right ear like how I enjoy so much. I lick a tear that is slowly falling down her soft cheek, making her laugh slightly. “I'm so sorry.”

Immediately, I want to tell her not to be sorry. That I was the one that was sorry. I want to tell her I was sorry for not being able to find a home. I want to tell her sorry that my family left me behind. I want to tell her not to cry, that it was okay. But I know I cannot do any of that. While I can understand her, she would have no clue what I am saying. Not caring, I bark softly, giving her a gentle nuzzle.

Giving me the biggest hug I think I have ever gotten, the girl tried to make herself stop crying. As I sat there, her arms around my neck, I could holy hope that the shepherd would find a home. I think, too, of the boy, and wish for him to find the most wonderful dog he can. If he cannot save me, maybe another. Maybe even the shepherd, because I know with all my heart that she would be perfect for him.

After only a few minutes, the young girl pulls away from me. Her tears have finally stopped, but I can tell she has more that needs to come out. She walks ever so slowly over to a counter and picks something up. It looks like a needle. As she came back towards me, I saw that it was what it was. But there was something different about the smell. Something I could just not place.

A new wave of tears comes over her as she slowly places the needle in my leg, injecting whatever the liquid is inside of it. I feel nothing at first, but then a sort of numbing comes over me. I really do not have a clue what is going on. The girl gives me another hug and holds me close, repeating the phrase “I'm sorry.”

I look up at her, my head and eyelids getting heavy. I'm sorry, too, I think. After no time at all, my vision starts to swim and everything blurs out of focus. But it doesn’t last long. I quickly think of my old family and how I miss them, and wonder if they miss me, too.

Before I know it, it’s almost over. My heart is slowly, the blood not pumping through my body as well. This is what happens to dogs that do not find a home. I send a wish to all the dogs out in the kennel that they will find one. And before I know it, my heart stops. My journey is finally over.

Authors Note :: Hundreds of animals are sent to animal shelters each year. Some are sent there because of abuse, some because they were born on the streets, and some because their human families simply leave them behind. But the animals cannot do anything about it themselves. It's up to people to stand up for them and give them a voice. I know you're probably sick of this "message", but spay or neuter your pets. There are too many unwanted wonderful pets in the world all ready. Visit your local animal shelter and take a look at all the dogs, cats, and even rabbits. If you are looking for a wonderful animal companion, go there first, I'm sure you will not be disappointed. If you can't adopt one, see if you can simply volunteer at a shelter! They will probably more than be grateful for the help - and so will the animals there.