Page 4 of Mommy

“If you need help, Sweetie, please don’t hesitate to ask.”

She’s offered this before.

She told me I could always come and crash at her place if I didn’t want to go home. But if I take that offer, she’ll want to know why I don’t want to go home. Maybe not right away, but at some point, she’d ask.

So, I shake my head and smile.

“Thank you, Shelly, but it’s alright. I just felt like Viv wasn’t doing so well when I checked on her before going home. I just wanted to stay for a bit, but… I must have fallen asleep.”

The lie rolls off my tongue effortlessly, just like the shy smile stays in place perfectly.

Shelly eyes me, and though she doesn’t say anything, I know that my days of getting away with this are numbered.

The bell rings, signalling that someone entered the shelter and Shelly turns away.

“Can you finish up here, Ivy?” she asks, already walking away because, of course I can. Grabbing the first bowl I walk all the way over to the kennel on the left and open the door to get inside.

Walter doesn’t hop up on me like the puppies and newbies in the shelter do. He’s been here since my first day and I don’t remember anyone looking at him for longer than 2 seconds. Maybe it’s the fact that he’s in the first kennel and the people are too eager to see the rest of the dogs. Or maybe it’s the fact that his brown fur is already turning grey around his snout and his eyes are heavy and tired.

Bending down, I pet his head and let my hand glide down to cup his face.

“Good morning, sweet boy.” I say, making sure I speak loud enough for him to hear me.

He wags his tail slowly.

Most of the dogs here are bully breeds and Walter is no exception. He’s huge and I always wondered why they didn’t name him George.

George the Gentle Giant.

Putting his bowl down I leave him be and continue on to the next kennel.

Bella.

A girl with ears that never flop, making her look like a bunny. She was surrendered because she didn’t ‘fit in’.

Lilo & Stitch.

Two sisters, one brown, one brown with darker stripes.

Chino.

Found in a parking lot a few days ago, tied to a post. He’s still scared but I think he won’t be staying here too long. His gentle demeanor and beautiful beige fur with the dark touches around his eyes and ears make him a showstopper every time people come in here.

Vera, Simon and Brother.

They came the same day Viv and the pups arrived. We kennelled them each separately because they all had some sort of physical trauma. An infected eye, a bleeding side or a broken leg.

They all have scars too, making it obvious that they suffered through hell and made it back, finding their way here.

They stay in the back of the kennel when I enter with their breakfast and though I coo to them in my softest voice, they don’t dare come near me yet.

There were a few more that came the same day, but they already got picked up by other rescues.

Due to their trauma, Shelly decided she wouldn’t allow anyone else to take on the task of helping them heal.

I work my way down the row of kennels, all the way back to Viv and her pups.

She’s already waiting by the door, making me smile as she sits there patiently waiting while her pups race around the room and stumble over one another in an attempt to be closest to the door.