If you saw me, would you avoid me? That’s what I wonder every time someone glances my way, only to turn their head, their expression shifting from curiosity to pity or even disgust. I wasn’t always like this. Once, I had a soft, healthy coat, bright eyes, and a lively spirit. But life hasn’t been kind. My skin itches constantly now, raw in places, covered in scabs and patches where my fur used to be. They call it mange, but to me, it’s just a part of who I am now—a reminder of the life I’ve had to survive on the streets.

I still remember the first time I was abandoned. I was young, full of hope, and thought that someone would take me home. But as my skin started to change, the mange spreading and taking over my fur, people stopped coming close. I would approach, wagging my tail, hoping for a friendly hand, but I’d see them pull away, wrinkling their noses, muttering things like “poor thing” or “unfortunate.” Those words cut deeper than any pain on my skin, because they made me feel less than, like I was no longer worthy of love or even simple kindness.

Every day, I roam the streets, looking for food and shelter, but more than that, I look for understanding. I long for someone who will look past my rough exterior and see that I’m still a dog who loves deeply, who craves affection. Sometimes, when the nights are cold and my skin itches unbearably, I curl up in a corner and close my eyes, dreaming of a warm bed, a gentle hand, and the soft voice of someone who would call me “theirs.”

I’ve learned to expect people to turn away. Some throw stones to scare me off, others simply ignore me. But deep down, I know I’m still worthy of love, even if the world doesn’t seem to think so. I can’t help but wonder: if someone took the time to see beyond my mange, beyond the rough patches and scars, would they see the loyal, loving heart that still beats within me? I don’t need much—a simple touch, a warm place to rest, and the feeling that I belong to someone.

So, I ask again: if you saw me, would you avoid me? Or would you see beyond my scars and give me a chance? Because all I really want is to love and be loved in return, just like any other dog, just like I used to believe was possible.