Koda was a small, scruffy dog with a heart as big as the world. Today was his birthday, a day that most dogs would spend with their families, enjoying treats and belly rubs. But Koda was a stray, and his birthday was a far cry from the celebrations he imagined.
He wandered the streets, his belly rumbling and his nose twitching in search of food. He had been lucky to find a few scraps here and there, but it was never enough to satisfy his hunger. Koda missed the days when he had a home, a warm bed, and a full bowl of food.
As the sun began to set, Koda found a sheltered spot beneath a bridge. He curled up into a ball, his tail tucked between his legs. Tears welled up in his eyes. All he wanted for his birthday was a simple meal, something to fill his empty stomach.
He remembered the birthday parties he had seen on television. Dogs were surrounded by their families, their tails wagging with excitement as they devoured their special treats. Koda sighed. It felt like a lifetime ago since he had experienced such joy.
As the night grew colder, Koda closed his eyes. He fell asleep, dreaming of a world where he was loved and cared for. Even though his birthday was filled with hunger and loneliness, he held onto a glimmer of hope that someday, his life would change for the better.
