Who knows how many times Katerina, a sweet shelter pup, asked herself why she was never chosen as she patiently waited for someone to notice her?
She was everything an adopter could hope for: affectionate, playful, and beautiful. Yet, despite being the perfect companion, she was passed over again and again.
The four-year-old had been moving through the shelter system. Most recently, she was transferred to the Humane Society of Broward County.
From the moment she arrived, she stole the hearts of staff, who believed she was the ideal dog in every way.
Would this be the place where she finally got her chance?
Her Hopes For A Family Keep Fading
Katerina clung to hope that her forever family would walk in and choose her.
The shelter vet team checked her health and found she was heartworm negative. They began treatment right away, and her future family wouldn’t even have to worry about the cost.
Dolly’s Dream, a charity dedicated to helping Pit Bulls, even covered her adoption fee so she could have every possible chance.
Yet, to the heartbreak of everyone who cared for her, not a single person came forward.
Day after day, Katerina pressed close to the kennel gate, her eyes full of longing. She watched each family pass her by, her tail slowing each time they chose someone else.
The staff and volunteers couldn’t stand it anymore. They knew she was extraordinary, and they refused to let her keep fading into the background.
They decided to make people see her the way they did.
On her kennel door, they posted a note with bold letters shouting: “THE INVISIBLE DOG”.
“Can you see me? Can you say my name and say ‘Hello?’ I’ve been here for months and I have been overlooked. Nobody wants to see me or take me home. I’m not invisible. I’m actually quite a catch. I love kids, dogs, playing ball, going for walks and giving hugs. I’m an all-around good, friendly dog. Please notice me. My heart is breaking,” the note read.
A Desperate Plea That Finally Reached The World
The shelter recorded Katerina waiting in her kennel with the note taped across her door. When they posted the video on social media, it spread like wildfire.
Viewers everywhere were moved to tears, and thousands began cheering for her to finally find her family.
To make her shine even more, professional photographer Mike Ruizoni captured her in stunning portraits, showing the world her beauty and charm.
At last, everything changed. A loving family saw her, recognized the treasure she was, and promised her the forever home she had always deserved.
Katerina’s long wait was over. She was no longer invisible.
Still, countless dogs remain in shelters, waiting for someone to notice them. They may be overlooked, but their love is often the strongest of all.
If you’re searching for a pet, consider the ones no one else sees. They’re waiting for you to look their way.