Yesterday evening, my daughter and I tucked ourselves into Foragers City Grocer, a cute cafe in Chelsea. Immediately, we noticed a beautiful, black Labrador tied to a tree outside.

The dog, still a puppy, had an embroidered pink collar and a matching drinking bowl with a high-tech suction cup so it would remain glued to the ground and be spill-proof. A large butcher bone was placed within a paw’s reach. This was one pampered pooch.

As we were enjoying the dog’s attempts to beckon passersby to “pay attention,” we noticed a homeless woman off to the right. She was guarding a small shopping cart filled with her possessions.

The homeless woman was staring at the dog. She had a ruddy complexion. Her hair was cropped and her clothes were baggy. She seemed miserable.

The puppy wagged his tail and jumped up and down in excitement. It took a long five minutes but eventually the puppy drew her in. She walked over and leaned down to pet the dog.

The puppy exploded with enthusiasm. It was as if the homeless woman was the most spectacular thing that had ever happened. The puppy seemed to be saying “you are the most wonderful person in the world and being with you is amazing.” The woman’s face lit up. Her body relaxed.

We watched the celebration unnoticed.

After a few minutes, the woman withdraw and continued down the block. She had a big smile on her her face.

People think of New York as being a big city where people feel invisible. But since I moved here I have seen so many intimate scenarios play out in public: couples making out in the Metropolitan Museum of Art, parents barking at their children on the subway, a father sitting on a barstool and ordering his son a “babyccino” on Elizabeth Street in Nolita.

Human connection is an overwhelmingly powerful force. It’s magic, really, rocket fuel for the spirit.

I feel infused with the holiday spirit this year and am overwhelmed with gratitude for having a supportive family and vast network of friends.

I am not a dog person, but I couldn't help imagining a world where everyone was received with the same approval that the puppy gave the homeless woman. Can you imagine what that would be like?