When rental restrictions prevent pet ownership, sometimes the best solution comes from reaching out to neighbors. A group of four young engineers in Bristol, England discovered this firsthand when a heartfelt letter to their neighbor led to an unexpected friendship with a Labrador puppy.
The flatmates found themselves in a common predicament faced by many renters: their landlord’s strict no-pet policy meant they couldn’t have a dog of their own. Having grown up with animals throughout their lives, the absence of furry companionship left a noticeable void in their daily routine.
A creative solution to the no-pet policy
After spotting a young Labrador in their Bristol neighborhood, the engineers decided to take matters into their own hands. They composed a sincere letter to the dog’s owner, explaining their situation and requesting permission to spend time with the pup.
Their letter outlined multiple ways they could help while satisfying their need for canine interaction. “If you ever need someone to walk him/her, we will gladly do so,” they wrote. “If you ever get bored (we know you never 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 our day, you are more than welcome. If you want to walk past our balcony windows so we can see him/her, please do.”
The engineers, who identified themselves as “the boys from 23,” concluded their message by acknowledging the unusual nature of their request. “We hope this doesn’t come off too strong, but our landlord won’t allow pets, and we’ve all grown up with animals,” the letter concluded. “The adult life is a struggle without one.”
An enthusiastic response from Stevie Ticks
The reply the flatmates received exceeded their expectations. The neighbor’s response came written from the perspective of Stevie Ticks, the Labrador herself, as dictated by her human, Sarah Tolman.
“What a treat it was to receive your letter,” wrote Stevie Ticks (as dictated by her human, Sarah Tolman). “I love meeting new people and it would be great if we can be friends. I must warn you that the price of my friendship is 5 ball throws a day and belly scritches whenever I demand them.
“We here understand how hard it is to find pet-friendly rentals—and life just isn’t full without a dog in it—right?! I’d love to hang whenever you fancy,” the letter concluded.
An ongoing friendship between neighbors
Following the exchange of letters, the engineers were invited for an initial playdate with Stevie Ticks. This first meeting marked the beginning of a lasting arrangement between the flatmates and their neighbor’s dog.
The arrangement has continued, with Stevie Ticks maintaining regular visits with her new friends. The Labrador now has her own Instagram account documenting her adventures, including the ongoing playdates with the engineers. True to the terms outlined in her response letter, Stevie Ticks continues to receive her required belly rubs and ball throws from “the boys from 23.”
