A Quiet Month, a Tender Season, and Coming Back Gently

If you’ve noticed that things have been quieter here over the past few weeks, I wanted to share a little of what has been happening behind the scenes.

A month ago, we learned that my dog, Penney, had a tumor. She underwent surgery to remove it, and it was a difficult procedure. She lost a significant amount of blood and part of her stomach, and while the surgeons were not able to remove all of the tumor, there was also good news.

After imaging of her stomach, liver, and spleen, along with a chest x-ray, there were no signs that the cancer had spread. That was a moment of deep relief.

The doctor has told us that with this type of cancer, Penney may have one to two years left. Hearing that was hard in a way that is difficult to put into words. Penney has been my companion for thirteen years. We have had so many adventures together, and she truly is my heart.

The past month has been devoted to her recovery. There were some rough days, long nights, and moments that reminded me very much of caring for a newborn again. Watching over her, helping her rest, making sure she was comfortable, adjusting routines, and simply being present.

Little by little, she has begun to feel like herself again. She is recovering well, and seeing her personality come back, her curiosity, her gentle spirit, has been the greatest gift.

During this time, my focus has been very simple.
Caring for her.
And when there was space, caring for myself.

I stepped back from posting, from planning, from the steady rhythm I usually keep here at Salute to Wellness. Not because this work no longer matters to me, but because sometimes the most honest thing we can do is tend to what is right in front of us.

And right now, what was in front of me was love, healing, and time that felt precious.

I have also been quietly researching ways to support Penney as best I can, looking at small changes to her diet and daily routine that may help support her health and slow progression as much as possible. It has reminded me, once again, that nourishment is not only about food. It is about care, presence, and the small choices we make each day to support the lives entrusted to us.

This experience has been a gentle reminder of something I often share here:

Life moves in seasons.

There are seasons of growth and energy.
Seasons of creating and sharing.
And seasons of tending and protecting what matters most.

None of these seasons are wrong.
None of them mean we are falling behind.
They are simply part of being human.

I’m beginning to return now, gently, to my rhythm here. Not rushing, not pushing, just stepping back in with intention and care.

Thank you for being here, for giving this space the grace to be human, and for understanding that sometimes the most meaningful work happens quietly, behind the scenes.

And thank you, always, for allowing Salute to Wellness to be a place where we can live gently and well, even when life asks us to slow down.

xx, Diana