Moving can be quite a challenge, whether it’s down the block, across the country, or even internationally. This National Dog Day, I want to celebrate my dog, Thor, for helping my husband and me adapt to life in our new home.
Like many millennials, finding our first home proved to be a daunting task. However, we were thrilled to finally discover an affordable house in a cul-de-sac neighborhood that feels reminiscent of the charming settings from Hallmark Christmas movies. While settling in and personalizing our space was straightforward, connecting with our neighbors took a little more effort.
Our community is filled with children, and since my husband Brad and I don’t have kids yet, it wasn’t easy to bond over parenting stories. However, we do have our furry friend, Thor. Instead of making acquaintances based on family ties in the local schools, our playful French Bulldog Thor ventured out of our garage on just his second day at our new home.
Thor is almost two years old, and during the short time we’ve had him, he’s already managed to form friendships with men at our old apartment building, often snagging treats like hot dog bits or pizza crusts as he wandered by. His vibrant personality has also allowed us to stay connected with three of his mischievous littermate brothers. His social charm especially came to life when he stepped outside that day.
He greeted all the neighborhood children with playful antics, including his trademark wag and excited panting. It was clear how thrilled he was when they invited him to join a pick-up baseball game as an “outfielder,” despite our knowledge that he might run off with the ball. Thor even indulged in a pup cup from an ice cream truck, though it didn’t end well when he later got sick in a neighbor’s yard.
Thanks to Thor, we’ve become familiar with everyone on our street and developed a strong sense of community. His fearless nature allows him to meet and mingle with new people effortlessly. In fact, his veterinarian has noted that he ranks high in exuberance.
On this National Dog Day, let’s take a moment to appreciate our dogs for the countless ways they enrich our lives—be it through companionship on lonely days, unconditional love, or like in Thor’s case, creating a sense of belonging.
Here’s to our beloved pets!