What on earth, Mom? A rescue dog? the daughter shouted into the phone. A shelter dog, and hes old and sick! Are you out of your mind? You could have gone back to dancing!
Nadine Lefèvre stood at the window, watching snowflakes swirl and settle on rooftops and tree branches. Lately, that had become her routine. Earlier, she would wait for her husbands late, hoarsevoiced return. The kitchen glowed with a soft light, dinner set on the table, conversations accompanied by a steaming cup of tea
Gradually, the topics ran dry, and her husband came home even later. He avoided her gaze, his answers grew curt. One day he blurted, Nadine, I have to tell you I met someone else. 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. 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 the past, obsolete, she whispered, feeling lost.
Dont exaggerate. Youre not old but understand, I feel like Im in my thirties again. Forgive me, I want to be happy, he said, kissing the top of her head before disappearing into the bathroom. He washed away the 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 unnoticed. The divorce was finalized, her husband left 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 successes. And now? She spent hours at the window, occasionally glancing into a tiny pocket mirror inherited from her grandmother. In it she saw a sad gaze, a stray tear among emerging wrinkles, a few gray hairs at her temples.
She dreaded looking into the larger mirror.
Mom, you should find something to do, her daughters hurried voice suggested impatience.
What, dear? Nadines muted voice faded over the telephone wires.
I dont knowread, dance for those who are, go to exhibitions.
Yes, for those who are. I already have, Nadine couldnt pull herself together.
Oh, Mom, sorry, Im busy.
Unexpectedly, her son Louis seemed to grasp his mothers sorrow: Mom, Im really sorry about everything. We want to visit you with Isabelle, maybe for New Years. Youll see, itll make you happy. Nadine adored her children, yet she sensed how different they had become
***
One evening, scrolling through social media, Nadine stumbled on a flyer:
Openday at the dog shelter. Bring children, friends, family. Our animals will love meeting new visitors! Were waiting at.
The notice added that volunteers could bring blankets, old sheets, towels
Nadine read the ad 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 her window she imagined what she could still afford on her tight budget.
Ten days later she stood at the shelters entrance, bags of donations in hand. A taxi driver helped unload bundles of blankets and fabrics, pulling out a rolled rug and another blanket. Shelter volunteers assisted visitors in unloading linen bundles, food sacks, gift packages for the dogs. Later, guests were split into groups to tour the kennels, learning each residents sad story.
Exhausted, Nadine trudged home, her legs feeling numb. Shower, dinner, couch. Ill think about all this later, she told herself. Yet later never arrived; the images kept replayingpeople, cages, dogs, their eyes.
Those eyes matched the ones shed seen in her pocket mirrorfilled with sorrow and mistrust of happiness. One particular canine left a mark: an elderly, greying Japanese Chin named Lady. She had been abandoned by her owner in her twilight years. At twelve, she was considered old; with good care she might reach fifteen, but Lady was sick, sorrowful, and unwanted, the volunteer explained.
Nadine lingered by Ladys pen. The dog lay motionless on a threadbare blanket, like an inanimate toy. All week at work, Nadines thoughts kept returning to the forlorn dog. Suddenly, a hidden reservoir of strength surged within her, reviving her energy at work.
Lady is my reflection. Im not that old, but Im alone. My children are gone, my husband left me like a doormat. I am not a doormat! she thought. Determined, she called the shelter.
Hello! I was at your openday. You told me a lot about Lady, that old dog. Do you remember? she asked, hopeful.
Yes, I remember. You were the only one who stopped by her enclosure.
May I see her again, please?
Lady? Of course! Come this weekend, the volunteer replied.
That night Nadine stood at her window, this time without the weight of the past. She watched a man in his yard playing with a big dog that chased a ball endlessly, the owner petting it affectionately. The weekend was approaching.
Hello, Lady! Nadine crouched near the pen, but the dog didnt move. She sat on the floor, wearing old jeans shed brought for the visit, and began to speak. She narrated her life, her children, the empty apartment she now occupied. After a while, she gently placed her hand on Ladys head, sighing as she stroked it. Encouraged, she continued her calm motions; Lady eventually rested her head in Nadines palm. A bond formed.
When she left, a browneyed gaze followed her. The dogs eyes seemed to ask: was this a oneoff encounter?
Wait for me, Ill be back soon, she whispered, closing the pen before approaching the volunteer.
How did it go? she asked with a smile.
I I want to adopt her the volunteer confessed, breathless.
Just like that?
Yes, came the reply. People say 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 constant caretime, energy, money.
I understand. I raised two wonderful children; I think I can handle it. Lets give her a chance, Nadine said resolutely.
Alright. Ill prepare the paperwork. We also monitor the lives of our rescues 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 apartment carrying Lady wrapped in a towel, laying 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, nail trims, extraction of diseased teeth. Lady behaved well, and Nadine set up washable pads for accidents. They ventured out early in the mornings and late at night, 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? Youre crazy! Why didnt you go back to dancing?
My dear, Im still young. Im fiftythree, healthy, beautiful, independent. Thats not what I taught you! Nadine replied firmly.
But, Mom
No buts. You have your own life, your brother Louis is far away too. Your father left me for a girl fresh out of high school. Respect my decisions.
She hung up, sighed, and headed to the kitchen for coffee.
Mom, you amaze me! I never would have thought youd adopt a shelter dog. Can you handle it? her son said, astonished.
Louis, I raised you and your sister. I made it through, Nadine laughed. Ill manage. The shelter said theyll help if I need it.
She never told either child about the man shed met on nightly walksa divorced man named Philippe, whose exwife had moved abroad with a new husband. Philippe had taken in a dog.
And guess where that dog came from? Philippe had rescued Axel, a purebred giant caught by animal control after wandering the city. No trace of his previous owners surfaced despite a tattoo. Philippe adopted Axel and adjusted to his new reality.
***
Mom, can Isabelle and I visit? I want to introduce her right away. Shes as crazy as you! Louis joked.
Come, my son. Were waiting.
On December31, when the doorbell rang, two dogsPhilippes and Axelswere alerted and arrived to see Nadine and Lady. Louis, delighted by the lively pack, exclaimed, Mom, Im telling you now, not later: heres Isabelle. I love her and soon youll be a grandmother. He added, We also want to adopt a shelter dogmaybe a small one first. After all, the baby is arriving soon.
That night no window seemed sad. Wishes, music, laughter filled the city and the world. Even at the shelter, cats and dogs still waiting for families felt a joyful anticipation.
May we all be happy! A huge salute and congratulations from my dear friend Filou. I hope he no longer remembers his former life at the shelter, for he now basks in joy and our love. Wishing everyone abundant happiness!
What a Crazy Idea, Mum? A Tale of an Adopted Dog.
