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“Yes, it’s kind of a funny story really. I was on my way to the pottery place when I saw it was permanently closed. And then I was driving around back, and it turns out the shelter was located right behind it. One thing led to another and next thing I know, I own a poodle named Dolly!”
Judy was so thrilled to hear about the adoption and had similar ideas about Dolly being good for my social life. I promised to bring her over to meet Judy after her grooming appointment on Wednesday evening.
“I’ve been praying someone would come into your life. Furry or otherwise, this is wonderful news. I am so happy for you, and I can’t wait to meet her.”
Samantha, Judy, and my mother were all so sure about this pairing, and I felt bad for my hesitation. But it was a big decision, and a sporadic one at that, so I eased my mind and remembered I didn’t take any decisions lightly. Adopting a pet was a lifetime commitment. Although, hearing Judy and my mother’s excitement sure made it that much more fun.
That evening, I decided to pull out a few toys, but Dolly still seemed tired. It had been a very long day for both of us. I emptied out the bag from Samantha to make sure I saw everything, and there was another piece of paper in the bag. Opening it up, I saw it was information about Dolly from her previous life. I decided to read this on the couch, so I picked up her bed, with her in it, and sat it on my lap. It was not overly intrusive for her or me, but that way, we could bond a little. She was awake but seemed to be relishing the peacefulness without other dogs barking.
Dolly
Breed: Miniature Poodle
Age: 3 years (approx.)
Intake: Dolly was found in home after a welfare check. Owner died in sleep, two days before.
1 other dog on site. Do not appear bonded.
No further information.
I gasped at the revelation. Poor Dolly had lost her owner unexpectedly and was alone for a few days until someone came in. Wait a minute, what was that last part again? I reread the last sentence.
1 other dog on site.
Dolly had a sibling?I thought back to this morning at the shelter. Which kennel did Samantha pull her from? Was she alone in the kennel? I don’t evenvaguelyremember a dog being with her, let alone any cold, hard facts to rely on.
“Virtual assistant: Set a reminder to ask Samantha about the other dog,” I called out to my robot wiretap, as my mother referred to it.
“Note added. When would you like a reminder?”
At the robotic voice, Dolly’s ears stood up, and she looked around to see where it was coming from. I reached over and pet her ears, soothing her thoughts as she looked very concerned.
“Remind me at 5:30 pm Friday.” I laughed at Dolly’s suspense. “It’s okay, Dolly. That’s my assistant.” I found myself picking up on my mother’s baby talk language. Dolly did feel calmer instantly.
We spent the rest of the evening dozing on the couch, and I snapped a picture of her for my social media.“Life Update: Adopted a dog. Everyone, meet Dolly.”Surely my 57 connections would eat this up. And within minutes, I had 16 hearts.
As we prepared for bed, I realized I hadn’t considered what would take place when I went to work tomorrow. I lived close enough that I came home for lunchanyway, so I would just see what happened and pray for the best.
“Dolly,” I felt a little unsure of my words, considering she wouldn’t know all of them, but I had a feeling she understood me. “I work tomorrow. Every weekday. But I will be home during lunch to check on you.” I placed her bed on the floor beside mine, but far enough that if I got up, I wouldn’t accidentally step on her.
“Goodnight, Dolly.” I gave her head a few pets, and out of nowhere, I had tears running down my cheeks.
Dolly looked very concerned, and she licked my hand.
“Oh, thank you, Dolly.” I was surprised at my own emotion but knew it was a combination of feeling overly overwhelmed and overtired.
I made a huge life decision today. I slept that night very lightly, waking up to every creek and bump, expecting Dolly to need me or outside or something I hadn’t considered, but she slept quietly through the night.
By the time my alarm went off, I was barely drifting into slumber, and while it used to be difficult coaxing to get myself out of bed, I peeked over and saw Dolly standing at the bedroom door. I lunged out of bed and opened the door as fast as possible while she circled. I remembered I had the grass pad, so we tested it out. It worked beautifully, and not one of my neighbors needed to see me in my pink bathrobe—theirloss.
I jetted into the shower, getting ready as quickly as possible so I could take Dolly outside a few more times before I left. She seemed easy so far, just desiring some quality rest from the looks of it, and she was snuggled back in her bed as I slid out the door.
Being an introvert amongstextremeextroverts at work was a daily battle. Every Monday morning, we would meet in the conference room, where the entire team would get briefed on our proceedings, case updates, and tasks for the week, so there was never any question about what needed to be accomplished.
One of my co-workers, Chaz Gorman, was veryslick.He was yourstereotypical,sleazyguy who would probably return to college just to be in a fraternity all over again. He always made it a point to sit next to me at these meetings, even going so far as to slide his chair as close as possible. It wasn’t that hewantedme; rather because Ididn’twant him, that I was now the target of much-unwanted affection. He wore heavy amounts of cologne and had an ego the size of Australia.
I rarely spoke out in these meetings, and only if called upon, which, given my status as a paralegal, was uncommon for lawyers to ask my advice on a matter. But my strong suit was research, and lately, I’d been given more work because they felt I did the most thorough job out of the rest.
