life stages

Senior “Pup”izens

~ Natal Galvan

The amount of time I begged for a pet seemed like forever. My infatuation for having a pet, a dog specifically, began when my parents still lived together. We lived in this quaint little white house, perfect for the family of 3 with another little one on the way. We had a decent sized backyard and tucked away and the far back corner was an old dog house left there by the previous owners. It had been built to look like a human home, yet this doggy house looked like it hadn’t been lived in ages. As I would play in the backyard, I would day dream of filling that little house with a happy puppy. Back then it was all I could do, was dream. It wouldn’t be until 15 years later that my dream would come true.

Melita came into my life at a perfect time.  I was in my final year of high school and and really had no other true responsibilities. At that time I hadn’t really known what I wanted to do after I graduated so being gifted her her was a blessing in disguise. Not only did she keep me anchored but also provided a bond that I had with no one else. She had become more than my best friend and more than just my road dog.

I have now lived with her long longer than I have without her. She is now a senior pup and has gone through an entire life span in front of my eyes. She is no longer the energized little being she once was. Her body snd mind have given way to time. Although I am constantly reminded of how old she is, I still, at first, never really see it. In my eyes she is still the little fluffy dog that came bouncing through the airport to greet me when I first picked her up. She is still the one to steal your Big Mac or pepperoni slice right from out under you if you’re not paying attention. She is still the one to go peeing on the boyfriend(s) that just don’t treat you all that well. She is still the one to take the lead when you’re out for walks and will defend you against any rabbit, bird, or even snail.

I realize that it is only in short due time time that she will no longer be physically here with me. However I also understand that after 20 years, she now needs a little rest. So until the day comes I will treasure every second like I am right now…

…as she sits here next to me inspiring me; gifting me the rush of emotions that swim around my chest. One of those being love draped in gratitude.

Lovely Metamorphosis

~ Natal Galvan ~ 1 Comment

A lovely girl she was… and then she changed.

It was like someone pulled back the curtain and there she stood exposed for the world to see. There no longer was beautiful handcrafted drapery shielding her away from the world, and she hadn’t been the one to slowly pull back the covering. It had been abruptly snatched from her, taken by an unsuspecting thief that lurked among the friendly faces. He was betrayal incarnate.

Bare and raw, her tainted self stood there and she didn’t even bother to hide it. Years had passed and flawlessly she’d always maintained character. Now she was exhausted and could no longer muster the strength to hold the act together.  Yet, instead of cringing, she stood tall, chin held high. In the eyes of those who mattered, she was lovely and yes, she had changed. The woman was now as beautiful as ever.

Scared of this new unknown. Yet, for her the only thing scarier than the unknown was herself. In her mind she was now the embodiment of what is the unknown with the capability of decision making and that was the scary part. She no longer knew who she was, or had she ever? The fear lingers as it slowly trails within her veins and her trust in the Universe is the air that carries her effortlessly. Sure she may not know what the future may bring nor where she really wants it to go. She may no longer know herself well but understands the point is in the journey getting there.  With that knowledge she takes one step after another towards the edge of a world she once knew. She reaches the end and slowly leans forward allowing herself to fall freely towards a new life. She falls and just before crashing below, one wing and then another begin to spread. Her life and her soul beginning a lovely metamorphosis.