Briana and the Dog

            Briana is nine years old and in the third grade. She’s outgoing, bright and quite able to take care of herself. Oh … almost forgot. Briana has a disability—she’s blind.

             The holidays are coming, and the challenged youngster asks for a very special gift. When that wish is unobtainable, the nine-year-old moves to the next item on her list.

            Now, Briana wants a dog for Christmas.

            With anticipation high, the family visits the local rescue shelter on Christmas Eve. There, an unusual possibility presents itself. Against their better judgement, the child’s parents give in to Briana’s choice.

            Briana now has a pet, and though unimagined, the family has a friend and a hero.