Spring returned, and with it, brighter days. Harold celebrated his ninety-second birthday surrounded not just by his children, who made the trip this time, but also by neighbors who had become friends. Rusty wore a party hat and stole bites of cake, much to everyone’s amusement.

At one point, Harold raised a glass of sparkling cider and said, “I thought my life was winding down. I thought I was done with surprises. But then this little rascal came along and proved me wrong. He gave me a reason to keep going. He gave me back my life.”

The room erupted in applause, but Harold’s eyes were fixed on Rusty, who barked once as if in agreement.

Years passed, and though Harold grew weaker, he never felt alone again. Rusty stayed by his side through it all—during quiet afternoons, sleepless nights, and the long walks that became shorter and shorter.