They said I am too old to be adopted. Those words echo in my mind every day, and it hurts more than I ever thought it could. I’ve been in the shelter for so long now, surrounded by so many other dogs—some younger, some more playful, some with prettier coats or bigger eyes. I’ve watched them get picked up, one by one, as they go off to their new homes, and all I can do is lie here, waiting and hoping that maybe today will be my turn. But every time someone walks by, they don’t stop. They don’t even look at me. They keep walking as if I’m invisible. And it’s always the same words I hear from them: “Too old.”
I’m not sure how old I am, but I know I’ve lived a long life. I’ve had my share of good days, and I’ve had my share of bad ones. I remember when I was younger—running in fields, chasing after sticks, rolling in the grass. There was a time when I had a family, a warm bed, and someone who cared for me. But as time passed, things changed. My family moved away, and I was left behind, abandoned on the streets. I thought I had lost everything, but then I found this shelter. It wasn’t home, but at least it was a place where I could rest and get something to eat. But that was before I learned that my age would be a barrier.
They told me that no one wants an old dog. That no one has the time to care for a dog like me. That people want puppies, full of energy, ready to play and run. They said that I was too old to be adopted, too slow, too tired, and too set in my ways. And every time I hear those words, a little part of my heart breaks. I don’t want to be alone. I don’t want to be forgotten. I just want a family again—a home where I can rest, a warm bed to sleep in, and a person who will love me, no matter how old I am.
I know I’m not perfect. I may not be able to run as fast as I used to, and I may need a little more time to get up or climb stairs, but I still have so much love to give. I may not be able to play fetch for hours, but I can still curl up beside you, resting my head on your lap and listening to your voice. I’m quiet, I’m gentle, and I’m grateful for the little things in life. I don’t need much—just your love, your care, and a little bit of patience. I can still bring joy to your life, even if I’m not the young pup I once was.
It’s hard to not feel like I’m running out of time. I can see the other dogs getting adopted, one by one, and I wonder if anyone will ever look at me and see what I still have to offer. I may be older, but my heart is still full. I still have hope that someday, someone will come for me. Someone who will see beyond my age, beyond my graying fur, and realize that I still have so much love to give.
I may be too old for some, but I believe there’s someone out there who will look at me and see more than just a dog with a few years behind me. They will see a loyal companion who is ready to share the rest of his days with a loving family. I hope that someone will see that, and I hope that one day, I’ll have a home again.
Until then, I’ll keep waiting. And I’ll keep hoping. Because even though they say I’m too old to be adopted, I know that there’s still a chance for me to find the love and happiness I’ve been missing all this time.
