We met just like all Hallmark movies should start, walking our dogs around the neighborhood! In the Summer of 2023, I had just moved into the complex John lived at and got my first puppy, Griffin. A new puppy had me outside quite often, which allowed me to meet all of my neighbors, including John and his dog Louis! We first started having quick chats about our dogs, which turned into longer conversations about each other. Every time Griff and I went on a walk, we both hoped to see our new friends! What we didn't know is that they were secretly hoping to see us too. John had told his friends and family that he met a cute girl and her dog in the neighborhood but he assumed I was taken. Fast forward to September, John bought a house and moved from our complex. We never exchanged numbers but we did exchange names. I decided to follow him on Instagram and shoot my shot in the DMs. Our first date was in October of 2023, we moved in to John's house October of 2024, and engaged November 2025!

It was a no brainer that the dogs had to be involved in the proposal as we would not have met without them! On the weekends we like to take them for a long walk and take the same trail 90% of the time. The Saturday before Thanksgiving we decided to walk the boys just like any other weekend. What was different is that John didn't want me to wear my big winter coat or gloves. You would think that is suspicious but he had been keeping me on my toes for a week and I didn't see a ring box in his jacket or pants pockets. On our way towards home, John asked if I would like to step off the trail with him. I asked if he was joking and he said no, and that some special people were waiting behind the trees ahead with cameras ready. That was when I knew it was real! He got down on one knee, the boys were well behaved, and we were able to celebrate with friends after!