He remembered Dumbo, the sweet-faced retriever he'd fallen madly in love with when he'd come to the Quinns.
He'd been the first dog to play with, to be comforted by, in Ethan's life. From Dumbo he'd learned the meaning of unconditional love, had certainly trusted the dog long before he'd trusted Ray and Stella Quinn or the boys who would become his brothers.
He imagined Seth felt much the same. You could always depend on your dog.
When he'd come here all those years ago, damaged in body and soul, he had no hope that his life would really change. Promises, reassurances, decent meals and decent people meant nothing to him. So he'd considered ending that life.
The water had drawn him even then. He imagined himself walking out into it, drifting out until it was over his head. He didn't know how to swim then, so it would have been simple. Just sinking down and down and down until there was nothing.
But the night he'd slipped out to do it, the dog had come with him. Licking his hand, pressing that warm, furry body against his legs. And Dumbo had brought him a stick, tail wagging, big brown eyes hopeful.
The first time, Ethan threw the stick high and far and in fury. But Dumbo chased it happily and brought it back. Tail wagging.
He threw it again, then again, then dozens of times. Then he simply sat down on the grass, and in the moonlight cried his heart out, clutching the dog like a lifeline.
The need to end it had passed.
A dog, Ethan thought now as he rubbed a hand over Simon's head, could be a glorious thing.
Sea Swept
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Dogs are full of unconditional love and affection and are greatly aware of our emotions as people.
By Tam Tam from Shizuoka, JAPAN - dachshund, CC BY-SA 2.0,
https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=2134998
A pet can bring a lot of excitement and affection to your life. But were you aware of the powerful mental and physical health benefits that accompany pet ownership?
Not only do animals encourage us to be active, but they can also reduce stress and depression, ease loneliness and bring unconditional love to our lives.
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