“Forgive me,” I whispered. “I’ll never let you down again.”
He rested his enormous head on my chest.
The house was filled with fur again. And with life.
We abandoned the pool project. Instead, we created a green space for rescued dogs who came from the shelter to spend weekends. Some were adopted. Others simply received love.
My sister tried to come back months later. I didn’t open the door.
“Blood doesn’t make you family,” I said through the door. “Actions do.”
Today I walk without crutches. Hercules limps a little, but he’s still a giant.
And every time someone asks me if I don’t regret losing everything for a dog, I smile.
Because I didn’t lose anything.
I got my life back.
One year later.
