Sad Story for EstherRoxie's Contest

Robyn's POV

Hi. My name is Robyn. I work here at GreenLeaf Animal Pound. I love working here! Everybody here does! We really enjoy looking after all the cats and dogs. We really grow to love them. That's why it's hard to let some of them go. Whether it's with their new owner or if we're "disposing of them" as my mean boss Neil says. I've never liked that man...
Well, if a dog or cat isn't adopted within the first three months they are here, we have to put them down. It's pretty hard a majority of the time...
Well, today I am going to tell you a particularly sad story about a dog named Howie.
Howie is an old scruffy sheepdog. He has graying hair and is probably around 9 years old. He is the sweetest thing really. But no one seems to want him. They all want the sweet puppies with the nice shiny fur and the energy to keep up while playing with their kids.
We all love Howie to pieces! He's been here for two and a half months and we've become worried about him not finding a home. We all just know that Neil will make us put him down when the three months are up.
We like to keep him up front in the lobby with us because he is so much fun to have around. We also hope that someone will see him and want him as soon as they come in. But no, they all run for the younger dogs.
One day around closing time Alice and I were sitting in the chairs in the lobby reading magazines. Today was pretty dead so we were very bored. As always, Howie was sitting between our chairs chewing on a bone that Alice brought him today.
I was about to go check all the cages to see if they were locked and head home but then an old man came through the doors. Howie looked up at him and walked over to him, his tail wagging. He does this to every costumer. They usually give him a good pet and go right past him. He knows that he needs to find an owner soon. He's a very smart dog... But this time the old man didn't pass him by. He crouched down beside him and started giving him a good scratching behind the ears. Alice and I watched curiously for about five minutes until she nudged me to do my job. She could've done it but she was probably too comfortable! I walked up to the old man and cleared my throat.
"Excuse me, sir? Is there anything I can help you with?" I asked politely
He looked up at me and smiled as he stood up.
"Why yes! The name's Don Leazer and I'd love to adopt a dog." He replied shaking my hand.
"Oh wonderful! Who is this for? A Grandchild, your wife? Yourself perhaps?" I questioned going through my usual routine with costumers.
"No, just for myself. I don't have any grandchildren. I don't have any children for that matter. My wife died 7 months ago and I figured it's time to stop being lonely and get a companion. One who doesn't talk as much as my wife did!" He said with a wink. I laughed, but past the joke I could see sadness in his eyes. He loved his wife, and now he has no one. I have to find this man a dog.
"Well, sir, why don't a take you to the dog room and we'll have a look around?" I asked getting back to business.
"That would be wonderful." I nodded and led him to the room.
We walked past all the cages. He listened intently as I told the story of each dog and how long they've been here. He smiled and laughed at a few of them, but I didn't see him fall in love with any of them. I led him back to the lobby and sat him in a chair.
"So, did you find any dogs that interested you?" I asked him sweetly
"Yes, that one." He replied pointing to Howie who was almost done with the bone.
"Howie? Really?" I asked in utter shock
"Yes, of course! He is for sale, isn't he?" He asked hopefully
"He is! Why don't we go over to the counter and get everything straightened out!"
We walked over to the counter and I rushed behind it to Alice.
"Alice, go to the file room and get me the paperwork for Animal 43." I said trying to give her a hint at what is happening right now.
"Animal 43? Thats... Thats-"
"Howie! I know! Isn't it wonderful??" I said grabbing her hands.
She smiled and without another word, ran to the file room and was back in a split second with a clipboard of paperwork.
I placed it on the counter in front of Don. He eagerly grabbed a pen and went straight to work filling out the information. He finished quickly and handed the clipboard back to me.
I smiled a friendly smile and opened the top drawer. I pulled out a dark blue leash and Alice and I walked over to Howie. We placed the leash over his head and bent down to him. He was dosing off ever since he finished his bone.
"Now Howie, someone is here to adopt you! We're going to miss ya buddy!" Alice said quietly.
"Now you be good for Mr. Leazer. Show him how much fun you are! We love you and we'll come visit you!" I said to him, scratching him behind the ears.
We both kissed his head and hugged him. We couldn't help the tears in our eyes. We were so attached to him and it was bittersweet to see him go.
I stood up and pulled him up by his leash. I walked him over to Don who was happily waiting near the doors.
"Please take care of him. He's our baby. I'll be calling in a few days to see how things go." I said with a teary smile.
"Don't you worry. He's in good hands. I'll have many good stories to tell you when that phone call arrives. Thank you so much for him." He said sweetly
I shook his hand and retreated behind the counter. I turned back to see the two of them walking out into the parking lot. Alice and I watched them until the car drove out of sight. We turned to each other and hugged for a while. We cried soft, happy tears.
I just know that Howie is going to have a good home with that man for the rest of his life.