Zip. Snap. My coat was fully secured as I departed from my dorm and started towards the North parking lot. To my surprise, it started to snow as I trudged through the previous snowfall, which had, fortunately, decided to not freeze over.

As I made my way to the parking lot, I noticed that I was alone, but after searching for what felt like days in the blinding white environment, I spotted my volunteer group huddled inside the foyer of a nearby building.

“Everyone ready to go?” Asked our chapter’s president- to which she received numerous nods and an enthusiastic “Let’s go!” from a fellow volunteer.

         We arrived minutes later to the snow-clad facility and were welcomed with a rush of hot air once we stepped inside. I made my way down the winter wonderland—a hallway strung with paper snowflakes and the occasional snowman—and to my Buddy, who seemed snug in her fleece-lined jacket and matching socks.

“Good morning!” I said.

“Well good morning to you!” She replied.

We began our usual routine of conversational catch-up, which included the holiday-themed food the menu provided for the day, the beauty of the snowy trees, and the excitement of a furry surprise that was planned for later.

“I’m excited to see the dog!” I exclaimed.

The dog in question was a very large, soft golden retriever that was the definition of a gentle giant. His name was Tuck.

“Me too. I love that big dog that comes by!” 

Right as my Buddy started to describe the loveable attributes of Tuck, another surprise guest walked through the elevator- a dog named Jester.

Jester was on the smaller side but had the biggest heart. As my Buddy laid eyes on him, she stopped talking and immediately began to speak to the dog.

I watched as my Buddy grew the largest smile and started to laugh as Jester tried to crawl into her lap.

After about five minutes, just as Jester was saying goodbye, Tuck walked through the elevator doors.

“Oh my!” My Buddy proclaimed. Tuck walked straight to my buddy as she spoke, and she began to pet and love him with both care and determination.

Seeing my Buddy get so excited to see both Jester and Tuck, I realized that an act as simple as petting a dog established how important and beautiful it is to live in the moment and be present in the here and now.