What a crazy idea, Mom? Adopting a shelter dog?
Mom, what have you done? the daughter yelled almost into the phone. A rescue dog, for heavens sake! And its old and sick! Youre insane! Couldnt you just go back to dancing?
Nadine Lefèvre stood at the window, watching snowflakes swirl and settle on rooftops and tree branches. This had become her daily habit. Earlier she used to wait for her husbands late, hoarsevoiced return. The kitchen glowed with a soft light, dinner set on the table, conversations accompanied by a cup of tea
Gradually, their topics ran dry, and her husband began coming home even later. He avoided her gaze, his replies 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, they have their lives. Weve been together almost thirty years. Yet were still relatively young. Look, we just passed fifty. I want something fresh, something new!
So Im just the past, obsolete, she whispered, lost.
Dont exaggerate. Youre not old but understand, I feel like Im in my thirties again. Forgive me, I want to be happy, he kissed the top of her head and went to the bathroom.
He washed away memories of their former marriage while Nadine felt the universal weight of melancholy on her shoulders
Betrayal. What could be more bitter?
Time slipped by unnoticeddivorce, her husband off to a new life. Nadine fell into a grey routine. She had lived for her children, for him. Their problems became hers, their joys her successes. And now?
She spent hours by the window. Occasionally she glanced into a small pocket mirror inherited from her grandmother, seeing a sad gaze, a stray tear among emerging wrinkles, a few gray hairs at her temples.
Nadine feared looking into the fulllength mirror.
Mom, you should find something to do, her daughters brisk voice hinted she was in a hurry.
What, sweetheart? her muted voice faded over the telephone wires.
I dont know. Read, dance for those who have, go to exhibitions.
Yes, for those who have. I already have, Nadine could not pull herself together.
Oh, Mom, sorry, I dont have time.
Surprisingly, her son Louis understood his mothers sorrow 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 loved her children, yet she realized how different they had become
*****
One evening, scrolling through social media, Nadine stumbled on a notice:
Openhouse day at the dog shelter. Bring your children, friends, family. Our animals will be delighted to meet new visitors! Were waiting at
It listed items volunteers could bring: blankets, bedding, towels
Nadine read the flyer several times.
Blankets, throws, old linens, towels. I actually 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 door, loaded with gifts. A taxi driver helped unload bags of blankets and rags, dragging a rolled rug and another blanket.
Volunteers assisted visitors in delivering bundles of linen, bags of food, packages for the dogs.
Later, groups were assigned to tour the kennels, learning each residents sad story
Exhausted, Nadine trudged home, her legs feeling weightless.
Shower, dinner, couch. Ill think about all this later, she told herself.
But later never came. Images kept replayingpeople, cages, dogs.
And their eyes
Eyes she had seen in her tiny mirrorfilled with sorrow and distrust of happiness.
She was especially struck by an elderly, graying dog, quiet in a corner.
This is Lady. Shes a Japanese Chin. Her previous owner abandoned her at a very old age. Lady is already a senior, twelve years old.
With good care they can live up to fifteen, but Lady is frail, ill, and sad. No one wants her, the volunteer sighed before continuing the tour.
Nadine lingered near Lady, who didnt react, lying on an old blanket like an inert toy.
All week at work, Nadine thought of the sad dog. Suddenly, hidden reserves of strength emerged, and she threw herself into her job.
Lady, youre my reflection. Im not that old, but Im alone. My kids have left, my husband kicked me out like a doormat. Im not a doormat! No, Im not!
Determined, Nadine called the shelter.
Hello! I was at your open house. You told me a lot 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 see her, please?
Lady? Amazing! Come this weekend, well arrange it, 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.
The dog raced in circles, constantly returning a ball to his owner, who petted it affectionately.
The weekend approached.
Hello, Lady! Nadine crouched near the dog, but it didnt move.
She sat on the floor, wearing an old pair of jeans shed brought for the visit.
After a while she began to speak
She narrated her life, her children, how she now lived alone in a oncebusy apartment.
An hour passed. She gently placed her hand on Ladys head and sighed.
Encouraged, she kept her measured movements; Lady eventually rested her head in her palm. A bond formed.
When she left, a browneyed stare met hers, as if asking whether this was a onetime meeting or something more.
Wait for me, Ill be right back, she whispered to the dog, closing the cage 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 replied. People think theres little hope for old ladies like her. I want to give her a chance.
Nadine, I must warn you. Lady is ill and will need continuous care if you want to extend her life. It takes time, energy, and money.
I understand. I raised two wonderful kids. I think I can manage. Lets give her a chance, Nadine declared.
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, setting her on the floor.
There you go, Lady. This is your new home. Well learn to live together.
She took a few days off to tend to her: vet visits, examinations, grooming, nail trimming, extracting bad teeth
Lady proved wellbehaved. Nadine set up pads for indoor relief when needed.
They went out early in the morning 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, what shelter dog, seriously? Hes old and sick. Youre crazy! Couldnt you just get back to dancing?
Sweetheart, your mother is still young. Im fiftythree, healthy, pretty, independent. Thats not what I taught you! Nadine replied firmly.
But, Mom
No buts You have your life, your brother Louis is far away too. And your 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 would have guessed! 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, Nadine laughed. Ill make it further. The shelter promised to help if I need it.
She never told her children about the man she met during nightly walksa man named Philippe, divorced, his exwife now living abroad with a new husband. He had taken in a dog
And guess where that dog came from?
Indeed, Philippe had rescued his Axel at the shelter. Axel, a purebred large dog, had been seized by animal control after wandering the city in panic. The search for his former owners yielded nothing despite a tattoo. 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 words.
Come then, my son. Were waiting for you.
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 evening to tell you. Heres Isabelle. I love her and soon youll be a grandmother.
And alsoWe 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 whole world.
Even at the shelter, the dogs and cats without families felt a joyful 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 at the shelter,
Because he now tastes joy and bathes in our love!
I wish you all abundant happiness!
What a Wonderful Idea, Mum? The Tale of an Adopted Dog.
