Every Moment With Chloe Matters More Than You Know

Every Moment With Chloe Matters More Than You Know

There are some things you don’t fully understand until life changes.

For me, one of those things is just how precious time with Chloe really is.

Chloe isn’t just my dog. She’s my girl, my companion, and a huge part of my everyday life.

And because of everything she’s been through, I find myself thinking about something I wish I didn’t have to think about:

What if something happens to her?

That thought can creep into my mind during the most ordinary moments.

When we’re sitting together.

When I’m helping her get comfortable.

When we’re outside enjoying a little sunshine.

And especially when we’re going for one of our walks.

I know I can’t control everything. I know I can’t protect Chloe from every possible thing that could happen.

But I can do everything within my power to keep her safe and comfortable.

And that’s exactly why I got her another new harness.

Why I Chose Another Harness for Chloe

With Chloe’s history of IVDD and mobility challenges, I’m always looking for ways to make everyday activities safer and easier for her.

This particular harness came recommended as an option for dogs with IVDD, and that immediately caught my attention.

Veterinary guidance supports using a body harness rather than attaching a leash directly to a neck collar for dogs with certain disc problems. The American College of Veterinary Surgeons lists switching to a body harness as one of the lifestyle considerations for dogs with IVDD. (American College of Veterinary Surgeons)

VCA also notes that a properly fitted body harness places minimal pressure on delicate tissues and can be a good choice for dogs with neck pain or other concerns. (Vca)

Of course, every dog is different.

What works for Chloe may not be right for another dog, which is why I always encourage other dog moms to talk with their veterinarian or rehabilitation professional before choosing equipment for a dog with a spinal condition.

For me, though, this felt like one more little thing I could do for my girl.

I’m Not Trying to Buy Everything

I’ll admit it.

When you have a special-needs dog, it’s easy to become the person who researches everything.

The safest bed.

The best food.

The right supplements.

The perfect harness.

The best way to make the house safer.

The list goes on and on.

But underneath all of that is something much deeper.

We’re scared.

We’re scared because we’ve already seen what can happen.

We’ve experienced the emergency visits.

We’ve watched our dogs struggle.

We’ve had those moments where our hearts stop because something doesn’t look right.

And when you’ve been through that, you don’t take the ordinary days for granted anymore.

That’s why this harness isn’t really about the harness.

It’s about more safe moments with Chloe.

It’s about taking her outside.

It’s about letting her experience the world.

It’s about giving her every opportunity to enjoy the life she has.

And it’s about me being able to breathe just a little easier while we’re doing it.

Time Is the Thing I Can’t Buy Back

I can replace a harness.

I can buy another bed.

I can order another dog product.

I can find another way to make something in our home easier.

But I can’t buy back yesterday.

And I can’t guarantee tomorrow.

All I really have is today.

So I’m choosing to treasure it.

I’m choosing the walks.

The cuddles.

The quiet moments.

The silly little things.

The sunshine.

The moments when Chloe is simply being Chloe.

Because when you love a special-needs dog, you learn that the ordinary moments aren’t ordinary at all.

They’re memories being made.

For the Dog Mom Who Understands

If you’re caring for a special-needs dog, maybe you understand exactly what I’m talking about.

Maybe you look at your dog sometimes and think:

“Please just let me have more time with you.”

Maybe you worry about leaving them alone.

Maybe you’re constantly thinking about what could happen next.

And maybe you’ve realized that your time together is more valuable than you ever imagined.

If that’s you, I want you to know something:

You’re not being dramatic.

You’re not “overprotective.”

You’re a dog mom who loves her dog deeply.

And sometimes loving them means doing the little things that help us feel prepared.

For Chloe, this new harness is one of those little things.

It’s now part of our collection of things that help us navigate life together.

And every time I put it on her, I’m reminded of the reason behind all of it:

I want as much time with my girl as I can possibly have.

And today?

Today is enough.

💛

⸻

Helpful Resources for Special-Needs Dog Moms

If you’re caring for a dog with IVDD or mobility challenges, here are some resources worth bookmarking:

Learn more about IVDD:

The American College of Veterinary Surgeons — IVDD Guide provides information about IVDD, symptoms, treatment and recovery.

Understanding harnesses:

VCA Animal Hospitals — Collar and Harness Options explains different harness styles, fitting considerations and safety concerns.

Mobility support at home:

VCA — Creating a Comfortable Home for a Mobility-Compromised Dog has helpful ideas for improving traction, navigating stairs and supporting dogs with mobility challenges.

Talk with your veterinarian:

Every special-needs dog is different. Your veterinarian or veterinary rehabilitation professional can help you determine what equipment and activity level are appropriate for your dog.

Check out the one I picked for Chloe. It matches our Jeep and Carriage 😉

As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.

• https://amzn.to/4zgeIYE Chloe’s New Harness

Thanks for listening

ChloesmamaLee 💛