dog registration papers 4

https://writerhavenx.com/s/O2NOEu34Qmn1kRiZNE81i

The dog registration papers were crumpled in my glovebox, a faded county form I'd filled out at the shelter three years ago. It listed his breed as 'lab mix' and his microchip number in smudged blue ink. Fingering the creased edges, I realized that flimsy document was the only proof he was mine—a legal handshake between me and the town, complete with an annual license fee stamped at the top.