Valentine’s Day is often about flowers, chocolates, and handwritten cards. But for one young couple in the US, it can also be the day they welcomed a new heartbeat into their home. We have Henry here to share his story with Fastball.
How did you and Fastball meet?
Fastball came into our lives as a Valentine’s Day gift. My girlfriend and I decided to adopt a dog together, something special, something alive, something that would grow with us.
How did you come up with the name, Fastball?
When we brought her home, she was all white, with pinkish paws and a little pink nose. She looked like a brand-new baseball. Since I’ve always loved the game, we named her Fastball.
How is your daily routine with Fastball?
Life with Fastball was simple and sweet. After work, we’d walk her together. Sometimes she would dash off like an actual fastball, chasing invisible targets; other times she’d sit and stare at ants on the sidewalk like they were the most fascinating thing in the world. We picked out cute walking kits and harnesses to match her coat. Honestly, she was the best-dressed member of the house.
What kind of emotional connection does Fastball bring to you the most?
Well, my girlfriend had to back to China as she missed home, and I understood. I still stay here in the US, and life is just me and Fastball.
To be honest, it was tough. The apartment felt quieter. Dinner felt lonelier. But Fastball, in her own goofy, chaotic way, became my emotional support.
She’s not the calm, wise, “therapy dog” type. She’s loud, silly and I can say a little bit crazy. But that’s what makes her so comforting. She makes me laugh when she crashes into furniture mid-zoomie. She drags her toys over at 11PM like, “Play with me or else.” She keeps me busy, and maybe more importantly, she keeps me from overthinking.
Fastball has helped me stay grounded. She gave me routine, joy, and a kind of dumb, pure happiness that’s impossible to fake. With her around, I’ve learned to take better care of myself, and of her. Even though my girlfriend isn’t here right now, I’ve managed to keep our life going, and even build a little stability in our long-distance relationship.
Fastball is more than a pet. She’s our emotional middle ground, our living reminder of what we built together.
