Part 1: The Morning My Dog Wouldn’t Stop Scratching at the Door

sweater in my lap and whispered, “I’ll take care of them. Just like you did.”

Baxter rested his head at my feet. The mother cat purred softly, her kittens nestled close.

It was the first night I slept without waking in panic.

And when morning came, sunlight poured into the room, and the kittens stirred, it felt like Lily was still here. Not in pain. Not continue reading …