The Fan Favorite

There’s a low rumble in our house most afternoons. It starts soft—almost like a purr—but quickly builds into something that sounds like a freight train barreling through the living room.

It’s not thunder.

It’s not a train.

It’s Bear… snoring.

He’s stretched out in front of the box fan like royalty—chest rising, belly exposed, lips flapping with every exhale. The breeze hits just right, and it’s lights out. Every. Single. Time.

The best part? This happens right next to Melanie’s desk. She’s deep in the mortgage world—working deals, answering questions, helping families get into homes—and meanwhile, Bear is making background noise that could wake the neighbors. Try explaining to a client that the sound interrupting your rate discussion isn’t a leaf blower or HVAC system… it’s your 180-pound rescue dog snoring with purpose.

But here’s the truth about Bear: he didn’t always sleep this peacefully.

Before we found him, he lived in a cold barn. Before the safety of a fan and the comfort of our home, he knew uncertainty, survival, noise of a different kind. So now? Now he sleeps hard. Loud. Deep. Like someone who knows they’re finally safe.

There’s something beautiful about that kind of rest. It’s the sound of letting go. Of trusting the world enough to close your eyes and just be.

We all need a fan-blown nap sometimes. A place—or a person—that tells us it’s okay to exhale. That we don’t have to be on high alert anymore. That we’re loved. Safe. Home.

So today, if you’re tired—really tired—don’t apologize for it. Don’t feel like you have to keep hustling to prove your worth. Find your version of the fan and stretch out. Let the world wait a minute.

You’ve earned it.

And if anyone complains about the noise?

Tell them you’re just learning from Bear.