Mr. Harris had been visiting the shelter for weeks, always saying he didn’t need a dog. “Ain’t got no family,” he would mutter each time.
One day, a golden retriever pup was brought in, full of energy and immediately drawn to Mr. Harris. She nuzzled him and whimpered as if she recognized him. He stroked her fur, whispering, “You remind me of someone.”
Two weeks later, the shelter received a call. When they arrived at his house, Mr. Harris was gone, but Daisy, the pup, was waiting on the porch. Claire, the shelter manager, followed Daisy as she ran into the woods and found Mr. Harris collapsed under a tree. Thanks to Daisy, they got him the help he needed.
At the hospital, Mr. Harris was weak but grateful. “You saved me, didn’t you, girl?” he murmured. Daisy wagged her tail happily beside him.
Mr. Harris decided Daisy would stay with him. The loneliness he’d felt for years started to fade, and for the first time in a long time, he laughed. As they watched the sunset together one evening, he stroked Daisy’s fur and whispered, “You remind me of my brother.”
Daisy nudged his hand, understanding. Mr. Harris realized that sometimes, family isn’t the one you’re born into but the one that chooses you.
And in that moment, he wasn’t alone anymore.