you, Mama. Thanks for bringing me here.” Her shoes squeak on the glossy floor.
“It’s about time, right?”
“I’m glad it’s happening at all.” Her smile lights up the plain white walls with splashes of vibrant color.
My sweet little angel has been begging for this, and I’ve been dragging my feet. My insecurities and concerns hang me up, but those are mine to deal with. Reflecting them onto Millie is plain wrong. Assuming history will repeat is a crippling way to live. It’s my duty to provide a normal life for her.
Millie bumps into me with a giggling snort. She can brighten the darkest hour. This isn’t a freaking doom festival. I twist my neck side to side, forcing my tense muscles to release. The responsibility of this decision will rest on us, but I’ll carry any burden.
We reach the room and I exhale a deep breath. Millie is the one who reaches for me now, giving my hand a much-needed hug with hers. I knock, fidgeting with the hem of my shirt. The door opens an inch before the woman swings it wider.
“Keegan?” Her hazel eyes are warm, creasing at the corners with a growing grin.
“That’s me,” I say with a little wave.
The woman’s gaze swings lower, focusing on the little girl clutching to me. “And this must be Millie.”
My daughter doesn’t give a verbal response. Her eyes are fixed behind the lady, to all the yips and yaps spilling out to us. She begins nodding so fast I worry her neck will hurt tomorrow. They exchange a friendly smile that eases the remaining swirling in my belly.
“Well, good morning. I’m Kellie, one of the volunteers. Come on in. These pups are ready to meet you.”
“Thanks for setting this up for us.”
“That’s my job,” Kellie sings. “Getting these babies a forever home is what it’s all about.”
“Millie couldn’t be more excited. Right, baby girl?” I give a light tug to one of her pigtails. She’s still nodding, her wide eyes trying to take in every section of the space as we step inside. Energetic enthusiasm floods the room with each tiny movement.
The acrid odor of rubber and bleach burns my nostrils. A symphony of whines, panting, and soft barks carry over to us. Three dogs are zipping around the rectangular play area. They’re all medium sized, as I requested. That’s one of the few specifications I gave. I wanted this experience to be at least somewhat organic for my little girl. Letting her into the main room with dozens of cages would be too much. Maybe more so for me.
Millie is rooted to a spot near the wall. Her gaze ping-pongs between the playful trio. She’s smiling, so wide all of her front teeth show, but doesn’t make a move otherwise. I can feel happiness rolling off her in waves. The same thrumming joy rushes through my veins.
When the door clicks shut behind us, the light brown pup notices our arrival and races closer. The other two barely spare us a glance, but I find myself giving them the same lack of attention.
The curious canine sits down a few feet away, tongue lolling out and tail thumping against the mat. A quick glance at her belly leads me to believe she’s a girl. A large white splotch covers half of her face. More random spots paint her side and paws. I don’t have the slightest clue what breed she could be, but that doesn’t matter. Whatever background she’s from blends into an adorable mutt.
The way she inspects us reminds me of an interview. Under her intense scrutiny, I feel my pulse climb several notches. Will she like us? Is that a silly thing to wonder? No, this is important. This process needs to be approved from both sides to be truly successful. I find myself silently sending every positive vibe through our stare down. Her dark eyes dart from Millie to me, finally settling on the one who will ultimately choose.
My daughter presses a finger over her lips, trapping a squeal. I can make a decent guess about what that noise means. Is there such a thing as insta-love with pets? With this pup, I find zero doubt.
Kellie moves to my side. “What are your initial impressions?”
I glance down to Millie, finding her gaze already locked on me. “Well, I think it’s safe to say there’s a front runner.” I point to the pretty girl scooching on her butt to get near us. “What’s her name?”
“Ah, that’s very good to hear.”