How My Dog Found Me Community

Moving to a new country is already a lot. But moving for your spouse’s job—without your own career, community, or even one solid connection? That’s a different kind of lonely.

When I first moved to Sydney, I thought I had this expat thing figured out. I’d done it before. Back in our international school days, community was built in—people who just got what it meant to live away from home. But this time? I felt like I’d been dropped into someone else’s life, trying to figure out where I fit.

It took time to find my rhythm, to find my people. And, funny enough, it all started with a puppy. My husband got our daughters a dog, and at first, I was annoyed—slightly resentful, even. But that little dog got me out of the house, out into the neighborhood. I met other dog owners, struck up conversations at the park, and before I knew it, I had real friendships.

And let’s be clear—I was a cat person. Yet here I am, fully converted, all over the dog treats, knowing every neighborhood pup by name, and (let’s be honest) doing voices for my dog in conversations. "Oh yes, of course Ollie would love a tiny biscuit, thank you very much." Who even am I?

If you're in that I-don’t-know-anybody stage, here’s what helped me move past it:

Meet Ollie!

Start With Small Connections

Sometimes, friendships come from the most unexpected places. For me, it was a dog. Those daily walks turned into friendly chats, and suddenly, I had a little network. It doesn’t have to be a pet—maybe it’s joining a gym, taking a class, or even just showing up regularly at the same café. Small, consistent interactions add up.

Build Your Own Routine

Back home, you had your favorite spots—the coffee shop, the grocery store, the gym. Find those things in your new home. Familiarity helps a place feel like yours. I love my weekly chats with a barista who is radiantly gay and always full of the best gossip. Even when I’m just passing by, we catch up, and it makes my day feel more connected.

Give It Time, But Be Intentional

Friendships take time, but they won’t happen if you stay in your bubble. As a wise friend once told me, closed mouths don’t get fed. Put yourself out there—little by little, you’ll find your people.

I’ve put together a 10-step guide on making a new country feel like home—because I’ve been there, and I know how hard it can be. But trust me: you might feel lost right now, but you will find your space. And when you do? It’ll feel so good.

Have you found an unexpected way to make friends in a new place? Share your experience in the comments—I’d love to hear!