This morning, I went to the market to pick up

This morning, I went to the market to pick up some veggies and whatnot. On the way, I saw this homeless guy I’d noticed around the neighborhood before, sitting on the pavement with a cardboard sign that said, “For a Birthday.” I stopped and asked him if it was his birthday coming up. He smiled a bit shyly and said, “No, not mine — it’s my best friend’s birthday.”
Well, I didn’t ask much more, but I could see he meant it. I dropped some money into the empty coffee cup by his side and went on my way, thinking about how sweet that was.
This evening, I went for my usual walk, and I swear I almost lost it. There he was, sitting on the bench with a scruffy little dog. They were both wearing colorful birthday hats. Nearby, I saw a bowl and a package of expensive dog food — a special treat he couldn’t afford the other day. He was grinning ear to ear, talking to the dog like he was throwing the fanciest party ever.
Guys, the sign wasn’t for his friend — it was for his dog! He’d spent the whole day making sure his best buddy had a birthday to remember.
I walked home with tears in my eyes, grabbed a soft dog house that I had in the garage, and brought it back to them. When I handed it over, they both lit up — him with a huge smile and that little dog wagging its tail like crazy.
“Happy birthday,” I said.
The joy in their faces was priceless. I don’t think I’ll ever forget it.