In the summer of 2019, a close group of friends rented a house in Fire Island Pines (a barrier island of the coast of Long Island, NY). Daniel and Joey found themselves together for a week through mutual friends.

Upon first meeting, they hit it off, a friendship immediately formed, and the jokes started flying. Although it would be a year before they started dating, their friends saw the chemistry right away. (Apparently it was pretty obvious a romance was beginning.)

Ironically, Daniel and Joey had lived three blocks apart in New York for five years without ever meeting. This proximity came in handy once the pandemic hit. With Daniel being the fit personal trainer, they worked out each day at his apartment. We all know Joey is the butter-loving southern cook of the two, so his job was to make them dinner and replace all the calories they had burned.

In many ways, the pandemic brought them together.

In November of 2020, Joey left for Jacksonville to take care of his Dad who was diagnosed with cancer. After suffering from a degenerative illness for many years, Joey’s mom passed away in early January of 2021. Daniel came to Florida for the funeral and while he was there, hit it off with Joey’s Dad right away. Lee invited him to stay and work from home in Jacksonville during the pandemic.

The decision to stay in Florida proved to be the greatest blessing to Joey. Daniel stood by him during the most difficult time of his life. The two of them spent many wonderful times around dinner table, on the boat, and quality time together with Joey’s dad. He embraced Lee as his family and stayed with them both until Lee passed away in July.

As difficult as that chapter was, a lot of good happened while they were in Florida. Many of you know Charlie, the French bulldog. He is the sweetest, most loving creature you’ve ever met. The two of them decided they wanted to add another frenchie to their lives. They got Teddy while in Florida. They intentionally chose the “quiet and lazy” pup of the litter. Teddy is the quite opposite. He’s a complete maniac that eats every sock they own and has been the greatest addition they could ask for.

During the last three years together, their lives have been enriched beyond measure with the love and support of both of their families. The two of them have developed a shared passion for seeing the world together. They have already checked off Paris, London, Thailand, Mexico, and Hawaii. Up next: Italy and Africa! They often go to the theater, concert hall, and ballet. Of course, Daniel is always front row for any for Joey’s concerts or shows. He has even been able to get Daniel to attend mass at St. Paul’s! (Baby steps…)

Daniel and Joey currently reside on the Upper West Side of Manhattan with Charlie and Teddy. They look forward to expanding their family beyond pups and bringing kids into their life soon.

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