I Wish Every Dog Knew

Every Saturday morning at the no-kill shelter, I walk past rows of kennels where hopeful eyes follow my every step. Some tails wag at the sight of the leash. Some dogs stand frozen, unsure if I’m there for them. Others press their faces against the bars as if willing me to understand. And every time, the same wish rises in my heart

I wish every dog in the world knew what it feels like to be someone’s favorite. To wake up on a soft bed instead of cold concrete. To hear “Good morning, beautiful” instead of silence. To be the reason someone rushes home at the end of the day.

I wish they knew what it feels like to walk through a door instead of pacing behind bars. To feel gentle hands instead of harsh ones. To hear their name spoken like a blessing, not a reprimand. To fall asleep to the rhythm of a human heartbeat instead of crying themselves to sleep alone.

I wish every dog could know what it means to be chosen, to be wanted, to be someone’s everything. To experience Christmas morning excitement, birthday treats, and lazy Sunday cuddles. To feel safe enough to roll on their back and trust that the hand reaching for their belly will be kind. Loved enough to simply be themselves. To know what “forever home” means. To know what “good dog” feels like in the heart.

I wish every dog had someone who takes a thousand photos of them just sleeping because they think it’s the most beautiful thing in the world. Someone who talks to them like they understand every word, because they do. I wish every dog knew they are perfect.

I wish every dog…