The Dog That Changed My Life

Jacky Quintero

Hi, my name is Kaylee Jessica Santos, and I’m here to share my life story. It was a normal day; my dad was sick but strong. To celebrate my parents’ anniversary, we went to the “Lor, bore” pizza place. It was so good, but then the unexpected happened. Dad dropped to the ground. Pum, pum, pum, pum.

Dad’s heart was beating really fast. We immediately went to the hospital and the doctor had horrible news. He said that my dad had little time to live. . . After two days, it was over. My real close friend and loving dad was gone.

Two years later, here I am as healthy as can be. Now I’m 18, so I’m starting college, and hopefully Mama is going to be OK when I’m gone. But for now, I’ve got to figure out this boyfriend of Mom’s. He sounds nice, but I don’t know how I feel about it. I mean, some people just can’t live without LOVE. So I kind of sorta get it, but I still need time to adjust. Anyway, I go in my car and drive to the first day of college. I notice Mama isn’t too sad but, you know what, I feel like it’s just something that is bugging her. I will visit her every one or two weeks because Mama will need her privacy now that Joe will be around now. But other exciting news: I am moving into my own little apartment. So excited! After school, I go and check out the apartment; it is amazing.

Two Months Later

Beat, beat, sounds my alarm clock. “Today is the day,” I say, excited. I get up and find my dress. Today is a very special day—Mama and Joe are getting married. Yesterday, Joe got me so mad, and I still am. I’ll tell you guys after, but for now, let’s go see Mama.

Knock, knock.

¿Quién es?— Mama said.

Soy yo, Mamá.— I said back.

She opened the door and said —Hola, mija. ¿Cómo has estado?— Mama asked.

I said —Good.

After a small talk and getting dressed, it was time. My Grandma Lupe walked her down the aisle. Mama said her vows, then Joe said his, they put the rings on, and it was official. I thought to myself, How could I let this happen?

I was happy and all, but I did not want a guy my mom just met and asked her to marry him to be my dad. After the contract, he is basically my dad now. And before that, he came in my room and said —Hey, Kaylee, I am, uhh, excited for you to, uhh, be my daughter.

And I said —Just because you’re marrying my mom doesn’t legally make you my dad.— I said in a low, serious, mad voice. I had all types of emotions right then and there. I was still mad at him because I started dating this one guy and it was brought to Joe’s attention and he got mad for absolutely NO REASON. Like, what!? So anyway, my point was that he made the guy that I really like break up with me. Like, HE’S NOT MY DAD, JEEZ! For the last time, please, he’s not my dad, like, ugh. Besides that, I just wanted my mom to be happy.

One day, when I was going home, I heard a bark and it shocked me, so I checked. IT WAS A DOG! I checked if it had lice. It did not, so I got it and I took it home. I gave it a shower and then I thought and thought for minutes.

One Month Later

I decided to keep the dog, hopefully. Lola (my dog, the one I found) and Froggy, my cat, don’t fight, so it’s pretty chill.

One Year Later

After having Lola for about a year, I’ve found someone new. So, I’m saying I’ve found a new boyfriend. His name is Salvador, and he is a very sweet, charming guy. But anyway, I’ve been through a lot and Lola really has been, like, understanding me. She’s been helping me when I’m stressed, and sadly today my Grandma Lupe passed away, but Lola is a miracle. I found out that

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Lola’s original name was Angel, and that her owners treated her badly and had some very strong dogs that lived there, and it was too harsh for Lola. She got abandoned two times by the same person. But me, after hearing her sad story, I just had to keep her. She’s one of thousands of other dogs, so I want the best for Lola. I don’t know what I would do without Lola.

Time just passes fast. I’ve visited my mom, and she’s sick. So horrible. I visited all the five-star hospitals in LA and none are able to help. All I do now is hardly ever go out, I just talk and talk to Lola. Hopefully Mama gets better.

A Couple Months Later

—Woohoo!— I yell.

Splash, splash—the sound of the pool splashes.

Ring, ring—rings the phone.

—Hello. Um, is this Kaylee?

—¿Who is this?— I say, confused.

—We are the hospital department. Um, about your mom, she’s getting worse and really low on health.— says the doctor.

—¡Oh no! Is she fine!?

—No, she is not too well.— the doctor replies.

I drop the phone, go and tell Salvador, and we leave to the hospital!

Two days later, we found out that my step-dad poisoned her! He went to jail.

Life was great after that because my mom was all right, and we wouldn’t be in contact with Joe. Also ‘cause Lola talked to me! We understand each other, and that’s why I knew Lola was a good dog from the start. So that’s my story.