Let's get this started...

I realized that at some point I just stopped writing.  As a child I had drawers filled with journals marked DO NOT READ or SECRET in an attempt to ward off any snooping parent or sibling.  (I know you were reading them Mom!).  But as an adult, I really only write when something feels exciting or worth sharing with the masses on social media (in 140 characters or less please).  For some reason I woke up this morning feeling like I need to start writing it all, the important and probably not so important things, the things that they just don't tell you.  And thus begins my writing journey (again).  But please read, none of this is really a secret!

Like most adults without children, my dog is my baby.  This is Natalie. She is completely useless at chores (as pictured above), loves to sleep, plays harder than anyone (human or dog) I have ever met, and is the sweetest, craziest pup I know.  She cuddles on command, makes me laugh, comforts me when I cry, listens to my stories and singing and doesn't even complain. I had no idea how much I loved her until we almost lost her last Saturday.

Nate and I were on our way to AIDS walk with Natalie when another dog attacked her just outside our apartment complex. He grabbed her neck, shook her back and forth, and tackled her to the ground. She helplessly fought but was smaller and weaker than her attacker. Nate, being the protective and quick reactor that he is, literally dove into the dog fight and tore the other dog away from Natalie (I just stood screaming and crying). He sustained a bite to the finger but Natalie got it worse with a puncture wound to the back of her neck. Panicking, we drove to the vet. Sobbing uncontrollably as we waited outside for the vet to open, my sweet husband took me and Natalie and prayed for our little family. We are more the of the personal quiet prayers so this was a rare occasion. Neither of us realized just how much we loved our little pup. We couldn't believe that she had almost died and we didn't know if the bite wound was bad enough to worry about or not. Luckily, all she needed was four stitches and she was as good as new. Nate and I on the other hand, are more than traumatized.

This is Natalie enjoying her get well soon gifts from her bff Fuzz

Everyone is fine and healthy today (a week after the attack). We are more careful, more affectionate, and more grateful for the wonderful gift that we have in each other. I can only imagine what it will be like when we have a human baby...