I didn’t anticipate to lose my marriage when I entered that sanctuary. But when I knelt before that poor old dog, I realized she needed me. Maybe I needed her too.
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For years, Greg and I have tried to fill the quiet in our marriage without a kitchen.
One evening, in our kitchen’s dim light, I said,
Maybe we should acquire a dog.”
Greg looked up from his plate, unimpressed. “A dog?”
“Something to love,” I whispered. “Something to fill the silence.”
“Fine. I’m not dealing with a yappy little thing.”
Maggie lay in the shadows of the farthest kennel.
Picture for illustration only.
She astonished me with her door tag.
Senior Dog – 12 Years Old – Health Issues – Hospice Adoption Only.
I felt Greg stiffen beside me. He scoffed, “Oh, come on.” “We’re not taking that.”
“This one,” I whispered.
Greg spoke sharply. “Are you kidding? Clara, that dog is half-dead.”
“She needs us.”
“She needs a vet and a miracle,” he replied. “No home.”
Faced him totally. “I can please her.”
Greg chuckled bitterly. I leave, you bring her home. I won’t watch you obsess over a dying puppy. That’s sad.”
Shocked. You don’t mean that.”
“I do,” he responded coldly. “Her or me.”
I acted immediately.
Greg was packing when I took Maggie home.
She halted in the doorway, her tiny frame shivering as she took in her new surroundings.
“It’s okay,” I whispered, kneeling alongside her. We’ll work it out.”
Greg rushed passed us with his suitcase. “You’ve lost it, Clara.” You’re wasting everything on that puppy.
Picture for illustration only.
I remained silent.
His hand waited on the doorknob. Just waiting for me to stop him. Return when I say you’re right. I unclipped Maggie’s leash instead.
Humorless Greg laughed. “Unbelievable.” Then he left.
The early weeks were hell.
Maggie ate little some days due to weakness.
I giggled when the divorce papers arrived. His mood is bad.
Picture for illustration only.
Crying ensued.
Maggie was there. She’d be my friend now. It changed throughout time.
She started eating more and her dull, spotty fur became shiny. One morning, she wagged her tail as I grabbed her leash.
Feel like walking today? I requested.
Finally, I grinned after months.
We rejoiced. Together.
Six months later, I left a bookstore with a novel and coffee.
A familiar voice drawled, “Clara.”
I froze.
Greg.
Clearly anticipating this moment, he stood there smirking.
“Still alone?” he asked
“How’s your dog?”
My cool response was, “Maggie?”
“Yes, Maggie.”
Picture for illustration only.
Let me guess. She’s gone, right? So much work for a canine who only lived a few months. Was it worthwhile?.
“Don’t be so heartless, Greg.”
“I’m realistic. You sacrificed everything for that puppy. Look at you. Alone, miserable. At least you played hero, right?
“What are you doing here, Greg?”
“Oh, I’m meeting someone.” His grin grew.
“I couldn’t resist greeting. You were so enthralled with that dog that you didn’t see what I hid from you.”
Cold weight fell on my chest. “What are you discussing?”
A young, exquisite, effortlessly beautiful woman walked up next him before I could answer.
Hi Clara. Sorry for being late.”
Greg smirks less. He looked passed me.
There was Mark.
He walked up, fitting in like a native. He carried a coffee in one hand. In the other? Maggie’s lead.
Mark smiled and brought me my coffee, then kissed my cheek.
Greg was stunned. “Wait…that’s…”
Picture for illustration only.
“Maggie,” I scratched behind her ears as she leaned against me. “She won’t leave.”
I stood up and said, “She’s thriving. It turns out she only needed love and attention. It’s funny how it works.
Mark handed me the leash despite the anxiety. Ready to go to the park?
“This is ridiculous,” he murmured.
“You’re right,” I said.
What’s ludicrous is you believing I’d regret letting you go.”
He was furious, but I didn’t care.
“Ready?” he inquired, indicating to the park.
I grinned. “More than ever.”
Picture for illustration only.
Six months later, we returned to the park, but it felt different.
I frowned. Maggie, what’s this?
Mark grins. “Why not check?”
My shaky fingers untied the small box. Mark was kneeling before I could react.
“Clara,” he whispered. Would you marry me?
I looked at Maggie and chuckled through tears. Of course.
