Dreaming of dogs

I wake up in cold sweat as I dream about the abandoned dog in the desert. It suspiciously looks like the one who left me for her heavenly abode.

Did I fail her in some way?

I bring up kittens and puppies, looking for a reunion with the same soul.

Aria looks like her and is temperamentally similar. I ask for forgiveness as I rock her in my tired arms.

“You’re quite a handful, but I won’t fail you.”

I dream again of the same dog. She is in an oasis saying “Mama, relax. I’m fine – in your arms.”

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Story Challenge in 99 words