Pamela Donaldson of Highland Pugs passed away on March 12, 2024.

What is a Mentor? Being a mentor is a profoundly rewarding experience that allows you to share your knowledge and expertise with others. It’s an opportunity to guide and support individuals on their journeys, both personal and professional. As a mentor, you have the privilege of witnessing the growth and development of those you work with, and the satisfaction that comes from seeing them succeed is truly fulfilling.

A key aspect of mentoring is the ability to listen and empathize. By genuinely understanding the challenges and aspirations of your mentees, you can offer tailored advice and encouragement that resonates deeply with them. This personalized approach not only helps them achieve their goals but also fosters a lasting sense of trust and connection.

The role of a mentor goes beyond simply imparting knowledge; it encompasses being a sounding board, a source of inspiration, and a trusted confidant. By sharing your own experiences and lessons learned, you help your mentees navigate complexities, building their confidence and resilience to overcome obstacles.

Ultimately, being a mentor is not just about what you can teach, but about the lasting impact you can have on someone's life. It’s a privilege accompanied by great responsibility, and the rewards of witnessing your mentees thrive make it an incredibly fulfilling experience. Pam embodied everything a mentor should be and I try to do the same.

For many years, she worked alongside Doris Aldrich of Kendoric Pugs, who was a mentor to Pam, just as Pam was a mentor to me. After Doris' passing, Pam continued the kennel name as Highland Kendoric. What some may not know is the extensive work Pam did behind the scenes for various Pug organizations.

As a longtime member of the Pug Dog Club of America and the Patriot Pug Dog Club, she tirelessly promoted and preserved the breed she loved. Pamela served as the Corresponding Secretary for the Pug Dog Club of America, held a board position at PDCA, was the trophy chair for the 2019 National, served as policy chair for PDCA, and dedicated many years to Pug Rescue of New England. At the Patriot Pug Dog Club, she served as President, Corresponding Secretary, and most recently, Treasurer. Her contributions to these organizations were vital, and her impact will be felt for years to come.

Pamela's dedication extended beyond her organizational roles; she was renowned for her extensive knowledge of pug pedigrees and breed standards and was always eager to share her expertise with fellow enthusiasts. Her kennel, Highland Pugs, reflected her commitment to breeding healthy, well-tempered pugs that adhered to the breed standard. Her work with Pug Rescue of New England highlighted her compassion for all pugs, not just those from her own breeding program.

But Pamela was so much more than her achievements. She had a love for music, was an avid bird enthusiast, and enjoyed gardening—evident in the vibrant blooms at her home each spring and summer. She was also a skilled writer and relished discussing politics.

Pamela’s dedication to the pug breed was not merely a hobby; it was a lifelong passion that she poured her heart and soul into. Her impact on the pug community will resonate for generations. She will be deeply missed, but her legacy will continue to inspire and guide those who knew her. I feel privileged not only to have benefited from Pam’s knowledge but also to carry forward the wisdom of Doris alongside it. I will forever be grateful to Pam for taking me under her wing, sharing her breeding program with me, and being not just a mentor but a lifelong friend.