“Pain feels like a fast stab wound to the heart.
But then healing feels like the wind against your face
when you are spreading your wings
and flying through the air.”

— C. JoyBell C

Still reflecting and learning.

One week ago, my life took a turn. This big blip was the most significant in the last five years, starting with the pandemic, continuing with a confluence of resets, pivots, and letting go, and since learning to be resilient has changed so much in our lives. However, nothing prepared me for what happened one week ago.

Two of my dogs were taken and ultimately ransomed. My only references were detective books and movies. My experience played out like a movie, fortunately with a happy ending.

Each day since the dogs were recovered, I have tied up the loose ends and focused on moving forward.

The lessons are abundant. Change is required. Helping hands continue. I remain humbled, informed, and grateful.

I haven’t lost mt positive attitude, optimism, or faith in human beings. If anything, I am more clear on who I am, and what I am capable of doing and being.

Some questions will never be answered, and some physical and mental recovery is required. I know much about grief and trauma, yet find myself needing to heed the caring advice of friends and colleagues, which includes:

Let go of retelling the story, as it keeps you in the event.
You have more capabilities than the human response of fight, flight, or freeze.
Listen to your body. Sleep, eat, move, and take deep breaths.
Focus on activities that move you forward.
Hug and cuddle the dogs.
Resist jumping to conclusions, labeling, or personalizing elements of the event. There is so much that remains unknown.
Try not to fill in the blanks if it doesn’t serve you.
Let go of what could have happened and embrace with a grateful heart what did happen — especially the positive outcome.

I have already started sharing my experiences with individuals whose dogs are currently missing.

My posts are being shared. As I close them down, however, I still receive support, and I am still reading other pleas for help.

I won’t turn a blind eye to the need, but I also cannot make it a full-time job. Instead, I may ask you in the future to sign a petition to expand Goddard’s Law, which will elevate the legal treatment of stolen dogs, a change that could benefit everyone.

An additional piece of advice that has been shared with me has been to identify the constructive actions you can take and let go of the rest.

One week later, I can tell you that my life will settle because my focus is on forward and the lessons expand me and my heart.

I have earned another formative experience that will shape me further. I embrace that I continue to grow and learn.

It never stops.