"Once in a while, right in the middle of an ordinary life, love gives us a fairy tale." - Anonymous

Melissa Victoria Forst and Sloan Hardin Newman met like many modern relationships, with a swipe right option on a dating app on their phones. As Sloan tells the story, “I’d been on three horrible dates with these apps, and I was about to bin the app when I met Mel.”

After a wonderful weekend, Melissa and Sloan agreed to meet up later that week for dinner. At Milagro, Melissa suggested that they should go to a Mariners game together. This was to be the beginning of a tradition in their relationship of regularly going to Mariners’ games. This is the night that Melissa likes to describe as, “The night that Sloan kidnapped me and took me to Bainbridge Island.” This is also where Melissa would get the idea for the final member of their family trio. While on the island, Melissa met a woman walking a pair of Petit Basset Griffon Vendéen (PBGV) dogs. Melissa fell in love with them and a short while later we’d be a trio and no longer a pair.

"No matter how you’re feeling, a little dog gunna love you." – Waka Flocka Flame

On the evening of October 1st, 2016, Melissa told Sloan that they had to go to the Seattle-Tacoma International Airport to pick something up. She didn’t say what it was, and all that she told him was that it was a surprise. That was the night that they would add Gracielou, a PBGV puppy to their family. She has been and continues to be a pivotal part of their family. Her fuzzy, old man face keeps both Melissa and Sloan happy and smiling no matter what happens in their home.

"Marriage is getting to have a sleepover with your best friend, every single night of the week." - Christie Cook

In January of 2017, Melissa and Sloan decided that they should consider moving in together. And in February they found a wonderful home in Ballard. They decided on Ballard because it was central to both of their jobs and because you can see Mt. Rainer and the Olympics on a clear day from their roof. Their house has become a home. Melissa and Sloan enjoy hosting friends at the Revell-Roast Suite, their guest room and spending time walking around the neighborhood. One of their favorite things to do is to watch Cleveland games at the local Hungry, Thirsty, Angry Fish, in Ballard.

"You may only be one person to the world, but you may also be the world to one person." - Anonymous

We're very happy to have found each other. And we're very lucky to have so many wonderful people to be a part of our lives

Written by Sloan Newman

Congratulations to you and your family!