In ancient times, before the invention of the camera, even kings had to choose their consorts by looking at painted portraits. Royal families would sometimes bribe painters to enhance the images and add a few beautifying strokes. Today, with smartphones and the internet widely available, using illustrations to find lost pets offers a surprisingly charming twist on this tradition.
A recent incident in Henan Province, China, caught the attention of many online. A "Lost Dog Notice" was found posted on a pillar, but instead of a photo, the notice featured a hand-drawn illustration of the dog. It seems the kind-hearted person who found the lost pet might have lacked access to a printer or found it inconvenient to share a photo; so on a plain sheet of paper, they sketched a full-body portrait of the dog — a small black dog with a fluffy, messy coat. Next to the drawing, a blunt note read, "Pretty ugly, looks like this."
When netizens first saw the notice, they were skeptical that such an illustration could help the dog find its way home. But when the dog itself appeared in a video on TikTok, there was a big surprise. People realized the artist had not exaggerated or invented any features:
- "The artist didn't mess up; the dog really looks just like that."
- "I thought it was abstract, but it's actually very realistic."
- "I wouldn't say it looks good, but it's exactly the same."
- "The photo actually makes the dog look better."
- "The dog is actually quite cute."
- "Similarity: 100%."
- "High recognizability."
- "Very well done, definitely works."
- "I actually think the dog looks uglier in person, haha."
This story highlights the enduring charm and utility of illustrations even in the digital age and brings a smile to many who see the honest and humorous approach to helping a lost dog find its family.
