When Healing Hits Home: A Personal Update on Penney (and a Glimpse of What’s Coming Next)

Our sweet girl exploring the German countryside.

Some blog posts are harder to write than others—this is one of them.

Over the past few weeks, our sweet girl Penney hasn’t been herself. What started as subtle changes in her behavior—slower movements, restlessness, and unusual discomfort—quickly became moments of clear pain we couldn’t ignore. After many vet visits and a CT scan, we received the news: Penney has fused vertebrae in her upper back and neck. The diagnosis hit me like a wave—one part relief to have answers, and one part heartbreak knowing how much discomfort she’s been in.

Watching someone you love be in pain—whether it’s a person or a pet—has a way of cracking you open. You feel helpless and hopeful all at once.

This journey with Penney has mirrored my own more than I expected. Last year, when I was diagnosed with arthritis, it felt like my body had betrayed me. I was used to pushing through, used to doing everything and showing up for everyone. But pain demands presence. It forces you to slow down, to listen closely, and to redefine what care looks like—not just for others, but for yourself.

Now, I find myself learning to care for Penney in the same way I had to learn to care for myself: with patience, intention, and a whole lot of love.

We’re exploring different treatment options, from physical therapy and acupuncture to natural remedies and supportive care at home. We don’t have all the answers yet, but we are committed to giving her the most comfort and joy possible in this new chapter.

And while this season has been heavy, it’s also reignited something in me—a deeper drive to help others navigate their own healing journeys with more ease, more nourishment, and more support.

I’ll be sharing something new very soon. It’s a service close to my heart—born out of my own healing and fueled by the desire to help you feel more supported in yours. I’m not quite ready to give away all the details just yet, but if you’ve ever felt overwhelmed trying to figure out what to eat or how to make meals that truly support your body and mind, this is for you.

For now, we’re taking things one day at a time. I’m soaking up the slow walks, the soft snuggles, and even the messy parts of healing—because they’re real, and they matter.

Thank you for being here. I’ll be back soon with more—something comforting, something supportive, something just for you.

With love,
Diana