I Adopted the Oldest Shelter Dog, Knowing She Had Only a Month Left –

At the animal shelter, I chose Maggie, a frail senior dog, despite my husband Greg’s ultimatum: her or him. Our marriage, strained by our inability to have children, had grown silent. I hoped a dog would bridge the gap, but Greg scoffed at Maggie’s hospice status and left when I brought her home. I poured love into Maggie—homemade meals, warm blankets—nursing her back to health. As my divorce finalized, Maggie’s recovery

brought me joy. Six months later, I ran into Greg, who mocked my choice. But Mark, a new friend, appeared with a thriving Maggie, stunning Greg. Mark and I grew close, and at a park picnic, he proposed, with Maggie “delivering” the ring. I said yes, tears of joy falling. Choosing Maggie cost me my marriage but gave me a new life—filled with love, purpose, and a loyal dog who proved second chances are worth everything.