There’s no such thing as having too many friends, just ask Meatball, a 4-year-old French bulldog who is absolutely obsessed with meeting new people every Saturday at his local nursing home.
Meatball and his parents make it a weekly tradition to visit the care home, and while every other day is filled with excitement, Saturday mornings hold a special place in his heart. As soon as they walk through the front door, Meatball’s excitement overflows. He immediately takes off running down the hall, searching for as many people as possible who will pet him.
His love for the nursing home began when he used to visit his Uncle Billy. While snuggling with Uncle Billy was fun, Meatball quickly discovered that there were many other residents ready and willing to shower him with affection. This sparked his mission to befriend everyone he meets at the nursing home.
“Meatball loves his friends at the nursing home,” his parents wrote on Instagram. “He runs around with excitement to see his friends, then stops by for each resident to pet him.” After he gets his initial zoomies out, Meatball patiently sits by each person, ready to cuddle and soak up as much love as possible. From residents to staff, Meatball is adored by all, and he, in turn, loves them right back.
“It’s the highlight of their week!” his parents shared in an Instagram comment.
But Meatball’s affection doesn’t end with the humans. He has a feathered best friend named Cheerio, the nursing home’s resident cockatiel, whom he also greets with joy. “Both make people at the nursing home so happy,” Meatball’s parents wrote.
Every Saturday, Meatball enjoys every second of his visit so much that sometimes, he doesn’t want to leave. Despite his dad calling his name or gently tugging on the leash, Meatball digs his heels in and stays right where he is, next to his new friends.
“It’s Meatball’s happy place!” his parents said.
Eventually, in the afternoon, Meatball reluctantly says his goodbyes and follows his parents outside. But he’s already counting the days until his next visit, eagerly anticipating another round of cuddles and affection.
“He makes their day, and they make his!” Meatball’s parents concluded.