Emma Chen: Every time I introduce my dog’s name, I’m met with a perplexed look. My dog’s name is Bob. The reactions are almost always the same: “Seriously?” “Is he really named Bob?”

The story behind the name is just as unexpected as the reactions it draws. One winter day, my mom casually asked me what I would name a dog if I ever got one. Without much thought and more as a joke, I replied “Bob.” I never imagined that response would come back to me in the best way possible. A few days later, I walked through my front door and found a very hyper-active miniature schnauzer trying to crawl out of a cardboard box, wearing a tiny red collar engraved with the name Bob.

Something I didn’t expect was the special bond that formed between Bob and my friend, Lucia.

Lucia Lim: Months before meeting Bob, I had heard about the several daring adventures he had embarked on. One in particular that had stuck with me was the time he got attacked by another dog. Even in the face of danger, Bob exemplified his resilience by striving to fight back against an opponent twice his size. From this story alone, I learned that strength is a force that is channeled from within oneself. Moreover, Bob taught me to always face my fears no matter how big the obstacles may seem.

Although being a miniature schnauzer, if I weren’t better, I wouldn’t be able to differentiate Bob from any ordinary lion or bull due to his fierce, lively demeanor and his ambitious determination to charge towards any unfamiliar faces that enter the apartment door.

Upon my initial meeting with Bob, I was greeted with a careful inspection for around 30 seconds, consisting of short-lived glances and sniffing, before he deemed me safe to proceed through the kitchen.

After our rather tense start, Bob and I became the best of friends; bonding over our shared vibrant enthusiasm. For many instances, this took the form of running around the living room, while Emma indulged in a more serene pastime nearby, such as catching up on homework. Other times, I found myself sandwiched in between Bob and Emma on the couch, all three of us huddled in blankets, spending our afternoons relishing in endless movie marathons.

As we approach the Thanksgiving season, many gather around to celebrate their loved ones and commemorate those who they are grateful for. As silly as it sounds, in addition to those around me, I’m also thankful to Bob for teaching me to stand for what I believe in and to enjoy the simplicity of life.

Emma Chen: Thank you, Bob, for coming into my life. I will always appreciate your name and your playful, spunky personality.