I noticed a dog sitting in the middle of the store with a leash, but no owner: I wanted to take him home, but then the store manager came over and told me the awful truth

 noticed a dog sitting in the middle of the store with a leash, but no owner: I wanted to take him home, but then the store manager came over and told me the awful truth 

I had just stopped by the grocery store for some basic shopping. Nothing special – bread, milk, something for tea. Everything was going as usual. I was walking through the aisles, listening to the cart squeak as I turned, someone in the distance talking about discounts. I reached the household section — I needed batteries for the remote control.

And then I stopped.

Right by the shelves with tools, between boxes and light bulbs, there was a dog sitting. Just sitting there, motionless, as if it was part of the store’s display.