After my baby was born, my controlling mother-in-law became unbearable. I tolerated her constant criticism until she stole our dog, Bear, claiming he was a threat to the baby. When my husband, Tom, wouldn’t take my side, I gave him an ultimatum: it was her or me. He finally agreed to cut ties with her, but Bear was still gone.

Two years later, our family had moved, and Sophie, our now-toddler, still asked about Bear. One day at the park, Sophie almost fell into the pond, but to my shock, Bear appeared, saving her. I collapsed in relief as he licked my face. Turns out, he had been adopted by a new family. They were kind enough to let us visit him, and though it was painful to say goodbye again, I knew Bear was happy.

The loss of Bear had haunted me for years, but seeing him with his new family brought me peace. It was a bittersweet reunion that healed old wounds.