I sit quietly under the old, shaded tree, watching people pass by. Some give me a brief glance, others quickly look away. They whisper to each other, words I can’t quite hear but understand through their eyes. I see the frowns, the pity, and even the disgust. To many, I am just an ugly dog with a twisted face and a crooked nose. My fur is a bit rough, my eyes aren’t exactly aligned, and my snout curves upward in a way that even I know is unusual. I was born like this, and for a long time, I thought that maybe it meant I wasn’t worthy of the same love or affection other dogs get so easily.

When I see other dogs — the ones with sleek fur and shiny eyes — people flock to them with treats, cuddles, and compliments. They say how beautiful and perfect they are, as if those are the only things that make a dog lovable. But what about me? I may not look like those dogs, but my heart is just as big. I yearn for a gentle hand, a soft voice, a moment of kindness. “Many people judge a dog’s beauty based on appearance, and that feels unfair to me. What do you think?” I wonder, looking up with hope. Could there be someone who sees past my face, who sees that behind it is a loyal friend waiting to love and be loved?

Some days are harder than others. I catch my reflection in a puddle and wonder if maybe they’re right. Am I destined to be overlooked, just because I don’t meet their idea of beauty? But then, on my good days, I remember that beauty isn’t about having a perfect face. It’s about kindness, loyalty, and the warmth we give to others. I may look different, but that doesn’t mean I can’t be a friend, a companion, a source of comfort.

I still hold on to hope, dreaming of the day someone will look at me and see beyond my face. Someone who’ll notice the way my tail wags with excitement at the smallest kindness, or how my eyes brighten up at the prospect of a gentle touch. I may be the “ugly dog” to some, but inside, I am full of love, waiting for someone who understands that beauty is more than skin-deep.

If you were to meet me, would you be able to see me for who I am? Would you give me a chance to show you that, despite my looks, I am worthy of love? I hope that maybe one day, someone will answer “yes.” Until then, I’ll keep waiting here under this tree, with a heart full of hope and a quiet, unspoken wish for a friend who’ll love me just as I am.