To Have a Dog

the long version

Matthew lives in an orphanage. He wanted a dog, but never got one. One day he finally gets new parents and a dog. Matthew wanted only one thing on Earth: a dog. He lived in a children’s home, and they weren’t allowed to have a real dog. The toy dog he got for Christmas was broken; the other animals he tried out as pets didn’t live up to his expectations. He never ever thought about wanting a Mother or a Father—but one day, when a couple comes to adopt him—he decides to keep an open mind. . . .