Xanty had spent a decade of his life in the animal shelter. Ten years of watching dogs come and go, each one finding their forever home, while he remained. His once bright and hopeful eyes had grown weary with time, but his spirit had never fully broken.
Today was Xanty’s tenth birthday. He had been waiting at the front gate for hours, his tail wagging with anticipation. Every time he heard footsteps, his heart would leap, only to sink when he realized it wasn’t someone coming to take him home.
The shelter volunteers had tried their best to make his day special. They’d given him a special treat and played his favorite game. But nothing could replace the feeling of being loved and wanted in a forever home.
As the day turned into evening, Xanty curled up in his kennel. The other dogs had all settled down for the night, but sleep eluded him. He thought about all the happy birthdays he had missed, the countless belly rubs he had longed for, and the warmth of a cozy bed. Tears streamed down his face, silent and unseen.
He had heard the other dogs talking about their new families. They described endless walks in the park, cozy nights by the fireplace, and lots of love. Xanty closed his eyes and tried to imagine what it would be like to have a home of his own.
As he drifted off to sleep, he made a wish on a shooting star. He wished for a family who would love him unconditionally, a family who would give him a forever home.
