Toby was a small, golden puppy with eyes so big and round they could melt the coldest of hearts. He lived in a little house with a family that was often too busy to notice him. Toby loved his family, especially the two children who would occasionally play with him when they weren’t distracted by their screens or schoolwork.
Today was a special day—it was Toby’s 5th birthday. He had been so excited all week, wagging his tail endlessly, hoping for a special treat or even just a little extra attention. He had seen the children celebrate their birthdays with balloons, cakes, and laughter, and he dreamed that maybe, just maybe, this year, he might get the same.
As the sun rose, Toby woke up bright and early. He waited patiently by the kitchen door, hoping someone would wish him a happy birthday. But the morning passed, and no one seemed to notice. The parents rushed off to work, and the kids were busy with their chores and video games.
Toby tried to remind them. He brought his favorite toy to the children and gently nudged their legs with his wet nose. But instead of a pat or a “Happy Birthday,” they shooed him away. Toby’s little heart sank, but he still held onto hope.
By evening, Toby sat in his favorite corner of the house, his tail no longer wagging. The house was quiet, and the family seemed to have forgotten all about him. Tears welled up in his big brown eyes as he curled up into a tiny ball. He didn’t need a cake or balloons—he just wanted someone to remember him, to show that he mattered.
Suddenly, the door creaked open, and in walked the youngest child, Mia. She had a small, homemade card in her hands. “Oh, Toby! I almost forgot! Happy birthday, my sweet boy!” she exclaimed, kneeling down to hug him tightly. Toby’s tail wagged furiously as his sadness melted into joy. It wasn’t much, but to Toby, that little card and hug were worth more than all the cakes and balloons in the world.
From that moment on, Toby felt loved again. And though his birthday started off lonely, it ended with a wagging tail and a heart full of happiness.
