I’ve been waiting a long time to get a dog. My family and I used to have one, a Golden Retriever named Jasmine. We had to sell it because nobody was looking after ever since my father moved to Spain after my his and my mother’s divorce. I was the only real one looking after her. I was only about 5 or 6 at the time, so I wasn’t allowed to take her out for those long walks that any dog deserves, I could only play with her in the house. So, that’s what I did: Tug of war, ball throwing in the garden, things like that. My parents had been thinking of selling her for a long time, and they almost did once. I managed to stop them, but the second time they said it, no arguing was allowed. We eventually found a nice owner, it was an elderly couple, who already had a dog and were experienced in it.

I was heartbroken the moment we left their house. I cried from all the way from it to all the way back to our home. I eventually did get over it however. But it wasn’t easy. 5 years ago, my dad said we could get a new dog, a smaller one than a Golden Retriever though. He never kept his promise. I’m eleven years of age now, starting high-school soon. I’m broken that we don’t have a dog now. I’ve tried but they always say no. I’ve been living lies for half the time I’ve been alive. Even my older sister has a dog now. His name is Cobie. He brings me happiness for the times we visit, which is very rare. He, however, reminds me of Jasmine. As soon as I found out about Cobie, I went to the bathroom and cried for a good hour. I just couldn’t take it. My sister had got a dog, without asking, and me asking all the time for a dog, with some experience, and never getting one. I just don’t understand. I’m still left alone, with no dog and not much happiness to keep me going.