Negav was a small, scruffy puppy with big, hopeful eyes. Today was his birthday, a day that should have been filled with joy and excitement. But for Negav, it was a day of loneliness and fear.
He had been abandoned on this very day, a year ago. Left alone on a cold, rainy night, Negav had huddled under a cardboard box for warmth, his tiny heart filled with terror. Since then, he had made the streets his home, scavenging for scraps and trying to avoid the dangers that lurked in every shadow.
As the sun rose on Negav’s birthday, he wandered through the city, his tail tucked between his legs. He longed for the love and companionship he had once known. He remembered the warmth of a lap, the scratch behind the ears, and the gentle voice that had called his name.
Negav approached a busy park, hoping to find some human interaction. He sat down by a bench, his eyes fixed on a group of children playing nearby. He wagged his tail hopefully, but they ignored him, their attention focused on their games.
Disappointed, Negav continued his journey, his heart heavy with sadness. He passed a bakery, the delicious aroma of fresh bread filling the air. His stomach growled, but he knew he had no chance of getting anything.
As the day wore on, Negav’s spirits sank even lower. He felt alone and unwanted, a forgotten creature in a world that seemed to have no place for him. Just as he was about to give up hope, he heard a soft voice calling his name.
He looked up to see a young girl standing a few feet away. She had a kind smile on her face, and she was holding a piece of bread. “Come here, little guy,” she said, extending her hand.
Negav hesitated, his instincts warning him of danger. But something about the girl’s gentle voice and kind eyes made him trust her. He approached her cautiously, his tail wagging tentatively.
The girl knelt down and scratched behind Negav’s ears. “You’re such a sweet boy,” she said. “I’m so sorry you’ve been alone.”
Negav leaned into her touch, his eyes closing in contentment. For the first time in a long time, he felt loved and wanted. As the girl petted him, Negav realized that even on his saddest birthday, hope was not lost.
