“Mom, what did you do?” the daughter nearly shouted into the phone. “What on earth is this about a dog from the shelter? And an old, sick one at that! Are you out of your mind? Couldn’t you take up dancing or something?”
Donna Smith stood by the window, watching as a white mist slowly descended upon the town. Snowflakes danced in circles, settling on rooftops, clinging to tree branches, and breaking under the feet of late-night passersby. Lately, standing by the window had become a habit.
She used to await her husband returning from work, weary and hoarse-voiced. The soft light in the kitchen, dinner laid out, and conversations over a cup of tea…
Gradually, they ran out of things to talk about. Her husband started coming home even later, avoiding eye contact, answering her questions with brief phrases. Then one day…
“Donna, I’ve been meaning to tell you… I’ve met another woman. We love each other, and I’m filing for divorce.”
“What? Divorce… and what about me, Alex? What’s going to happen to me?” Donna suddenly felt a sharp pang between her shoulder blades.
“Donna, we’re adults. The kids have grown up, living their own lives. We’ve spent nearly thirty years together. But we’re still young. Look, we’re just a smidge over fifty. But I want something new, something fresh!”
“So, am I just something old and discarded?” murmured the bewildered woman.
“Don’t exaggerate. You’re not old… But there, I feel thirty again. I’m sorry, but I want to be happy,” he pecked her on the top of her head and retreated into the bathroom. He washed away the old marriage, humming cheerful tunes, while Donna was burdened by an overwhelming sorrow.
Betrayal. What could be more bitter?
Donna didn’t notice time fly by—divorce, and Alex left for his newfound love. Her days turned gray. She had been accustomed to living for her children and husband. Their problems were her problems, their illnesses—her illnesses, their joys and successes—her achievements. But now?
Donna stood by the window for hours. Sometimes, she glanced in a small hand mirror, a keepsake from her grandmother. It reflected a sad gaze, a teardrop lost in emerging wrinkles, a gray hair at the temple.
She was afraid to look in a large mirror.
“Mom, you need something to occupy yourself,” her daughter’s hurried voice hinted she was off somewhere.
“With what, dear?” Her mother’s dreary voice faded through the phone lines.
“Books, perhaps. Dance classes, maybe. Exhibitions.”
“Yeah, for those over… Well, I’m over it,” Donna couldn’t pull herself together.
“Oh, Mom, sorry, I’ve got to go.”
Surprisingly, her son, Alex, showed more understanding of his mother’s distress:
“Mom, I’m really sorry about what happened. You know Irina and I want to come visit you, maybe for New Year. It’ll cheer you up having us around.”
Donna adored her children and was always amazed by how different they were.
One evening, browsing social media, Donna stumbled upon a post:
“Open Day at the Dog Shelter. Bring your family, friends, and acquaintances. Our furry friends are eager to meet each new visitor! We’re located at…”
The post listed items needed for the shelter if anyone wished to help. Donna read it once, then again.
“Blankets, quilts, old sheets, towels. Just what I need to clear out. I probably have something to give them,” Donna mused at night.
Standing by the window, she mulled over the list, considering what more she could purchase on her modest salary.
Ten days later, she stood at the shelter gates. Donna came bearing gifts. The taxi driver helped unload heaps of heavy bags filled with blankets and rags. He hauled out a rolled, worn carpet and a bundle of mats.
Shelter volunteers assisted guests in bringing in bags of bedding, bags of dog food, and gift bags for the dogs. Later, the visitors were organized into groups by volunteers who guided them along the kennels, sharing stories of each resident in those somber cages…
Donna returned home exhausted. Her legs felt as if they weren’t her own.
“Right then, shower, dinner, sofa. I’ll sort all this out later,” she told herself.
But “later” never came. Her mind was awash with images—people, cages, dogs. And their eyes…
Such eyes she’d seen in her little mirror. Eyes filled with sadness and disbelief in happiness.
One dog especially struck her, an old, gray one. It lay quietly in the corner, unresponsive to anyone.
“That’s Lady. A Japanese Chin. Her owner abandoned her at quite an old age. Lady herself is a senior, twelve years old.”
“They say with good care, they can live up till fifteen. But Lady is old, ill, and a sorrowful dog. Regrettably, such dogs rarely find a home,” a volunteer sighed and moved onward with the guests.
Donna lingered by Lady. The dog did not react to her. She lay on an old blanket, resembling a shabby, dirty toy…
The entire week, Donna couldn’t shake off thoughts of the sorrowful dog. A renewed sense of vitality awoke within her, and she dove into her work with vigor.
“Lady is my reflection. I’m not as old, yet I’m just as lonely. The children have moved away, my husband walked all over me as if I were a doormat. But I’m not a doormat! No, not a doormat!”
Donna left her office and dialed the shelter’s number.
“Hello! I visited during the open day. You told me a lot about Lady, the old dog. Remember?” she asked hopefully.
“Yes, of course, I remember. You’re the only one who paused by her kennel.”
“Please, can I visit her?”
“Lady? Unbelievable! Absolutely, come visit! Perhaps the upcoming weekend?” The volunteer arranged the visit and hung up.
That evening, Donna stood by the window again. But this time, she wasn’t melancholic, reminiscing about her past life. Instead, she watched a man strolling down the street with a large dog.
The dog raced in circles in the deserted nighttime street, chasing a ball and returning it repeatedly to its owner, who affectionately ruffled its head.
As the weekend neared,
“Hello, Lady!” Donna crouched near the dog. But the dog didn’t budge. Donna sat directly on the floor, in old jeans she had brought for changing at the shelter.
Without nearing the dog, Donna began to talk…
She shared about herself, her children. About being alone in a three-bedroom flat, which she now had no one to share with. An hour passed. Donna inched closer to the blanket where Lady lay, gently extending her hand to touch the dog’s head, lightly stroking it.
Lady sighed.
Emboldened, Donna continued stroking Lady with steady, gentle movements. Lady pondered for a moment before nudging her head into Donna’s hand, establishing a connection.
As she left, Donna caught the earnest look in Lady’s brown eyes. The dog seemed to be contemplating whether this was a one-time encounter or…?
“Wait for me, I’ll be back soon,” she whispered to the dog, secured the kennel, and hurried to the volunteer.
“So, did you two bond?” the cheerful girl asked Donna.
“I want to take her home…” The excitement in Donna’s voice made her breathless.
“Right away?”
“Yes, she responded to me. You mentioned older dogs like her stand little chance. I want to give her that chance.”
“Donna, I must warn you. Lady is an ailing dog, she’ll need care if you want to extend her life. That means time, effort, and money.”
“I understand. I raised two wonderful children. I think I can manage. Let’s give her this chance,” Donna insisted convincingly.
“Alright, I’ll prepare the paperwork. We also unobtrusively track the fates of our shelter animals. You understand, people are different…”
“Of course. Whatever you say. Photos, video calls, and all vet visits—I’ll keep you informed.”
A few hours later, Donna entered her apartment, cradling the towel-wrapped dog. She gently set her on the floor.
“Well, Lady. Here’s your new home. Let’s learn together how to live from here on.”
Donna took a few days off and dedicated herself to the dog—vet visits, examinations, grooming, nail trimming, and dental care… Lady proved to be a well-mannered dog. Donna placed some pads, allowing Lady to relieve herself if necessary.
They ventured outside early in the morning and late at night, minimizing encounters with neighbors to help Lady adjust without fear.
“Mom, what have you done? Are you okay?” her daughter nearly yelled into the phone.
“I’m fine. Nice to know you care.”
“Mom, what on earth is this about a dog from the shelter? And an old, sick one at that! Are you mad? You could have taken up dancing or something!”
“Sweetheart, your mother is a youthful woman. I’m only fifty-three. I’m healthy, beautiful, independent. And I didn’t raise you to be this way!” Donna responded sharply.
“But mom…”
“Let’s skip the ‘buts’… You have your own life, and your brother Alex is also far away. Your father—he’s traded me in for practically a schoolgirl. Be kind and learn to respect and accept my choices.”
Donna hung up, exhaled, and headed to the kitchen. She craved a cup of coffee.
“Mom, you’re something else! You’re doing great—getting a dog from the shelter is commendable. Do you think you’ll have the patience?” her son supported her, though he was taken aback.
“Alex, I managed to raise the both of you, didn’t I?” Donna laughed. “I’ll manage. The shelter promised help if needed.”
Donna didn’t tell her son or daughter that during her evening strolls with Lady, she met that very man who walked with the big dog. His name was Tim. He was divorced, his ex-wife had ventured into a new life in a new country with a new husband. He ended up with the dog…
And guess where it came from? Yes, precisely—Tim had found his buddy Ace at the shelter. Ace had been picked up from the streets, a healthy, pedigreed dog roaming the city in distress when captured. Attempts to locate his former owners, despite his microchip, proved futile. Tim and Ace adjusted to their new circumstances together…
“Mom, Irina and I will visit; is that okay? I want you two to meet soon. She’s delightful. A free spirit, just like you!”
Donna laughed at her son’s words.
“Come over, my boy. We’re waiting for you.”
On December 31st, when the doorbell rang, two dogs perked up. Tim and Ace had come to visit Donna and Lady.
Seeing this gathering, her son exclaimed excitedly:
“Mom, no suspense here—I’m telling you right away. This is Irina. I love her, and you’re soon to be a grandmother.”
“And besides, we want to adopt a shelter dog too. Probably a small one first, with the baby coming soon…”
That night, there were no gloomy windows—congratulations, music, and laughter filled the town, spreading joy throughout the world.
And even at the shelters, the pets who had yet to find their forever homes felt a special feeling—anticipation of happiness.
So let us all be happy!
And to all my dear friends, heartfelt greetings and best wishes from my dear boy Phil. I hope he no longer recalls his time in the shelter.
He’s basking in happiness and soaking in our love! Wishing you all happiness!
