This letter by an elderly neighbour asked to babysit some pets is today’s loveliest thing

John Plunkett. Updated April 25th, 2022

Here’s an absolutely lovely thing that has just gone viral on Reddit because it gets you right in the feels.

‘This is the letter my neighbor sent me after I let him babysit my pets while I was on vacation,’ said Redditor SnooCupcakes8607.

And just in case that’s tricky (very tricky) to read …

Good afternoon

This letter is regarding your vacation two weeks ago, and how you let me babysit Smokey, Oreo and Jennifer. I’d just like to give you a letter of thanks.

As you know, I’m an old man. You don’t see me outside often anymore, as these joints aren’t as lively as they used to be. To add to that, two years ago, in the midst of the pandemic, my dad got diagnosed with stage four colon cancer. After his death, I was left alone in my home.

I don’t have a wife or kids. I could go to sleep one day and never wake up again. Every day is spent just sitting around and wondering what I have done for this world.

Until I met Smokey, Oreo and Jennifer.

Your pets are the cutest, funniest and most troublesome (in a good way, don’t worry, they didn’t mess up the house too much!) individuals.

They gave me the motivation to restart my life again. I started waking up early in the mornings. I began to take walks outside with your pets for the first time in years. Every 10 minutes, whenever I felt sad for a second, they would bark or rub against my leg and make me laugh.

The highlight of their stay was when I took them to the park. It was the longest time I’ve spent outside in a while.

It didn’t just bring back pet interaction, I also met other people, started talking, and made friends with a handful of fellow human beings. I was so happy to finally be able to talk with friends again, interact with others, and feel like I’m part of the human race.

I realise I sound very existential right now, but I’m telling the truth. It’s nice knowing that I’m doing something for someone, even if it’s my neighbour.

I adopted two pet dogs soon after. (You may have been hearing the noise from my home, pardon them!) I now take regular walks to the park with them and talk with friends I made there.

Anyways, I’d just like to say: thank you so much. You brought back meaning to my life. And that’s all that matters.

Sincerely

Robert (PS I think it’s time for you to mow the lawn, haha!)

Beautiful. And here are just a few of the things people said about it.

‘You never know when or where you are helping someone by asking for their help.’
treesfen

‘I’ve been pretty apathetic lately, haven’t met or really talked to anyone in a long time. I have a lot of good friends, but I’ve just avoided meet-ups etc.

‘Just today my friend asked me to pick up his son from their summer cabin. The way back home was a blessing, he is my godson, brilliant and witty kid. I ended up staying at their home for some time chit-chatting with the friend.’
gruntillidan

‘That’s a long way of saying someone’s lawn is overgrown.’
Anpanman02

“Thank you for likely saving my physical life and definitely saving my emotional life.

“Oh, and cut your f-cking grass.”
nightwing2024

‘You monster!! How dare you post about these hero dogs without posting pictures of Smokey, Oreo, and Jennifer!’
50StatePiss

To conclude …

‘Aww that’s so sweet, sad and heartwarming at the same time! A kind and gentle old man!
I love his little PS note. You better get out there and start mowing! 🤣🤣🤣’
CharKrat

Source Reddit u/SnooCupcakes8607