It doesn't take much to make another person's day - and it can make all the difference to their mental health. That's exactly what one man came to learn after allowing his elderly neighbour to watch over his three dogs while he was away on holiday.
Greatful for the opportunity, the neighbour, named Robert, wrote him a heartfelt letter thanking him for trusting him with his beloved pets. In the letter, he explained how he is an "old man" who doesn't go outside very often because his "joints aren't as lively as they used to be".
He says he has been rather lonely since his dad died from colon cancer during the Covid-19 pandemic as he doesn't have a wife or children to keep him company. He wrote: "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." Sharing his favourite moments from their two weeks together, he explained how he took them to the park for a good run around.
He added: "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." Before ending his letter, he shared how he has since adopted two dogs and apologises for any noise they might make while settling into their new home.
He said: "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 your lawn, haha!)."
While most users celebrated Robert for being such a kind soul, others praised the man for allowing him to watch over his pets while he was away. One user said: "Nothing beats a personal letter. A childhood friend mailed me a letter out of the blue a year or two ago and I still remember the envelope and where I was standing when I read it. I need to write more letters."
Another user added: "That is the nicest and most heartfelt 'please mow your lawn' letter I've ever seen." A third user said: "What a beautiful, kind letter to express his thanks even though at the time it probably felt like a burden leaving your pets with him. Please let us know how Robert is. I sincerely hope you guys become better friends in the future and your dogs all become friends as well!"
In an update, the man urged Reddit readers to check in with their elderly neighbours as just a 10-minute conversation could make all the difference to their day. He said: "I’d just like to give a brief message: if you have an elderly neighbour, please go give them a visit. You never know how much of an impact you can give just by stopping by and having some tea. A quick chat and morale boost can change a life. We need more wholesome during these times"