Page 17 of You and Me, For Real
I recently fostered a dog from the shelter, and in a moment of panic of what-have-I-done, I came across your blog. It appears you’re the perfect person to help. I’m worried my new roommate might have a heart condition. Would you know anything about that? Her condition was pretty rough when I first got her. Any idea how I can determine the dog’s age? Also, she seems to be rather timid. Anything I can do to help remedy that? I’d appreciate any advice you can share with a clueless first-timer. If you’re willing to take on this impossible mission, I’d be in your debt.
Sincerely,
For real, in desperation,
Griffin Ford
A bubbleof giddy excitement bursts to the surface as I read his name. I rest my fingertips against my smiling lips, unsure which makes me smile more: the fact that Griffin Ford emailed me, or the fact that he’s invested in his ward and wants more information to care for her.
But then realization hits. He found my blog. Does he know it’s mine? Surely not. My name isn’t anywhere on the blog. I quickly reread his email, hunting for clues. It doesn’t appear he knows it’s mine. But is he really this open with his full name?
Regardless, I’m grateful he’s proactive since I couldn’t locate another foster home for her today. I’ll attempt to call a few more contacts in the morning, but prospects are abysmal. Since hedidn’t ask about returning the dog in the email, I won’t mention it.
Hello Griffin,
I hear your concerns, and I’m glad your foster dog is in good hands. A worried parent means you’re a good parent. If you googled symptoms of a canine heart condition, I can see where you might have jumped to such conclusions. However, you have to keep in mind the condition you found her in. She’s most likely fatigued from stress and underweight due to neglect. Once she’s put on a regular diet and learns to trust in your guardianship, she’ll return to much better health.
As far as age, a vet can estimate age based on tartar build-up. Nothing to worry about there either, as all dogs have it.
Her timid disposition is more likely a result of her previous owner’s treatment, nothing you’re the cause of. I’m going to include some links to articles with some tips to help her adjust. Your email said fostering, but given your investment, does this mean you’re considering adopting?
Sincerely,
Ashton
I hit send onthe email and head to the bathroom to wash my face and brush my teeth. I drop my toothbrush in the sink. I signed my name.
After running the blog for almost four years, I’ve never once made that mistake. I’ve always kept my anonymity, signing onlyThe Furry Godmother. I never wanted to risk someone connecting me to the Blakes. Of course, they’d have to do some serious digging. The only image I’ve shared of myself on the blog, my face is obscured by my hat and sunglasses, and a sun flare overexposed any other distinguishable features.
By signing my name, all my hard work staying anonymous the past five years and establishing a new path for myself could be ruined. The media could hunt me down at work. Find my home address. Tabloids are quick to connect all the dots. How could I have been so idiotic?
Is it because Iwanthim to know who I am?
I let my giddiness over his email cloud my sane judgment.
I rush into the living room and snatch my phone. Another email awaits. At nearly one a.m. Could it be him?
With a deep inhale, I swipe my phone awake and open the email.
Dear Ashton,
I had my suspicions this blog was yours. Thank you for confirming. ;) I knew you’d be the right person for the task I have in mind. And thank you for putting my mind at ease about the dog. I’ll sleep more peacefully tonight after talking to you. I look forward to our meeting tomorrow as I have a proposition for you. I’m anxious to discuss the details with you in person.
Until then,
Sweet dreams.
Griffin
I groan.
Stupid. Stupid. Stupid.
Hopefully, I can convince him to keep my anonymity tomorrow without him asking too many questions.
I stare at his email. His use of my name feels so personal. So intimate. I picture his eyes once again and the way they pierced into mine at the shelter as though he could see straight to my core. The thought leaves me thrumming with energy—good or bad, I can’t distinguish.
One thing is for sure: sleep peacefully, I will not.
