I'm Jeff Pieters, editor of the Rochester Post Bulletin. Since June 2020, I've written a weekday morning newsletter called "Sunrise Rochester." My trusted co-editor, by my side every morning, was "Simon the wonder dog." Simon's stories became popular with readers, and as he aged, some of those stories became stories of his physical decline. Finally, at age 14, it became clear that Simon could not continue much longer. Simon was put to sleep on Jan. 9, 2026, at our home by a visiting veterinarian, with my wife and two children -- now adults who returned home for the event -- by his side. He died in his favorite position, surrounded by the people he loved. I received hundreds of emails from readers grieving our family's loss. Indeed, to many readers it seemed that our loss was theirs, too.

Simon's popularity spelled an opportunity to do something good in the Rochester community. We'd like to raise money to have a tree planted with a plaque remembering Simon, ideally along one of his favorite routes on the city trails. The cost for that with the Rochester Park Department is $425.

If or when we achieve that fundraising goal, we'd like to continue. Paws and Claws Humane Society has several donation opportunities, and the one that touches me the most at this time is the Emergency Care Fund. We adopted Simon from a local rescue -- and those are deserving of support, too -- but the time in his life that carries the most meaning for us now is the end of his life. It pained us to watch him struggle. I think it would honor his memory the best to help pets in distress. (If readers have other suggestions, I'm open to those, too.)

As a journalist, I carry a healthy skepticism about solicitations such as this one. I want to give every assurance that 100% of the money from this fundraiser will go to its intended recipients, and every penny (if those still exist) received will be documented and openly accounted for.

Here's a secret about Simon: He was no real "wonder dog," at least not in the terms by which that title would normally be understood. He knew very few tricks. Frankly, he was just not smart. He was a lovable dope. But he was always loyal, gentle and affectionate. And ultimately, it appears that he did touch more lives than your average dog. If you can't give to this fundraiser, or if your sense of charity moves you in a different direction, the next-best thing you can do to honor Simon is to do something kind for someone today. The world needs more Simons, not fewer.

Thanks for reading. Thanks for your support.