Tho, a brown and white dog with a heart full of loyalty, had always looked forward to his birthdays. Today was supposed to be a special day, filled with joy, treats, and the love of his owner. But as the morning sun rose, the atmosphere in the house felt different—heavy, filled with an unsettling tension.
For the past few weeks, Tho had noticed a change in his owner. She had become more irritable, often scolding him for the smallest things. The warm pats on the head and gentle words had become rare. Tho didn’t understand why, but he could feel her growing distance.
On this particular day, the day that should have been the happiest, Tho watched as his owner started packing his belongings—his favorite blanket, his bowl, and even the toy he cherished most. Confused, Tho wagged his tail hesitantly, hoping for a sign of affection or an explanation. But none came. Instead, his owner’s face remained stern, her eyes avoiding his gaze.
As she led him to the car, Tho felt a sinking feeling in his chest. They drove in silence, the usual excitement of car rides replaced by a deep fear he couldn’t shake. When they arrived at the shelter, Tho’s heart began to race. He had been here once before, but that was for a visit. This time felt different, more permanent.
His owner handed over his things to the shelter staff without a word. Tho’s eyes filled with tears as he looked up at her, searching for a reason, a sign that this was all a mistake. But her expression remained cold, detached.
As she turned to leave, Tho whimpered softly, his brown and white fur trembling with fear and sadness. His world was crumbling, the person he trusted most was walking away. He watched as she disappeared through the door, leaving him behind.
Tho’s birthday, a day that should have been filled with joy, had turned into the worst day of his life. Alone in the unfamiliar surroundings of the shelter, he curled up on his blanket, his tears soaking into the fabric. He waited, hoping against hope that she would come back for him, but deep down, he knew she was gone for good.
