingdom the chance to study the bird up close and personal before sending it back into the wild.

Dog returned to family in Florida after being found four years later in Peru, NY

A family in Florida received a happy ending to the saga of a beloved pet that had to be given up for adoption due to an international move nearly four years ago, thanks to the efforts of a group of Northern NY residents. Cubby the dog was found injured in Peru and brought to a local shelter, where he was identified and able to return home to his family more than 1,000 miles away in the Sunshine State.

Vermont 12-year-old teaches adorable dog to scooter

For one family, teaching their dog, Lola, to sit, stay and roll over wasn’t enough; this incredible goldendoodle can use a scooter! Lola’s family, including 12-year-old Kate, taught this clever pup to ride through their Essex Junction neighborhood on a scooter, in an incredible and heartwarming display of just how intelligent man’s best friend can be.

Farm sanctuary in Charlotte gives abused animals a second chance

At a local farm sanctuary in Charlotte, second chances for happiness come every day. The staff at the Merrymac Farm Sanctuary are experts in helping abused and sick animals live happy, full lives, with more than 120 animals living and thriving at the nonprofit. “Animals have feelings. They are part of our world and they need to be taken care of,” said the founder, Era MacDonald.

Lake Placid Volunteer Fire Department rescues dog from fast-moving waters

Following flooding in December, one pup was in need of rescue in the North Country, and a group of local firefighters answered the call. Thankfully, this good boy was safely reunited with his human a short time later all due to the heroics of several first responders.

Burlington Fire Department rescues kitten from tree

In another daring rescue, the Burlington Fire Department saved a four-month-old kitten who had gotten itself stuck high up in a tree in November. Crews said the cat was trapped more than 50 feet in the air.