Limi was a small, brown dog with big, soulful eyes. He’d been in the animal shelter for six long years. Today was his sixth birthday, a milestone he’d never imagined celebrating in such a place.
The morning started like any other at the shelter. The familiar sounds of barking, whining, and the clanging of food bowls filled the air. Limi sat in his kennel, his tail tucked between his legs. He watched as other dogs were taken for walks or played in the yard. But no one ever seemed to notice him.
As the day wore on, Limi’s spirits sank. He remembered the happy days before the shelter, when he had a loving family and a warm bed to sleep in. Now, he was just another face in a sea of furry faces, a forgotten dog waiting for someone to choose him.
The shelter staff tried to make Limi’s birthday special. They gave him a big bone and a extra portion of kibble. But it wasn’t enough. Limi missed the simple joys of being loved and wanted. He longed for a home where he could curl up on a cozy couch and feel safe and secure.
As the sun began to set, Limi watched the world outside his kennel. He saw families walking their dogs, children laughing and playing, and couples strolling hand-in-hand. A pang of loneliness washed over him. He couldn’t help but wonder if he would ever experience that kind of happiness again.
Just as Limi was about to give up hope, he heard a familiar voice. It was the shelter volunteer who always took him for walks. She was smiling and holding a leash in her hand. “Happy birthday, Limi,” she said. “Someone special is here to meet you.”
Limi’s heart raced with excitement. He wagged his tail as the volunteer led him outside. There, standing by the gate, was a kind-looking woman. She knelt down and held out her hand. Limi sniffed her cautiously, then licked her palm. The woman smiled and said, “Hello, Limi. I’m your new mommy.”
As Limi walked out of the shelter with his new family, he looked back one last time. He knew that his life was about to change forever. And for the first time in a long time, he felt truly happy.
