Baby Leo had been patiently waiting all morning for his grooming time. The sun was shining gently, and the yard was quiet—perfect for a cozy cleaning session. But today, Mom Libby seemed unusually distracted. She was busy digging through dry leaves, searching for snacks, and paying no attention to her little boy.
Leo sat there, looking hopeful, his soft baby fur coated in a thin layer of dust from rolling around in the dry soil. He kept glancing at Mom, inching closer with big, pleading eyes, hoping she’d notice his dirty state and come give him her loving attention.
But no luck.
Libby barely glanced his way and moved on, completely focused on her scavenging mission. Leo’s face dropped in pure disappointment. He sat still, ears low, lips puckered in a silent sulk. Dust clung to his arms and legs, and even his tiny face had patches of dirt. It wasn’t just the physical mess—it was his heart that felt a little messy too.
A gust of wind blew, ruffling his fur even more, making him look even fluffier and dustier. He looked like a tiny, sad, forgotten puffball. His mood turned from disappointed to defeated as he gently sat on a rock, gazing at Mom from a distance.
Finally, after a long while, Libby turned and noticed him. She tilted her head, seeing his dusty little face and droopy eyes. Realizing her baby had been waiting all along, she walked over, pulled him close, and gave him a warm cuddle.
Leo didn’t smile right away, but he snuggled into her arms, his little heart slowly healing with each gentle touch. A mother’s love may come late sometimes—but it always arrives when needed most.
