Hold On

Hey friends, it’s Luna.

Mom’s been having a hard time lately. I can smell it on her. You humans might think you’re good at hiding things, but your energy shifts—and we dogs, we feel everything. Especially from our person.

She’s been sad. Like, curled-up-on-the-couch-staring-out-the-window kind of sad. She still gets up and takes me on our walks (thank goodness!), but I can tell she’s not fully present sometimes. She looks at the waves, but her eyes don’t sparkle like they used to.

She told me she’s been having those dark thoughts again. The kind that make my heart sink. She tries to smile around me, but I know when she’s hurting. I just curl up next to her and press my head into her chest like I’m saying, “I got you, Mom. I’m not going anywhere.”

The other day, while we were walking, a song came on—something about holding on for one more day. I felt her energy shift, just a little. I think it reminded her she’s not alone. That maybe she doesn’t have to feel better right now, she just has to stay with me one more day. And then one more after that. And then another.

Some days, she does laugh. Some days, she’s hopeful and energized and sees the world the way I do—full of magic and chickens and crack ball. But other days, she’s heavy. Healing’s weird like that, huh? You think you’re past something, then it jumps out and licks you in the face like an uninvited dog at a picnic.

Meanwhile, I’ve got a good little routine going. Walks in the morning, playtime with Grandpa and his buddies in the afternoon. I scream at Mom when it’s time to go see them. I mean, what kind of assistant forgets playtime? Honestly. They’re retired and adore me—who wouldn’t? I think I give them something to look forward to. They give me crack ball fetch, so it’s a win-win.

Now, can we talk about Mom’s dating life for a second? YIKES. She really wanted to meet this guy recently. I was this close to getting a new treat-dad. But then she sent him a photo showing more of her beautiful body (which I love to nap on, thank you very much), and suddenly he had a “headache” and disappeared. Not cool, man. You ghost my mom, you ghost me too. And I will remember.

Then yesterday, some other guy asked her what she weighs. Seriously?! Is this 1952? I almost chewed his shoelaces through the phone. She’s beautiful, strong, and gives the best belly rubs on Earth. That should be all anyone needs to know.

She says she’s going to take a break from dating apps. I think that’s smart. She needs hugs and softness and presence. Not weirdos with no manners. And she’s got me. Always.

Oh, and I’ve been dealing with some ear nonsense. Mom noticed I kept shaking my head, so off we went to a new vet. I liked them! But this infection is hanging on like a tick at a dog park. Mom’s been putting this goop in my ear—rude—but I know it’s because she wants me to feel better. I try not to give her a hard time, but I do squint my eyes dramatically every time. Just to keep her humble.

Also, small brag: we harvested squash from our yard. They were gigantic. Mom even ate an avocado from our tree last weekend. She looked so happy eating it, I wagged my tail like crazy. It’s wild seeing how nature takes care of us when we slow down and let it.

So yeah. We’re still here. Holding on. Some days are hard. Some are beautiful. Most are both. But we’ve got each other. And that’s enough for now.

Paws, love, and a little ear itch,
Luna
The Not So Common Pup 🐾