**Diary Entry 15th March**
I took my little girl to the shelter today to pick out a puppy, but she stopped at the saddest dogs cage and refused to leave without him.
Emily held tightly to our two-year-old daughter, Sophies small hand as we stepped through the doors of the local animal shelter. Morning sunlight streamed through the wide windows, casting light over rows of cages where hopeful eyes followed every visitor. The air buzzed with shelter soundsbarks, plaintive meows, the rustle of straw, and the tap of claws on the floor.
Alright, love, I said, smiling down at her, shall we choose a friend?
Sophie nodded, her eyes bright with excitement. Shed dreamed of having her own dog for ages, watching enviously as the neighbours children played with theirs in the garden.
In my mind, today was supposed to go differently. I imagined us picking a cheerful puppya golden retriever or a lively Labradorone that would grow up alongside Sophie. Well-behaved, healthy, beautifulthe perfect pet.
We walked past playful pups, elegant adult dogs, and fluffy kittens. I pointed out the friendliest ones, but Sophie barely seemed to notice them.
Then suddenly, she stopped dead in her tracks.
In the farthest corner, half-hidden in shadow, lay a dog whose appearance made me grimace instinctively. The pit bull was in a terrible statematted fur, inflamed skin, exhausted body. He faced the wall as if ashamed.
Sophie, lets keep moving, I said quickly. Look, there are some lovely puppies over there.
But my daughter pressed her nose to the cage bars.
Daddy, whats wrong with him? Is he sick? she whispered.
Yes, love, he is, sighed the shelter worker. This is Rocky. Hes been here over six months. But The man trailed off, leaving the sentence unfinished.
I frowned. To me, pit bulls had always symbolised aggression and danger. And this one was illwhat if he carried something contagious? What if he was unpredictable?
Sophie, come on, I said more firmly. There are plenty of other dogs.
But my little girl sat down right in front of the cage as if rooted to the spot.
This one, she declared.
Him? Sophie, nolook at him. Hes very sick. And pit bulls can be dangerous.
The shelter workerwho introduced himself as Michaelshook his head sadly.
Rocky isnt bad. Just broken. He was dumped as a pup because he wasnt pretty enough. Found him later with infections. A family took him in but brought him back after a few weekssaid he was too withdrawn.
I felt torn between pity and reason. At home, we had a toddler, order, a cosy life. Why invite trouble?
Hes got a severe skin condition, needs surgerycosts a fortune, Michael continued. We cant afford it. If no one takes him this month He didnt finish.
Hell be put down, I murmured.
Afraid so.
Sophie hadnt taken her eyes off Rocky the entire time.
Puppy, she called softly. Puppy, look at me.
Nothing.
Im Sophie. Who are you?
I was about to lift her up and walk away when something stopped me.
His names Rocky, I said.
Rocky, she repeated. Nice name. Rocky, be my friend?
And then, the miracle happened. The dog slowly lifted his head and met Sophies gaze. The sorrow in his eyes was so deep it made my chest ache.
Can I pet him? she asked.
I dont know Michael hesitated. Hes scared of peopledoesnt let anyone near.
Can I try? Her voice was so earnest I couldnt say no.
Michael cautiously opened the cage. At the click of the latch, Rocky curled into the corner, whimpering.
Sophie, dont! I called.
But she was already inside, crouching in the middle, her small hand outstretched.
Dont be scared, Rocky, she whispered. I wont hurt you. I just want to be friends.
The dog watched her for a long moment. Then, inch by inch, he crept closer. He sniffed her hand thoroughly before licking it timidly.
Sophies laughter rang out. Daddy, look! He kissed me!
Something shifted inside me. For the first time in months, hope flickered in Rockys eyes. He gazed at Sophie so gently, as if afraid to hurt her, licking her fingers with quiet devotion.
Daddy, Sophie said seriously as she stroked Rockys head, hes so sad. He needs a family.
Never seen him like this, Michael marvelled. Lookhes smiling! He really is!
And he was. The dogs face seemed to glow from within. His tail wagged faintly, his eyes no longer filled with pain.
But hes sick, I sighed. The treatment will cost a lot
Ill pay, I heard myself say. All of it.
Michael grinned. Just one but. Rules say he has to stay here until treatments done.
I nodded. Made sense. But just days later, my phone rang.
Emily? Its Michael. Can you come in? Rockys stopped eatingjust whines constantly. We think he misses your girl.
Were on our way, I answered without hesitation.
At the shelter, Rocky lay listless in the corner, staring at the wall. But the moment he saw Sophie, he sprang up, tail wagging wildly, whining with joy.
Rocky! she cried, pressing against the bars. I missed you!
Take him home, Michael said firmly. Exception, but hell do better with you. Continue treatment privately.
At home, Rocky hid under the sofa for hours. I started doubtingwhat if he was dangerous? But Sophie lay on the floor, whispering to him about games theyd play, the stew wed make, where his bowl would go.
By evening, he crept out and settled beside her. That night, as Sophie slept on the couch, he curled at her feet.
Well, I thought, watching them, looks like weve got a dog now.
The surgery went well. Treatment took a month, but the results were astounding. His coat grew back, his eyes shone. But the biggest change was in his spirit. With Sophie, he was endlessly patientletting her dress him, feed him with a spoon. With me, he was devoted, as if he knew wed saved him.
You know, I told my mate later, watching Rocky play gently with Sophie, I thought we were giving him a chance. Turns out, he gave us one. Taught us to love without conditions.
A year passed. Rocky became a handsome, strong dogglossy-coated, clear-eyed. Neighbours whod once eyed the dangerous pit bull now admired his gentle nature.
And Sophie grew up with a loyal friend who taught her kindness and true connection. She didnt remember much of that day at the shelterjust that she and Rocky needed each other.
Daddy, she asked once, hugging him, why didnt anyone else want him?
Because they didnt see with their hearts, I said. They only saw the outside. But you saw his soul.
Rocky sighed contentedly, shifting closer. Fear had no place in his life now. He had a home. A family who loved him.
Sometimes the truest friends come in unexpected packages. The trick is seeing the heart behind the scarsthe one waiting to love you back.
Ever had an animal choose *you*? Funny how they end up saving us instead.
