Beautiful letter from fourth-grader to neighbors goes viral, sets up heartwarming dog-walking playdate

Dogs are often called man's best friend, so it must follow that puppies are a little boy's best friend, right? This touching sentiment came to life when a fourth-grader named Troy wrote a heartfelt letter to his neighbors, asking if he could take their puppy, Arthur, for walks. Troy's endearing request quickly went viral, capturing the hearts of many online.

The handwritten note from Troy read, "Hello neighbors, my name is Troy, I’m in 4th grade and I’m just wondering if maybe after this virus you need a dog sitter and if so, I can take your dog on walks and more." This letter was shared on Arthur's Instagram page, "Arthur the Floof," where the caption humorously noted, "I made friends with a small hooman today. He’s like basically me-sized. I bet I can get him to give me more treats than my hoomans."

As the post gained traction on social media, the internet eagerly anticipated the meeting between Troy and Arthur. To everyone's delight, a playdate was arranged. Arthur's Instagram updated followers with the news: "Me and the smol neighbor had a really great (socially distant) playdate today. Because he’s so smol we didn’t take any pics just for privacy purposes but he told me all about his dog fren and even showed me some dance moves!! I have a feeling we’re gonna be best buds!!!"

The story didn't end there. The friendship between Troy and Arthur continued to blossom, much to the joy of Arthur’s growing online fanbase, which now exceeds 48,000 followers. "My hoomans told me that me and my fren Troy broke the pupernet yesterday," read another post. "I’m glad it brought me so many new frens!! Do any of you have treats to spare? I celebrated my newfound celebrity status by trying to eat a dead baby bird because I gotta keep my hoomans humble."

Comments on the posts reflected the widespread affection for the duo. User johnrichmondjj wrote, "This might be the sweetest thing I’ve ever read." Another user added, "What a sweet sweet boy and floof! Congratulations to Arthur’s mamas for all their accomplishments this year as well! It’s been joyful watching your family flourish. Thank you for sharing with us all."

Arthur’s adventures didn’t stop with Troy. He continued to interact with other children, sharing his enthusiasm in a later post: "Smol hoomans are the best hoomans (sry moms)! They let me jump all around town with them. I don’t even mind when they play with my furs!!"

On the eve of his first birthday, Arthur reflected on the past year and the friendships he had made, especially with Troy. He reshared Troy's original letter with the caption, "For the last day before my birthday, I had to look back on the thing that brought me all you! Thanks to my pal down the hall I made so many internet frens this year. Just as an update, Troy and I hung out a lot before I moved to Utah! This will always be our fav quarantine memory."

This charming story of a little boy's simple wish to walk a neighbor's dog reminds us of the pure joy that animals and humans can bring into each other’s lives. As Troy and Arthur's tale continues to spread, it serves as a heartwarming reminder of the bonds we can form, even in challenging times.

If you're inspired by Troy's initiative, consider reaching out to your own neighbors or local animal shelters to see how you can help. Whether it's offering to walk a dog, foster a pet, or simply spread joy in your community, small acts of kindness can make a big difference.

Editor's note: This article was originally published on May 10, 2021. It has since been updated.