Huji was a small, scruffy puppy with big, hopeful eyes. Today was his birthday, but he didn’t feel the slightest bit excited. Unlike the dogs he saw on TV, who got birthday parties with cake and presents, Huji spent his special day alone on the cold pavement.
He had been a stray for as long as he could remember. His days were filled with searching for food scraps, avoiding cars, and finding sheltered spots to sleep. Huji missed having a family to cuddle with, a warm bed to sleep in, and someone to scratch his ears.
As the sun began to set, Huji curled up in a cardboard box he had found. He tried to imagine what it would be like to have a home. A place where he could be safe and loved. He closed his eyes and drifted off to sleep, dreaming of a warm lap to rest his head on and a gentle voice saying, “Happy birthday, Huji.”
