I am a dog, and I have only three legs. My front leg was taken away in an accident, and ever since, people have looked at me with pity or even fear. They judge me by my appearance and it hurts me deeply. I know I’m not like the other dogs, I don’t have the same graceful stride or the same energy to run and jump, but that doesn’t make me any less of a dog. I still feel, I still love, and I still have so much to give.
On the streets, people walk by me without giving me a second glance. I see them stop and pet other dogs, the ones with four legs, the ones that are whole. But no one ever stops for me. I’m left standing alone, watching as they hurry past. I hear them whisper, “Poor thing,” or “He’s not like the others,” and it stings more than words can describe.
I wonder, if they could see the love in my heart, if they could feel the joy I have when I see someone approaching, would they still ignore me? Or would they see past my missing leg and find a friend in me, a companion, someone who just wants to be loved?
I remember the days before the accident. I was so full of energy, running through fields with my tail wagging, playing with the other dogs. I didn’t care what anyone looked like. I just wanted to enjoy life. But now, the world seems different. My injury has left me isolated, and no matter how hard I try to hold my head high, it feels like I’m being left behind.
But there’s still a flicker of hope inside me. Every day, I try to find a new reason to smile. Sometimes, I dream of the day when someone will see me for who I am, not for what I’ve lost. I dream of finding a family who will accept me as I am, who will love me even if I don’t run as fast or jump as high as the other dogs.
I’m still the same dog inside, with the same love to give. If only people would stop judging me by my appearance, they would realize that what truly matters is the heart. And I have a heart full of love, waiting for someone to see it.
So, until that day comes, I will keep trying. I will keep wagging my tail, even if no one notices. I will keep hoping, because deep down, I know that someone out there will love me for who I am, not for what I look like. And that thought, no matter how small, keeps me going every day.
