Paw Prints in the Sand

Prequel to Paw Prints in the Sand: Mission Accomplished
Love is a strong word signifying different things to different people.  It is the relationship between man and woman, parent and child, siblings or friends. To many, it is the soulful bond between dog and its human.
Chelsea and Anthony were elated when they adopted Sugar and Spice, a male and a female retriever.  The shelter attendant assured them that the female had been spayed, but the male needed to get neutered.   When Sugar went for a checkup, they discovered otherwise; Sugar was pregnant. 
So, when Sugar actually gave birth, finding the perfect owner for each puppy was arduous, but finding an owner for the last pup was downright heart wrenching.  The last pup had just recovered from various health issues and had been nursed back to health by Chelsea.  She had been in her care for six months--just enough time for Chelsea and her to form a powerful bond.
Alas, it was time to find the pup her forever home.  Chelsea rejected many of the pursuers. None were good enough.
But on that warm summer afternoon, the seemingly perfect couple fit the bill. With tears in her eyes, Chelsea handed them the pup, the one she loved as if it were her own daughter. The one she secretly named Foxy.
Two years later, she received a phone call from the veterinarian. A loose dog was found and the microchip led them to Chelsea. It was only then that she discovered Foxy hadn't been given a good home after all.  They had unknowingly handed her to the owners of a puppy mill. 
As if a knife had been driven through her heart, Chelsea had a choice to make.  One that would make things right, as they should've been from the beginning. One that would change their lives forever.
A moving love story of sorts that demonstrates the unbreakable bond  and sustainable love between dogs and humans.

A fictional novella.
*A portion of the proceeds will be donated to animal rescue.