Four university students, freshly moved into a rental home, were bummed when they realised they couldn’t have a pet due to their lease agreement. They’d been looking forward to the companionship of a dog, and the no-pet rule was a real letdown. Still, their love for animals wasn’t going anywhere, so they decided to get creative.
Jack McCrossan, originally from Scotland, moved to Bristol with three friends for university. As they settled into their new flat, it became apparent that one thing was missing—a dog. The flatmates were keen to experience companionship with a pet, but their rental agreement strictly prohibited animals. Heartbroken, they accepted their fate.
However, their luck took a turn when they noticed a black Sheprador (a German Shepherd-Labrador mix) gazing out the window from the neighbouring house. The sight of the dog stirred something in them, reigniting their hope of having canine companionship in their lives.
The students put their heads together and came up with a unique plan—writing a heartfelt letter to their neighbour, Sarah Tolman, offering to walk her dog. They admitted that, while they knew the dog probably wasn’t bored, they would love to help care for her.
So they wrote their letter and tucked it under Sarah’s door, not really expecting a reply, but hopeful all the same.
Dear neighbour,
We are four engineers that have recently moved into the area in the past 3-4 months. Our house is a comprised of an Englishman, two Scotts and a Welshman. Diversity!
The other day, we noticed a four-legged friend looking out at us out the window when we arrived home from work. He or she looked like the good-est boi/girl there is. If you ever need someone to walk him/her, we will gladly do so. If you ever get bored (we know you will, but we can dream) we are more than happy to look after him/her. If you want to come over and bring him/her to brighten up our day, you are more than welcome. If you want to walk past our balcony windows so we can see him/her, please do.
We hope this doesn’t come too strong, but our landlord won’t allow pets, and we’ve all grown up with animals. The adult life is a struggle without one.
We look forward to hearing from you [or not].
Yours sincerely,
The boys from number 23.
xx
Sarah Replied to the Boys Asking to Walk Her Dog
To their delight, Sarah responded enthusiastically. Not only did she welcome their offer, but she also introduced the group to her beloved dog, Stevie Ticks, and from that day forward, a beautiful friendship was formed. The students began taking Stevie for regular walks, and they soon became attached to their new furry friend.
Dearest Boys,
Woof! Oh what a treat it was to receive your letter! On the subject of treats, I have lots. Like, a lot. I am very cute and always on my best behaviour (honest!!)
I am two years and 4 months old, and I am a Shepard (Lab x GSD). I come from Cyprus originally but Chris and Sarah rescued me from a cage in the “doggy hotel”.
You’re right that I am the best-est girl – how did you know? I am very friendly and full of beans. I love meeting new people and getting them to play with me. Be friends – I must warn you that the price of my friendship is very high: lots of ball and belly scratches (and I demand them).
We here understand how hard it is to find pet-friendly rentals – and life just isn’t full without a dog, right? I’d love to hang out whenever you fancy – give my servant Chris a whatsapp (📱 number blurred) and we can arrange a meet up!
Looking forward to miming you!!
Stevie Ticks-x–
What started as a simple act of kindness quickly blossomed into something so much more. Not only did the students find the joy of dog companionship they were craving, but they also forged a close bond with their neighbour, Sarah, whom they might not have met otherwise. The relationship grew beyond just dog-walking—regular meet-ups, chats, and playtime with Stevie became part of their routine. In a world where people can feel increasingly isolated, this small gesture opened the door to meaningful connections and new friendships.
Three Top Benefits of Walking the Dog
Physical Health – Dog walking is great for cardiovascular health. Regular walks help to maintain a healthy weight, improve joint mobility, and lower blood pressure. It’s a simple way to stay active.
Mental Health – Studies have shown that spending time with animals, particularly dogs, can reduce stress, anxiety, and depression. The act of caring for a dog can release feel-good hormones like oxytocin and serotonin, improving overall mood.
Social Connections – Just like in this story, walking a dog often leads to conversations with other dog owners. Whether it’s a brief chat at the park or striking up a friendship with a neighbour, dogs help people connect.
In Australia, many dog lovers who can’t own pets due to restrictions or busy schedules turn to dog-walking services. Platforms like Mad Paws and Pawshake connect pet owners with local walkers, offering a way for people to spend time with dogs, even if they can’t have one of their own.
Stevie Ticks: A Star in Her Own Right
Stevie’s undeniable charm quickly captured hearts far beyond her neighbourhood. What began as casual dog walks with her new human friends blossomed into a social media sensation. Stevie now stars on her very own Instagram account, where thousands of followers tune in regularly to keep up with her daily adventures, playful antics, and ongoing friendship with her flatmate pals.
Her account has garnered over 80,000 followers, a testament to the love and joy she spreads to people worldwide. Through her posts, Stevie has become an ambassador for positive community connections, reminding everyone of the warmth and comfort that come from the simple joys of companionship. From playful runs in the park to heartwarming moments with her new human friends, Stevie’s content continues to spread smiles, proving that sometimes the most unexpected friendships can have a far-reaching impact, even in the digital world.
This feel-good story reminds us that community isn’t just about where you live—it’s about the people and experiences that unite us. Jack and his friends’ journey with Stevie Ticks highlights the beauty of kindness, connection, and the simple joys of life that often come from the most unexpected places. Whether walking your dog or helping a neighbour with theirs, there’s always an opportunity to connect, share, and build lasting friendships.
