In the world of dogs, beauty comes in many forms, and every furry friend deserves to be cherished. Unfortunately, the sad reality is that so-called "ugly" dogs often face neglect and are frequently overlooked in shelters. This pervasive issue hinders their chances of finding forever homes, as people tend to gravitate towards conventionally cute pets instead.

One particular dog faced this heartbreaking fate for far too long. Constantly labeled as "ugly" and dismissed solely based on her appearance, she yearned for someone who would see beyond her looks and appreciate her for who she truly was. Fortunately, her story took a turn when a loving family finally embraced her uniqueness.

In December, Orange County Animal Services took to Facebook to share the tale of Dutchess, a dog who had been surrendered to their care the previous year due to a landlord issue. Dutchess had a "slight deformity" beneath her eyes, which, while noticeable, did not impact her overall well-being. Unfortunately, many individuals couldn't look past this superficial aspect and failed to recognize her inner beauty.

https://www.facebook.com/orangecountyanimalservices/posts/520032360162500

The shelter wrote that people visiting the shelters constantly passed over Dutchess because of the way she looks. They would make comments saying that she “looks so ugly” and ask “what’s wrong with her,” wondering if she was blind — even though there was nothing wrong with her and she had so much love to give.

“The heartbreaking part is that Dutchess absolutely adores everyone,” Orange County Animal Services wrote. “She runs up to the kennel doors every day, excited for the new day, relentlessly optimistic. For her, each day brings new people, and with that, new hope for adoption. Dutchess doesn’t know a bad day.”

While no one seemed interested in adopting poor Dutchess, the rescue did not give up hope. They described her as “gentle, sweet, energetic and extremely intelligent” — and even a role model for their other dogs.

“She is so even keeled, our behaviorists use her in play groups to control the other dogs, to calm them, to teach them. She is well behaved, easy to train, and gets along with every dog she meets. We think she is beautiful.”

Thankfully, Dutchess’ sad life in the shelter soon came to an end: Rescue Dogs Dream Inc. took her in and placed her in a foster home. The rescue wrote that Dutchess was “doing great and is so happy to be FREE” and scarfed down a McDonald’s cheeseburger.

https://www.facebook.com/RescueDogsDream/posts/1030999840950454

Dutchess’ life quickly turned around: Rescue Dogs Dream announced on December 21 that after many adoption requests came in for her, Dutchess had been “pre adopted” by a loving family: “She will have a new Mom and Dad that treat their pups like kids,” the rescue wrote.

Vets also determined that Dutchess’ eye growths were uncomfortable for her and in her sightline, so the rescue made an appointment to have them surgically removed. The growths were believed to be dermoids, a rare type of skin cyst.

The surgery was a success — and shortly after recovering Dutchess was finally off to her new forever home.

Dutchess has been renamed “Lena,” and on March 18 the rescue shared an update, saying that Lena has settled in well in her new home. She recently graduated level one in her doggie training classes.

“Everything is going well!” the owner said, per Rescue Dogs Dream, Inc. “She’s so sweet, just loves to play and be around us all the time. She’s still a counter surfer and has helped herself to some sticks of butter and cheeseburgers from the grill but we’re working on that… She is a wonderful girl and we love her so much!!”

https://www.facebook.com/RescueDogsDream/posts/588943633268406

It’s a sweet happily ever after for a dog who so many people ignored just because of the way she looks. There are so many dogs like Dutchess/Lena out there, and Orange County Animal Services urged people to give them consideration.

“Come to the shelter with an open heart,” they wrote on Facebook. “Look inside every kennel. Look for Dutchess. Look for the ones no one wants.”

“That’s how you save a life. That’s how you make a difference. That’s how you change the world, for one.”

We’re so glad Dutchess/Lena has found the loving home she deserves! Some shelter dogs look a little different, but they deserve a chance, too.

Be sure to share this heartwarming news!