— Mum, what have you done? — the daughter nearly shouted down the phone. — What do you mean, a dog from a shelter?! And an old, sick one at that. You’re out of your mind! Couldn’t you have taken up something like dancing instead?
Nora Smith was standing at the window. She watched as a soft white mist slowly descended over the city. Snowflakes swirled in a dance, settling on rooftops and catching on tree branches, their delicate points breaking under the feet of late-night walkers. Lately, it had become a habit to stand by the window.
She used to wait for her husband to come home from work, late and tired with a hoarse voice. The kitchen would be softly lit, dinner laid out on the table, their conversations flowing over a cup of tea… But eventually, they ran out of things to talk about. Her husband started coming home even later, avoiding eye contact, replying to her questions with short phrases. And one day…
— Nora, 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? — an intense pain struck under her shoulder blade as she spoke.
— Nora, come on, we’re both adults. The kids have grown up, living their own lives. We’ve been together for nearly thirty years. But we’re still young. Look, we’re just over fifty. But I want something new, something fresh!
— So, I’m just old and forgotten, a past memory worn out, am I? — whispered the bewildered woman.
— Don’t exaggerate. You’re not old… But understand, there… there I feel like I’m in my thirties. Forgive me, but I want to be happy, — he pecked her on the head and went to the bathroom.
He washed away the old marriage, humming cheerful tunes, while a cosmic sadness weighed down on Nora…
Betrayal. What could be worse?
Nora didn’t notice how time flew by—the divorce, Alex moving to his new lover. Her days turned grey.
She had lived for her children, for her husband. Their problems were her problems, their illnesses her illnesses, their happiness and successes her successes. And now?
Nora would stand by the window for hours. Sometimes she looked in a small hand mirror, a keepsake from her grandmother. In it, she saw a sad eye, a tear lost among emerging wrinkles, a grey hair at her temple.
She was afraid to look in a full-sized mirror.
— Mum, you need something to occupy yourself with, — her daughter’s hurried voice suggested she was on her way somewhere.
— With what, dear? — her mother’s dull voice got lost in the telephone wires.
— I don’t know, maybe books, dance classes for ‘over 50s’, exhibitions.
— Yes, yes, for the over… I am over… — Nora couldn’t pull herself together.
— Oh mum, sorry, I don’t have time.
Surprisingly, her son, Alex, was more understanding of her sadness:
— Mum, I’m really sorry about everything. You know, I think Irena and I will visit you, maybe for New Year. You’ll feel happier with us around.
Nora adored her kids, but was amazed at how different they were…
*****
One evening while scrolling through social media, Nora came across an announcement:
“Open Day at the Dog Shelter.
Bring your children, friends, and family.
Our pets would be delighted to meet new guests!
We look forward to seeing you at…”
It also mentioned that if anyone wanted to support the shelter, there was a list of needs.
Nora read it once, then again.
— Blankets, quilts, old bedding, towels. I could declutter. I think I have stuff to donate, — she pondered at night.
Standing at the window, she ran through the list of essentials in her mind, thinking of what she could buy with her not-so-large salary.
Ten days later, she stood at the gates of the shelter. Nora arrived with gifts. The taxi driver helped unload endless heavy bags of blankets and cloth. He took out a rolled-up rug and a bundle of mats.
Shelter volunteers helped guests bring in packages of linens, bags of dog food, and gift bags for the dogs.
Later, the volunteers split the guests into groups, taking them along the kennels, sharing each resident’s story…
Nora came home exhausted, unable to feel her feet beneath her.
— Right, shower, dinner, sofa. I’ll think about everything later, — she told herself.
But “later” never happened. Her mind remained consumed by images of people, cages, and dogs. And their eyes…
Such eyes she had seen in her small mirror. Eyes filled with sadness and disbelief in happiness.
One dog, in particular, left a deep impression on her, an old, grey one. She seemed so sad, quietly resting in a corner, unresponsive to anyone.
— Her name is Lady. A Japanese Chin. Her owner left her when she was quite elderly. Lady’s quite old herself now, already twelve.
They say with good care they can live to fifteen. But Lady is an old, sick, and sad little dog. Such ones, sadly, rarely get adopted, — sighed the volunteer, leading the group onward.
Nora lingered by Lady’s enclosure. She didn’t react. She lay on an old blanket like an artificial dog, like an old, dirty toy…
All week at work, Lady kept crossing Nora’s mind. The woman suddenly felt a resurgence of energy and applied herself diligently at work.
— Lady is my reflection. I’m not that old, but I am alone. The kids have moved away, my husband stepped over me as if I were a rag on the pavement. But I’m not a rag! No, I’m not!
Nora left her office and dialed the shelter’s number.
— Hello! I was at your open day. You told me about Lady, the old dog. Do you remember? — she asked hopefully.
— Oh yes, of course, I remember. You’re the only one who stopped by her kennel.
— Please, could I visit her?
— Lady? Incredible! Of course, come by! How about this weekend? — The volunteer arranged a visiting time and hung up.
That evening, Nora stood at the window again. But this time, she wasn’t sad, reflecting on life bygone. She watched a man in the yard with a large dog.
The dog ran circles around the empty night yard, fetching a ball repeatedly for his owner. The man fondly ruffled the dog’s head.
The weekend approached.
— Hello, Lady! — Nora crouched beside the dog. But she didn’t move.
Nora sat right on the floor. She was in old jeans she brought to change into at the shelter.
Without moving towards the dog, she began to talk…
She spoke about herself, her children. About being alone in a three-bedroom flat she had no one to share with now.
An hour went by. Nora shifted slightly closer to the blanket where Lady lay. Slowly she reached out her hand. Touched her head. Gently stroked her.
Lady sighed.
Emboldened, Nora continued to pet her with slow, steady movements. Lady, after some thought, began to nuzzle her head into Nora’s hand. Contact was made.
As she left, Nora caught a warm gaze from Lady’s brown eyes. The little dog watched her as if trying to understand if this was a one-time meeting or…?
— Wait for me, I won’t be long, — whispered Nora to the dog and hurried to the volunteer.
— So, did you have a good chat? — the girl smiled at Nora.
— I… I want to take her home… — breathless with excitement, Nora stammered.
— Just like that?
— Yes, she responded to me. You said such old girls hardly stand a chance. I want to give her that chance.
— Nora, I should warn you. Lady is a sick dog, she’ll need care if you wish to extend her life. That’s time, effort, and expense.
— I understand. I raised two wonderful children. I believe I can manage. Let’s give her this chance, — Nora was resolute.
— Alright. I’ll prepare the paperwork. And we lightly monitor our pets’ welfare. You understand, people vary…
— Of course. Whatever you require. Photos, video calls, vet visits, I’ll inform you.
A couple of hours later, Nora entered her apartment, carrying the towel-wrapped dog. She set her down on the floor.
— There you go, Lady. This is your new home. Let’s learn together how to live now.
Nora took a few days off work and focused entirely on the dog. Vets, check-ups, grooming, nail clipping, dental work…
Lady turned out to be a well-mannered little dog. Nora laid out training pads, so Lady could use them if needed.
She aimed for early morning and late evening walks, minimizing encounters with neighbors. She wanted Lady to get used to her new surroundings without being scared.
*****
— Mum, what have you done? Are you okay? — the daughter nearly shouted into the phone.
— Okay. Glad you care.
— Mum, what on earth, a shelter dog?! Old and sick at that. Are you out of your mind? Couldn’t you pick up dancing or something?
— Darling, your mum is a young woman. I’m only fifty-three. I’m healthy, beautiful, independent. And I didn’t raise you to think otherwise! — Nora retorted.
— But mum…
— Let’s skip the ‘buts’… You’ve got your life, your brother Alex is far away too. Dad replaced me with near a schoolgirl. Please, respect and accept my decisions.
Nora hung up, sighed, and headed to the kitchen. She fancied a coffee.
— Mum, you’re amazing! I wouldn’t have guessed! You’re something else! A rescue dog, well impressive. Do you think you can handle it? — her son supported her, astonished.
— Alex, I raised you both. Managed somehow, — Nora laughed. — I will. The shelter promised support if needed.
Nora hadn’t mentioned to her son or daughter about meeting the man who walked the large dog during her nightly outings with Lady.
His name was John. He was divorced; his wife moved to a new life in another country with a new husband. And he got a dog…
And guess where it was from?
Yes, indeed, John met his dog, Max, at the shelter. Max had been picked up off the streets. A robust pedigree dog running wild in the city when caught.
Despite his tag, efforts to find his former owners failed. So John settled down with Max, adapting to new changes…
*****
— Mum, Irena and I want to visit, is that okay? I want you to meet her soon. She’s quite amazing. As lively as you!
Nora chuckled heartily.
— Come along, darling. We’ll be waiting for you.
On the thirty-first, when the doorbell rang, both dogs perked up—John and Max had come to visit Nora and Lady.
Her son, seeing the group, was delighted:
— Mum, I’m not waiting until midnight. I’ll tell you right now. This is my Irena. I love her, you’ll soon be a grandma.
And also, we want a dog from a shelter. But maybe a small one first, the baby’s coming soon…
That night, no window in the city held sorrow—greetings, music, laughter filled the place and the world with joy.
Even in shelters, yet-to-be-adopted dogs and cats were filled with a special feeling—awaiting happiness.
Let us all be happy!
And a big hello and congrats from my charming boy, Phil. I hope he no longer remembers the shelter days.
Because he’s basking in happiness and swimming in our love!
Wishing you all joy!
