“I realize I sound very existential right now, but I’m telling the truth.”

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So, being around people and nurturing social connections are some of the factors that contribute to a long and fulfilling life, and a post by a Redditor that goes by the name Dylan might be the perfect example of that.

Dylan started his post by explaining that he asked his elderly neighbor to look after his pets while he was on vacation for two weeks, not assuming the effects that simple request would have on the neighbour’s life.

In a letter Robert sent to Dylan, he wrote, “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.”

While the letter didn’t mention what kind of animals Smokey, Oreo, and Jennifer are, Dylan later cleared it up: Smokey was a German shepherd, Jennifer was a grumpy little beagle, and Oreo was the cat.

Robert’s letter continued, “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 just sitting around and wondering what I have done for this world.

“Until I met Smokey, Oreo, and Jennifer.