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After moving back to her hometown in West Virginia, Leah Stankus revived a special family tradition

She began letting her dog, Otis, run freely down the hill to her parents’ house — a ritual once shared with the family dog, Bentley, who is now too old to join

Through this simple act of freedom and love, she’s formed a bond with Otis that will last a lifetime

Nestled in the heart of the West Virginia mountains, there's a quiet rhythm to life that Leah Stankus knows well.

Growing up, she and her siblings were raised on a small farm at the bottom of a hill – one full of animals and endless woods that once served as the backdrop to an idyllic childhood.

“This hill has always been special. Growing up, our family tradition was watching the sunset from the top of the hill,” Sta

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