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Nancy G. Shapiro's avatar

A Hug in Trader Joe's

The TJ's crew member motioned me over to his register. I'd seen him before, his down-the-back dreadlock unforgettable.

Looks like breakfast food, he said. Did you check the eggs?

Nodding my head,, I told him the food was for a special diet for our sick dog.

Tell me about your dog!

He's a Malti-Poo, thirteen years old and he's blind now because he's sick with diabetes and Cushing's disease.

Aww...what's his name?

Teddy. Do you have a dog?

Yep. He's a mastiff. Would you like to see a picture?

Sure!

He turned his phone to a photo of a huge brindle mastiff, and told me all Cerberus wanted was lots of love.

That's what Teddy wants too. We're on hospice care duty.

Tears suddenly filled my eyes.

"Is there something you need, Teddy's mom?"

"How about a hug?

Sure thing!

He was a good hugger. I walked out of Trader Joe's lighter than when I walked in.

7.7.25

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