Jick had lived in the animal shelter since he was a tiny pup. He could barely remember the day he was brought to the shelter, his tail tucked between his legs, his eyes filled with fear. He had been alone ever since, his days filled with the mournful wails of other dogs and the cold, sterile walls of his kennel.
Today was Jick’s birthday, a milestone that should have been filled with joy and celebration. Instead, he sat in his kennel, his head on his paws. He watched as the other dogs were taken out for walks or playtime, their happy barks echoing through the shelter. But Jick was always left behind.
People would come into the shelter, looking for a furry companion. They’d coo over the puppies, the playful and energetic dogs. But when they saw Jick, their eyes would glaze over. He was older, a bit shy, and his coat wasn’t as shiny as it once was. They’d move on, leaving Jick feeling even more alone.
As the day wore on, Jick’s spirits sank. He remembered the days when he had a family, a warm home to call his own. He missed the feeling of being loved and wanted. But as the years passed, that memory faded, replaced by the harsh reality of his life in the shelter.
