Uncategorized

Phoenix’s Midnight Walks: Caring for Senior Dogs with Grace and Compassion

~ Natal Galvan ~ Leave a comment

Phoenix, my most recently adopted senior pitbull, has always carried herself with quiet strength. Once the queen of the couch and the guardian of the front door, she now spends her nights pacing, her paws tracing invisible circles in the dark. Her eyesight has dimmed to shadows, her hearing fades like whispers in the wind, and arthritis has made her hind legs stiff and sore.

Watching her navigate this stage of life is both heartbreaking and humbling. There are moments when I see her confusion, when she forgets where she is or what she was searching for. And yet, there’s resilience in her steps, a reminder that even in frailty, there is dignity.

I’ve walked this road before with Melita, my fur baby of 19 years, whose final days taught me the bittersweet truth of loving deeply: sometimes, love means letting go. Choosing the day to say goodbye was one of the hardest decisions I’ve ever made. With Phoenix, I carry those lessons forward, balancing care, comfort, and compassion.

Caring for a senior dog like Phoenix means creating an environment that feels safe and familiar. Keeping furniture in consistent places and reducing clutter can help ease confusion when dementia causes disorientation. Establishing gentle routines—regular feeding, walks, and rest—provides comfort and predictability, while small adjustments like soft lighting or calming sounds at night can soothe anxiety during pacing spells. Finally, supporting mobility with ramps, orthopedic bedding, and non-slip rugs, alongside veterinary guidance for pain management, ensures your dog can move with dignity and as little discomfort as possible.

•           Create a safe, predictable environment

•           Maintain gentle routines with calming nighttime support

•           Use mobility aids and consult your vet for comfort

Advice for Owners: Caring for Yourself Too

The emotional toll of caring for a senior dog is real, and it’s important to honor your own well-being alongside theirs. Allow yourself to grieve the small changes as they come, recognizing that each shift in ability is a loss worth acknowledging. Seek out community, whether through friends, support groups, or fellow pet owners, because sharing stories lightens the burden and reminds you that you’re not alone. Most importantly, practice self-compassion: sleepless nights and tough decisions are part of the journey, and remembering that you’re doing your best helps you carry the weight with grace.

•           Allow yourself to grieve changes as they happen

•           Seek community and connection with others who understand

•           Practice self-compassion and remind yourself you’re doing your best

Phoenix’s midnight walks remind me that aging is not a loss of spirit, it’s a transformation. Our senior dogs teach us patience, resilience, and the depth of unconditional love. Caring for them in their twilight years is both a challenge and a gift, one that shapes us as much as it comforts them.

And yet, this journey is not only about them, it’s about us, too. It asks us to stretch our hearts wider, to sit with grief even as we celebrate joy, and to recognize that love is not diminished by endings. In fact, it is magnified. Every sleepless night, every gentle touch, every whispered reassurance becomes part of a legacy of devotion that will outlast their physical presence.

So if you find yourself walking alongside a senior dog, know that you are not alone. There is a community of caretakers who understand the bittersweet beauty of this path. Hold onto the small moments, the wag of a tail, the warmth of fur against your hand, the quiet companionship in the dark. These are the treasures that remain long after the pacing stops, long after the goodbyes are spoken.

Phoenix, like Melita before her, reminds me that love is not measured in years but in presence. And in the end, the greatest gift we can give our dogs, and ourselves, is to honor their journey with compassion, courage, and the knowledge that every step together matters.

I Wish I Woulda Known:

The Writer's Desk
~ Natal Galvan

Majoring in Creative Writing

Navigating the whirlwind of choosing a college and a major is no small feat. While I didn’t head straight to college after high school, when I finally applied, I found myself uncertain about my future path. My love for reading and writing was undeniable, but the advice from the adults around me was clear: you don’t need a university degree to be a writer.

 “Choose something else you like that has benefits and longevity!” So, I decided on Forensic Psychology.

I was 20 when I first stepped foot inside a college classroom. Living on my own in a new state and juggling two jobs (one full-time from 6 am to 3 pm and a part-time from 4 pm to 10 pm) left me with little time to breathe. The long work hours, combined with the heavy course workload, quickly left me feeling overwhelmed and unsatisfied, and craving something more from my experience.

Math was a significant challenge for me, I had to take remedial math three times before I was even able to get into my required math coursework. While my major classes were engaging, I couldn’t shake the recurring question: is this really the career path I want to forever take?

Ultimately, after some honest self-reflection, I decided to quit. I ended up dropping out of school in my junior year.

In the beginning, life was great. I made money and was able to travel a bit, yet every time I returned home to my everyday life, I couldn’t shake the feeling that something was missing. I yearned for a sense of achievement, the fulfillment of pursuing something that truly belonged to me. By this point, I was in my early 30s and had learned a lot about myself. I knew I was a lover of words and stories. I realized that my experiences could be valuable to others if I could find a way to share them. Despite my age and being out of the academic loop for so long, something inside me urged me to give school another try. What would it hurt? But this time, I would focus on writing, no matter how silly people thought I was being. I just wanted to write and become better at it.

When I made the decision to return to school, I anticipated gaining knowledge to support my aspirations as a writer. However, I did not foresee the extensive learning I would encounter, extending far beyond the realm of writing. My education has not only honed my craft but also equipped me with essential skills in self-promotion, marketing, and networking. These valuable lessons have empowered me to navigate the literary world with confidence and creativity.

For example, a social media marketing class (one I was reluctantly taking) inspired me to take a significant step by deleting all my personal social media accounts and replacing them with more professional platforms. This class encouraged me to critically evaluate my objectives as a writer, my target audience, and how to engage with them effectively. Who woulda thunk it!?

Despite this new direction, I often feel out of my depth. As someone who is not particularly tech-savvy and has historically avoided social media, the commitment required to remain relevant on these platforms felt overwhelming. The continuous need to post personal updates seemed unproductive and detracted from my current activities. Nonetheless, through the lens of a professional, a writer, I now understand that engaging with readers through these platforms serves an essential purpose.

Transitioning from personal social media accounts to establishing a professional presence hasn’t been easy, at times, struggling to see how I can “catch up” with my peers.

For instance, I aimed to start with a Bookstagram/BookTube account, using the platforms to push book reviews for my target audience. After researching how book reviews approached this process, I intended to enroll in programs to receive ARC books. Unfortunately, most of these programs require a certain number of followers to be considered, and even meeting this criterion does not guarantee selection.

Of course, there are other important points that I’ve learned ever since my return to school. Here are a few of them listed I no order of importance, because they ALL ARE:

  • The Power of Consistency: Many writers wish they had understood earlier that writing regularly, even in small amounts, is more effective than waiting for inspiration to strike.
  • Building a Portfolio is Key: Starting early to create a diverse portfolio of work is essential. This can include short stories, essays, poems, and other forms of writing. A strong portfolio will be invaluable when applying for jobs or graduate programs.
  • The Importance of Reading and Writing Widely: Reading a diverse range of genres and authors can significantly enhance writing skills and creativity. Exposure to different styles and perspectives broadens a writer’s toolkit. Experimenting with various forms of writing, such as fiction, non-fiction, poetry, and screenwriting, can broaden skills and open up new creative avenues. It also helps in discovering one’s preferred style and genre.
  • Networking Matters: Building relationships within the writing community can open doors, provide support, and offer valuable feedback. Networking can be as important as the writing itself.
  • Understanding the Business Side: Knowing the basics of publishing, marketing, and contracts can save a lot of time and frustration. It’s beneficial to learn about the industry early on.
  • Feedback is Gold: Constructive criticism from trusted sources can be incredibly valuable. Learning to seek and accept feedback early can accelerate improvement.

The significance of peer reviews cannot be underestimated. Throughout my developmental years, any time I shared my writing with those around me, I received positive feedback. In retrospect, it appears that either they were overly generous and most likely feeding me boloney or simply lacked proper critique skills.

In the context of academic peer review, there are established guidelines that must be followed. Feedback is not solely based on personal opinion but also on whether the writing meets specific criteria. During one such peer review of my short story, I received feedback indicating that my use of tenses and verbs was inconsistent throughout the narrative. This critique was not novel to me, and upon reviewing other evaluations, I recognized its validity. This feedback served as a valuable learning experience, and because of it, I decided to pursue a TEFL certification to improve my English skills which now also enables me to teach English as a foreign language.

With hindsight, I realize that if I had pursued formal education in writing from the beginning, I would have acquired substantial knowledge. The potential outcomes of such a path remain speculative. If I could tell my younger self one thing it would be to truly follow what makes you happy. That, if anyone comes around saying “Choose something else you like that has benefits and longevity!” Tell them no. Tell them, that whatever makes your heart happy is beneficial and will last you longer than anything else that’s “reasonable.” And remember that life is not a sprint; it is about the journey, so make it a point to enjoy yours.

Change: From Inner Shifts to Cosmic Ripples

~ Natal Galvan
Daily writing prompt
What change, big or small, would you like your blog to make in the world?
View all responses

My journey into the blogosphere was born from a dream to one day become a published author. Yet, the thought of exposing my inner musings to the gaze of the unknown was a daunting barrier. As time unfurled, I grew more comfortable with unveiling my words, largely because the eyes that perused them weren’t those of familiar faces. Still, there are moments when I retreat, ever so slightly. Countless are the instances where I’ve shared a piece of my soul, only to retract it in a dance of hesitation, wary of causing a stir or unsettling the peace.

The transformation I yearn for through my blog is one that originates from within, a personal revolution that’s already in motion. Reflecting on my inaugural post and witnessing the evolution of my craft is both exhilarating and a source of encouragement. It’s in this metamorphosis that I perceive a shift in the cosmos. After all, altering a single soul can set the stars in a new alignment.

Indeed, I harbor hopes that my narratives resonate with someone, somewhere. That through the communion of my tales, readers may find a spark of inspiration, a drive to persevere against their own tribulations. Yet, by dedicating myself to the art of writing with sincerity and benevolence, such connections will naturally form. The metamorphosis I seek for my blog is not just an alteration, but a perpetual, inspiring, and dynamic force within my own realm, sending ripples across the fabric of the Universe.

Adding 7 More

~ Natal Galvan
Daily writing prompt
List 30 things that make you happy.
View all responses

One thing for each year of living…

  1. The smell of freshly clipped grass
  2. Morning snuggles with Margo (my pup- the only morning breath I like)
  3. My solo adventure hikes through nature
  4. Watering my plants
  5. Multicolored sprinkles on my soft serve ice cream
  6. Sleeping with the windows cracked on a cool summer night
  7. Halloween Season
  8. Christmas Season
  9. Walking the early morning streets just before the sun rises, before people
  10. Getting lost in a really good book
  11. An entire “me” day
  12. Catch up sessions with my mom
  13. Neck nibbles
  14. Amusement parks even if I no longer get on ALL the rides
  15. Moonlit boat rides, bonus on a starry night!
  16. Perfectly ripe watermelon on a super-hot day
  17. The sound of fire crackling from a campfire
  18. Snow flurries drifting down
  19. The laughter from a genuinely happy person
  20. Witnessing random acts of kindness
  21. Committing random acts of kindness
  22. Frozen chocolates- any kinds! all kinds!
  23. When kids say the darndest things
  24. Traveling to new places
  25. Candy store shopping- always two mixed bags! 1 for chocolate and 1 for gummies
  26. The moment before my brain registers the drop on a roller coaster, breeze hitting my face
  27. The moment after a drop on a roller coaster when I know everything is ok and I can go back to enjoying myself.
  28. Rainy days and thunderstorms- unless I’m driving!
  29. When people pleasantly surprise me
  30. The feel of a flower petal against my lips, between my fingers
  31. Trying sweets from exotic countries
  32. Hugging
  33. The smell of a really fun Yankee Candle
  34. Remembering the good times
  35. Deep sensual kisses
  36. Grilled peanut butter and jelly sandwiches
  37. Coming up with lists of things that make me happy

Expertise Unheard: Navigating Partnership and Disillusionment

~ Natal Galvan

Choosing to live childfree was a conscious decision for me, one rooted in the desire to navigate life on my own terms. I simply didn’t desire the obligation of nurturing and shaping a young life. My preference was, and continues to be, experiencing life on my own terms. However, what I hadn’t anticipated was that inviting a partner into my life could sometimes echo the challenges of parenthood.

I’ve encountered numerous women with long-term partners or husbands who echo my feelings, indicating it’s a shared experience rather than an aversion to societal duties. It’s as if society has scripted our roles: men jest about choosing the “level of crazy” they can tolerate in women, while women wryly note that all men are akin to children, leaving us to ponder just how much additional “parenting” we’re prepared to extend.

A recent episode with my significant other left me questioning the very essence of our dynamic and if I actually had avoided parenting altogether.

The sting of unheeded counsel is all too familiar which is particularly trying when it comes from a place of professional expertise. With a wealth of knowledge spanning over two decades in my field, I was once the expert he revered, the beacon that guided his career choice. Yet, as time marches on, his ears seem attuned to everyone’s advice but mine.

This pattern reminds me of my own youthful dismissal of my mother’s wisdom, which I once deemed obsolete. Yet, invariably, her insights proved prescient, a lesson I learned through repeated stumbles. Children may outgrow this phase, but adults, like my partner, often remain obstinately resistant.

Witnessing him return home, drained from the day, only to rise embittered and anxious, is disheartening. My attempts to offer proven strategies—real-world solutions that have bolstered similar ventures—are met with indifference. It’s maddening, particularly when his business is still pliable, ripe for innovation.

These moments accumulate, a growing ledger of disillusionment, prompting me to wonder: what role do I truly play here? What is the value of expertise if it remains unheard within one’s own sanctuary? What actual purpose am I serving here?

It’s a quandary that challenges the very core of partnership and mutual growth.

The Paradox of a Creative Mind: Lost in a Sea of Ideas

~ Natal Galvan
Daily writing prompt
How do you waste the most time every day?
View all responses

Every day, I find myself standing still, not because I lack direction, but because I have too many paths I could take. My mind is a vortex of creativity, swirling with ideas so vivid and compelling that choosing one feels like an injustice to the others.

As the clock ticks, I remain motionless, not out of indecision but from an overabundance of inspiration. It’s a paradox, really – the more creative I am, the less I seem to do. I’m caught in a whirlwind of ‘what ifs’ and ‘could bes,’ each more tantalizing than the last.

I waste time not by doing nothing, but by contemplating everything. Each thought is a universe unto itself, demanding exploration. And so, I stand there, a statue of potential, lost in the cosmos of my own creativity.

But is it truly a waste? In these moments of stillness, I am a philosopher, a dreamer, a visionary. Perhaps the world’s greatest journeys began with someone, somewhere, standing still, lost in thought.

So, I embrace this paradox, knowing that from this apparent stillness springs forth the boundless energy of creation. After all, a single chosen idea, once pursued, can change everything.

Spoken Truth: A Different Spotlight

~ Natal Galvan

Like many others, I tuned in to “Quiet on Set,”, which revealed the hidden abuse of child stars behind the scenes. This series, particularly resonant with those of us who grew up in the ’90s, prompted a profound reevaluation of the shows from our youth. The recent revelations about “America’s Dad” and other beloved public figures have been shocking, exposing them as predators and casting a shadow over our entertainment icons.

The realization that numerous adults were present during those times yet remained silent—or worse, silenced those who spoke out—is staggering. The documentary was an eye-opener for me.

However, this morning, an article caught my attention. It discussed the discontent among some cast members of “Quiet on Set” regarding the lack of communication about the series airing on ID Network. A few are now expressing regret, stating that had they known it would be aired on ID, they would have declined to participate. They worry that their stories, and the gravity of the issues they raise, may not be receiving the serious consideration they warrant.

I’m perplexed by the weight given to the network broadcasting our stories. Whether it’s the investigative lens of “2020” or the crime-focused gaze of Investigation Discovery, isn’t the essence that the narrative is conveyed with fidelity? If the harrowing journeys and the shadows of abuse endured by the victims are brought to light, why does the channel of delivery stir such debate? For the regular ID audience, who are connoisseurs of crime and inquiry, the platform should not dilute the potency of the message, but rather serve as a conduit for the voices that demand to be heard.

To quote Alexa Nikola, she states:

“We have to live with our stories and how they were treated by ID and Maxine forever while they see it as leverage for future projects…. There’s nothing bingeable about trauma.”

Yet, my perspective diverges. In the tapestry of today’s society, it is the threads of sensationalism, horror, and trauma that enthrall the masses. This voracious appetite for the macabre is what dominates the zeitgeist. It’s a melancholic reflection that the integrity of these stories may be under scrutiny, doubted perhaps by viewers, or even the very individuals who bared their souls. It’s the underlying dread that their confessions might be dismissed. However, contrary to their fears, the world has indeed taken notice.

As the final credits of “Quiet on Set” roll, the echoes of the revelations linger in the minds of viewers. The series, a tapestry woven with threads of courage and vulnerability, leaves an indelible mark on the collective memory of a generation. It stands as a testament to the resilience of those who endured, and a call to action for an industry in dire need of reform. While the platform of its unveiling—ID Network—may be debated, the imperative message it conveys transcends boundaries, urging us to listen more intently and advocate more fiercely for the silent voices that have only just begun to speak.

Monologues to Mute: Choosing When to Share and When to Spare

~ Natal Galvan

Letting someone peek into my personal diary is like spotting a shooting star – it’s special and doesn’t happen often, especially for a private person like me. But it’s no surprise when I get all steamed up because the person I’m sharing with turns the spotlight on themselves. Even more grating? It’s not their debut performance – we’ve been through this act more times than I can count, particularly with this family member. So, what’s the encore?

Maybe it’s time to close the diary.

The answer is as clear as a bell. If it only leads to a tug-of-war, then why bother opening up? Why even start such an intimate dialogue? I do it because the person I cherish is the one I desperately want to have an equal exchange with. A conversation where we both have the floor, taking turns in the spotlight. That’s not asking for the moon, is it?

Yet, it seems the limelight always finds them. Today’s lightbulb moment is about guarding my personal chapters. If someone is genuinely interested, they’ll inquire. If they don’t, then my rule is silence.

Followed, quite predictably, by absence.

I hold the reins, and sometimes I just need to remind myself of that.

The Ego’s Journey from Plasma Center to Bank Account

~ Natal Galvan

Why are we so obsessed with broadcasting our identity, like a peacock flaunting its feathers? So, I started trading plasma for plane tickets (cha-ching!), and I couldn’t help but notice the usual suspects shuffling in. There’s this itch, this compulsion to not blend into the crowd, even though I’m queuing up right alongside them. I may feel opposite, but in reality, I am no different from any one of them.

I was naive to the allure of ‘easy money’—it’s like catnip for the cash-strapped, the so-called outcasts of our oh-so-judgmental society. But really, how did that slip my mind?

The drill’s a breeze: strut in, sign up, and as long as you’re not a walking zombie or a protein-poor iron-deficient, you’re as good as gold! Ninety minutes and voilà—you’re a bit richer, and all it takes is a 48-hour breather before you can cash in again.

And here I am, a drop in the bucket of eclectic souls. We’re incognito yet bound by a secret pact: none of us are here for the noble act of donation. Nope, it’s all about the greenbacks.

I dish out one-liners, lock eyes with the staff, and put on my Sunday best (without making it obvious, of course). It feels like a charade, a confirmation of the ego lurking within us all. Despite our altruistic airs and empathetic hearts, we’re slaves to validation, seeking approval in the gaze and thoughts of others. For a rebel like me, who prides herself on shrugging off public opinion, it’s a bit of a bummer—a nudge reminding me that, deep down, I’m just another player in the game of life.

Revamping

~ Natal Galvan

They say that the beginning of the New Year was actually in April. That’s why they have April Fool’s Day, in celebration of those (fools) who clung onto the old date of rining in the new year, between March 25th and April 1st.

I feel it. I always have. I’ve never felt January 1st to feel any different, let alone “new.” It was simply another day; a break allowing us to unwind from the hectic holidays.

It could be the fact that winter hasn’t really touched on us yet. It feels warmer than it should for the month of February. It’s tricking my mind that spring is coming. Yet, the weather isn’t the only thing that has me feeling oddly fresh and new. Something internally is buzzing with activity.

After some hibernation, I’m coming out more energized and authentic. It started by setting up boundaries that long ago should have been placed. Once I created a bit of space, I hung in silence. You can’t imagine the amount of noise there is lingering around you until you remove the chatter.

The silence is peaceful and, at times, even awkward. I embrace that feeling of awkwardness because it’s one that I don’t have often. Questions arise, you begin asking yourself, what now? Then, within the silence, you hear whispers of answers.

Stillness and calm have not only a soothing effect but a fulfilling one. You begin to answer the questions that have always swirled within your mind. Without the noise to distract you, you begin to learn your wants, desires, and who you are within this body.

My new year is beginning with the spring equinox. I’m revamping my life. Although there are things I have to still take care of slowly, I’m letting some of those things just be. They’ll take care of themselves, or shall I say, life will take care of them for me.

New projects light the path in front of me. New routines are bringing me excitement and fun, and although I’m not completely tossing out the “old,” I’m just not looking back there as often.