I know I’m ugly. That’s the truth I live with every day. My nose is crooked, and my eyes often look like they’re staring off into the distance as if they can never quite focus. My ears are too big for my head, and my tongue, always a bit too long, hangs out of my mouth like it has no place to go. It swings in the air like it’s always looking for something to lick, but never quite finding it. People often look at me with a mixture of confusion and pity when they pass by. I can see them turn away, pretending not to notice how different I am, and it makes me feel even more invisible.
But today, on my birthday, I wonder if someone could see me for more than just the surface. Could someone see the dog that I truly am, deep inside? Could someone see past the awkwardness of my appearance and offer me even a small word of encouragement? I long for a voice that tells me I’m good, that I matter, that I’m worthy of love, despite the flaws I carry in my appearance.
Every day, I watch the other dogs in the shelter. They are beautiful and sleek, with shiny coats and perfect postures. They get all the attention. People stop to pet them, to admire their smooth fur, their well-shaped bodies. And then there’s me—scruffy, with a face that just doesn’t fit. I see them being adopted, leaving with excited families who treat them as treasures, while I remain here, watching. Sometimes I wonder if it’s because of how I look that I never get a second glance. After all, who would want a dog like me?
But today, on my birthday, something is different. Today, I allowed myself to dream, just for a moment. What if someone looked beyond my imperfections? What if someone could see the love I have to give, the loyalty I can offer, the joy I feel when I’m around people who show kindness? I know I can’t change the way I look, but maybe that doesn’t matter. Maybe there’s someone out there who doesn’t care about the shape of my nose or the length of my tongue. Maybe they would just see me—see the dog who loves, who yearns for companionship, who wants nothing more than to find a home, a family.
I sit here now, my heart full of hope, though it’s fragile. I don’t ask for much. I don’t ask for a perfect life, or for people to fawn over me. But all I want is someone to notice me, to reach out and offer a word of kindness. A word that tells me, “You matter. You’re worth it.”
As the day goes on and the shelter remains quiet, I can’t help but feel a pang of sadness. I know I’m not perfect, but I wish someone could see me for who I truly am. I wish someone would tell me I’m enough, even with all my imperfections.
So, I’ll sit here, patiently waiting, hoping that one day, someone will see me not for the dog I appear to be, but for the dog I truly am inside. I may be ugly to some, but I’m beautiful in my own way. I have love to give, a heart that’s loyal, and a spirit that’s hopeful. And maybe, just maybe, that will be enough for someone to see.
