Cocoa's Christmas Love by Josie Riviera

Author:Josie Riviera
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Josie Riviera

Several more days passed, the middle of December arrived, and Ivy adapted to the challenges that came with caring for a puppy. She developed a routine that allowed her to balance her work at the flower shop and her time with Cocoa.

“Certainly, house training isn’t as difficult as I feared,” she admitted one evening to Cocoa. She’d gotten in the habit of talking with him.

She clasped a scalding mug of peppermint tea as she gazed out the window at the mesmerizing dance of snowflakes. “And I must say, you’re quite the little gentleman now.”

In response, his ears perked, and he tilted his head.

After the pup had eaten, he circled the kitchen, and she immediately stood at the ready, leash in hand. “Ready for a walk? It’s time for more house training.”

Once back inside, she realized that he’d tracked muddy footprints through the living room. Exhaling, she cleaned up after him. Yet another task added to her ever-growing list of responsibilities.

The reality of her business demands loomed large, and her heart ached with the realization that she couldn’t keep him forever. She needed to find him a permanent home where he could grow and thrive.

She was making an altruistic decision, and one that held Cocoa’s best interests at its center, she told herself.

That is, when she didn’t glance down at his trusting eyes and wagging tail.

Or his unwavering devotion. Or their shared moments of joy.

Tears escaped as she crafted a social media ad and posted online: Give the Gift of Unconditional Devotion: Adopt an Abandoned Puppy this Christmas. Cocoa is a playful, loving, and intelligent four-month-old Pomeranian who deserves unconditional love. She added an adorable photo of him and her email for people to contact her directly.

“Remember, we’re searching for a family who will care for you just like I do,” she whispered to Cocoa the next day while scrolling through the responses on her phone. “You deserve nothing less.”

Ivy returned home the following evening to find several promising messages from potential adopters. As she read them, she pictured Cocoa snuggled up with each household, romping through their yards, and showered with affection.

“Look, Cocoa, this family has two kids who would adore you. And this couple lives on a farm with lots of room to explore!” She shared the details of the prospective homes with him. “Nothing is definite, though. They’re just inquiring.”

As the evening wore on, Ivy contacted all the potential adopters, asking questions and discussing their plans for Cocoa. With each conversation, a tug-of-war between hope and heartache played out, a bittersweet reminder that soon, Cocoa would no longer be in her life.

“How about another cuddle?” She carefully enfolded the puppy in her arms and settled onto the couch. The living room glowed with strands of mini white lights draped over her compact Christmas tree and the red and gold ornaments shimmered. The miniature snowman, decorated in garland, was stationed in soundless merriment.

She hadn’t bothered to light the fireplace, and it stood as a silent sentinel, waiting to enhance the room again with heat.

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