Annie the dog was a small, scruffy terrier with a heart as big as the world. Today was her third birthday, but instead of the usual excitement and celebration that puppies often experienced, Annie felt a deep sense of loneliness. She was a stray, living a life of uncertainty and hardship on the streets.
Annie’s days were filled with the constant search for food and shelter. She’d scavenge through trash cans, hoping to find a discarded bone or a leftover meal. At night, she’d curl up in a sheltered spot, shivering against the cold.
As the sun rose on her special day, Annie’s stomach rumbled. She was hungry, but there was no sign of food to be found. A tear rolled down her cheek as she remembered the happy birthday parties she had seen on television. Dogs would wear colorful hats and collars, and their owners would shower them with treats and affection.
Annie’s only wish on her third birthday was to have a happy home. She longed for a warm bed, a loving family, and someone to play with. She imagined herself curled up on a cozy couch, watching television with her human companion.
As the day wore on, Annie’s hope began to dwindle. She was starting to think that her birthday would be just as lonely and empty as every other day.
