Mina is a dog who has lived in a shelter for 5 years. Five years of kennel life had etched lines of weariness on her face. A golden retriever, a breed synonymous with warmth and loyalty, she was a stark contrast to the cold, sterile environment of the shelter. Today, her fifth birthday, was a hollow milestone.
She had watched countless dogs come and go, their barks replaced by the silence of empty kennels. Each adoption was a bittersweet reminder of her own solitary existence. The world outside the kennel was a blur of activity, a constant reminder of the life she once could have had.
As the day wore on, a sense of despair washed over her. She watched as people walked past her kennel, their eyes skimming over the rows of dogs, searching for something, perhaps a puppy, or a dog that matched a specific image. But never her. She was too old, too ordinary in a world that craved novelty.
As the shelter grew quiet, Mina curled up in her kennel, her tail tucked between her legs. She dreamt of a home, of a soft bed, of the warmth of a human touch. But when she woke, reality was a harsh slap in the face. Another day had passed, another birthday marked by solitude. She was a survivor, a creature defined by resilience. Yet, in the depths of her weary heart, a flicker of hope remained. Perhaps, just perhaps, tomorrow would be different.
