That’s Maple—named after syrup for her warm, comforting vibe. I found her tied up outside Walgreens, waiting like no one was coming back. She didn’t bark, just curled up on my rug like she finally felt safe. Bringing her home was easy.
Then my sister Callen called. She’s severely allergic to dogs and needed a place to stay when her hotel plans fell through. She asked if she could crash and keep Maple in the bedroom.
I hesitated. Maple doesn’t go in the bedroom; she claimed that rug as her own. Callen said, “She’s just a dog,” but last month, Maple stayed by my side when I was crying—she’s more than that to me.
I told Callen no. She was shocked and angry, but I had to protect Maple.
That night, Callen showed up anyway—with a friend named Ben who helped her after her hotel canceled.
Over the next days, Callen and I faced tension, but slowly she warmed up to Maple. Even helped walk her (from a safe distance). Ben kept things light.
By the time Callen left, we’d made peace. Standing firm on what matters can be hard, but it opens the door to understanding.
