Happy Birthday Oscar

"Happy Birthday to you, Happy Birthday to you," the lady carrying the birthday cake had the biggest of smiles spread across her lips. Anyone would think it was her birthday being celebrated. "Happy birthday dear Oscar! Happy Birthday to you!" As she set the cake in front of him, the only response from Oscar was drool falling from his mouth and an anticipative light in his eyes.

The woman's face fell at his reaction, but her heart melted when his eyes locked onto hers. She could never resist those puppy dog eyes he always pulled to get his own way. She was a sucker for them.
"Alright," she said, a small hint of a smile returned to her lips, "tuck in then."

She shook her head as she watched him a moment. He sure took the phrase 'tuck in' literally, completely burying his face in the specially made mixture, completely stuffing himself. She couldn't help but wonder why she kept throwing these parties for him, year after year when the only thanks she got was a great deal of mess to clean up afterwards. But she did know why, really. That's what you do for the ones you love, and she loved him.

"Look at all these presents Oscar!" She said excitedly, kneeling next to Oscar in front of the pile of gifts. She sat back on her heels, watching as Oscar approached the pile. He sniffed at the ones closest to him before turning and walking away.
"Don't you want them?" She asked in surprise, staring after him. Hope returned some at the sound of the light patter of footsteps, growing louder as he came closer. But all he did was glance at her before walking away again.

Sighing, she leaned forward, unwrapping a present off of the pile to reveal a bright new tennis ball. Clutching it in her palm, she got up and took it outside, where she knew Oscar would be. She bounced up and down on the pavers and it wasn't long before Oscar looked at her with a sparkle in his eyes, ears pricked up and tail wagging. Yes, all of this had been for a dog. She'd been called the Crazy Dog Lady. So what if she did treat him more like a son than a dog. What mattered most to her was that it was just her and Oscar.