Today is my birthday!
I don’t know the exact date I was born, but the kind humans at the shelter chose this day for me. A whole month ago, I arrived here—cold, hungry, and scared. But for the first time in a long time, I felt safe. They gave me food, a soft bed, and gentle hands that didn’t hurt me.
Before this, my life was much different. I wandered the streets alone, searching for scraps and a place to rest my tired paws. People passed me by without a second glance. Some looked at me with pity, but no one stopped. Others yelled or threw things at me, as if I didn’t belong in their world. But all I ever wanted was love—a family, a warm home, and someone to call my own.
Then, one rainy night, everything changed. A kind woman saw me curled up beneath a broken bench, shivering from the cold. She knelt beside me and whispered, “It’s okay, sweetheart. You’re safe now.” Her voice was warm, and for the first time in a long time, I let myself believe in kindness. She wrapped me in a blanket and took me to the shelter.
At first, I was afraid. I had never lived in a place with walls and a roof before. But the people here were kind. They cleaned my fur, treated my wounds, and gave me food that wasn’t scavenged from the streets. They spoke to me with soft voices, calling me “good boy” and telling me I was special.
And now, a month later, I have something I never had before—hope.
Today, the shelter staff celebrated my birthday. They gave me a special treat and sang to me. I didn’t understand the words, but I understood the love behind them. For the first time, I felt like I mattered. I wagged my tail so hard that my whole body wiggled, making everyone laugh.
But even with all this kindness, there’s still one thing missing. A family.
I watch as people come into the shelter, looking for a companion. I press my nose against the bars, hoping they’ll stop at my kennel. Some do, offering a quick pat on the head before moving on. Others barely glance at me.
I try to be patient, but my heart aches every time I see another dog leave with their new family. I wonder what it feels like to be chosen, to hear someone say, “Let’s go home.”
So today, as I celebrate my birthday, I make a wish.
I wish for a family who will love me, not just for a day or a month, but forever. I wish for a warm bed, gentle hands, and someone who will see me for who I am—not just another shelter dog, but a loyal companion waiting to give my whole heart.
Maybe tomorrow, or the next day, or the next week, someone will walk through that door and see me. Maybe they’ll kneel down, look into my eyes, and say, “You’re the one I’ve been looking for.”
Until then, I’ll keep waiting.
Because today is my birthday, and I believe that someday soon, my wish will come true.
