Tamp was a loyal and gentle dog, with a heart as big as his floppy ears. He’d been living in the shelter for five long years, his days filled with the same routine: walks around the yard, playtime with the other dogs, and the hope that one day, someone would come along and take him home.
Today was Tamp’s birthday, a day that usually filled him with a sense of dread. It was a reminder of all the birthdays he’d spent alone, watching others get adopted while he remained behind. He’d seen so many of his friends find their forever homes, but for some reason, no one ever seemed to notice him.
As the day wore on, Tamp wandered from room to room, his tail drooping sadly. He glanced at the adoption photos on the wall, his heart aching with longing. He imagined what it would be like to have a family, to curl up on a cozy couch, and to be loved unconditionally.
Just when Tamp thought his day couldn’t get any worse, he heard a familiar voice. It was the shelter volunteer, Sarah, who had always been kind to him. “Happy birthday, Tamp,” she said, her voice filled with warmth. “I brought you a special treat.”
Sarah handed Tamp a big, juicy bone. As he chewed, he couldn’t help but feel a little better. But deep down, he knew that what he really wanted was a home.
Later that evening, as Tamp lay in his kennel, he closed his eyes and made a wish. He wished that someone would see past his scruffy appearance and realize the love and loyalty he had to offer. He wished that he could finally have a family to call his own.
