Old Dog

Old Dog

Your dog, from a pup, followed you everywhere, so it was only in keeping that he follows you through the doors of the shelter, his body slow, his face white, wagging his tail over this new adventure.

The shelter worker has seen it all, so only one glance tells her what is true, as you refuse to look at your dog or at her.

“Reason?”

“Moving,” you mumble. “New place, doesn’t take dogs.”

She raises an eyebrow. You look as though you don’t rent.

You leave Buddy behind without a pat or a goodbye.

It’s just too hard for you.

 

end

Sascha Darlington

 

8 thoughts on “Old Dog

  1. Oh don’t! We were in a position last year where we were looking at rehoming Maggie. Luckily MSM came up with a workable solution and we are still all together. I don’t know if I could have taken her there and left her behind. I choke just thinking about it.

  2. I hate this story! Too, too sad and hits too close to home. During college I worked at an animal shelter (and eventually became Director) before going to grad school. I’ve seen this scenario play out too many times. Change the ending! Make her turn around and go back!

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