It was a cold, rainy morning on November 15th. Red , an old golden retriever, slowly opened his eyes and let out a heavy sigh. He knew what day it was – his 15th birthday. But unlike previous years, there would be no celebration, no friends to play with, no special treats.

Red had been the happiest, most energetic dog in the neighborhood when he was younger. He loved chasing squirrels, swimming in the lake, and playing fetch with the neighborhood kids. But as he grew older, his energy waned and the kids grew up and moved away. One by one, his dog friends passed on. Now, Red  was the only old dog left on the block.

His owner, an elderly woman named Mrs. Johnson, had been his best friend for the past 15 years. But lately, she had been in poor health and spent most of her days resting in bed. She had forgotten to buy Red a birthday present or even give him a pat on the head that morning.

Red  slowly made his way to his food bowl, his joints aching. It was empty. He let out a soft whimper, hoping Mrs. Johnson would hear and come fill it. But there was no response. He laid down on his bed, curling up into a ball, and let out a sad sigh.

A Surprise Visitor

Just then, Red heard a knock at the door. He perked up his ears, hoping it might be a friend. But when Mrs. Johnson didn’t answer, the knocking stopped.

Red  laid his head back down, disappointed.

Suddenly, the front door creaked open and a small figure entered. Red  lifted his head to see a young girl, about 10 years old, standing in the entryway. She had a bright red bow in her hair and a big smile on her face. “Hi Red !” she exclaimed, rushing over to him. “Happy birthday!” Red  recognized the girl as the daughter of Mrs. Johnson’s neighbor. She had played with him when she was just a toddler. He let out a soft woof and wagged his tail.

The girl reached into a bag she was carrying and pulled out a big, juicy steak.

“I brought you a special birthday treat!” she said, placing it in Red s bowl.

Red eagerly gobbled it up, his tail wagging furiously. He couldn’t remember the last time he had tasted something so delicious.

The girl sat down next to Red and began petting him gently.

“I know you must be lonely without any friends,” she said softly. “But I want you to know that I’ll always be your friend, Red .”

Red looked up at the girl with his big, brown eyes and let out a contented sigh. He may not have had any other dog friends, but he knew in that moment that he had a friend who cared. And that was the best birthday present he could have asked for.