They walk by my kennel every day. Their eyes scan left, then right… but they never stop on me. Not for long. Not like they do for the golden ones, or the fluffy ones, or the ones with eyes that sparkle like sunshine.

Maybe it’s because I’m black.

I’ve heard them say it, you know. That we don’t “show well” in photos. That we look “scary,” or “sad,” or just too plain. So I sit here, in the shadows, waiting. Quiet. Hopeful. Invisible.

But I promise you — my heart is not invisible.

It beats just like theirs. Full of longing, full of love. I wag my tail when you pass. I press my head gently against the bars when you pause — just for a second — hoping you’ll feel the softness of who I am. Hoping you’ll see past the color of my fur and into the soul that’s been waiting so patiently.

Every day, I watch the others leave — tails wagging, faces lit with joy. I don’t get jealous. I get hopeful. Maybe one day, it will be me.

I don’t need to be the most beautiful. I don’t need the perfect photo. I just need a chance.

Because I have so much to give. Devotion. Loyalty. Comfort on your darkest nights. Laughter in your brightest days. I will be your shadow, your protector, your best friend.

So please… look again. Past the darkness. Past the silence.

See me.

I matter.🖤🐾