People often disregard animals when they appear dirty or emit unpleasant odors, leading to their neglect and abandonment. One such creature, a cat named “Ugly,” lived around an apartment complex and experienced this harsh reality daily.
At this particular complex, Ugly was known for his unattractive appearance. His name, given by the residents, reflected their perception of him.
Ugly had lost an eye and an ear, his once-beautiful tabby fur was marred with scabs and scars, and his tail was nothing more than a short stump. He was thin and plagued with various health issues.
Despite his lack of malice, Ugly was frequently shooed away. No one knew his origins or if he had ever been owned. All they knew was that they wanted nothing to do with him. Residents would avoid him and caution others to do the same. When they saw him, they often resorted to throwing stones or spraying him with water, as if his struggles to survive against larger alley cats and stray dogs weren’t enough.
Ugly longed for love. Whenever he encountered people, he would approach them and rub against their legs, seeking affection. He even tried to befriend other animals, only to be met with hostility. Despite the constant rejection, Ugly remained hopeful that someone would eventually reciprocate his love. His wish was fulfilled when one kind man decided to extend a hand to the little cat.
Tragically, Ugly’s moment of kindness came too late. He had tried to show affection to a neighbor’s huskies, but the encounter ended disastrously. The dogs mauled him severely. Hearing the cat’s cries, the man rushed to the scene, only to find Ugly’s broken body. Realizing that Ugly was dying, he gently picked him up and tried to comfort him. As the man leaned in close, he could hear Ugly’s labored breathing.
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Even in his final moments, Ugly tried to show love. The cat nibbled the man’s ear and purred, a gesture that deeply moved the man. He held Ugly close, stroking his head gently. Ugly passed away, finally content that someone had shown him the affection he had always given.
“Everyone in the apartment complex I lived in knew who Ugly was,” the man said. “Ugly loved three things in the world: Fighting, Eating, Garbage, and shall I say, Love.”