Blue is 7 years old, an Australian Cattle Dog whose face gives strangers the wrong first impression.
A neurological injury affecting his face has caused one side of his lip to droop. One eye also does not blink normally.
Together, those changes make Blue's expression look almost like a permanent snarl.
But his body can be completely relaxed.
People walking through the shelter do not always know that.
Some see Blue's unusual face, assume he is angry, and continue past his kennel without stopping.
Blue still tries.
When someone approaches, he picks up his tennis ball, carries it to the gate, and pushes it through the opening beneath the bars.
Then he stands there waiting for someone to throw it back.
Blue Looks Like He's Growling Even When He Isn't
From the hallway, Blue's face can be difficult to interpret.
One side of his mouth hangs differently because of the neurological injury.
His abnormal blinking makes the asymmetry even more noticeable.
To someone who knows nothing about his condition, the expression can resemble a warning.
They may see a curled or uneven-looking mouth and assume Blue does not want them nearby.
Then they leave.
But Blue's overall body language can tell a different story.
His body may remain relaxed even while his face appears tense.
That distinction matters.
A neurological change to facial muscles is not the same thing as a dog intentionally lifting his lip to communicate aggression.
Anyone evaluating Blue should consider his complete body language and the shelter's behavioral observations—not one frozen expression.
Then Blue Picks Up His Tennis Ball
When someone stops outside the kennel, Blue has a simple routine.
He finds his tennis ball.
He picks it up and brings it toward the bars.