Maine dogs are going viral for their fall joy

Freeport, Maine — In an increasingly outraged America, even the humble leaf is the subject of controversy, and many Americans are angered by the laborious task of raking and bagging them each fall.

But there is at least one place in America where you can still find pure fall joy. It appears every year in Jody Hartman's front yard in Freeport, Maine, after he piles up its leaves and gives his dog Stella the green light to walk through them.

“She kind of likes the feel, I think, the sound, maybe it's just her little comfort zone,” Hartman said.

Stella started having it about nine years ago, and a few years later the Hartman family's other dog, Mabel, also came down with the fever.

Hartman's videos have become very popular on social media, so he goes to great lengths to ensure his pile of leaves lasts as long as possible.

“I was in the yard with a hair dryer trying to dry them out,” Hartman said. “I have to cover them with my new roof, but the leaves need constant maintenance.”

Hartman said his pooches were the priority, he even kept children away from the piles. He explained why his dogs' perfect leaves and enthusiasm are so valuable.

“I think in a world where there's so much noise, especially on social media, it can't be much easier or healthier than a dog just running and jumping through the leaves,” he said. “There’s something to that.”

This little periscope of hope emerging from the chaos reminds you that joy is still out there – if you just jump.