— Mum, what have you done? — her daughter practically shouted over the phone. — What’s with adopting a dog from the shelter? An old, sick one at that? You’ve lost your mind! Couldn’t you have picked up dance lessons instead?
Nora stood by the window, watching as a blanket of white descended upon the city. Snowflakes danced whimsically in the air, lining the rooftops and trees, only to be crushed underfoot by the late-night wanderers. Lately, she had developed the habit of standing by the window frequently.
She used to wait for her husband to return from work, exhausted and hoarse-voiced. The kitchen light would cast a warm glow, dinner would be served, and conversations would unfold over a cup of tea… Gradually, words ran dry, and he started coming home even later. He avoided her gaze, replying with curt phrases. Then one evening…
— Nora, I’ve been meaning to tell you… I’ve met someone else. We love each other, and I’m filing for divorce.
— What? Divorce… And me, Alex, what about me? — A sharp pain pierced under Nora’s shoulder blade.
— Nora, we’re both adults. The kids are grown, living their own lives. We’ve shared nearly thirty years together. But we’re still young! Look, we’re just past fifty. I want something new, something fresh!
— And what am I then, old and forgotten? An expired memory, — Nora whispered, bewildered.
— Don’t exaggerate. You’re not old… But understand, with her, I feel thirty again. Forgive me, but I want to be happy, — he pecked her on the top of her head and headed to the bathroom.
He washed away their past, humming cheerful tunes, while Nora felt the weight of the world on her shoulders… Betrayal. What could be more bitter?
Time flew by unnoticed – the divorce went through, and Alex moved in with his new partner. Gray days settled into her life. She had always lived for her children, for her husband. Their problems were hers, their joys and successes her own. Now what?
Nora spent hours by the window. Sometimes she’d catch her reflection in a handheld mirror, a heritage from her grandmother. She’d see a sad eye, a tear tracing down newly formed wrinkles, or a grey hair at her temple.
She feared looking into a full-length mirror.
— Mum, you need to find something to do, — her daughter hurriedly spoke, indicating she was on her way somewhere.
— What, dear? — Nora’s dull voice was almost lost through the phone lines.
— I don’t know. Books, dance clubs for ‘over 50s’, exhibitions.
— Yes, for those… I am already over 50… — Nora couldn’t pull herself together.
— Oh, sorry, Mum, I’m in a rush.
Surprisingly, her son, Will, was more understanding of her sadness.
— Mum, I’m really sorry this happened. You know, Irina and I want to visit you, maybe for New Year. It might lift your spirits.
Nora adored her children but was amazed at how different they were… *****
One evening, scrolling through social media, Nora found an announcement:
“Open Day at the Dog Shelter. Come along with your children, friends, and family. Our furry residents would be delighted to meet each new visitor! Visit us at…”
Further details listed the shelter’s needs for donations.
Nora read it twice.
— Blankets, quilts, old bedsheets, towels. I really should clear out all this clutter. I think I have things I can donate, — she thought late into the night.
By the window, she mentally listed other items she could buy with her modest salary. Ten days later, she stood at the shelter gates with gifts in hand. The taxi driver helped her unload the heavy bags stuffed with blankets and linens, along with a rolled-up worn-out rug.
Shelter volunteers assisted guests in carrying bundles of blankets, feed bags, and gifts for the dogs. Later, the volunteers divided the guests into groups, guiding them along the kennels and narrating the story of each resident in those melancholy cages…
Nora returned home exhausted, her feet aching.
— Right, a shower, dinner, and the couch. I’ll think about everything later, — she decided.
Yet, “later” never came. Images of the shelter, the people, the cages, and the dogs swirled in her mind.
Those eyes…
Such eyes she had seen in her small mirror. Eyes full of sadness, void of hope.
One dog struck her profoundly, old and grey. It was unbelievably sad, quietly lying in a corner, unresponsive to the visitors.
— That’s Lady. A Japanese Chin. Her owner abandoned her at a venerable age. Lady is an old girl too, already twelve years old.
They say with good care, they can live up to fifteen. But Lady is old, sick, and a sad little dog. Sadly, no one takes home dogs like her, — the volunteer sighed, moving the group along.
Nora lingered by Lady. The dog didn’t react, lying on her worn-out blanket like an artificial dog, like an old dirty toy…
All week, Nora thought of the sad little dog. Something inside her sparked, and she showed newfound vigor at work.
— Lady is my reflection. I may not be that old, but I am alone. My kids have their lives, my husband stepped over me as if I were a rag on the street. I am not a rag! No, I am not!
Nora stepped out of the office and dialed the shelter.
— Hello! I was there for the open day. You told me a lot about Lady, the old dog. Do you remember? — hope filled her voice.
— Yes, yes, of course, I remember. You were the only one to stop by her kennel.
— Please, could I visit her?
— Lady? Incredible! Absolutely, come by. Perhaps this weekend? — the volunteer arranged a visiting time before hanging up.
That evening, Nora stood by the window again. But this time, she wasn’t reminiscing sorrowfully on the past. Instead, she watched a man playing fetch with a large dog in the courtyard below.
The dog dashed energetically, fetching the ball time and again for his owner, who affectionately ruffled his head.
The weekend approached.
— Lady, hello! — Nora crouched by the dog, but it remained still.
Nora sat on the floor in her old jeans, brought along for a change of clothes at the shelter. Without getting closer, she began to speak…
She spoke of her life, her children. Of her solitude in a three-bedroom flat she now had no one to share with.
An hour passed. Nora edged closer to the blanket where Lady lay. Gently, she reached out. A tentative touch to the head, followed by soft strokes.
The dog sighed.
Emboldened, Nora continued soothing the dog with slow, steady motions. Lady slowly began nudging her head under Nora’s hand. A connection was formed.
As she prepared to leave, Lady’s watchful brown eyes followed her. The dog seemed to question if this encounter was just a one-off or…?
— Wait for me, I won’t be long, — Nora whispered, securing the kennel before making her way to the volunteer.
— Did you have a good time? — the smiling young woman asked.
— I… I want to take her home… — excitement caused Nora’s breath to catch.
— Just like that?
— Yes, she responded to me. Always said no one wants the older ladies. I want to give her a chance.
— Nora, be informed. Lady is unwell, she needs care if you wish to extend her life. That involves time, effort, and money.
— I’ve raised two wonderful children. I can manage. Let’s give her that chance, — Nora said, resolute.
— Alright. I’ll prepare the paperwork. One more thing – we discreetly track our animals’ welfare. People can be unpredictable…
— Of course. Anything you need. Photos, video calls, vet visits, I’ll report all back to you.
A few hours later, Nora entered her flat with Lady, cocooned in a towel. Placing her gently on the floor, she spoke:
— Well, Lady. This is your new home. Let’s learn together how to live now.
Nora took a few days off work to dedicate time to Lady’s integration. Veterinary visits, health checks, grooming, nail clipping, dental care…
Lady proved a very well-mannered dog. Nora prepared pads for her needs during emergencies. Outdoor walk schedules were early or late, minimizing run-ins with neighbors. She wanted Lady to adjust without fear.
*****
— Mum, what have you done? Are you alright? — her daughter nearly screamed over the phone.
— I’m perfectly fine. I appreciate your concern.
— Mum, why on earth a shelter dog? An old, sick one too? Have you lost it? Dance classes could have been an option!
— Darling, I’m a young woman. Only fifty-three. Healthy, beautiful, independent. I taught you better than that! — Nora retorted.
— But, Mum…
— Let’s skip the ‘buts’… You have your life, your brother Will is far away too. Your father traded me for someone barely out of school. Respect my decisions, thank you.
Nora turned off the phone, exhaled, and headed to the kitchen. She fancied a cup of coffee.
— Mum, you’re incredible! I never would have guessed! That’s commendable, getting a shelter dog. Patience won’t be hard? — Will was supportive but clearly amazed.
— Will, I raised you both, didn’t I? Managed somehow, — Nora laughed. — I’ll manage. The shelter promised help if needed.
Nora didn’t mention to either child that during evening walks with Lady, she had met a certain man walking his large dog.
His name’s Jim. Also divorced, his wife relocated abroad with a new husband. And he got a dog…
Guess where from?
Yes, Jim met his Abbie at the shelter. Abbie was taken from a municipal rescue – a pedigree running wildly when caught.
Attempts to find his previous owners failed despite a microchip. Jim and Abbie adapted to their new circumstances…
*****
— Mum, can Irina and I visit you? I want you to meet her soon. She’s amazing. A free spirit, like you!
Nora chuckled at her son’s words.
— Come over. We’ll be here for you.
On the thirty-first, when the doorbell rang, two dogs pricked their ears – Jim and Abbie had come to visit Nora and Lady.
Will, spotting the unexpected gathering, cheered:
— Mum, I won’t wait until night to share this. Meet Irina. I love her, and you’re soon to be a grandma. Also, we’re thinking of adopting from the shelter. Perhaps a small dog, given the baby coming…
That night, no windows in the city reflected despair – greetings, music, and laughter filled the air, infusing the town and beyond with joy.
And even in the shelters, pets yet to find their families sensed anticipatory joy.
Let’s all be happy!
Sincerely yours, best wishes from our dear little chap, Phil. I hope he’s long forgotten his shelter days.
He’s surrounded by love and happiness now!
Wishing you joy!
