On a crisp mid-November Sunday at Lustre Pearl, a happening bar in Denver's RiNo district, the atmosphere buzzed with vibrant energy. Melanie found herself amidst the lively scene, attending a friend's fundraiser dedicated to aiding homeless dogs, her trusty companion Molson trotting faithfully by her side. Meanwhile, Tom and his trusty companions, Alex and Scott, sought solace in a little "hair-of-the-dog" remedy, nursing the remnants of a spirited night prior.

While Melanie scanned the bustling bar for Molson, the ever-reliable pup had ventured off and befriended a curly-haired boy. Melanie's search led her to the unexpected sight of the boy kneeling beside her cherished companion. With a touch of assertiveness, she interjected, "Excuse me, that's my dog," hoping to reclaim her furry friend and return to the company of her pals.

Yet, her tone softened as the blue-eyed boy, sporting a charming Aussie accent, met her gaze and greeted her with a warm "G'day mate" or something like that... In that moment, it seemed as though fate had intervened, sparking an instant connection—not just between Melanie and the intriguing stranger, but also between Molson and his newfound friend.

In the years following their fateful meeting, Melanie and Tom's love story has evolved into a captivating journey filled with shared experiences and boundless adventures. Amidst life's ebbs and flows, their connection has only deepened, fortified by moments of resilience and joy. Of life's many moments a few stand out.

Tom emerged as Melanie's unwavering pillar of support during the trying times of the COVID-19 pandemic, offering comfort and reassurance as she navigated the immense challenges and tragedies of her work in the Intensive Care Unit. His steadfast presence served as a beacon of strength, anchoring them both amidst the months of uncertainty.

In turn, Melanie stood by and supported Tom as he pursued his MBA at the University of New South Wales. A journey that led them to forge a new life in the enchanting city of Sydney, Australia. Melanie and Tom resided just two blocks from the picturesque Coogee Beach. Together, they embraced the opportunities and adventures that unfolded.

Fuelled by their spirit of adventure, the intrepid couple eagerly seize every opportunity to immerse themselves in the wonders of the great outdoors. Whether scaling mountains, cruising along scenic roads, carving through snow-capped slopes, or riding the waves on surfboards, they revel in the thrill of exploration, always on the lookout for their next exhilarating escapade.

However, amidst their adventures, a poignant loss marked their path. Molson, the beloved pup who had brought them together, departed, leaving a void in their hearts. Yet, fate intervened once more when a litter of eleven yellow Labrador puppies was born in the neighboring house. From the first visit to "the puppies next door," Tom knew he stood no chance against Melanie's desire (demand) to bring one home. Thus, enter Dorothy "Dotti" May, a spirited yellow Lab with green eyes and a mischievous streak, who fills their lives with boundless love and joy.

Tom, Melanie, and Dotti have always been adventurers at heart. After spending a couple of years in Sydney, with it's bustling city life and coastal beauty, they felt they had accomplished what they set out to while in Sydney. They were ready for a change, craving wide-open spaces, new challenges, and the thrill of the unknown. Their time in Australia had been full of personal and professional growth—for Melanie, who thrived working as Cardiothoracic nurse in New South Wales; and for Tom who completed his MBA and tackled two new jobs. But deep down, they both knew their journey was far from over.

Tom had always been the one to ignite the spark for new adventures, and Melanie, ever the explorer, didn’t need much convincing; and of course, Dotti, would happily follow them anywhere. They made the decision to leave their cozy Coogee home and drive across the Australian continent, their ultimate destination being Perth before eventually making their way back to the United States—back to the mountains of Colorado, where they feel most at peace.

The first leg of their journey took them south to Melbourne. They spent time with family; Sophie, Matt, Aunty Loey, Sally, Lucy, Aunty Gail and the four sweetest little boys you ever did see! After a week in Melbs it was time to traverse the great Nullarbor Plain, the immense stretch of arid land that seemed to whisper promises of vast, untouched wilderness.

The drive across the Nullarbor was both mesmerizing and humbling. For hours on end, the horizon stretched endlessly in front of them, a stark landscape of red earth and clear blue skies. The isolation was profound but invigorating. Tom would often pull over at some remote spot, and they’d let Dotti run free, her paws kicking up dust as she chased after nothing but the freedom of the open desert. They camped in their rooftop tent under a blanket of stars that seemed closer and more vivid than anywhere they had been before. It was the kind of silence that filled you with a sense of being utterly alive.

Arriving in Perth felt like a triumph. They spent time with the Fabs by the Indian Ocean, enjoying the laid-back atmosphere and warm sunsets. Seeing James and Chrystal before the little baby arrives was a highlight of their time there. As beautiful as Perth is for Tom and Melanie, it was a pit stop on their way to something deeper. It's now September 2024 and it's time to leave Australia behind and return to the rugged mountains that had long captured their hearts.

The move back to Colorado will be a homecoming in more ways than one. They miss the crisp mountain air, the towering peaks that held secrets in their folds, and the sense of adventure that awaits them with every change of the season. Winter will bring skiing and snowboarding—Tom’s obsession for the slopes matched only by Melanie’s joy of the snow-covered backcountry. Summer will mean endless trails for mountain biking, where they will ride for hours, lost in the rhythm of nature.

Melanie and Dotti now await Tom's arrival to Colorado. Dotti, who has already taken to the cooler air, sits by the door, her eyes fixed on the mountains, waiting for Tom to arrive and the next adventure to begin!