36

Elise

“For real? My God, Elise! Poor Tootsie! What kind of heartless person would do that to a poor dog?” exclaimed Alia on the other end of the line, shocked and on the verge of tears. I had called her first thing when I woke up in the morning.

I sighed, massaging my forehead. “I don’t know. Anna was the first to find her, so she’s been crying nonstop. She even needed to take a tranq to calm down and rest.”

“What about you, and Inay and Itay?”

“We’re still in shock. But Tootsie has already been buried in the garden.” I realized tears were streaming down my face. I had been so worried about Anna that my own grief over what happened to our pet was just catching up with me now. “Alia…?” I said, wiping my tears. “Is it okay if we… if we have a pet there at our house?”

“You’re thinking exactly what I’m thinking!” she exclaimed.

I smiled. “I want to take one of the puppies once they’re stronger. I want to help take care of Tootsie’s remaining puppies.”

“Please, pretty please?! I want to he