What a crazy idea, Mom? An adopteddog story.
Mom, what have you done? the daughter shouted almost into the phone. A shelter dog, for heavens sake! And its old and sick! Youve lost your mind! Couldnt you have gone back to dancing?
Nadine Lefèvre stood at the window, watching snowflakes swirl and settle on rooftops and tree branches. That had become a recent habit. Earlier she had waited for her husbands late, hoarsevoiced return. The kitchen glowed with a soft light, dinner waiting on the table, conversations accompanied by a cup of tea
Gradually the topics ran dry, and her husband came home even later. He avoided her gaze, his answers grew terse. One day
Nadine, I have to tell you I met another woman. We love each other and Im asking for a divorce.
What? Divorce and what will happen to me? a sharp pain throbbed 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 uswe just passed fifty. I want something new, something fresh!
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 slipped into the bathroom. He washed away the memories of their former marriage while Nadine felt the universal weight of melancholy settle on her shoulders betrayal. What could be more bitter?
Time slipped by unnoticeddivorce finalized, her husband gone to a new life. Nadine fell into a grey routine. She had lived for her children, for him. Their problems were hers, their joys her victories. And now? She spent hours at the window. Occasionally she stared into a tiny pocketmirror inherited from her grandmother, seeing a sad gaze, a stray tear among nascent wrinkles, a few grey hairs at her temples.
She feared looking into the fulllength mirror.
Mom, you should find something to do, her daughters brisk voice hinted urgency.
What, dear? her mothers flat voice faded into the telephone wires.
I dont know. Read, dance for those who have, go to exhibitions.
Yes, for those who have. I already have, Nadine struggled to collect herself.
Oh, Mom, sorry, I dont have time.
Surprisingly, her son Louis grasped his mothers sorrow better:
Mom, Im really sorry about everything. Wed love to visit you with Isabelle, maybe for New Years. Youll see, itll cheer you up.
Nadine adored her children but realized how different they were
*****
One evening, scrolling through social media, Nadine saw an announcement:
Openhouse day at the dog shelter. Bring your kids, friends, family. Our animals will be delighted to meet new visitors! Well be waiting at The notice listed items volunteers could bring: blankets, bedding, towels
Nadine read the ad several times.
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 she could still purchase on her tight budget.
Ten days later she stood at the shelters door, bags of gifts in hand. A taxi driver helped unload bundles of blankets and cloths, pulling out a rolled rug and another blanket. Shelter volunteers assisted visitors in unloading laundry, food sacks, gift packages for the dogs. Later, guests were split into groups to tour the kennels, learning each residents sad backstory
Exhausted, Nadine trudged home, legs feeling weightless.
Shower, dinner, couch. Ill think about all this later, she told herself.
But later never came. Images of people, cages, dogs kept looping in her mindespecially their eyes Eyes she had glimpsed in her tiny mirror, filled with sorrow and mistrust of happiness.
One dog left a deep impression: an elderly, greying Japanese Chin named Lady. She lay silent in a corner.
This is Lady, a Japanese Chin. Her previous owner abandoned her at a very advanced age. Shes already twelve; with good care she could reach fifteen. But Lady is old, sick, and sad. No one wants her, a volunteer sighed before continuing the tour.
Nadine lingered by Lady, who did not react, lying on an old blanket like an inert toy. All week at work Nadine thought of the sad dog. Unexpected strength surged within her, energizing her job.
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!
Determined, Nadine called the shelter.
Hello! I was at your open house. You told me a lot about Lady, that old dog. Do you remember? she asked, hopeful.
Yes, of course. You were the only one who stopped by her pen.
May I come see her, please?
Lady? Incredible! Of course, 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 large dog that chased a ball endlessly, the owner petting 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 speak. She told her life story, her children, how she now lived alone in a oncefull apartment. An hour passed. She gently placed her hand on Ladys head and sighed. Encouraged, she kept her measured motions; Lady eventually rested her head on Nadines hand. A bond formed.
When she left, Ladys brown eyes met hers, asking silently: was this a onetime meeting or something more?
Wait for me, Ill be right back, Nadine whispered, closing the pen before heading to the volunteer.
So, how did it go? she asked with a smile.
I I want to adopt her the volunteers emotion left Nadine breathless.
Just like that?
Yes. You said theres little hope for such old ladies. I want to give her a chance.
Nadine, I must warn you. Lady is ill and will need continuous care, time, energy, and money.
I understand. I raised two wonderful children; I think I can manage. Lets give her a chance, Nadine replied, resolute.
Alright, Ill prepare the paperwork. We also monitor our adopters discreetlypeople are varied.
Of course. Anything you needphotos, video calls, vet appointmentsIll keep you informed.
A few hours later Nadine entered her apartment, cradling Lady wrapped in a towel, setting her 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: veterinary exams, treatments, nail trims, extraction of diseased teeth. Lady proved wellbehaved; Nadine set up washable pads for 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, for heavens sake! Old and sick too. Youre crazy! Couldnt you have gone back to dancing?
Sweetheart, your mother is 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. Your father left me for a girl fresh out of high school. Learn to respect my decisions and accept them.
Nadine hung up, sighed, and walked to the kitchen craving coffee.
Mom, you amaze me! I never would have thought adopting a shelter dog is admirable. But 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. The shelter promised to help if I need it.
She never mentioned to either child that she had met a man during nightly walksa man named Philippe, divorced, his wife having moved abroad with a new husband, and who had taken in a dog himself.
And guess where that dog came from? Philippe had rescued his Axel at the shelter after the police had seized the purebred giant that had been wandering the city. Despite a tattoo, the original owners were never found. Philippe settled in with Axel, adapting to the new circumstances.
*****
Mom, can Isabelle and I come see you? I want to introduce her right away. Shes as crazy as you! Louis teased.
Nadine laughed at her sons words.
Come then, my son. Were waiting.
On December31, when the doorbell rang, two dogs were alertedPhilippe and Axel had arrived to visit Nadine and Lady. Seeing the joyful pack, Louis exclaimed:
Mom, I wont wait for the evening to tell you. Heres Isabelle. I love her and soon youll be a grandmother. And we also 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 at the shelter, dogs and cats without families felt a cheerful 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, for he now tastes joy and bathes in our love!
Wishing everyone lots of happiness!
