My Son Shared Half His Lunch with a Stray Dog Every Day – Until a Red SUV Stopped Beside Him

Richard still visits every Saturday, flannel shirt and all, carrying bags of dog food, blankets, and stories about his son. Shadow, now graying around the muzzle, still follows Eli like he’s the sun.

Sometimes, when I’m heading home after closing the diner, I pass by the shelter. I see the porch light glowing, and there they are: a boy, a man, and an old dog.

And every time, I remember the first day I followed my son behind the hardware store.

I think of that torn sandwich, that mangy tail wagging in the dust, and the boy who shared what little he had.

I used to worry that I couldn’t give Eli much.

But it turns out, the best thing I ever packed in his lunchbox was love.