Word Count: 729

It had been a long and arduous decision, but Candice decided. It was very reluctant choice since she didn’t want to impinge on Cotton and her abilities. Candice knew, however, that if Cotton were to ever have puppies, between school, having dual identities and taking care of Cotton, there wouldn’t be enough hours in a day for all of it.

Cotton was wagging her tail while in the arms of Candice. The dog was growing increasingly bigger and was causing more of a strain on Candice’s arms, but Candice knew that if she didn’t hold Cotton, it would have been hard to get the dog to go into the veterinary clinic. The dog was smart enough to know the smell and like most people were, Cotton hated going to her doctor.

Candice knew that Cotton would hate this experience much more.

When Candice opened the door to the clinic, Cotton’s body tensed. The once excited dog was still and shivering just a bit. Something was going to happen and the dog knew it. Candice gave Cotton a kiss on her forehead, trying to reassure her that everything was going to be okay. The kiss didn’t do much though, but Cotton buried her face into Candice’s underarm while she spoke to the receptionist.

Candice took a seat in the waiting room as she put Cotton down on the floor. The dog was at least having some fun meeting other dogs around her as well as some cats. Candice could help but smile, feeling like Cotton was just as friendly as she was. It didn’t take long, however for Candice and Cotton’s name to be called. She didn’t have to go in herself so she let the vet take Cotton in. The expression that Cotton gave as she looked back at Candice was heartbreaking, but what could she do?

As time ticked, Candice couldn’t help but regret her decision. She understood why she thought it was a good thing, but imaging never having any members of Cotton’s family after the little dog’s time passed was depressing. There was, of course, always memories and pictures, but it wouldn’t be the same. Of course, if Candice kept one of Cotton’s children, it wouldn’t be the same either. Sometimes she felt like she should have done it; some would have to be given away, but Candice’s heart would break with that too!

She sighed as her mind still raced. There was no good solution to Candice’s thoughts, and since Cotton was in there anyways, there wasn’t much that could be changed.

When Cotton was finally being led out again, Candice saw her and smiled. The dog was wearing a cone to prevent her from licking her underside. Cotton herself was happy to see Candice, wagging her tail just a little bit. Candice noticed that Cotton seemed to be a bit more withdrawn as well. “Probably because of the cone around her neck.”

“I’m so sorry to put you through this, my sweet,” Candice told Cotton as she gave the dog another peck on the forehead. Cotton responded by giving a still-loving lick on the cheek, which made Candice giggle. She didn’t know if all people and their dogs understood each other well, but between her and Cotton, Candice was sure that the understood each other.

Candice attached Cotton’s leash to the dog’s harness and opened the door to let Cotton through. Before going out, Candice grabbed one of the doggy treats that was free to take and gave one to Cotton to snack on. “Shall we go home now, little one?”
“I’m sorry you won’t be able to have puppies, my Cotton. I know it would have been nice for the both of us… But there isn’t the time or money for them. I don’t know If you’re mad at me, but… I tried to make the best decision for the both of us.”

Cotton looked up to Candice happily, happily enjoying her treat as well as wanting to go home. Candice was pretty sure the little dog would like a long nap. “Maybe it would be easier to sneak off tonight for a patrol,” Candice thought to herself with a laugh. It was an idea, but Candice would rather not stress out the dog and would always be ready to give up a day of patrol to spend time with her beloved Cotton.