Animal Life columnist is retiring, but the column will continue

Dear readers: The first thing to say is, “Thank you.” The second is to say goodbye. Sort of.

I’m doing something I never imagined that I would: I’m retiring at the end of this week. After innumerable words and 44 years of daily deadlines — including 34 years with this news organization — I’m stepping away from a career that I was lucky enough to dream of as a child and live out as an adult.

It’s not a complete break. I will continue to answer your questions about your pets and the wildlife we bump elbows with once a week. And I’ll step back into the game every now and then to write a story, but I’ll be doing it from the purview of a retiree, discovering a new life.

I decided when I was in sixth grade that I wanted to be a writer. I’ll forever be indebted to my teacher, Mr. Perea, for pointing me in that direction. If I have any talent for the written word, it was Mr. Perea who first spotted and encouraged it. Got to love the teachers that make a difference.

The choice of a newspaper career can probably be laid at my father’s feet, a man who had to drop out of school in seventh grade to support his family, and whose devotion and dedication to his job as a dairyman instilled a strong work ethic in all six of his children. I knew if I was going to support myself as a writer, I needed a steady paycheck, and that, mixed with a love for newspapers, pointed me in this direction.

My older brother also went into journalism and when things started to go sideways for newspapers several years ago, we joked that we’d probably have been better off going into the family business. Better off, maybe, but certainly not as happy. Through the ups and down, one thing has remained constant: I love to write, to tell a story, to educate, entertain and inform — to connect with readers.

A little more than 10 years ago, my friend and coworker, Gary Bogue, trusted me to take over his pets and wildlife column, and I entered the happiest phase yet of my career. I’ve loved researching your questions and sharing information.

When I started thinking about retiring, the thing that held me back was the concern that I’d be letting Gary down, and I knew I’d miss the connection I have with you all, but thankfully my editors are willing to let me continue to keep that conversation going.

So, starting the week of Nov. 14, you’ll be seeing a little less of me, but I’ll still be there for you.

Getting back to that thank you, I owe a huge one to all of you who have taken the time to read my columns and other stories, who sent questions that were both challenging and entertaining, and who offered their own experiences and knowledge. If you believe you’ve learned anything from me, know that I have learned much more from you.

I’m going to miss that conversation, but I’m so glad that it’s not going away. Like old friends, we’ll make the best of the time we have.

I have a new email for you to use — [email protected]. Please continue to send me your questions, suggestions and observations. I’ll see you again this Friday, and then every Monday after that. Wish me luck!

Have a question for Joan?

Use this form to submit questions. Photos should be mailed separately to [email protected].