03/12/2026
The animal reflection & connection 🐶
I’m super proud of myself 🎉
I just made a decision for self care based on the fact that my beloved dog Xaria has been pretty consistently sick with a persistent cough and UTI since November.
I realized that we are so connected, that’s her situation is reflecting back a subconscious need that I have for self care, but I wasn’t catching it till her health needs became so amplified, that I HAD to listen. Yay, this is progress! 🎉
She’s became like a ‘very sensitive asthmatic child’, in my vets recent words. I take her to a vet that is an hour drive away (my choice, I like this vet better), but definitely is a stretch to get to, especially when she’s needing frequent vet visits. It’s expensive too‼️
After many months of trial and error, I finally have the cough under control, with medicine, supplements (big thanks to the recently deceased Dr. Basko on island 💔) & managing her. I find that little things will throw off her coughing fits at night, so I’m being extra aware of what she does.
UTI - that’s still being managed. She’s been on a plethora of antibiotics since November. This last round (last week) was the big guns of antibiotics that I’m hopeful will knock it out. Yes, I know that antibiotics also kill off the positive bacteria. I’m doing all I can with other alternative supplements and medicines to alleviate what’s going on.
I’ve also changed her diet.
This process has been an incredible learning growth for me. I think she is reflecting back things I need to learn for my own self care, as it’s taking so much energy to tend to her.
I was supposed to go on a trip and decided to cancel it, as I don’t want to possibly return back to a sicker, stressed dog, which has happened before when I’ve travelled.
I’m proud of myself for making this decision, as it ultimately comes back around to me, as my animals and I are so connected. They’ve always been dynamic reflectors of me.
Here’s to growth and a healthy Xaria! 🐶
This photo was taken a few years ago when my hair was much shorter, but is a sweet photo of us both. She is such a special girl. Her name means ‘gift of the heart’, which she certainly is! ❤️🔥
