Crazy idea, Mom? Adopting a shelter dog?
What did you do, Mom? the daughter shouted into the phone. A rescue dog, really?! And its old and sick. Youre insane! Couldnt you just go back to dancing?
Nadine Lefèvre stood by the window, watching snowflakes whirl and settle on rooftops and tree branches. Lately, that had become her routine. Previously, she waited for her husbands late, hoarsevoiced returns. The kitchen glowed with soft light, dinner was set, and conversations were accompanied by a cup of tea.
Gradually, topics ran dry; her husband came home even later, avoided her gaze, and gave curt answers. One day
Nadine, I have to tell you I met someone else. We love each other and Im asking for a divorce.
What? Divorce and what will happen to me? a sharp pain flared under Nadines shoulder.
Nadine, were adults. The kids are grown, they have their own lives. Weve been together almost thirty years, but were still relatively young. Look at us, just past fifty. I need something fresh, new!
So Im the past, obsolete, she whispered, lost.
Dont exaggerate. Youre not old I feel like Im still in my thirties. Forgive me, I want to be happy, he kissed her forehead and headed to the bathroom. He washed away memories of their marriage while Nadine felt the universal weight of 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 successes. And now? She spent countless hours at the window, sometimes peering into a small pocket mirror left by her grandmother. She saw a sad gaze, a stray tear among emerging wrinkles, a few grey hairs at her temples.
She dreaded looking into the large mirror.
Mom, you should find something to do, her daughters hurried voice urged.
What, sweetheart? Nadines flat voice faded over the phone lines.
I dont know. Read, dance for those who have, go to exhibitions.
Yes, for those who have. I already have, Nadine stumbled, unable to pull herself together.
Sorry, Mom, Im busy.
Unexpectedly, her son Louis understood his mothers sadness better:
Mom, Im really sorry about everything. Wed love to visit you with Isabelle, maybe for New Years. Youll see, itll make you happy.
Nadine adored her children, yet realized how different they had become
One evening, scrolling through social media, Nadine spotted an announcement:
Open house at the dog shelter. Bring your kids, friends, family. Our animals look forward to meeting new visitors! Were waiting at.
The ad asked volunteers to bring blankets, old linens, towels Nadine reread it several times.
Blankets, blankets, old sheets I have a pile to sort. I think I can give them something, she murmured in the night.
Standing at the window, she wondered what she could still afford on her tight budget. Ten days later, she stood at the shelters entrance, carrying gifts. A taxi driver helped unload bags filled with blankets and rags, pulling out a rolled rug and another blanket. Volunteers assisted visitors in delivering bundles of linen, food sacks, and presents for the dogs.
Later, groups were assigned to tour the kennels, learning each residents story. Exhausted, Nadine returned home, legs feeling weightless.
Shower, dinner, couch. Ill think about this later, she told herself.
But later never arrived. Images of people, cages, and dogs replayed in her mindespecially their eyes, the same sorrowful stare shed seen in her pocket mirror.
A particular old, greying Japanese Chin named Lady caught her attention. She lay in a corner, silent and forlorn.
This is Lady, a Japanese Chin. Her previous owner abandoned her at a very old age. Shes twelve now; with good care she could live to fifteen. But shes sick, sad, and nobody wants her, a volunteer sighed while continuing the tour.
Nadine lingered near Lady, who didnt react, curled on an old blanket like a lifeless toy. Throughout the workweek, the image of the sad dog haunted her, sparking an unexpected surge of energy.
Lady mirrors me. Im not that old, but I feel alone. My children left, my husband treated me like a doormat. Im not a doormat!
Determined, she called the shelter.
Hello! I attended your open house. You told me about Lady, remember? she asked, hopeful.
Yes, of course. You were the only one who stopped by her enclosure.
May I see her again, please?
Lady? Wonderful! Come this weekend, the volunteer replied.
That night, Nadine looked out the window, no longer burdened by past sorrows. In a neighbors yard a man played fetch with a large dog, the animal chasing a ball repeatedly, the owner petting it affectionately.
The weekend arrived.
Hello, Lady! Nadine crouched near the kennel, but the dog stayed still. She sat on the floor in old jeans shed brought, and after a pause began to speak, recounting her life, her children, the empty apartment she now inhabited. An hour passed; she gently placed her hand on Ladys head and sighed. Encouraged, she continued her calm motions, and Lady eventually rested her head in Nadines palm. A bond formed.
When she left, Ladys brown eyes seemed to ask: was this a onetime meeting?
Wait for me, Ill be back soon, Nadine whispered, closing the cage and approaching the volunteer.
How did it go? the volunteer asked, smiling.
I I want to adopt her, Nadine said, breathless.
Just like that?
Yes. You said theres little hope for old ladies like her. I want to give her a chance.
Be aware, Lady is ill and will need ongoing care, time, energy, and money.
I understand. I raised two wonderful children; I can manage. Lets give her a chance, Nadine replied firmly.
Alright, Ill prepare the paperwork. We monitor our rescued animals discreetly; people are diverse.
Of course. Whatever you needphotos, video calls, vet appointmentsIll keep you updated.
A few hours later, Nadine entered her apartment carrying Lady wrapped in a towel, setting her gently on the floor.
Here you are, Lady. This is your new home. Well learn to live together.
She took a few days off to tend to Lady: vet visits, examinations, grooming, dental work. Lady behaved well; Nadine placed absorbent pads for emergencies. They walked early mornings and late evenings, avoiding neighbors so Lady could adjust without fear.
Mom, what did you do? Are you okay? the daughter shouted.
Im fine, thank you for asking.
Mom, a shelter dog, seriously? Old and sick! Youre crazy! Couldnt you just go back to dancing?
Honey, Im still young. Im fiftythree, healthy, pretty, independent. Thats not what I taught you! Nadine retorted.
But, Mom
No buts. You have your life; your brother Louis is far away too. Father left me for a girl fresh out of high school. Respect my decisions.
Nadine hung up, sighed, and headed to the kitchen for coffee.
Mom, you amaze me! I never imagined adopting a shelter dog is admirable. Will you have the patience? her son encouraged, astonished.
Louis, I raised you and your sister. I made it this far, and Ill make it farther. The shelter promised help if I need it.
She never told her children about the man shed met on nightly walksPhilippe, a divorced man whose wife had moved abroad with a new husband, who had also taken in a dog.
The dog was Axel, a large purebred rescued after being seized by animal control. His previous owners never turned up despite his tattoo. Philippe adopted Axel and adjusted to the new circumstances.
Mom, can Isabelle and I visit? I want to introduce her right away. Shes as crazy as you! Louis joked.
Come then, my son. Were waiting.
On New Years Eve, when the doorbell rang, two dogsPhilippes and Axelsjoined Nadine and Lady. Louis, seeing the lively group, declared:
Mom, Im not waiting for night to tell you. Heres Isabelle. I love her, and soon youll be a grandma. We also want to adopt a shelter dog, maybe a small one first, since a baby is arriving soon
That night, no window looked sorrowfulwishes, music, and laughter filled the city and the world. Even the shelters dogs and cats sensed a joyful anticipation.
Lets all be happy!
And to you, dear friends, a heartfelt salute and congratulations from my dear Filou. I hope he no longer remembers his past life at the shelter, because now he basks in joy and our love!
Wishing you all abundant happiness!
What a Crazy Idea, Mum? The Tale of an Adopted Dog.
