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The Eyes That Spoke Volumes: The Silent Plea of a Black Shelter Dog

Rocky Kanaka |

Sep 19, 2023

The moment I saw Mia, I felt a deep connection. When I saw her eyes, they just spoke to my soul. You could just feel all of the fear, all of the pain, all of the heartache in those eyes. It was those very eyes that caught my attention, which is a good thing because statistically a dog like Mia will continue to get passed by again and again for a very specific reason. But first, let’s sit with her and see if she’ll allow us to show her any comfort.

As I got closer, I noticed something heart-wrenching. Every time someone walked in, Mia would flatten herself to the ground, as if trying to become invisible.

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It’s a sad reality that black dogs like Mia often get overlooked in shelters. Their dark fur makes it hard for potential adopters to see their features, especially when they’re hiding at the back of their kennels. But Mia was different. She had these endearing light brown marks and the most adorable eyebrows that made her stand out.

I learned from shelter staff that Mia had been found by a good Samaritan near a freeway. She had been on the run for two to three weeks, evading capture. It’s no surprise, given that she’s an Australian shepherd, a breed known for its intelligence. Mia was no exception. Within minutes of interacting with her, she was already showing off her tricks, shaking hands, and even giving me both paws.

But it wasn’t all fun and games. Mia’s intelligence, combined with her traumatic past, made her fearful. Yet, with just a little bit of patience and understanding, she began to open up. She even let me pet her, a sign of trust that I cherished deeply.

Over the years, I’ve worked with many dogs, and I’ve been asked countless times if I’ve ever been bitten. The truth is, I have. But it’s all about understanding dog body language and knowing when to approach and when to give them space. Mia was no different. Even with all my experience, she taught me that there’s always something new to learn.

Our interaction was going well until a commotion outside startled Mia, making her retreat into her kennel. It broke my heart to see her revert to her fearful state, but I knew I couldn’t give up on her. Mia deserves a loving home, and I’m determined to help her find one.

So, I urge you, don’t let Mia disappear into the shadows. Share her story, help her find a family that will love and cherish her.