If you’ve followed my journey over these last few months…
…You know the whirlwind I’ve been swept up in. From both my dogs undergoing serious health issues, to moving 1100 miles to Santa Fe, a city I’ve only visited twice, closing down my beloved acupuncture practice, and saying goodbye to longtime patients, good friends, and beloved family – it’s been a challenging transition in many ways. And then there was a more recent upheaval. A few weeks ago, I was elated when I got the news that I was selected to do a TEDx talk on the east coast. Elation turned to deflation when the event was canceled a few days ago.
On the Road Again
The TEDx news was a big let down so I decided the best way to cope was to take a nap. The nap lasted about 3 hours and according to Ken, he paid periodic visits to my unmoving body to see if I was still breathing. When I finally woke up, I noticed Rudy and Dakota had gathered around me, sleeping peacefully in their dog beds. Watching them snore, I remembered how nervous I had been for them on our trip from California to our now new home in New Mexico.
The three-day drive had been intense. Both my pups (ages: 14 & 16) had been experiencing neurological issues, and Dakota had been having sporadic seizures. I was certain the stress of the move and the drive would bring on another episode. And what would I do if that happened in the middle of the desert, in the heat, on the side of an unknown highway? I’ve never had babies of my own but felt like I got a glimpse as to what traveling with them requires; the constant thinking ahead for any potential hiccup, packing every possible supply that might be required like pee pads, water, treats, food, meds, bowls, cleaning supplies etc. Stopping every couple of hours for a pee break before any accidents occur in the car, setting up the hotel room to make them comfortable and lessen their stress, then being woken throughout the night by their pacing added even more pressure.
Fortunately, the speed limit in Arizona and New Mexico is 75 because I was driving at least that speed. Historically, I’m not a good long distance driver. The lull of a car has me drifting off to sleep within an hour but not this time. My adrenaline was shooting through my moonroof as one single thought guided my mind – getting Rudy and Dakota to Santa Fe, safe, healthy, and without incident.
The Truth of The Matter
I will confess, I had never physically seen or stepped foot into the home we were moving into. I found the property online. It was lovely in the pictures but with Santa Fe’s housing market at an all-time boom, and houses flying off the market as soon as they became available, we knew we had to act fast. We made an offer on the house and this time the gods smiled in our favor – our offer was accepted.
Thirty days later my two dogs and I arrived in Santa Fe. Anxious, hot, and beyond tired we approached El Dorado, a southern suburb of Santa Fe. The natural beauty of the pueblo style community surrounded by mountains and the endless sky was stunning. When I got to our road and saw our new home, I jumped out of the car and literally squealed with delight. The house and the land were perfection! Ken was waiting for me, taking a video of my first reactions. All along he had told me I was going to love the house and I do.
Snoring Dogs Never Lie
As I looked over the side of my bed at my blissfully snoring dogs I marveled at how well they’ve taken to their new home. Oddly, despite all of the stress, Dakota did not have a seizure on the trip or since we’ve been here. And Rudy seems quite taken with his newly appointed job of following us into every room as we unpack our last home into our new one.
Both Ken and I are grateful we are here. Still, as a life-long Californian, it will take me some time to adapt. I miss my friends, my community, and the life I left behind. But I also look forward to the life I will create here in the Land of Enchantment.
If you’ve read “Dog as My Doctor, Cat as My Nurse, you know that my animal companions have helped me through some tough times. And they are here for me now as we all transition into our new normal.
Life takes us on so many unexpected twists, turns, and detours. Coping with these changes in a pawsitive way is what I strive for. I may try, I may fail, but what I do know is that I’m fortunate to have found such amazing beings to model how to live life in a more gentle way and to help me through the rough patches. Resilience, thy name is indeed – Dog.
Stay Pawsitive,
Carlyn MDO
Oh No! The pub date for my new book, “Paws for the Good Stuff: a dog lover’s journal for creating a happier & more pawsitive life,” just got pushed back.
Oh Yes! The initial readers have been giving this book some awesome reviews so I think you are going to like it!
I’ll let you know next week when it will become available.
Do you have an animal loving friend who could use some words of wisdom and a good laugh at the same time? How about sharing this meme with them via email or on facebook? Just drag and drop!
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