tails.
I was out of breath from biking, but more dizzy than anything. The bacon and latkes for breakfast felt as if they were sliding into my legs. Alex and I were late, and I tripped over the projector cord trying to squeeze into an aisle seat.
I looked around the room, feeling intimidated by the large group. It was mostly women and teenagers, aside from the serious metal head to my right. I stared at him, wondering what his dog was like. This guy must have a dog. He also had a neck tattoo and long ratted hair. I spaced out on his shirt for a moment and then forced myself to focus on what was being said.
Five hours later, Jerry was leading my group through the inner halls of the Dog Pods. He kept repeating himself and I was agitated. He showed us how to clean out the kennels and scoop the mess into a giant flushing hole. He spoke of the proper way to get a dog out of their kennel and leash them, and the danger of not latching gates behind us. As we walked I spotted Kimmy. I remembered her from the website as one of The Great Eight; the eight dogs at OHS that have been there the longest.
She was lovely. One blue eye, one brown, sweet faced and complete with a bright scarf knotted around her neck. There were notes written by her caretakers tacked to the front of her pen, all stating how amazing she was. I drew closer and peered over the gate. She was calm and held my gaze. Her eyes were peaceful and they searched mine, seemingly asking me why she was there and if she had a chance. A lump welled in my throat, and we sat like that for a few minutes studying each other. I imagined what her life was like before she got there. I wondered how she could still be up for adoption since June, and what her previous owner had said to her upon giving her up. Did they apologize? Did they pat her head and tell her she would be better off? Or did they simply tire of her?
Kimmy contemplated me for a bit longer, all the while her expression hopeful. I didn’t need Jerry anymore to remind me why I was there.
Today when I wrote this I went to OHS’ website to find her on the adoption page but she is gone. It’s my turn to be hopeful.