Stories that Warmed Our Hearts in 2012

We know you come to us for news, which includes the sad and sometimes violent, but we like to write about the good things, too.

And here at Joliet Patch, nothing warms our hearts more than a story with a happy ending.

Reuniting pets and their owners is always one we love. Whether Fido got out the door when someone was not looking or he dug a hole under the fence and went out exploring, we're always glad when our furry friends are back in their loving homes.

The same is true when we're able to write about someone who organizes an effort to benefit someone else. That desire to go above and beyond, to give of time and money selflessly, is always worth celebrating.

Here are five of our favorites since May 31, when our Joliet Patch news site went live:

• Dog That Was Lost - and Found - Touches Hearts Along the Way

We met Sylvia the dog the day her owners were set to pick her up from the woman who had been caring for her since she found her wandering the neighborhood. We could see why someone could fall for the little furry ball of happy and we hope that the rescuer did decide to adopt a dog of her own. She said she was going to because of Sylvia.

Ned, a Tabby cat from Joliet went wandering the neighborhood. In the end, though, it was not Patch readers or neighbors of the owner who found Ned. Ned simply came back home. But, in the time that he was gone, we all kept our eyes open for an orange tabby cat who had lost a little weight but was no worse for wear.

• Locals Collect to Help Hurricane Sandy Victims

Not being able to stand by and do nothing, an Elwood resident cooperated with local businesses to collect items that the residents of Atlantic City needed after losing everything in Hurricane Sandy.

• Residents Donate more than 40 Cases of Food

It was the idea of a Joliet resident to begin to collect canned good and coats for MorningStar Mission in Joliet. Patch joined in on the cause and so did additional businesses. We hope that because of our residents' efforts more people will be warm and well fed.

• Local Artist Uses Glass to Memorialize Loved Ones

This local glass artist makes pairs of small glass hearts. She works with Tezak's Home to Celebrate Life who gives one to a mourning family and the other goes with the deceased. In addition, she creates glass objects that contain cremains that family members can keep or wear as jewelry. Lastly, she is the designer of the ornaments for Joliet Area Community Hospice's Lights of Love event. We love that she has taken an art form and made it so meaningful.

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