Why can't they leave me alone? I find a curb to sit on, to catch my breath and take a moment to stop crying when the dog presses his nose into my shoulder. Him at least I can hug, though I know I'll lose him too when this is done.

It's not fair. But when I try to push the dog away he growls at me and plants himself.

"Just leave me alone." I shove against his shoulder. He snaps at me and licks my cheek. "I said go." Again the defiance. This time he head butts me, hard in ...