Hus was a homeless dog. He’d wandered the streets for as long as he could remember, his days a blur of scavenging for scraps and finding shelter from the elements. Today, however, was different. It was his birthday.
Hus didn’t remember the exact date, but he knew it was special. He could feel it in the way his heart ached and his stomach rumbled, a familiar pang that accompanied any special occasion. He’d hoped to find a warm place to sleep and perhaps a kind soul to share a bone with, but so far, his day had been as ordinary as any other.
As the sun began its descent, casting long shadows across the city, Hus curled up in a cardboard box he’d found behind a bakery. The scent of freshly baked bread filled the air, making his stomach growl even louder. He closed his eyes, wishing for a miracle.
Suddenly, he heard a soft rustling sound. A small girl, no older than seven, was approaching him. She knelt down and gently scratched behind his ears. “Hello there, little guy,” she said, her voice filled with kindness. “Are you hungry?”
Hus’ tail wagged so hard, it seemed like it might break. He looked up at the girl, his eyes filled with hope. The girl pulled a small bag from her pocket and poured out a handful of dog biscuits. Hus gobbled them up in seconds.
As the girl petted him, Hus felt a warmth spread through his body. It was a feeling he hadn’t experienced in a long time. For that brief moment, he wasn’t just a homeless dog. He was a friend, a companion. And for the first time in a long while, Hus felt loved.
