Perhaps today is my 12th birthday, but it might also be my last. My name is Bod, and I’ve spent most of my life waiting for a forever home, hoping that someone would adopt me and give me the love I’ve been longing for. But here I am, spending another birthday in the shelter, and I’m feeling very sad because no one has adopted me yet.
When I was younger, I always thought that someday, someone would walk through those shelter doors, take one look at me, and say, “That’s the dog I’ve been looking for.” I imagined myself running in a big yard, playing fetch with a kind family, and curling up on a warm bed at the end of the day. But year after year, I watched as other dogs found their homes, while I stayed behind, still waiting, still hoping.
Now that I’m older, it feels like people don’t see me anymore. They walk past my kennel without a second glance, looking for younger dogs or puppies. They don’t see the gentle, loving dog that I am, or the years of companionship I have left to give. I may not be as energetic as I once was, but I still have so much love to offer. I just want someone to see that before it’s too late.
Today, the shelter volunteers gave me some extra treats and petted me for a little longer than usual. They told me it’s my birthday, but birthdays don’t feel the same when you’re still waiting for a family. I know they care about me, but what I really want is to be part of a family—someone who will take me home and let me spend my golden years surrounded by love and warmth.
I’ve been dreaming about that moment for so long. I imagine waking up in a cozy house, with my new family by my side, knowing that I’m finally where I belong. But as the years go by, that dream feels farther away. I’m afraid that I’ll never get to experience the love of a real home before my time runs out.
It’s hard not to feel sad, especially on days like today. I’m grateful for the care I’ve received here, but this isn’t how I wanted to spend my 12th birthday. I can feel my body growing older, and though I try to stay hopeful, I wonder if anyone will ever come for me. All I want is a chance to show someone how loyal and loving I can be—a chance to spend my remaining days in a home where I’m cherished.
Even though today feels like another lonely birthday, I haven’t given up hope just yet. Maybe, just maybe, there’s someone out there who will see past my age and recognize the heart of a dog who’s been waiting his whole life for a family. Maybe they’ll see that I still have so much love to give, even after all these years.
I hope that if anyone reads my story, they’ll consider adopting an older dog like me. We might not have as much time left, but the love we give is just as strong. We’re not just waiting for homes—we’re waiting for someone to give us the chance to live out our final years with dignity, love, and companionship.
So, as I sit here in my kennel on my 12th birthday, I’m still holding on to a small glimmer of hope. Maybe my family is out there, and maybe, if they find me in time, I’ll get to know what it feels like to be truly loved before my time runs out.
For now, I’ll keep waiting. But with each passing day, I hope that my birthday wish will come true and that someone will finally take me home.
