She gestured for me to come into the kitchen. “We should see those infants.”
Ruth listened carefully as I told her everything, from how I found the puppies in the parking lot of the gas station to how packed the shelter was, over coffee and baked oatmeal cookies. Occasionally, she would reach out to stroke behind the ears of the dog that occurred to crawl onto her lap while nodding knowingly.
At last, she remarked, “You’re lucky to have found these poor things.” However, nurturing requires a certain form of endurance. Would you be open to trying it?
I blinked. “Me? Encourage them?
“Why not?” she shot back. You have already taken them this far. Furthermore, it will only last till we locate long-term housing.
short-term. I hesitated at the word. Was I capable of taking care of eight puppies, even for a brief period of time? However, after everything they had endured, how could I refuse?
“All right,” I answered softly. “But I have no experience with dog ownership.”
Ruth smiled. “Don’t be concerned. I’ll impart all the knowledge you require.
The weeks that followed were hectic, demanding, and completely fulfilling. I learnt how to bathe the puppies, feed them, and teach them not to gnaw on furniture legs under Ruth’s tutelage. Their transformation from emaciated, frightened strays into lively, loving bundles of pleasure happened gradually.
