It seemed like a normal day outside the station until I spotted a young boy, maybe 8 or 9, standing off to the side, watching me and my K9 partner, Koda. He looked hesitant, so I waved him over. Slowly, he walked up, then suddenly wrapped his arms around Koda and started to cry.
“He looks like my dad’s dog… before he left,” he murmured.
His name was Eli. He told me his dad had once promised they’d always have their dog, Max. But then, one day, his dad just stopped coming home. Max disappeared not long after. Now, with his mom working nonstop to make ends meet, Eli said he’s been feeling really alone.
I walked him home that day. His mom was clearly exhausted but kind and grateful. As I got ready to leave, Eli looked up and asked if Koda could come visit again.
I told him, “Absolutely.”
