The Dog Didn’t Care Anymore; It Was Ready to Leave This Cruel World Behind…

Ill tell you about a woman who once seemed ready to abandon this harsh world.

Margaret had lived for years in a modest cottage at the very edge of a small English village. When people said she was lonely, she would laugh. Alone? shed reply with a smile. No, Ive got a big family! The village women would nod kindly, but as soon as she turned away they exchanged glances and gave a subtle flick of the finger to their temples, as if to say what family she really hadno husband, no children, only animals. To Margaret, those fourlegged and feathered companions were her kin. She paid no heed to the folk who believed animals existed only for a purpose: a cow for milk, chickens for eggs, a dog for guarding, a cat for catching mice. In her home there were five cats and four dogs, all kept indoors where it was warm, which left the neighbours puzzled.

They whispered their amazement among themselves, knowing it was pointless to argue with a quirky lady. Whenever they chided her, she would simply laugh, Ah, nonsense, the streets are fine for them, our home is cosy enough for all of us.

Five years ago her life was ripped apart in a single dayher husband and son were killed in a crash when a laden lorry burst onto the road as they returned from a fishing trip. After the tragedy, Margaret realised she could not stay in a house filled with reminders of her loved ones. Walking the same lanes, entering familiar shops, meeting sympathetic neighbours became unbearable.

Six months later she sold the cottage, took her cat Daisy, and moved to the outskirts of a village, buying a small house. In summer she tended the garden; in winter she found work in the community centres dining hall. New animals kept finding their way to her: a stray begging at the station, another wandering near the hall in search of scraps. Thus her family grew from solitary, battered souls. Margarets warm heart mended their old wounds, and they repaid her with loyalty and love.

She fed them all, even when it was hard. Knowing she could not keep rescuing animals forever, she promised herself she would take no more. Yet one March turned into a bitter February: prickly snow blanketed the lanes, and a piercing wind howled through the night.

One evening Margaret hurried to catch the last bus back to the village. The weekend was two days away, and after her shift she had stopped in the shops, bought provisions for herself and her animals, and even carried extra food from the dining hall. The heavy bags tugged at her arms as she walked, focused only on the warmth awaiting her at home. Suddenly, just a few steps before the bus stop, she halted and turned around.

Under a bench lay a dog, eyes glazed and dull, its body dusted with snow. It had been there for at least an hour. Passersby wrapped in scarves walked past, none stopping. Did nobody see? a thought flared in her mind.

Her chest tightened. Forgetting the bus and her own resolutions, she dropped the bags and rushed forward, reaching out. The dog blinked slowly. Thank heavens youre alive! she breathed, relief flooding her. Come on, dear, get up.

The animal barely moved, but it didnt resist as she gently lifted it from beneath the bench. It seemed as if the dog had already given up on this cruel world.

She cant recall how she managed to lug the two heavy bags and a shivering dog onto the bus. Inside, she settled in a quiet corner of the waiting hall, cradling the frail creature, warming its frozen paws between her hands.

Come now, love, well pull through. We still have a home to get to, she whispered. Youll be the fifth dog in our pack, just to keep the count even.

From her bag she pulled a meat patty and offered it to the trembling guest. At first the dog turned its nose away, but after a moment of warming, its eyes brightened, its nostrils twitched, and it took the food.

An hour later Margaret stood on the roadside with the dog, now named Bella, raising her hand to flag down a car, the bus having long since departed. She fashioned a makeshift collar and leash from her belt, though she barely needed itthe dog trotted close, pressing its head against her legs. Ten minutes later a car pulled over.

Thank you ever so much! the driver called. Dont worry, Ill let her sit on my lap; she wont dirty the seat.
Fine by me, he replied, smiling. She can have a spot.

Bella shivered, cuddling into Margarets lap, and the driver turned up the heater. They rode in silence; Margaret watched the snowflakes flash past the headlights, holding her new companion close, while the driver stole glances at the serene, exhausted passenger. He guessed she had rescued the dog and was taking it home.

At Margarets cottage the driver helped carry the bags inside. The snowdrift against the gate was so deep the driver had to push it aside with his shoulder. The rusted hinges gave way and the gate fell sideways.

Nothing to worry about, Margaret sighed. Its about time we fixed that.

From inside came cheerful barks and meows, and Margaret hurried to the door. She let her assorted furry family pour out into the yard. Well, were you waiting for me? Meet the newcomer! she announced, presenting Bella, who peeked shyly from behind her legs.

The dogs wagged their tails, nosing the bags the driver held. What are we doing out here in this cold? Margaret mused. Come in if a big family doesnt scare you. Want some tea?
Thanks, but its late, the driver replied. You should feed yourstheyll be missing you.

The next day, around midday, Margaret heard a knock at the gate. She slipped on her coat and opened it to find the same driver, already fitting new hinges onto the gate, tools spread out beside him.

Good afternoon! he said, smiling. Im Tom, I broke the gate earlier, so Ive come to repair it. And you are?
Margaret answered, and her tailwagging family gathered around, sniffing and wagging.

Tom sat down to give them a rub. Olivia, go inside, dont freeze. Ill be done soon, then we can share a cup of tea. I even have a slice of cake in the car, plus a few treats for your large family.