****
Leslie Ferraday stopped on the threshold. She
put her suitcase down and took a deep breath. It’s empty. Bob said he’d leave the bed and the couch. Be prepared. The warm
summer day invited her to stay outside. Why rush
inside? No one's waiting.
She sank down into a wicker chair and propped her feet up on the small bench. Moving her dad into an assisted living facility had been exhausting. Her brother, Nate, helped. His teenage sons were sweet and carried all the heavy stuff. She frowned. Damn tired of Nate calling me “Ferret”. That old childhood nickname still hurt.
She picked up her cell and dialed Canine Ranch
where her pug Zander had been staying. Thank
God Bob agreed to let me keep him. She sank down into a wicker chair and propped her feet up on the small bench. Moving her dad into an assisted living facility had been exhausting. Her brother, Nate, helped. His teenage sons were sweet and carried all the heavy stuff. She frowned. Damn tired of Nate calling me “Ferret”. That old childhood nickname still hurt.
“No, Leslie. Zander’s not here.”
“What? You sure? Bob was supposed to drop him off.”“Nope. We have room, if he’s coming now?”
“Thanks, I’m home.”
She closed the phone.
Tears pricked at her eyes. He lied. He took Zander. After telling me I could have him. Why am I surprised? She pulled out a tissue. Don’t be a wimp. Call him. Get your dog back!
"What’s up, Leslie?”
“Why did you take Zander? Is this just another lie?”
“I don’t know what you’re talking about. I don’t have the damn dog. You dropped him at Canine Ranch.”
“What? No.”
“He’s your problem now.” He ex-husband hung up the phone.
Her heart beat quickened. Adrenaline pumped through her veins.
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She opened the front door and called the dog’s name. No
dog. She ran outside and repeated the action. Nothing. Zander, where are you? Panic rose in her
chest, her pulse thumped in her ear. No whimpers or barking broke the quiet of
the summer day. He’s gone.A sob broke from her throat as tears cascaded down her cheeks.
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8 comments:
Tearful ending. Could Zander be the pug Griff rescued?
Lost dog alert.. Makes me panic. I hope he turns up...xx
Oh no! I hope Zander is the pug that Griff found.
Oh no...how heart wrenching! Just when she thought she could breathe. I do hope she finds him. Poor Zander! Poor Leslie!
Oh poor Leslie, missing her Homer - I mean Zander. Adorable photo for a great, if tearful, scene.
awww, been there and there's no feeling like it. Well done on the emotions.
Griffin coming to the rescue with the dog ... love it. And thank goodness she gave Bob the boot!
I would sorely miss my dog and be down if this happened to me. This piece will tug the hearts of many pet owners.
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