I hear the others bark and whine, the excited snuffles, yelps and cries. More people have arrived to see us today, picking just one to take away.

To take away and give a new home, filled with love and warmth and a full dinner bowl. I lie on my mat and curl myself up, I have been here so long, I have just given up.

Faces peer in to look at me, but a shake of the head means no family for me. The excitement dies down because all the people have gone, another day lost another day done.

It's then that I hear a soft caring voice, calling my name not once but twice. I raise my head and look up to see, two faces at the mesh, and they're smiling at me

Slowly I move, uncertain at first, but the warmth of the smiles makes my heart fit to burst. Wagging my tail I move close to the mesh, and through the small gap they gently stroke my head.

Can it be true, please let it be so, I need people to love, that's what I know. The lady who feeds me opens my door, she smiles and nods as I trot across the floor. I sit and wait as my collar goes on the click of the lead as it fastens on.

Two happy faces look down at me, the smiles are the sight that I've been longing to see. 'A new life for you Katie my dear' these are the words I've so longed to hear.