What on earth, Mom? You adopted a rescue dog?
Mom, what have you done? the daughter shouted almost into the phone. A shelter dog, and its old and sick! Are you crazy? Couldnt you just go back to dancing?
Nadine Lefèvre stood at the window, watching snowflakes whirl and settle on rooftops and tree branches. Lately, this had become her routine. Earlier, shed waited for her husbands late, hoarsevoiced return. The kitchen glowed softly, dinner sat on the table, and conversations were accompanied by a cup of tea
Gradually, their talks ran out of steam, and her husband came home even later. He avoided her eyes, his replies grew terse. One day
Nadine, I have to tell you Ive met another woman. 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 blade.
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 usjust past fifty. I need something fresh, something new!
So Im just the past, obsolete, she whispered, feeling lost.
Dont exaggerate. Youre not old I feel like Im still in my thirties, he replied. Forgive me, I want to be happy, he kissed the top of her head and went to the bathroom. He washed away the 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 unnoticedthe divorce, her husband departing for a new life. Nadine fell into a gray routine. She had lived for her children, for him. Their problems became hers, their joys her achievements. And now? She spent hours at the window. Occasionally she glanced into a tiny pocket mirror inherited from her grandmother and saw a sad gaze, a stray tear among emerging wrinkles, a few silver strands at her temples.
She dreaded looking into the large mirror.
Mom, you should find something to do, her daughters brisk voice urged, clearly in a hurry.
What is it, dear? Nadines dulled voice faded into the telephone cords.
I dont knowread, dance for those who have more, go to exhibitions.
Yes, for those who have more. I already have, Nadine stumbled, unable to collect herself.
Oh, Mom, sorry, I dont have time.
Surprisingly, her son Louis understood his mothers sorrow better:
Mom, Im really sorry about everything. Wed like to visit you with Isabelle, maybe for NewYears. Youll see, itll cheer you up.
Nadine loved her children but realized how different they had become
***
One evening, while scrolling through social media, Nadine spotted an announcement:
Openhouse day at the dog shelter. Bring your kids, friends, family. Our animals look forward to meeting new visitors! Well be at
It noted that volunteers needed blankets, bedding, towels
She read the notice repeatedly.
Blankets, throws, old linens, towels. I have a pile to sort; I think I have enough to give, she murmured in the night.
From 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 of blankets and rags, pulling out a rolled carpet and another blanket. Volunteers ushered visitors in, accepting bundles of cloth, bags of food, parcels for the dogs. Later, groups were assigned to tour the kennels, learning the backstories of each sorrowful resident.
Exhausted, Nadine trudged home, her legs feeling weightless.
Shower, dinner, couch. Ill think about all this later, she told herself.
But later never arrived. The images kept loopingpeople, cages, dogs, and their eyes eyes she had seen in her tiny mirror, filled with sadness and mistrust of happiness.
A particular senior, greying Japanese Chin named Lady captured her attention. She lay in a corner, silent and mournful.
This is Lady, a volunteer explained. Her previous owner abandoned her at an advanced age. Shes twelve now; with good care, a Chin can live up to fifteen. Shes old, ill, and sad. No one wants her, the volunteer sighed.
Nadine lingered near Lady, who barely acknowledged her presence, curled on a worn blanket like an inert old toy. Throughout the workweek, Nadines thoughts kept returning to the forlorn dog. Suddenly, an unexpected surge of energy coursed through her, reinvigorating her at work.
Lady, youre my reflection. Im not that old, but Im alone. My children have left, my husband tossed me aside like a doormat. Im not a doormat! she thought.
Determined, she called the shelter.
Hello! I attended your open house. You told me about Lady, the old dog. Do you remember? she asked, hopeful.
Yes, of course. You were the only one who stopped by her enclosure.
May I come see her, please?
Lady? Amazing! Of course, come this weekend, the volunteer replied.
That night Nadine stood at her window, no longer haunted by the past. She watched a man in his yard playing with a large dog that chased a ball back to its owner, who petted it affectionately. The weekend approached.
Hello, Lady! Nadine crouched near the kennel, but the dog stayed still. She sat on the floor, wearing old jeans shed brought for the visit. After a while she began to speak, recounting her life, her children, the empty apartment she now lived in alone. An hour passed. Gently she placed her hand on Ladys head and sighed. Encouraged, she kept her motions calm; Lady eventually rested her head in Nadines palm. A bond formed.
When she left, she caught Ladys attentive brown eyes, as if asking whether this was a onetime meeting or something more.
Wait for me, Ill be right back, she whispered, closing the kennel and walking to the volunteer.
So, how did it go? she asked, smiling.
I I want to adopt her the volunteers emotion left Nadine breathless.
Just like that?
Yes, the volunteer replied. People say theres little hope for such senior dogs. I want to give her a chance.
Nadine, I must warn you. Lady is ill and will need extensive care if you want to extend her life. It will take time, energy, and money.
I understand. I raised two wonderful children; I think I can manage. Lets give her a chance, Nadine said firmly.
Alright. Ill prepare the paperwork. We also keep a discreet record of our animals livespeople are diverse.
Sure, whatever you needphotos, video calls, vet appointmentsIll keep you posted.
A few hours later Nadine entered her flat, cradling Lady wrapped in a towel and set her gently on the floor.
Here you are, Lady. This is your new home. Lets learn to live together.
She took a few days off to tend to her, arranging vet visits, exams, grooming, nail trims, and dental care. Lady behaved like a welltrained companion. Nadine laid down washable pads for any accidents. 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.
Yes, Im fine. Thanks for asking.
Mom, a shelter dog, old and sick? Are you insane? Why not return to dancing?
Sweetheart, Im still young. Im fiftythree, healthy, pretty, independent. Thats not what I taught you! Nadine replied.
But, Mom
No buts. You have your own 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 wouldve thought youd adopt a rescue dog. Will you have the patience? her son encouraged, astonished.
Louis, I raised you and your sister. I made it this far, Nadine laughed. Ill make it further. The shelter promised help if I need it.
She never told her children about the man shed met during nocturnal walksa divorced man named Philippe, whose wife had moved abroad with a new husband. He, too, had a dog.
And guess where that dog came from? Philippe had found Axel at the shelter. Axel, a purebred large dog, had been seized by animal control after wandering the city in panic. No trace of previous owners emerged despite his tattoo. Philippe took Axel in, adapting to his new circumstances.
***
Mom, can Isabelle and I come visit? I want to introduce her right away. Shes as crazy as you! her son teased.
Nadine laughed.
Come then, my son. Were waiting.
On December31, when the doorbell rang, two dogs were alertedPhilippe and Axel arrived to see Nadine and Lady. Her son, delighted by the lively group, announced:
Mom, I dont have to wait for the evening; Ill say it 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, since the baby is on the way
That night no window looked sadwishes, music, laughter filled the city and the world. Even at the shelter, the dogs and cats without families felt an eager anticipation.
May we all be happy!
A huge salute and congratulations from my dear Filou. I hope he no longer remembers his past life in the shelter, for he now basks in joy and our love!
Wishing everyone abundant happiness!
What a Wild Idea, Mum? A Tale of an Adopted Dog.
