Today is Missy's 15th birthday. For most dogs, birthdays are a time for celebration—treats, toys, and love pouring in from all directions. But for Missy, the day has passed quietly, without a single birthday wish. The house is still, and the only sound is the occasional creak of the floor beneath
Missy is an old dog now. Her once shiny black coat has faded to a soft gray, and her steps are slower, more deliberate. Time has worn her down, but her heart is still as full of love as it was when she was just a puppy. For 15 years, Missy has been a loyal companion, always by her owner’s side through thick and thin. She’s been there for every moment—big or small—offering comfort without asking for anything in return.
But today, on this special milestone, Missy is alone. It’s not that she’s been forgotten, but life has a way of getting busy. People come and go, responsibilities pile up, and sometimes, even the most faithful friends are unintentionally overlooked. Missy waits by the window, her head resting on her paws, watching the world go by. She doesn’t know it’s her birthday—she only knows she’s waiting for a familiar face, a gentle hand, or even a kind word.
As the day drags on, Missy moves from her spot by the window to her favorite corner of the living room. It’s quieter there, and the soft cushions give her aching bones a bit of relief. She sighs and curls up, her body slowly relaxing, but her heart still longs for the warmth of company.
In her dreams, Missy runs like she used to—swift and carefree, chasing after sticks and bounding through fields. She dreams of the days when her owner would throw a ball, and she’d race after it, her tail wagging furiously, proud to bring it back every time. But when she wakes, the room is empty. There’s no ball, no laughter—just the sound of the clock ticking in the background, marking the passing of another day.
Though the day has been quiet, Missy is still grateful. She’s always been the type to find joy in the little things: a warm patch of sunlight to lay in, the scent of familiar surroundings, the simple pleasure of a belly rub. But even the most selfless hearts crave recognition sometimes, and today, Missy could use a little extra love.
As the sun sets, casting a golden glow over the room, Missy’s eyes close once more. She’s tired, more tired than usual, but there’s a quiet peace about her. She knows she’s lived a long, full life—a life filled with loyalty, love, and countless moments of joy. And even if today hasn’t been filled with birthday wishes, Missy still holds onto hope. Tomorrow, maybe someone will remember. Maybe tomorrow, someone will scratch her behind the ears and whisper, “Happy birthday, Missy.”
For now, though, she rests. Even without fanfare or celebration, she knows her worth. Missy may be old, and she may have been overlooked today, but her heart is still as full as ever—patient, hopeful, and filled with the quiet grace that only comes with age.
Happy 15th birthday, Missy. Even if no one else says it, you deserve all the love in the world.
