When Emily and Justin Thomas moved into their new home in October 2020 with their dog, Pax, they had no idea they were about to witness one of the sweetest friendships imaginable. Pax, an energetic and friendly dog, was thrilled to have a big yard and new neighbors to meet. Soon after, their neighbors welcomed home a puppy named Penny, and for Pax, it was love at first sight.
From the very beginning, Pax and Penny clicked. By March 2021, when Penny was just 3 months old, the two were already inseparable. Their neighbors installed a fence in their yard, complete with a gate, so that the pups could safely enjoy playdates. Pax quickly made it his daily mission to look for Penny, and when she grew tall enough to reach the top of the fence, the two began greeting each other there every day. Their owners would often look out the window to see Pax and Penny sharing what looked like little kisses through the fence.
Daily Rituals of Joy
The fence didn’t separate them—it became their meeting point. Every time Pax and Penny were both outside, they would rush to the fence line, tails wagging with excitement. Sometimes, they exchanged toys, gently passing them through the small spaces between the boards. Other times, they played tug-of-war with a rope toy, each pulling from opposite sides.
These daily rituals became a source of happiness not only for the dogs but also for their families. The sight of two best friends connecting so joyfully brought smiles to everyone’s faces. The bond between Pax and Penny grew stronger with every playful bark and every tender “fence kiss.” Their humans also made sure to schedule regular playdates so the pups could enjoy running around together in each other’s yards.
It was clear to everyone that Pax and Penny shared something special. They weren’t just neighbors—they were soulmates in dog form. Nothing seemed capable of keeping them apart. But then winter arrived, and with it came an obstacle neither family had anticipated.
The Challenge of Snowy Days
As snow began to blanket the neighborhood, Pax was in his element. He loved the cold and would happily lay in the snow for hours if allowed. For Penny, however, it was a completely different story. Snow and rain were her least favorite things. She disliked being wet and cold, and once the heavy snowstorms arrived, she became reluctant to even step outside.
This sudden change left Pax confused and heartbroken. He still went out to the fence daily, waiting expectantly for Penny to appear. Instead, he was met with silence and an empty yard next door. He stood at the fence, staring longingly at her back door, not understanding why his best friend wasn’t there to greet him anymore.
Penny’s absence weighed heavily on Pax. For a dog who had grown used to daily companionship, the sudden separation was almost too much to bear. His humans noticed his sadness, and Penny’s family did too. That’s when they decided something had to be done to bring the two friends back together.
Shoveling a Path to Friendship
Penny’s family came up with a creative solution. They decided to shovel a path from their back door all the way to the fence where Pax was waiting. The idea was simple: if Penny could walk on cleared ground instead of trudging through deep snow, she might feel more comfortable venturing outside.
At first, Penny was hesitant. The snow still surrounded her, and the cold air made her uncertain. But then she looked up and saw Pax waiting eagerly at the end of the path, tail wagging, eyes filled with hope. That was all the encouragement she needed. Slowly but surely, Penny trotted down the shoveled path until she reached her favorite spot at the fence.
The moment they reunited, it was pure joy. Pax’s sadness melted away as Penny greeted him with their usual “kisses” over the fence. Seeing Pax so happy seemed to give Penny newfound courage. If her best friend loved the snow, maybe it wasn’t so bad after all.
Friendship Stronger Than Fear
From that day forward, Penny’s outlook on the snow completely changed. With Pax by her side, she no longer feared the cold. In fact, she began to enjoy it, diving into the snow with enthusiasm during their playdates. Pax had helped her conquer one of her biggest fears simply by being there for her.
“They were super excited to see each other, and once she had Pax to motivate her, she dove right in,” Emily Thomas said. “They’ve had play dates in the snow almost every day since!”
Their story is a beautiful reminder of the power of friendship. Just like humans, dogs can inspire and support each other in ways that change lives. Penny and Pax’s bond shows that love knows no boundaries—not even a fence, or a blanket of snow.
Today, Penny and Pax continue their daily routines, greeting one another with kisses and playing as often as they can. Their families know that nothing will ever come between them. Whether it’s sunshine, rain, or snow, these two best friends have proven that with love, even the coldest challenges can be overcome.
