Today is my birthday, but I am locked in a cage and cannot go outside. The cold metal bars surround me, reminding me of my solitude on what should be a day of joy and celebration. My name is Min, and I am a small, scruffy dog with a coat of brown and white fur that is now a little matted. As I sit in this cage, I can hear the distant sounds of laughter and joy from the outside world, and my heart aches with longing.
Just a year ago, I had a different life. I was a happy pup, running around in a backyard with children who adored me. I remember the warmth of the sun on my back and the feeling of soft grass beneath my paws. I had a family who loved me, or at least, I thought they did. But everything changed one day when they decided they no longer wanted me. I found myself abandoned on the streets, confused and scared. The world I had known crumbled around me, and I was left to fend for myself.
I wandered through neighborhoods, dodging busy streets and searching for scraps of food. Each day was a battle for survival, but I held on to hope that I would find a new family who would love me again. One rainy evening, I took shelter in a small alley, hoping to escape the downpour. That was when a kind woman found me. She was part of an animal rescue team and took me in, promising that I would be safe and cared for.
But instead of a loving home, I was brought to a shelter, where I quickly learned that cages were my new reality. Every day, I watched other dogs get adopted, leaving me behind in this cold place. My heart sank further each time I saw hopeful faces come through the door, only to overlook me. Maybe it was my scruffy appearance or my timid nature that made people walk away. I just wanted to feel loved again.
As the hours turned into days, and days into weeks, I began to lose hope. Today, on my birthday, the emptiness is unbearable. The humans in the shelter seem busy with their tasks, feeding and caring for the other animals, but no one remembers that it is my special day. I wonder if anyone even knows it’s my birthday. I yearn for just a simple pat on the head or a kind word, something to acknowledge that I am still here, still waiting.
I close my eyes and imagine what it would be like to be outside again. I picture myself running through a field, feeling the wind on my face and the joy of being alive. I dream of a loving family who would celebrate my birthday with cake and toys, just like the ones I had as a pup. But here, all I have is this cage, and the shadows of other animals who are also longing for a home.
Suddenly, I hear the sound of footsteps approaching my cage. My heart races with anticipation, but as the person passes by without a glance, I feel a heavy weight settle on my chest. I let out a soft whimper, hoping to catch their attention. Perhaps they might see beyond my sad eyes and scruffy fur. But they continue walking, leaving me alone once more.
Just when I think the day will end in silence, I hear a familiar voice. It’s the kind woman from the rescue team! She kneels beside my cage, looking at me with warmth in her eyes. “Min, I’m so sorry I couldn’t give you a celebration today,” she says softly. “But I promise, you are loved, and your special day will come.” She reaches in to scratch my head, and for a moment, the sadness lifts.
In that small gesture, I feel a flicker of hope reignite within me. Perhaps I am not forgotten after all. Even though my birthday is filled with sorrow, I realize that there is still kindness in the world. I may be locked in this cage now, but I hold on to the dream that one day, I will find my forever home, where every day feels like a celebration. And when that day comes, I will cherish every moment, especially my birthday, surrounded by love and warmth once more.
