From CDT paper carriers to the State College police to local UPS drivers and postal workers, our community pulled together last weekend within hours to attempt to help a local couple.

It is overwhelming to see how people in this area have the ability to come together whether in the face of national events, such as in the past year at Penn State and the victims of Hurricane Sandy, or one affecting just this area.

An adopted dog just brought home to Boalsburg on Friday is lost. She was a gift from husband to wife of 58 years. As the news spread from biker to hiker, from neighbor to neighbor and reached across the town through Internet, texting, old-fashioned phone calls and door-to-door canvassing, every communication was met with more than a positive reaction.

Restaurants, coffee shops, gas stations, fire stations, post offices — true community helpers — aided in not just posting information, but actively passing the message on.

No wonder our community is healing — the very words used by this paper to describe how we have coped with the past yearlong events. We are healing because of the people who reside here. We are leading each other by example, with thoughtfulness, strength and a desire to maintain the pride we have in our community.

My parents continue their sad search for their dog but have been so comforted by State College and Boalsburg residents. I can see why they met here at Penn State over 60 years ago and never left.

Carol Bunnell Grim

Boalsburg