Max, a scruffy little terrier, sat alone in the shelter, his eyes cast downward. He had been there for months, watching as family after family walked by, cooing over the younger, more energetic dogs.
Max felt like he didn’t stand a chance. His graying fur and cloudy eyes made him look old and worn out. He thought to himself, “My eyes are closed off and my appearance isn’t appealing, which is why no one loves me.”
One day, a kind old man named John walked into the shelter. He scanned the rows of cages, his eyes locking onto Max. Despite Max’s rough appearance, John saw something special in him.
John took Max home, where he showered him with love and attention. Max’s tail wagged tentatively at first, but soon he was lavishing John with affection.
As the days passed, Max’s eyes brightened, and his fur regained some of its luster. But more importantly, he felt loved and cherished. John didn’t care about Max’s appearance; he loved him for who he was. And Max finally felt like he belonged.