By daily 
Con’s Imperfect Birthday
Today was Con’s birthday, but as he watched his family move about the house, his excitement slowly faded. He tried nudging his favorite humans with his nose, his eyes bright and hopeful, but no one seemed to notice. Instead, they were busy, glancing at him only briefly before moving on with their day. Con felt a pang in his heart, as if they saw him as just another dog—one who barked too loudly or tracked mud on the floor. They thought he was not perfect, and maybe that’s why no one remembered his special day.
Feeling a bit defeated, Con wandered out to the backyard and curled up in his favorite sunny spot. He wondered if, just maybe, he didn’t deserve a celebration. But as he lay there, lost in thought, his friend Gin approached, his tail wagging and a stick clamped proudly in his mouth.
“Happy Birthday, Con!” Gin barked, his voice filled with excitement. Con looked up, surprised. Could it be that someone actually remembered?
One by one, other dogs from the neighborhood began to gather. Neo, Koli, and Meda all showed up with toys, treats, and cheerful barks, their eyes bright with love for their friend. They didn’t care if he was perfect or not. To them, Con was kind, loyal, and brave—a friend worth celebrating.