To the editor:

It's been a very busy, fast-paced year for me, full of unanticipated, life-changing events. There are literally more than 100 people who I would like to individually thank for their support and generosity over this past year. But as this year winds down, I know I may never find the time. The best I can do is write up this general sincere letter of thanks to all the people who found the time within their lives to help me out or just simply express kindness and support to me both professionally and personally.

Before this year only my friends and family knew who I was; my life was private but that all changed when my dogs were hit last April. From that time on my life has taken a very public turn. The tragedy that struck my family hit a chord with so many. Still to this day people I have never met stop me on the street and inquire as to how the dogs, my farm, and I are doing. Because of publicity and the outpouring of support that came to me from this one event, we are all still here and surviving. I am sure that had the generosity of so many not occurred after the accident, I would be writing a different story today.

While I cannot thank everyone personally right now I do want to thank just a few whom I have worked alongside with over this past year. We have endured the ups and downs of life together, seen each other almost every day this year and it's important to me that all of you know how appreciated you are by me.

First, I need to thank Eileen Cashman, Amesbury's ACO. After the accident this past April, the accident that took the life of my very best furry friend and severely injured two of my other dogs, Eileen Cashman in a completely empathetic and selfless act, reached out to the community. Eileen's desire to help touched the hearts of many wonderful individuals and a fund was created for me, making it possible to survive this terrible time. The fund raised more money than we ever imagined possible and almost completely covered the costs that the dogs required to mend. Today Daisy and King are happy, healthy and playing with all the gusto of dogs that never had to overcome the ordeal that they did. It is the publicity that surrounded this event that created a notoriety I am still learning to accept.

I need to send my sincere thanks to all the people from across the country that generously donated to the fund. All of you made it possible for me to save my dogs' lives while not losing my farm. They would not be here today without all of the support I received. Every one of you that donated to the fund, and so many did, make what could have been a horrible tragedy for me into a heart-warming outpouring of support that I have never experienced in my life. It was truly life-changing to have so many from every walk of life send me notes of sympathy and encouragement.

A special thanks to:

Amesbury's Sgt. Chatigny and the other responding Amesbury police officers whose response and follow-up to the accident was handled professionally and with great care and sensitivity.

My fellow colleagues in Newburyport City Hall and Mayor Moak — You have all helped me one way or another to learn the administrative ropes around City Hall. Your advice, kindness and generosity throughout this past year have been much appreciated.

Amesbury Emergency Management Director Don Swenson, Deputy Director Jim Babbin and all the AEMA volunteers — You have been my family and a source of continuous support through all my hard times even if you didn't know it. We have volunteered some long, hard hours together and through these times we have become friends.

The Newburyport Police Department — Simply a great group of dedicated officers that has supported me every day on the job since day one. If I need assistance the officers have always responded in a timely fashion. They have taken the time to show me the way regarding many of the intricacies of law enforcement in Newburyport. Their guidance and support has saved me hours of investigative work and I have always been able to feel safe knowing they are watching out for me.

The Newburyport Animal Shelter volunteers — Rarely being able to even take a weekend day off, the continuous stream of shelter animals is relentless. My dedicated volunteers make it possible for me to have a couple of mornings a week when I can sleep in just a little bit. They keep the cages clean and the shelter in some level of functional organization that I would never have been able to maintain alone. Without all of you, this shelter could not function appropriately.

To Liz Pease, Stacy LeBaron, Renee, Amy, Jen and all the great folks at Merrimack River Feline Rescue Society — Without whose help and guidance and patience I would not know what to do with all the many, many homeless cats Newburyport needs assistance with. They have been a saving grace for my conscience, for the cats' lives would be very different without them. They are true life savers.

And lastly, the Newburyport DPW who has worked side by side with me day in and day out. I can't find enough kind words to say about how helpful all of you have been to me. Even during my hardest days you have found a way to bring a smile to my face. You have seen me at my worst, no sleep or shower, and you've seen me smile at some small accomplishment or success that makes my job worthwhile. There simply isn't a nicer group of people to work next to than all of you. You make being here everyday a pleasure, really.

So Happy New Year to all — May it be a safe and healthy year and again thank you to everyone out there that has been so very nice to me over this past year. I couldn't be more appreciative or thankful.

Becky Taylor

Newburyport animal control officer, Newburyport animal inspector, Amesbury Emergency Management assistant deputy director