Page 3 of Christmas Shelter

Chapter 3

Time seems to have frozen as Patricia Burnet stands there for what feels like hours, staring at Carlota, that old acquaintance she doesn't hold fond memories of. The snow keeps falling, no longer in scattered flakes but now as an unrelenting icy curtain that transforms the ground into a white blanket. Next to her, her unexpected companion wags his tail as if he's facing a bowl of wet dog food rather than a person.

"Don't just stand there, come in, please, you'll freeze," Carlota says, noticing how the girl in front of her remains petrified.

Carlota can't help but smile because before deciding to enter, Patricia and her pet shake their heads at the same time. They step into a tiny room that appears to be some sort of reception area, and after closing the main door, Carlota opens another that leads to a larger space where individual cages of different sizes are neatly arranged, holding several dogs who wait expectantly and instantly burst into frenzied barking.

"Okay, okay, calm down," Carlota pleads, unsuccessfully.

Patricia takes in everything quickly, but doesn't miss certain details, like the armchair with a blanket thrown over it, an e-reader, and a nearly empty wine glass. It seems Carlota was in the middle of a cozy reading session when she showed up at the shelter.

"Who's this handsome boy?" Carlota asks, observing the dog with a smile.

For the second time in just minutes, Patricia finds herself in a strange dreamlike state. She lifts her gaze and fixes it on the girl.

"I just found him," she answers while crouching down to pet him. "Some asshole abandoned him, but that broken rope tells me he managed to break free from wherever they tied him up. He was on the road, and luckily I was able to catch him, though it took a while."

Carlota's smile vanishes instantly, and her face contorts into an expression mixing rage and pain.

"Same old story," Carlota says while shaking her head and turning to open a cabinet. "I still can't understand how someone can abandon an animal to their fate, especially in this weather. Let's get him up on the table to dry him off."

Patricia nods and picks up the dog carefully. Although he's shown himself to be gentle, it's clear the animal has been through a lot, and in moments like these, he might feel cornered and react defensively. He allows himself to be picked up without the slightest problem, and Patricia lifts him onto a metal table at the back of the room, next totwo cabinets containing everything necessary to examine and treat animals. The two veterinarians work together, thoroughly drying the dog, checking his paws, ears, teeth, and eyes. Then they move on to palpating organs to rule out any obvious injuries, and both conclude that the animal shows no serious damage beyond some scratches, thinness, and very long nails, which they decide to trim for his comfort.

Neither of them realizes it, but they've worked so synchronously that it seems as if they've been partners for a long time. While one dried the animal, the other examined him. Then Carlota, knowing where everything is, brought out antiseptic, ointment, and nail clippers. In silent agreement, each veterinarian handled a different part of the treatment, and in less than half an hour, the dog was on the floor devouring a bowl of kibble mixed with wet food.

"Hello, handsome," Patricia greets one of the dogs in a small cage. It's an overweight Chihuahua who watches her while wagging his tail but maintains a penetrating analytical gaze, as if figuring out where to attack if this strange woman gets too close.

"This is Troy," Carlota comments. "Apparently his owner has a new boyfriend who can't stand animals, so she decided to get rid of him after keeping him for months practically without taking him outside. That's why he's overweight."

Patricia blinks, perplexed. Although she's been practicing her profession for years and has collaboratedseveral times with animal protection organizations and shelters, she can't get used to these cases where people - to call them something - dispose of their pets as if they were inanimate objects.

"These are Luca, Vito, and Sonic," Carlota continues with the introductions. "Their owners bought an apartment and, tired of them scratching everything, gave them to their ninety-year-old neighbor. The woman died, and they were left alone. The former owners didn't even bother looking for them."

Patricia feels like if she opens her eyes any wider, they'll pop out of their sockets. She couldn't be more shocked.

Carlota explains the case of each animal there and their stories. Patricia notices that the veterinarian is deeply involved because it's not common in places like these for volunteers to have everything so under control, mainly because there are usually so many animals that it's difficult to know them all in depth.

"We managed to place the rest in foster homes. They're warm and peaceful. Once the storm passes, they'll return to the shelter, though with luck, some of the volunteers might decide to keep one," Carlota says, hoping her wishes come true.

Both jump when they hear an unexpected loud noise.

"Well, looks like he was tired," Patricia says, realizing the noise comes from the newly found dog who's snoring loudly.

"This is what usually happens," Carlota explains. "While they're on the street, between confusion, fear, andthe situations they have to face, they rest very little. When they get here and realize they at least have shelter, water, and food, they usually collapse for a good while."

Patricia feels miserable about having to leave, but at least she's been able to leave the dog in good hands.

"I hope he can find a good home soon," the cardiologist responds sadly. "Listen, I'm sorry, but I need to continue my journey. The car's stuck at the start of the path, between the mud and snow, I can't get out without help."

Carlota raises her eyebrows while opening her mouth.

"Getting out of here will be impossible, Patricia."

"I can't stay," the cardiologist responds. "I need your help."

Carlota sighs.

"Are you sure you want to drive in this storm?"

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