Dogs are described as shadows, silent comforts and loyal best friends who provide a constant, judgment-free presence. The love for a dog teaches us about faithfulness, steadfastness and the simple joy of being present. The depth of the sadness one experiences when a furry friend is lost is a testament to the beauty of the bond.

He was known for his superior stick retrieval in the fields of Bliss Pond Farm. He was known for his exceptional barking skills from the back of the car when another dog passed. He was known as the official greeter at Flanders Up-Island Real Estate. He was known to captivate house guests with his loving “scratch behind my ears” lean and sprawl in the middle of the kitchen floor when the exhaustion of the day caught up him. Most of all, Zeb the German Shepherd was known as the rambunctious pup that made his was to gray-muzzled companion of Julie Flanders and Bella Thorpe. Although the pain of his passing is final, the lesson he taught us is that such love, once given, is never truly lost.

Pam Goff, like clockwork each year, shares a reminder that the Chilmark Church will be having its traditional candlelight Christmas Eve service at 5 p.m. on Dec. 24. All are welcome to join this magical experience led by Janet Stoddard.

Don’t forget there’s a fabulous local shopping and lunching opportunity at the annual Christmas Flea. Vendors will jam pack the community center on Dec. 20 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. with an assortment of items sure to dazzle every type of shopper.

Just as the first snow of the year was falling, Kara Taylor celebrated her 50th birthday. She has been inundated and wrapped in the love of family and friends, yet she still finds time to create her magical artwork even with a fractured elbow (ouch). Be sure to check out her gallery on South Road where she offers her work with what she is referring to as, holiday-spirit pricing.

Along with Kara, the Ruel Gallery and the CopperWorks both have some really special offerings this holiday season. Colin, Nettie, Scott and Annette are busy creating so you can indulge in the gift of giving.

The timing of her visit didn’t bring her here for the Flea, but Dianne Poole did make a trip from her home in Barrington, R.I. for a little holiday shopping. Even better than shopping, Dianne had an opportunity to visit with friends, including Jane Slater at whose home she chose to rest her head. What fun this pair had together.

I don’t know a whole bunch about the Wonder and Wander Collective, but I do know Ariana Binney and Kaila Allen-Posin certainly do. I do, however, believe the goal is to connect children to nature and global cultures, fostering their growth and empowerment through hands-on, immersive learning. This past weekend, children including the Binney and Allen-Posin kids took to the stage at the CCC for multiple performances of The Sound of Music. I didn’t make it there myself, but Marshall and Kathie enjoyed themselves along with Scout, Arlo and Tavira’s grandparents Clarissa Allen and Mitch Posin.

Since 2014, the year Carl Widdiss died, it has become tradition for Pam Glavin to raise a wishing tree at his grave at the Aquinnah Cemetery. Pam invites us all to bring an ornament, share a wish and make a promise of paying it forward to someone who might need a little extra help over the winter. Although I don’t know all the details of this year’s arrangement, in years past she has adorned the site with solar lights and a few little treats for those who visit.

Even if you don’t have an opportunity to make it to the wishing tree, take away the heartfelt sentiment and do something kind for a neighbor — share a meal, pick up groceries, shovel a walkway, fill a bird feeder, play a game, exchange some laughter or even a simple smile and a wave can go a long way.