As Thanksgiving approaches, kitchens across America fill with the comforting aromas of turkey, pies, and warm memories in the making. Families will gather, plates will overflow, and laughter will echo through dining rooms. But at the Benton-Franklin Humane Society in Washington, three dogs will be spending the holiday behind kennel doors, waiting for something far more precious than a feast: a family.

Last year, the shelter’s staff and volunteers poured their hearts into making sure no pup felt forgotten. On Thanksgiving morning, they prepared a banquet made just for dogs — pumpkin purée, carrots, plain potatoes, green beans, and even gravy topped with whipped cream. One staff member even stayed up the entire night roasting two full turkeys, not for people, but for the shelter dogs who had no homes of their own.

“It was magical,” said volunteer Julie Saraceno. “For those dogs, it wasn’t just food. It was love. You could see the gratitude in their eyes. They knew this day was special.”

The kindness made a difference. In the months since that feast, most of the shelter’s residents have been adopted into loving homes. But for three dogs — Finn, Papa, and Kylie — the wait continues.

Finn, a sweet and energetic pup with food allergies, has spent more than a year at the shelter. His dietary needs mean extra care, but his personality is pure joy. Papa, equally affectionate, has been overlooked only because he needs to be the sole pet in a household. “Finn just needs someone strong enough to handle him — and someone willing to love him for who he is,” Saraceno explained. “And Papa … he’s just as amazing. Both of them are.”

Kylie’s story is perhaps the hardest. After nearly four years in the shelter, she was finally adopted earlier this year. For a brief time, she had what every shelter dog dreams of: her own family. But fate dealt her a cruel blow when she tore her ACL. Faced with expensive surgery and the challenge of living in a third-floor apartment, her adopters returned her to the shelter. Once again, her dream slipped away.

This Thanksgiving, the shelter will no doubt prepare another loving holiday feast. Finn, Papa, and Kylie will wag their tails and enjoy every bite. But food isn’t what they truly want. They crave a warm couch, gentle hands, and the kind of love that lasts more than one holiday.

For the volunteers who see them every day, it’s heartbreaking.

“It’s emotional,” Saraceno admitted softly. “They’ve waited so long, and they’re such incredible dogs. They deserve so much more than another Thanksgiving in a kennel.”

Even a foster home, she added, could be life-changing. A temporary break from the shelter, even just for the holidays, could give them the comfort and stability they’ve been missing.

Because at the heart of it all, Finn, Papa, and Kylie aren’t asking for much. Not toys. Not luxuries. Just a family — and the simple promise of belonging.

This Thanksgiving, as we count our blessings, perhaps we can give them the greatest gift of all: a chance to finally go home.