What a wild idea, Mom? Adopting a shelter dog?
Mom, what on earth did you do? the daughter shouted into the phone. A dog from the shelter, and its old and sick? Youre insane! Didnt you give up dancing?
Nadine Lefèvre stood at the window, watching snowflakes swirl and settle on rooftops and tree branches. This had become her new routine. Before, she waited for her husbands late, hoarsevoiced return. The kitchen glowed with soft light, dinner set on the table, conversations accompanied by a cup of tea
Gradually the topics ran dry, her husband came home even later, avoided her gaze, and answered in terse snippets. One day
Nadine, I have to tell you I met another woman. We love each other and I want a divorce.
What? Divorce and what will become of me? Nadine felt a sharp sting under her shoulder blade.
Nadine, were adults. The kids are grown, living their own lives. Weve been together almost thirty years, but were still relatively young. Look at usjust past fifty. I need something fresh, something new!
So Im the past, obsolete, she whispered, lost.
Dont exaggerate. Youre not old I feel like Im in my thirties. Forgive me, I want to be happy, he kissed the top of her head and headed to the bathroom. He washed away memories of their marriage while Nadine felt the weight of universal melancholy settle on her shoulders betrayal. What could be more bitter?
Time slipped by unnoticeddivorce finalized, husband gone to a new life. Nadine fell into a gray routine. She had lived for her children, for him. Their problems were hers, their joys her achievements. And now? She spent hours at the window, sometimes peering into a tiny pocket mirror inherited from her grandmother, seeing a sad gaze, a stray tear among nascent wrinkles, a few gray hairs at her temples.
She dreaded looking into the large mirror.
Mom, you should find something to do, her daughters brisk voice suggested she was in a hurry.
What, honey? her mothers flat voice faded over the telephone lines.
I dont know read, dance for those who have more, go to exhibitions.
Yes, for those who have more. I already have more, Nadine could not pull herself together.
Oh, Mom, sorry, I dont have time.
Surprisingly, her son Louis understood her sorrow better:
Mom, Im really sorry about everything. Wed like to come see you with Isabelle, maybe for New Years. Youll see, itll cheer you up.
Nadine loved her children but realized how different they had become
One evening, scrolling through social media, she stumbled upon an advertisement:
Open house at the dog shelter. Bring children, friends, family. Our animals will be thrilled to meet new visitors! Well be at.
It added that volunteers could bring blankets, bedding, towels
Nadine read the notice repeatedly.
Blankets, throws, old linens, towels. I have a pile to sort. I think I have enough to give them, she murmured in the night.
Standing at the window, she wondered what else she could afford on her tight budget. Ten days later she arrived at the shelters gate, carrying gifts. A taxi driver helped unload bags of blankets and rags, pulling out a rolled rug and another blanket. Volunteers assisted visitors in unloading bundles of laundry, bags of food, packages for the dogs.
Later, guests were split into groups to tour the pens, learning each residents sad story. Exhausted, Nadine returned home, her legs feeling useless.
Shower, dinner, couch. Ill think about all this later, she told herself.
But later never came. Images of people, cages, dogs kept replaying in her mindespecially their eyes. Eyes she had glimpsed in her tiny mirror: filled with sorrow and distrust of happiness.
She was especially struck by an elderly, graying Japanese Chin named Lady. The volunteer explained: Lady was abandoned by her previous owner late in life. Shes twelve now; with good care, these dogs can live up to fifteen. Shes old, sick, and sad. No one wants them.
Nadine lingered beside Lady, who didnt react, lying on an old blanket like a lifeless toy. Throughout the workweek, the sad dog haunted her thoughts, awakening an unexpected surge of energy at her job.
Lady, youre my mirror. Im not that old, but Im alone. My children are gone, my husband left me like a doormat. Im not a doormat!
Determined, she called the shelter.
Hello! I attended your open house. You told me a lot about Lady. Do you remember?
Yes, of course. You were the only one who stopped by her pen.
May I come see her, please?
Lady? Amazing! Of course, you can come this weekend, the volunteer replied.
That night Nadine stood at her window, this time without sorrow for the past. She watched a man in his yard playing with a big dog, which ran circles, constantly bringing a ball back to its owner who petted it affectionately. The weekend approached.
Hello, Lady! Nadine crouched near the dog, but it stayed still. She sat on the floor in her old jeans, brought for the visit, and began to talk. She recounted her life, her children, how she now lived alone in a oncefull apartment. After an hour, she gently placed her hand on Ladys head and sighed. Encouraged, she kept her movements measured, and Lady eventually rested her head in her palm. A bond formed.
When she left, a pair of attentive brown eyes met hers, as if asking whether this was a onetime meeting or something more.
Wait for me, Ill be right back, she whispered, closing the pen before walking to the volunteer.
How did it go? she asked, smiling.
I I want to adopt her, the volunteer stammered, breathless.
Just like that?
Yes. You said theres little hope for such old ladies. I want to give her a chance.
I must warn you, Lady is ill and will need constant care, time, energy, and money.
I understand. I raised two wonderful children; I think I can manage. Lets give her a chance, Nadine replied resolutely.
Alright, Ill prepare the contract. We also monitor the lives of our adoptees discreetly. You know, people are varied.
Of course. Whatever you needphotos, video calls, vet appointmentsIll keep you updated.
A few hours later Nadine entered her flat, cradling Lady wrapped in a towel, and set her down on the floor.
There you are, Lady. This is your new home. Well learn to live together.
She took a few days off to tend to her, arranging veterinary exams, treatments, nail trims, and dental work. Lady proved wellbehaved. Nadine placed waterproof mats for accidents, and they took earlymorning and lateevening walks, avoiding neighbors so Lady could adjust without fear.
Mom, what did you do? Are you okay? her daughter shouted.
Yes, Im fine. Thanks for asking.
Mom, a shelter dog? Old and sick? Youre crazy! Couldnt you have gone back to dancing?
Honey, Im still young. Im fiftythree, healthy, pretty, independent. Thats not what I taught you! Nadine replied firmly.
But, Mom
No buts. You have your life; your brother Louis is far away too. Your father left me for a highschool sweetheart. Respect my decisions.
Nadine hung up, sighed, and headed to the kitchen for coffee.
Mom, you amaze me! I never thought youd do this. Adopting a shelter dog is admirable. Do you think youll have the patience? her son exclaimed, stunned.
Louis, I raised you and your sister. Ive made it this far, Nadine laughed. Ill make it. The shelter promised help if I need it.
She never told her children about the man she met during night walksPhilippe, a divorced man whose wife had moved abroad with a new husband. He had also taken in a dog.
And guess where his dog came from? Philippe had rescued Axel, a large purebred that had been seized by the pound after wandering the city in panic. Despite a tattoo, no former owners were found. Philippe adopted Axel and adjusted to the new situation.
Mom, can Isabelle and I come see you? I want to introduce her right away. Shes as wild as you! Louis urged.
Nadine laughed at his words.
Come, my son. Well be waiting.
On December31, when the doorbell rang, two dogs were alertedPhilippe and Axel had come to visit Nadine and Lady. Seeing the joyful company, Louis declared:
Mom, Im not waiting for the night; Im telling you now. Heres Isabelle. I love her and soon youll be a grandmother.
And alsoWe want to adopt a shelter dog, maybe a small one first. After all, the baby is arriving soon
That night no window looked sadwishes, music, laughter filled the city and the world. Even the shelters dogs and cats, still waiting for families, felt a joyful anticipation.
May we all be happy!
And to you, dear friends, a huge salute and congratulations from my dear Filou. I hope he no longer remembers his past life in the shelter, because now he basks in joy and our love!
Wishing everyone lots of happiness!
