**Disclosure: This post has affiliate links. When you buy through links on my site, I may earn a commission at no additional cost to you.
A Cold and Rainy Beginning
It was a gloomy, rain-soaked day in eastern Kentucky when a tiny Jack Russell terrier mix was spotted wandering the streets. Shivering in the cold, she looked like any other lost dog — but one thing made her stand out: she had no nose.
A kind-hearted stranger who noticed her reported what they thought was a facial injury to local animal control. But when they arrived and got a closer look, they realized that her missing nose and upper lip were not the result of an accident at all.
This little dog, later named Mirabel, had likely been born this way — a congenital condition, similar to a cleft palate. She wasn’t just different in appearance; she was also a senior dog, estimated to be about 8 or 9 years old. Her life until that rainy day had clearly not been an easy one.
A Lifetime of Suffering
Veterinarians quickly discovered that Mirabel had not only been born with a physical abnormality, but she also bore the hidden scars of a long, painful past.
It’s believed she came from a backyard breeder or puppy mill, where she was used for breeding over and over again. Years of forced litters had left her body in a terrible state.
She had painful mammary tumors, a troubling inguinal hernia, and a host of dental problems — all intensified by her missing upper lip, which left her teeth constantly exposed to the air.
Her condition required expensive, immediate medical attention. But even through all the pain, there was something about Mirabel that couldn’t be ignored: her spirit. She was gentle. She was kind. And she had a light in her eyes that refused to fade.
The Power of Community Kindness
Word of Mirabel’s story began to spread — first among rescue groups, and then across social media and local news outlets. Her unique face and heartbreaking story captured hearts everywhere. Donations poured in, and before long, more than $6,000 had been raised.
That money was used not only to fund Mirabel’s surgeries but also to help provide treatment for other dogs in the care of Woodstock Animal Foundation, the rescue group that had taken her in.
Mirabel underwent her surgeries like a true warrior. Slowly but surely, she began to heal. The tumors were removed, her hernia repaired, and her dental issues addressed.
With each passing day, her eyes grew brighter and her tail wagged a little stronger. But even with the outpouring of support, something was missing: a forever home.
No One Came — Until She Did
Despite all the attention Mirabel received, no adoption applications came in. Not one. Days turned into weeks. Still, no one was willing to take a chance on a senior dog with a missing nose.
But then, something remarkable happened. Kelli Shook, a life coach and counselor from Toledo, Ohio, saw Mirabel’s face on the news. And in that moment, everything changed.
“I don’t know what it was. It was just something in my heart that just knew that she seemed perfect,” Kelli later shared. To her, Mirabel’s face wasn’t strange or scary — it was beautiful. It was full of character, full of life.
A New Life, A New Purpose
When Mirabel arrived at her new home, she was welcomed with open arms. Not just by Kelli, but by her entire family — including two children who instantly fell in love with their new furry friend. It didn’t take long for everyone to realize that Mirabel had a special gift.
She had a calming presence, an ability to connect deeply with people, especially children. Kelli, who works with children through programs like Bullfrogs Against Bullying and Team Family Coaching, knew immediately that Mirabel had found her calling.
“We’re starting a youth program here in our area where we can teach kids empathy by using animals that are not considered to be traditionally huggable or lovable,” Kelli explained. And Mirabel, with her unconventional looks and enormous heart, became the face of that message.
Teaching Love Through Differences
Mirabel became more than just a pet — she became a teacher. At therapy sessions, she helped children open up about their own struggles. Her sweet demeanor and expressive eyes reassured them, gently reminding them that it’s okay to be different.
“She’s kind of shocking to look at at first,” Kelli admitted, “but once you get to know her you kind of get over that, and she’s just a normal dog.”
Children didn’t shy away from her. In fact, they were drawn to her. Her permanently visible teeth, her missing nose — none of it mattered. To them, she was just Mirabel. She was love.
Kelli began using those interactions to teach powerful life lessons. “We try to turn it into a lesson, saying, ‘See, you’re not afraid of her and you don’t care what she looks like, so let’s try and be that way with your peers.’”
Mirabel showed them what it meant to accept and embrace differences, to show kindness, and to find beauty where others may not see it.
Living Each Day with Joy
Despite her age and a heart murmur, Mirabel lives every day with unshakable happiness. She loves food (her sense of smell is perfectly intact), and she adores her family.
If anything, her only physical inconvenience is a constant runny nose — but it never stops her from being playful, energetic, and affectionate.
Her family knows that their time with her may be limited, but they are committed to making every moment count. “We’re not quite sure how long she will be around,” Kelli said. “But we’re going to make the best of the second half of her life and have her help some other kids in the meantime.”
Because to them, Mirabel isn’t just a dog — she’s a living example that life can still be full of joy, love, and purpose, even after a difficult beginning.
Happy Birthday, Mirabel
Today, we celebrate Mirabel’s birthday — a day that might once have gone unnoticed, spent in silence or sorrow. But not anymore. Today, she is surrounded by love, laughter, and the warmth of a family who sees her not for what she’s missing, but for everything she is.
Happy birthday, sweet Mirabel. You are perfect just the way you are. Your journey from neglect to nurturing, from rejection to redemption, reminds us all that love can heal the deepest wounds — and that every life, no matter how different, is worth celebrating.
