Right by the entrance to the underground, near the big letter “M”, a woman was selling puppies. On a cardboard sign, the breed and price were listed, along with a note saying, “looking for loving homes.” Before online marketplaces like eBay existed, this was how people sold items.
As I hurried into the station, I caught a glimpse of three cute, floppy-eared puppies peeking out of a small basket.
Four hours later, on my way back home, I exited the station and saw the same woman but with only one puppy left. She must have already found homes for the other two.
I went over to take a look, not really intending to buy a puppy.
By the woman stood a boy around 12, holding some crumpled notes. Next to him was a man in sunglasses and a suit, wearing an expensive watch. He seemed to be in a rush.
“I can offer more than the boy,” said the man to the puppy’s owner, nodding towards the boy. “Twice as much, actually. It’s for my child; I forgot to get a gift…”
I realized they both wanted the puppy and, if it came down to a bidding war, the man would clearly win.
The boy dug into his pockets, gathering all he had, which was mostly small change, “I broke my piggy bank. This is all I have. My parents said they couldn’t help, but they allowed me to use my money. I even borrowed some from friends. This is everything…”
The woman seller looked at the man in glasses and said, “I’m sorry, but I’m giving the puppy to the boy. It’s important to me that it goes to a loving home. I can see the boy will truly cherish the puppy. He’s already prepared to give everything he has today…”
She handed the puppy to the utterly delighted boy. He held it so gently, as if afraid to harm it, while the puppy trembled, likely from fear or perhaps stress. Even happiness can be stressful.
“Oh, but the money! Here,” the boy said, fumbling to give what he’d promised, one hand holding his new friend and the other reaching into his pocket.
“You don’t need to pay. Use it to buy everything your dog needs—a good collar, some food…”
“What? Really? You won’t take it?” The boy was nearly in tears, tucking the puppy inside his jacket to keep it warm, and it was clear they were already starting to look alike.
“I won’t take it. Take care of each other,” the woman smiled and waved goodbye to them.
“It’s wonderful that you didn’t take his money,” I remarked, having watched the scene unfold.
“I haven’t taken money from anyone,” the woman replied. “I just put up a price to see if someone is willing to invest in a dog, to confirm they have the means.”
“I’m leaving this city for good and don’t want my beloved dog’s puppies to end up on the streets because of untrustworthy owners who might realize too late they’re not ready for the commitment. I gave the puppies to those who… won’t abandon them.”
