Grandma’s Secret in the Dog’s Collar
When Grandma passed away, my whole family suddenly remembered she existed. They rushed to her house like vultures, desperate to find her will. But I was the only one who didn’t go searching through her drawers. I took home her old dog, Berta—without knowing that Grandma had hidden something life-changing in the most unexpected place.
To bring my family together, you either had to throw a pile of money in front of them or wait for someone to die.
That day, sadly, it was both.
The wind was cold at the cemetery. I stood there, holding Berta’s leash tightly, watching as Grandma’s coffin was lowered into the ground. Berta whimpered and pulled forward, as if she wanted to jump in after Grandma.
“She misses her,” I whispered, blinking back tears.
Berta had been with Grandma for years. Grandma always said, “She’s my best friend and the only one I can really trust.”
And honestly, that was true. Grandma was kind but strict—very particular about everything. She made a fortune in her life but didn’t spoil anyone.
She didn’t give money to her children or grandchildren. Instead, she paid for everyone’s education and said, “What you achieve on your own, no one can take away.”
That’s why my mom, uncle, and aunt hadn’t spoken to her for years. They thought she was stingy. But I knew better.
I glanced around at my relatives at the funeral. Their faces were full of fake sadness and hidden greed. I knew exactly what they were thinking: Maybe Grandma left me something.
But I also knew Grandma—she wouldn’t make it easy for anyone.
During her last six months, I had moved in with her to take care of her. Balancing my job as a nurse with her care was exhausting, but I stayed because she needed me. And I think she knew I was the only one who truly cared.
One night, while I was worrying over my car repair bill, I sighed, “I don’t know how I’m supposed to pay for this.”
Grandma didn’t even look up from her book. “You’re a strong girl, Meredith. You’ll manage.”
That was Grandma—never handing out money, but always pushing me to stand on my own.
After the funeral, we all went to her house to hear the will. I had already packed my things. I knew my family wouldn’t let me stay there for long.
The living room was silent. The air was heavy with greed and tension.
Then Aunt Florence broke the silence. She turned to me with a sly smile. “Meredith, remind me—what kind of doctor are you?”
“I’m a nurse,” I answered.
“A nurse?” Uncle Jack nearly choked. “That doesn’t make much money! Look at Tom—he runs his own car company. And Alice has several beauty salons!”
“I help people. That’s enough for me,” I said quietly.
Mom rolled her eyes and muttered under her breath, “I can’t believe I gave birth to her.”
She and I barely spoke—only on birthdays and Christmas, and even then, it felt forced.
Just then, the doorbell rang. Nobody moved, so I went to open it.
Standing there was Mr. Johnson, Grandma’s lawyer. He was calm, polite, and serious as always.
“I won’t take much of your time,” he said when we all gathered in the living room. “There isn’t much to discuss.”
Mom frowned. “What do you mean, not much to discuss? What about the will?”
Uncle Jack snapped, “She must have left something to someone!”
Mr. Johnson looked up and said in a flat tone, “None of you will receive any inheritance from Cassandra.”
The room erupted in gasps and angry murmurs.
“How is that possible?!” Mom shouted. “We’re her family!”
Uncle Jack slammed his fist on the table. “Who’s getting the house and the money then?”
“I’m afraid I can’t share that information,” Mr. Johnson replied. “Now, please, all of you must leave the house.”
Nobody moved.
“That old witch!” Uncle Jack yelled. “Not even a penny after everything we did for her?!”
“Don’t say that,” I said quickly. “Grandma cared about us. She just had her own way of showing it.”
Mom scoffed. “She was a witch when she was alive, and she’s still one now.”
At that moment, Berta barked loudly, almost protectively.
Aunt Florence groaned. “Oh right, what are we going to do with that dog?”
“Put her down,” Mom said coldly.
“I agree,” Uncle Jack added. “She’s ancient anyway.”
“You can’t put her down!” I shouted, my voice shaking.
Mom crossed her arms. “Then what do you suggest? Throw her out?”
“Grandma loved Berta,” I said firmly. “Someone has to take her.”
The room filled with laughter.
“If you want her, then take her,” Mom said. “I’m not wasting time on that mutt.”
I hesitated. “My lease doesn’t allow pets…”
“Then it’s decided. We’ll put her down,” Uncle Jack said, brushing his hands together.
I looked desperately at my cousins. “Tom? Alice? Please?”
Tom shrugged. Alice sneered. “No way. I’m not bringing a flea-ridden animal into my house.”
I exhaled deeply. “Fine. I’ll take Berta,” I said.
Mr. Johnson cleared his throat. “I’ll ask one last time—please leave the house. None of you have the right to stay here anymore.”
Mom snapped, “And who does? We grew up here!”
“Please don’t make me call the police,” he said firmly.
Everyone grumbled but finally left. I gathered Berta’s things, helped her into the car, and drove back to my apartment.
The landlord wasn’t thrilled when I showed up with a dog, but after I agreed to pay a little more rent, he let me keep her.
Berta was quiet at first, lying by the window every day, staring outside as if waiting for Grandma to come back. I missed her too. Grandma had been the only one who ever believed in me.
Days passed like that—just me and Berta—until one evening, after a long hospital shift, I heard a furious knock at my door.
When I opened it, I froze.
“Mom?”
She barged in. “I know you have it!” she shouted.
“Have what?” I asked.
“The inheritance!” she screamed. “You lived with her. She left everything to you, didn’t she?”
“All I inherited was Berta,” I said.
“Don’t lie to me!” Mom snapped. “You were always her favorite!”
“Grandma didn’t leave me anything,” I said firmly.
“Liar!” she yelled. “You owe me that money! I gave birth to you!”
Tears filled my eyes. “I have nothing, Mom! Please believe me!”
Mom glared, her voice dripping with venom. “We’ll see about that, witch!” Then she stormed out.
I sank to the floor, crying uncontrollably. Berta came over, resting her head on my lap. I stroked her fur, trying to calm myself—and that’s when I noticed something odd about her collar.
It had a tiny metal tag that I’d never really looked at. I turned it over. On the back was an engraved address and the number 153.
I frowned. I typed the address into my GPS—it led to the train station. The number must be a locker.
But how would I open it?
Then I noticed the tag could be unscrewed. I twisted it gently—and a small key fell into my hand.
My heart pounded. Without thinking twice, I grabbed my coat and drove straight to the train station.
Locker 153 was in the far corner. I inserted the key—it fit perfectly.
When I opened the locker, I found a small folder labeled “For Meredith.”
Inside was a handwritten note and several official-looking papers. My hands trembled as I unfolded the letter.
It read:
“I decided to leave everything I earned to a person with a pure heart, someone who would not exploit others.
Everything I own will go to the one who agrees to care for Berta.
I know that person will be you, Meredith.
You are the only one left in our family who still shows decency.
You deserve the best.
With love,
Grandma.”
I covered my mouth, tears spilling down my cheeks. She had left everything—to me.
I opened the folder and saw legal documents confirming it. I could hardly believe it was real.
Then I heard a familiar voice behind me.
“Aha! I knew you were hiding something!”
I turned—and there was Mom, her face red with rage. Behind her came Uncle Jack.
“So she really did leave everything to Meredith,” he said bitterly.
“What are you doing here?!” Mom snapped at him.
“You didn’t think I’d let you have it all, did you?” he sneered. “I hired a private detective to follow Meredith. And now, dear niece, hand over the will.”
Mom lunged forward. “Give it to me! I’m your mother!”
Before I could react, a calm voice echoed behind us. “Meredith will give it to no one,” said Mr. Johnson, stepping out of the shadows.
Uncle Jack spun around. “And where did you come from?!”
“The security sensor alerted me when the locker opened,” Mr. Johnson said. “I came because I suspected something like this might happen.”
Mom’s face twisted in fury. “I have a right to that will! I’m her daughter!”
Mr. Johnson shook his head. “Cassandra’s estate belongs to whoever took care of Berta. That was not you.”
Uncle Jack growled, “Then I’ll take that dog right now if it means getting the money!”
Mr. Johnson’s voice hardened. “It’s too late. Meredith took Berta without knowing about the inheritance—that was the test. If any of you try to interfere, you’ll answer to me and the police.”
The room went silent.
I clutched the folder, trembling.
“Come on, Meredith,” Mr. Johnson said gently. “We have much to discuss.”
We walked to my car together. I sat behind the wheel, staring ahead. “Why did she do all this?” I asked softly. “Why make everyone fight?”
Mr. Johnson smiled faintly. “She didn’t want to punish anyone, Meredith. She wanted to reward goodness. She wanted her fortune to go to someone who would use it wisely.”
I nodded slowly. “Then I’ll give most of it to the hospital—to help the people who need it.”
He smiled. “It’s yours now. Do what your heart says.”
As I drove home, Berta rested her head on my shoulder. I glanced at her and whispered, “We did it, girl.”
In that moment, I missed Grandma more than ever—but I knew she’d be proud. Because her final gift wasn’t the money. It was the lesson that kindness always finds its way home.