I’d miss my siblings. One by one, they were being adopted. It was just the three of us now. Originally, there were five. I was the last to not have a family. I was always overlooked. Any day now, it’ll just be me in this kennel, all alone. I’d miss wrestling with my siblings. I’d miss sleeping together at night. Soon, all of them would be gone. I went to sleep trying not to think about it.

The next morning, I woke up feeling refreshed. Maybe today would be the day! As usual, we ran to the gate to be fed by our caretaker. We chowed down our food, then rolled around and played! One of my siblings was leaving today. I’d miss her. I licked her face a bit, letting her know that.

Soon, humans would come and look at us. I always got excited to see new faces, and I hoped someone would pick me today! I was the smallest in the bunch, but I hope that wouldn’t disregard their decision. Maybe that’s why I haven’t been picked yet. Am I too small??

I could hear other dogs barking as we stayed in our fenced area. Humans couldn’t understand what was being said, but most of the barks were “Pick me! Pick me!” However, some were more aggressive and foul-mouthed. I think those dogs weren’t treated nicely by other humans or previous owners, so all they could do was shout foul things at the ones who walked by.

As my siblings and I were playing outside, suddenly three humans stopped to look at us. Two were tall, and one of them was carrying a smaller version of themselves. Was that their pup? She was so cute and tiny like me! Their faces lit up, and their smiles grew so big, I couldn’t help but bark, “Pick me!”

After looking us over, they walked away, and my hopes shattered. “Am I too small for them? Too ugly? Maybe I’m not as cute as my brothers and sisters. I’ll be alone here soon. I won’t have anyone to play with. I’ll never get adopted.”

After they left, I continued to play with my siblings outside. Maybe someone else will want me. I can’t be that bad. Suddenly, I heard a whistle and a friendly “tsk tsk”. My siblings and I ran inside. I looked up, and our caretaker was back with those humans I saw from before! They looked so happy to see us, especially me!

The caretaker came into our kenneled area. This particular human was sweet and had fur on his face, but only one section of it. Every day, he’d come in, feed us our breakfast and dinner, and he’d give us a few treats throughout the day. We always enjoyed his company. I’d miss him if I ever got adopted. He scooped one of my siblings up. She was called Marbles.

My doggy brain forgot she hasn’t been adopted yet either! She and I were both free! Oh no. What if they pick her and not me? I was the one they noticed before! As much as I love my sibling, I wanted to find a home.

They petted her and held her in a towel. I looked with anticipation. Their eyes weren’t as lit. They did not show much interest. Then, one of the humans pointed at me. My heart stopped. My paws ached to be picked up. Our caretaker came in, scooped me up in a towel, and brought me to them.

One of the humans started to pet me and make high-pitched sounds. I assumed they were happy. Suddenly, their pup reached out and petted my head. Its touch was so gentle and sweet. Both big humans looked at one another and gasped. Was something wrong? I looked at them and saw happiness on their faces!

They asked if I was available; the caretaker said yes. Before I knew it, I was adopted!

A few days later, I was picked up. On the way to my new home, one of the humans put me in a bag with a zipper. It was breathable, but cramped. I tried to bite my way through, but it was no use. I kept screaming, “Let me out, let me out!”, but to humans, all they hear is “BARK!”

As I was brought inside the house, I was introduced to their big dog named Tavia. I’m not sure what breed she was, but she was fluffy and had piercing blue eyes. They placed me in a smaller kennel right by her bed. I don’t think she liked me much. She sniffed at me while I was in my cage, huffed, then walked away. I didn’t mind, soon she’d want to play with me, (whether she liked it or not!). I tried to speak to her, but she completely ignored me and fell asleep. Rude.

That night, both humans and their pup were playing with me on the floor. The floors here were much smoother compared to the shelters. Running across them was fun and exciting! They gave me toys, a food and water bowl, and some treats. I felt so loved. I finally felt wanted. This is where I belong.

I would miss my siblings, though. I’d miss their scent, our play time, our late-night cuddles. I know now I’d never have that again. It’d take some time getting used to. I’d never forget them, and I’d always love them. I hope Marbles was or would be adopted soon too.

As we continued to play, I heard one of the humans speak. They were discussing my name. At the shelter, I was referred to as Milly. I liked it, but my humans decided they didn’t want that name for me. They decided to call me Yuki. Yuki. I like that.

I’m a bit sleepy now, but this is my story on how I was adopted. It would take some time to get used to, but Yuki would be my new name, in my new home, with my new family!