August moved quickly this year, but it also left a profound emptiness in our home and in the heart of the Tuccillo family. We said goodbye to our beloved dog, our first family pet, and the cherished Chief Tasting Officer of Pawfectly Delicious — Mr. Friday.

Our house is quieter now. We still catch ourselves listening for his paws on the floor or expecting to be greeted at the door with a wagging tail and the enthusiastic kisses he reserved especially for Bryan. Dogs are family, and losing Friday has been deeply painful. He was loyal, gentle, a little overprotective, but steadfast, and a constant companion to Bryan during some of his most difficult days battling cancer. Their bond, their resilience, and their joy together were the inspiration behind Pawfectly Delicious. Friday helped shape our mission, and his spirit will continue to guide the work we do every day.

We will carry on his legacy through our commitment to providing unconditional love, purpose, and community to our incredible team of adults with disabilities. That legacy is woven into every treat we bake and every opportunity we create.

After taking a much‑needed break from baking in late August, our team is gearing up for a busy and exciting fall and holiday season. We have a full calendar of community events from September through December, and we hope you’ll join us as we return fast and furious to our full schedule. You can find all confirmed events here: https://www.pawfectlydelicious.org/events

Before diving into our fall production, we were able to complete a deep industrial cleaning of the kitchen at St. Luke’s Episcopal Church, the very space we are so generously gifted to use for our baking ministry. This important project was made possible through grant funding from the John J. Pohanka Family Foundation, and we are profoundly grateful for their support. Being entrusted with this space is a blessing, and we feel a deep responsibility to care for it with intention and respect. Paying it forward and being good stewards of what we’ve been so fortunate to receive is central to who we are. This cleaning ensures that our team can return to work in a refreshed, safe, and sparkling environment, a small but meaningful way to honor the generosity that sustains our mission.

By the time this newsletter reaches your inbox, Bryan and I will be returning from an overseas adventure — a chance to rest, reflect, and find some healing after a sorrowful August. We know in our hearts that Mr. Friday would have wanted us to take this time. Next month I promise I’ll have happier and more exciting news to share.

Thank you for being part of our community, for supporting our mission, and for helping us honor Friday’s legacy through kindness, inclusion, and opportunity. We look forward to seeing you this fall.

Anne