Today we visited our local animal shelter to donate clean rugs and towels. My husband and I could feel the sadness as we walked inside. People held or stood near their beloved dogs. All were cloaked in an aura of grief.
What were their stories? The dogs weren’t puppies. These owners weren’t dropping off a holiday pup just because they didn’t want to go through the bother of house training. As we walked passed the cages, dogs made eye contact with me, their tails wagging, as if crying out, “Hey, look at me! See how cute I am! Take me home!”
“I’m so sorry,” I whispered. “We can’t.” Zoie, our nearly eighteen-year-old Yorkie, wouldn’t put up with it. And we’re having our hands full giving her what she needs as she copes with her dementia, loss of hearing, sight, and other health issues. We must wait.
These dogs can’t.
On the way out of the yips, barks, and crying, I see an Australian shepherd sitting next to two men. I knew the answer to my question before I asked it. “Are you adopting?”
They shook their heads no. I bent down and scratched the dog, who repaid me with kisses.
“My sister is on dialysis, and can no longer keep him. There’s been a lot of sobbing and goodbyes. It’s breaking our hearts,” said the man holding the leash, slumped toward the dog. His anguish spilled out.
“I’m so sorry,” I said.
Before I could say another word, an official came over. “It’s time.” He grabbed the leash, and the shepherd knew. He pulled back, alarmed with fear.
With tears in my eyes, I beat a hasty retreat.
Writing Prompts
- Saying goodbye to animals, people and even places may be emotional and heartbreaking. Do any of the characters in your writing say goodbye? In your own life? Write a story with a character or yourself in this situation.
- I know it won’t be long now before I must say goodbye to Zoie. Although I’m trying to brace myself, I know I’ll be bereft when it happens. I’ve lost friends, relatives, and my parents. Each experience filled me with grief, but later, with time, became moments of memories. Write a scene showing those moments of joy and memories.
- How does the loss affect you today? Create a poem, song, story, or another genre of art which expresses you.
- Living through tough times may be helped by keeping a journal. Write about what you and your loved ones are going through helps you survive, appreciate the special moments of joy, and be creative.
