What does Happiness Smell Like by Zlata Pelykh

What does happiness smell like?

There are creatures who are lucky to have health. For example, my Owner, who took me from the shelter when I was only 3 months old. I don't remember anything but the smell of my brothers, sisters, and mom. It is the smell of humidity, wet wool, rope, and stones. At that time, I didn't understand what was happening, but for some reason, the whimpering of my siblings told me that I had to run away.

There are creatures who are lucky enough to have a good heart. My Owner adopted me because she is the owner of this gift. She is kind, smart, sincere and very loving. I think my mother, brothers, and sisters also had such hearts. Little hearts whose beating, unfortunately, I will never be able to describe. They do not smell.

There are creatures who should, as my Owner says, burn in hell. I am a dog, I don't know if there is a hell and a heaven for animals. It would be humane of the Creator to send my sisters, brothers, and mom away from those who killed them. What do they call it, heaven? Yes, it must be. My Owner says that heaven is for those who are sincere and pure in heart. I think such people smell like her.

 Before I came to the shelter, it was very tough for me. Mother Nature decided to punish me with rain, cold, and a car highway. Although I am not sure that the last one is the work of Nature. If it wasn't for a lucky chance, I would have been run over by a car. I could smell the stench of exhaust gases, tires, and wet roads, but when you are small, it is so hard to imagine where it comes from! It is now that I can tell by smell what mood others are in, or what the kids on the street are wearing, with whom I often play.

The shelter was full of smells. Many flavours around, many fears and many high hopes. It was the first time I met other animals I had never known before. The cats smell a little sour, arrogant, but with fear. They are probably afraid that they will be abandoned, although they pretend to be independent. Birds smell like grain, warmth, and freedom. I would also like to have wings. Other dogs smell like spit, cheap flea shampoo, and teeth.

 Once, my Owner was celebrating her birthday. Then it turned out that we had a birthday on the same day! She told me that she was born when she took me from the shelter, and that now we would share this holiday with her. The smell of candles now reminds me of my home, happy memories and dog biscuits.

Sometimes I feel sad that I can't be like normal animals. I can only hear with one ear, and with the other I can barely catch the sounds around me. And, unfortunately, I will never be able to see my Owner. I don't even know what people look like, to be honest! I think if I could draw, I could ask my Owner if what I could smell is right.

  There are creatures who may have a good heart, but for some reason behave in an evil way. For example, the people from the shelter who assured me that they would take someone else instead of me. How am I going to tell them that I can still hear a little? My sense of smell replaces my eyes, and I can love and protect my friend very much. My Owner has noticed!

  And what do I smell like? Perhaps home, my Owner's hugs, a sleepy, warm dog, and banana bread. And, perhaps, happiness.