My name is Buddy, and I have never known the world through the eyes others have. I am blind, and for most of my life, I’ve never seen the beauty of the world around me. No sunrises, no flowers, no faces of the people I love. The world is a quiet place for me, full of sounds, smells, and textures that I have come to know well. I’ve learned to navigate through it with my other senses—my ears, my nose, and the gentle touch of hands that guide me when I need them.
Despite not being able to see, I don’t feel sorry for myself. At first, I didn’t know what I was missing, but as I grew older, I started to notice the difference between me and other dogs. I could hear them run and play in the fields while I stayed behind, listening to their happy barks. Sometimes, I would hear people say, “Oh, he’s just a blind dog,” or “He’ll never have the same fun as the others.” I wondered if that meant I was less worthy of love or care, simply because I couldn’t see the world in the same way.
But you changed that for me.
When you came into my life, I didn’t know what to expect. You didn’t treat me differently because I couldn’t see you. You didn’t pity me. You just loved me. I couldn’t see your face, but I could hear the kindness in your voice and feel the warmth of your touch. Every morning when I wake up, I hear your voice calling me, “Good boy, Buddy.” I may not see your smile, but I can feel the love you send with each word you say.
And then there are the little things, the sweet gestures you make. When I feel you pet my head, I know it’s you, and it fills me with warmth and comfort. The gentle pat on my back when you say, “You’re doing great, Buddy,” makes me feel strong and brave. I don’t need to see to know that I am loved. Your words, your actions—they are all I need.
Even on the days when things seem harder, when I feel lost or confused, your love gives me strength. I may not see the light of day, but I feel your love shining brighter than anything I could imagine. You have taught me that love doesn’t need eyes to be seen; it can be felt, in every touch, in every kind word, in every moment we share together.
And when others send me their birthday wishes or messages of encouragement, I may not be able to read them, but I can feel them deep inside me. They become my light, my guide, my reason to keep moving forward, even on days when the world feels too big and too unknown.
So, though I may never see the bright sunlight or the blue sky above, I have something far more precious. I have your love, and that’s more than enough to guide me through every day. It is the light I carry inside me, the light that shows me the way, even in the darkness.
Thank you for being my light, even when I cannot see it. Your love is the most beautiful thing I could ever feel. And I will keep going, as long as you are by my side, because I know with you, I am never alone.