Caught between joy and sorrow, Derrick let out a trembling laugh. “I deleted half those emails,” he admitted, eyes stinging with tears. “I had no idea people were donating.” The woman squeezed his shoulder gently. “Well, they did. And they’re still doing it. Your dog has a real shot.”
Overwhelmed, Derrick pressed a shaking hand over his mouth. Relief coursed through him like a tidal wave, nearly toppling him. He clutched the woman’s phone as if it were a lifeline. “Thank you,” he choked out, every syllable brimming with gratitude. “This changes everything—Rusty can finally live.”