Oliu was a small, scruffy terrier with a heart as big as the world. His appearance was far from perfect, with a crooked tail and a missing tooth. He was often overlooked and teased by other dogs, but his mother, a wise old German Shepherd named Lily, always praised him and encouraged him.
Today was Oliu’s birthday, a day he’d always looked forward to. Usually, his mother would shower him with love and attention, but today, the house was unusually quiet. Lily was old and frail, and she was struggling to get around.
Oliu went to Lily’s side and sat down, his head resting on her paw. He looked up at her with hopeful eyes, waiting for her birthday wishes. But Lily was too weak to speak. She simply gave him a loving look and wagged her tail.
Oliu knew that Lily loved him unconditionally, no matter what he looked like. But he couldn’t help but feel sad and lonely. He missed the attention and affection he usually received from his mother.
As the day wore on, Oliu’s heart grew heavier. He curled up on his bed and sighed. He missed his mother. He missed the feeling of being wanted and cherished. Tears welled up in his eyes, and he whimpered softly.
Just as he was about to give up hope, he heard a faint scratching sound at the door. He wagged his tail hopefully and trotted over to investigate. To his surprise, the door was slightly ajar. With a hopeful heart, he pushed it open and stepped outside.
There, standing on the porch, was his family, each holding a present and a big, bright smile. They called his name, and he barked excitedly, his tail wagging furiously. They rushed over and showered him with love and affection.
Oliu realized that even though he wasn’t perfect, he was still loved and appreciated. As he ate his birthday cake and played with his new toys, he knew that he was truly special, just the way he was.
