Mine was a small, scruffy terrier with a heart as big as the world. Today was his birthday, a day he’d always looked forward to, even though he couldn’t remember the last time he’d celebrated one. As a homeless dog, wandering the streets in search of food and shelter, birthdays were a luxury he couldn’t afford.
He padded along the sidewalk, his nose twitching as he sniffed the air for the tantalizing scent of food. The aroma of freshly baked bread wafted from a nearby bakery, making his stomach rumble. He paused for a moment, his eyes filled with longing, before continuing his journey.
Mine wandered through the city, his paws sore from the pavement. He passed bustling restaurants, their windows filled with images of delicious dishes that he could only dream of tasting. He watched as people sat down to their meals, their faces filled with joy and satisfaction.
As the day wore on, Mine’s heart grew heavier. He missed having a home, a family, and a warm bed to sleep in. He missed the simple pleasure of a birthday cake, a gift, and a few kind words. Tears welled up in his eyes, and he whimpered softly.
Just as he was about to give up hope, he heard a familiar sound. It was the jingle of keys. Mine’s heart raced as he looked up. A woman was walking towards him, a kind smile on her face. She knelt down and gently scratched behind his ears. “Hello there, little one,” she said. “Would you like to come home with me?”
Mine’s tail wagged furiously as he looked up at the woman with hope in his eyes. He knew that his lonely birthday was about to change forever.
