Thanking My Guest Bloggers and Explaining My Recent Hiatus

I debated for a long time before deciding to post about my recent adventures into spine surgery; after all, this is a PET website, isn’t it? But after having offered readers some wonderful articles by my recent guest bloggers, I’ve been receiving a lot of wonderful, caring messages from folks who wanted to know if I’m okay. I’ve also realized that it may still be difficult for the next few weeks for me to be able to keep up with researching, interviewing people and writing articles. There may be some posts, but they won’t be on the schedule of two posts a week that I usually try to stick to.

Thanks to Some Talented Guest Bloggers

Most importantly, I want to thank some WONDERFUL pet bloggers who submitted excellent, original articles for you, my readers. They really hit it out of the park! If you haven’t had the opportunity to read them, please consider going back and reading these wonderful articles by these terrific guest bloggers:

JANUARY 22, 2018: 5 Essential Steps to Keep Your Dog Safe Around Toddlers by Linda Hempler (ChiChi’s and Me)

JANUARY 25, 2018: 5 Signs You Have a Happy Cat by Lola, Dawn White (Lola, the Rescued Cat)

JANUARY 29, 2018: Preparing Yourself for the Death of Your Pet by Hindy Pearson (Caring For a Senior Dog)

FEBRUARY 1, 2018: How to Choose the Right Sport for Your Dog by Katie Kensey (Adventures with Wolfpack)

FEBRUARY 5, 2018: Make a Fun Smartphone Movie of Your Pet by Marjorie Dawson (DashKitten)

FEBRUARY 8, 2018: How Therapy Dogs are Helping Kids by Cathy Armato (Dogs Luv Us and We Luv Them)

FEBRUARY 12, 2018: 8 Surprising Reasons Everyone 65+ Should Own a Small Dog by Linda Hempler (ChiChis and Me)

Thank you so much, ladies! I appreciate each and every one of you and the thoughtful articles you let me publish here at The Contemporary Pet. I also have a few more upcoming articles by guest bloggers, including a wonderful piece by Monika at AnimalLama.com. Keep checking back to read her article, which will appear in the next few weeks!

The Why of It All

Soldier helping me with my physical therapy. He’s encouraging me to take a few more steps.

Now, back to why I haven’t been writing and why I was so happy to rely on guest bloggers for the past few weeks – I had complex revision surgery on my spine in late January, which involved multiple bone graphs, extensive hardware and about seven hours on the operating table. After that, I was hospitalized for a week, then sent to a rehabilitation center.

I’m home now, but continue to undergo physical and occupational therapy. I rely on a walker for now, but am working toward walking without assistance in the coming months. In the meantime, my sweet dog, Soldier, stays close to my side (or in front of me, as in the photo!) to inspire me to push myself toward getting back to normal (or better!)

I hope you’ll bear with me while I continue to recover and get back on a regular publishing schedule. In the meantime, I’ll post when I can and work on an exciting list of new interviews, product reviews and articles scheduled for pet lovers in 2018. You won’t be disappointed! And thank you in advance for continuing to follow The Contemporary Pet!

– Lori Hilliard