Crazy idea, Mom? Adopting a shelter dog?
Mom, what have you done? the daughter shouted almost into the phone. A rescue dog, for heavens sake! And its old and sick! Are you insane! You could have gone back to dancing?
Nadine Lefèvre stood at the window, watching snowflakes whirl and settle on roofs and tree branches. This had become her recent habit. Earlier, she had waited for her husbands late, hoarsevoiced returns. The kitchen glowed with soft light, dinner laid out, and 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 filing for divorce.
What? Divorce and what will happen to me? Nadine felt a sharp pain under her shoulder blade.
Nadine, were adults. The kids are grown, living their own lives. Weve been together almost thirty years. Yet were still relatively young. Look at us, just past fifty. I want something fresh, new!
So Im the past, obsolete, she whispered, lost.
Dont exaggerate. Youre not old but understand, 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 memories of their former marriage while Nadine sensed the universal weight of melancholy on her shoulders
Betrayal. What could be more bitter?
Time slipped by unnoticeddivorce finalized, husband gone to a new life. Nadine sank 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. Occasionally she peered into a tiny pocket mirror left by her grandmother, seeing a sad gaze, a solitary tear among emerging wrinkles, a few gray hairs at her temples.
The thought of looking into a fulllength mirror terrified her.
Mom, you should find something to do, her daughters hurried voice urged.
What, dear? Nadines dull voice faded amid the telephone cords.
I dont know. Read, dance for those over, go to exhibitions.
Yes, for those over. I already have, Nadine could not pull herself together.
Oh, Mom, sorry, I dont have time.
Surprisingly, her son Louis grasped his mothers sorrow better:
Mom, Im really sorry about everything. Wed like to visit you with Isabelle, maybe for New Years. Youll love it.
Nadine adored her children, yet realized how different they had become
*****
One evening, scrolling through social media, Nadine stumbled on an advertisement:
Open house at the dog shelter. Bring children, friends, family. Our animals will be thrilled to meet new visitors! Well be waiting at
It listed items volunteers could bring: blankets, old bedding, towels
Nadine read the notice repeatedly.
Blankets, throws, old linens, towels. I actually have a pile to sort. I think I can give them away, 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 door, loaded with gifts. The taxi driver helped unload bags filled with blankets and rags, pulling out a rolled rug and another blanket.
Volunteers assisted visitors in unloading laundry bundles, food sacks, and gift parcels for the dogs.
Later, the guests were split into groups to tour the pens, learning each residents story behind those sorrowful cages
Exhausted, Nadine shuffled home, her legs feeling weightless.
Shower, dinner, couch. Ill think about all this later, she told herself.
But later never arrived. The images kept replayingpeople, cages, dogs.
And their eyes
Eyes she had once seen in her little mirrorfilled with grief and distrust of happiness.
One particular dog left a deep impression: an elderly, graying Japanese Chin, tucked away in a corner, silent and sad.
This is Lady, a volunteer explained. Her previous owner abandoned her at a very old age. Lady is twelve now; with good care she could reach fifteen, but shes frail, ill, and melancholy. Nobody wants them, the volunteer sighed.
Nadine lingered near Lady, who barely reacted, lying on a worn blanket like an inert toy.
All week at work, Nadine kept thinking of the sorrowful dog. Suddenly, unexpected strength surged within her, revitalizing her work.
Lady, youre my reflection. Im not that old, but Im alone. My children have left, my husband treated me like a doormat. Im not a doormat! she declared.
Determined, Nadine called the shelter.
Hello! I attended your open house. You told me a lot about Lady, the old dog. Do you remember? she asked hopefully.
Yes, of course. You were the only one who stopped by her pen.
May I see her, please?
Lady? Wonderful! Of course, come by this weekend, the volunteer replied.
That night Nadine stood at her window, this time free of past sorrow. She watched a man in his yard playing with a large dog, the animal chasing a ball in circles, returning it to his owner who petted it lovingly.
The weekend approached.
Hello, Lady! Nadine crouched near the dog, but it stayed still.
She sat on the floor, wearing old jeans she had brought for the visit.
After a while she began to speak
She recounted her life, her children, how she now lived alone in a spacious but empty apartment.
An hour passed. Gently she placed her hand on Ladys head and stroked it, sighing.
Encouraged, she kept her measured movements; Lady rested her head in her hand. A bond formed.
When she left, she met a thoughtful browneyed gaze. The dogs eyes seemed to ask: was this a oneoff meeting or?
Wait for me, Ill be right back, she whispered, closing the pen before heading to the volunteer.
So, how did it go? she asked, smiling.
I I want to adopt her The emotion left her breathless.
Just like that?
Yes, the volunteer answered. People say theres little hope for such senior dogs. I want to give her a chance.
Nadine, I must warn you. Lady is ill; shell 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 firmly.
Alright. Ill prepare the paperwork. We also monitor the lives of our protégés discreetly. You know, people are varied.
Of course. Anything you needphotos, video calls, vet appointmentsIll keep you informed.
A few hours later Nadine entered her flat, Lady wrapped in a towel, and set her down on the floor.
Here you are, Lady. This is your new home. Well learn to live together.
Nadine took a few days off to care for her. Vets, examinations, treatments, nail trims, and removal of infected teeth
Lady proved wellbehaved. Nadine placed washable pads so she could relieve herself comfortably.
They walked early mornings and late evenings, avoiding neighbors to let Lady adjust without fear.
*****
Mom, what did you do? Are you okay? the daughter shouted.
Yes, Im fine. Thanks for asking.
Mom, a shelter dog, really?! Old and sick too. Youre crazy! Couldnt you have gone back 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 and accept them.
Nadine hung up, sighed, and headed to the kitchen for coffee.
Mom, you amaze me! I never wouldve thought adopting a shelter dog is admirable. But will you have the patience? her son said, 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 either child about the man she met during nightly walksPhilippe, a divorced man whose wife had moved abroad with a new husband. He, too, had taken in a dog
And guess where that dog came from?
Indeed, Philippe had rescued his Axel from the pound. Axel, a purebred large dog, had been roaming the city in panic before being captured. Previous owners, despite a tattoo, never turned up. Philippe adopted Axel and adjusted to the new situation.
*****
Mom, can Isabelle and I come visit? I want to introduce her right away. Shes as crazy as you!
Nadine laughed at her sons comment.
Come then, my son. Well be waiting.
On December31, when the doorbell rang, two dogs were alertedPhilippe and Axel had come to see Nadine and Lady.
Her son, seeing the joyful pack, exclaimed:
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 first a small one, since the baby is arriving soon
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 a cheerful anticipation
Lets all be happy!
And to you, dear friends, a huge salute and congratulations from my dear Filou. I hope he no longer remembers his old shelter life, because he now basks in joy and our love!
Wishing you all plenty of happiness!
What a Bizarre Idea, Mum? A Tale of an Adopted Dog.
