For those who haven’t noticed the shift in my usual posting frenzy, let me be upfront: things are a little different around here right now.
My beloved retired demo/service dog, Ellie, has entered the final stage of her fight against lymphoma. Last week, her trusty steroid soldier finally threw in the towel, and her passing is imminent.
While I’m usually all about sharing and connecting, this journey has demanded a different kind of presence. Right now, my energy is split between two worlds – one filled with the therapeutic chaos of writing, and the other, a quiet space focused solely on Ellie.
Some days, I lose myself in a whirlwind of words, letting the lessons and characters carry me away from the harsh reality. It’s a much needed escape, a temporary haven where the overwhelming emotions don’t sting quite so sharply. Other days, I simply hold her close, soaking in the warmth of her presence, whispering stories of our past adventures, and cherishing every last moment.
There’s no shame in admitting that grief takes its toll, and that sometimes, the most productive thing you can do is step away from the keyboard and be fully present for the moment. It doesn’t mean I’m abandoning my project or my followers, it simply means my priorities have shifted temporarily.
So, know that when you see a lull in my usual manic posting, it’s not because I’ve forgotten my readers. It’s because I’m holding on tight to the love of a furry soul who taught me more about loyalty, unconditional love, and living in the present than any book ever could.
Rest assured, the words will flow again soon, filled with the same passion and maybe a touch more wisdom gleaned from this horrible journey. Until then, please understand my absence, and send a silent thought to Ellie as she prepares for her next big adventure in the sky without me.
With love and gratitude,
Jen and Ellie at Painted Dog Training Co
If you want to help support me and Ellie as we move into the end of life journey, please consider donating to my Ko-Fi. I need to scrape together about $600 for euthanasia and cremation (not including urn and such, just for base services)
