Season of Surprises

A shelter volunteer and a Christmas miracle

by SHERRY MORGAN, Beckley, West Virginia

I’D JUST SET down my broom when my boss, Elena, burst through the door of the animal shelter in Morgantown, West Virginia, where I volunteered. In her arms, Elena shielded a dog from the bitter cold. A female, heavy with pregnancy. “Do we have an empty kennel?” Elena asked. The shelter was nearly full, but I nodded. “Get it ready. She’s panting hard.” I spread some old quilts down in a pen and looked over our newcomer. She was a medium-size poodle mix, her coat matted and filthy, her belly low-slung. No collar. No home. No one to love her—just like me. Last year I’d spent Christmas Eve with my boyfriend of five years. He had surprised me with a romantic outing to see the lights around town. I’d never felt happier…

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The Joys Of Christmas (Digital) - 1 Issue, 2021

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