As I lie here in the warm sun, I can’t help but watch the world around me. The park is filled with laughter and excitement, the kind that makes my tail wag with anticipation. Families are playing, children are running, and other dogs are chasing after balls. But amidst all this joy, a shadow of doubt creeps into my heart.
I see the fluffy Golden Retrievers, the sleek Greyhounds, and the adorable little Pugs—all getting attention from their humans. People smile at them, pet their shiny coats, and laugh at their playful antics. Then I look at myself in the reflection of a nearby puddle. My fur is scruffy, and I have a few scars from my adventures and misadventures. Maybe I’m not as pretty as those other dogs, and that thought weighs heavy on my mind.
Is it because we are too ugly that you keep your distance from us? I wonder if that’s why some people walk by without giving me a second glance. It hurts to see others getting so much love while I sit here, waiting for someone to notice me. I want to bark, to wag my tail, to show them that I have a heart full of love to share.
Just yesterday, a little girl came to the park with her father. She was giggling and running around, her laughter like music to my ears. I thought maybe, just maybe, she would come over and want to play with me. But instead, she ran straight to the beautiful Border Collie, showering it with hugs and praise. I felt my heart sink a little, and I turned away, trying to hide my disappointment.
But then, as I watched from the sidelines, I noticed an old man sitting on a bench nearby. He was watching me, a warm smile spreading across his face. My tail began to wag tentatively. He called me over, and I bounded toward him, my heart racing with hope. As I approached, he reached out his hand, and I could smell the treat he had hidden in his pocket. “What a good boy you are!” he said, scratching behind my ears.
In that moment, I realized something important. Not everyone is focused on appearances. Some people, like the old man, see beyond the surface. They understand that love isn’t about being perfect or beautiful; it’s about companionship and connection. I may not be the fluffiest or most glamorous dog in the park, but I have so much love to give.
As I sat beside him, enjoying the gentle strokes of his hand and the tasty treats, I began to feel more confident. Maybe I wasn’t meant to fit into the mold of what everyone else deemed “cute.” Perhaps my scruffy coat and unique personality were what made me special.
When I looked around, I noticed other dogs like me—some with scars, some with quirks, all different but filled with character. We may not be the most beautiful, but we are filled with love, joy, and a desire to connect with others.
So, I decided then and there that I wouldn’t let the fear of being “ugly” keep me from embracing my life. I would wag my tail, chase after the butterflies, and greet every passerby with enthusiasm. I would show everyone that love knows no bounds and that beauty truly comes from within.
As I lay back down in the sun, I felt a renewed sense of hope. I would continue to seek out those who looked beyond appearances and appreciate the beauty of a kind heart. After all, isn’t that what really matters?
