Today is my birthday, and as much as I try to be excited, a heaviness lingers in my heart. It’s a day that should be filled with joy and love, but instead, it’s just another lonely day in the shelter. My tail wags a little as I look around, but no one is here to wish me a happy birthday. No one is here to shower me with treats or give me a special moment of attention. Instead, I watch as the other dogs get noticed, their coats glossy and perfect, their eyes sparkling with the hope that someone will take them home.
But me? I’m just me. My coat is a little patchy, not as smooth as the others. My ears flop a bit awkwardly, and I have this silly way of walking that makes me seem a little clumsy. Maybe it’s because of the way I look. Maybe it’s because I don’t have the same sparkle in my eyes or the same gentle grace as the others. Every time someone walks past my cage, they glance at me for a moment and then keep walking. My heart sinks a little. I know it’s not their fault; they are just looking for something they feel will fit perfectly in their life. Something… beautiful.
I sometimes wonder if they’d stop and notice me if I were more like the other dogs. Maybe if I had a shinier coat, a prettier face, or more confident eyes, they’d want me. But I’m just not that way. I try not to let it bother me, but it’s hard on days like today. It’s my birthday, and I want so much to be loved, to be special, but I don’t even get a pat on the head.
I know there are many other dogs here, and they deserve love too. They all have their own stories, their own pasts. But today, I can’t help but feel like I’m invisible. I want someone to notice me—not for how I look, but for who I am. I want to be seen for my heart, my loyalty, the way I curl up next to anyone who needs comfort, the way I’ll always be there for them when they’re sad. I want to show them that I can be the one who will stay by their side, no matter what.
Even if they don’t see me today, I’ll keep hoping. I’ll keep wagging my tail whenever someone walks by. Maybe one day, someone will notice me. Maybe they’ll see past the roughness of my coat and the awkwardness of my steps, and maybe, just maybe, they’ll see the love that I have to give.
Because I may not be beautiful in the way they expect, but I am beautiful in my own way. And even if no one celebrates me today, I’ll still celebrate myself. I’ll still remember that I am worthy of love, just as I am.
I know that one day, someone will come. And when they do, I’ll have so much love to give them, because deep down, I know that love is what truly matters.
