Heartstrings on Fire novel Chapter 775

The old man with silver hair glanced up and asked. "Who is it?"

"They're journalists from the Stray Animal Protection Association."

At the mention of the Association, the old man sprang up instantly, getting chairs for Agnes and Jared. "Please, have a seat."

"Mr. Fabian, don't fuss over us," Agnes reassured him, "I'm just here for a simple interview."

Mr. Fabian cleaned his hands As he said, "Alright, ask away."

Agnes pulled out her voice recorder and handed her camera to Jared. "Could you be the photographer today?"

Jared took the camera and said. "I charge quite a bit, but we'll settle up later."

Agnes started the interview. "Mr. and Mrs. Fabian, when did you start caring for these stray cats and dogs?"

Mr. Fabian replied, "About a decade ago. After my wife and I retired, we began looking after these poor little creatures. Many of the dogs here were raised by us from birth. It started with just three dogs and two cats in the alley. The number has grown and now we're looking after around a hundred."

Agnes asked, "Caring for so many strays requires a huge expense. How do you manage?"

"My pension covers some of the expenses," Mr. Fabian explained. "My wife doesn't have one, but she used to run a hot dog stand in the alley, which made a decent amount. We used all the earnings on these animals. But now, with the government's redevelopment plans, we've lost our business and are being asked to move. If we move, what happens to these animals? Some are too old to fend for themselves. The government offered housing compensation, but pets aren't allowed there, let alone this large group."

Agnes was touched by their story.

"So, you're refusing to move because of these strays, right?" Agnes asked for confirmation.

Mr. Fabian sighed, and Mrs. Fabian, who was grooming an old dog, replied, "Yes, we don't have kids of our own. These cats and dogs are like family. Each one has a name. This one is Potato, because she loves eating potatoes. That one is Max. If we leave, these animals would either be left to stray again or be euthanized. The older ones, without our care, would simply starve. They're all precious lives. We raise them, and leaving them now would be like throwing our own children away. We won't move, no matter what."

Agnes was surprised to learn that the Fabians' refusal to move was due to their love for these strays.

"Have you discussed this issue with the government?" Agnes asked.

"Of course," Mr. Fabian answered, "We've tried explaining multiple times. If they could find a solution for these animals, we wouldn't stand in the government's way. But some people claimed these animals carry diseases and should be euthanized. Twelve have already been taken. We fought tooth and nail to protect the rest. Some people, taking advantage of our old age, tried to poison our dogs to force us to move. That's how we lost our Sparky."

Tears welled up in their eyes. "We're old and don't have the means to take them to the vet. Even when we managed to, we were told there was nothing to be done. We could only watch them suffer and die in agony, and then bury them. How can people be so cruel? These animals are gentle and never bite. Dogs understand human kindness. They know what you do for them. How could anyone be so heartless?"

Overwhelmed by their grief, the elderly couple was inconsolable.