It’s been a while since I’ve written a proper journal entry. My last one was Hello, 2026, published on January 1st. Needless to say, quite a bit has happened since then. Over the next several posts, I’m going to play a little catch-up and share some of the bigger moments, milestones, challenges, and changes from the past several months. Unfortunately, we’re starting with a pretty scary one.

Back in February, Cameron was attacked by a neighbor’s dog while we were out on our usual evening walk.

It happened out of nowhere. A neighbor’s pit bull had gotten loose and came running toward us. Before I really had time to react, it had Cameron by the throat, shaking him violently. I tried everything I could to get the dog to let go, but I just couldn’t. Eventually, a man came out of the house and managed to get his dog under control.

Understandably, I was furious. I was sitting on the ground, trying to process what had just happened, and yelled at the man to keep his dog on a leash. While I was still on the ground, I turned my head to check on Cameron, who was lying beside me. That’s when the man punched me in the face and ran off.

For a moment, I didn’t even process what had happened. I remember picking my glasses up off the ground, then reaching down to pick up Cameron. He yelped in pain when I lifted him, and that’s when my attention immediately went back to him.

Thankfully, two of my other neighbors, Juan and Delores, witnessed the entire thing. Having people there who saw what happened was incredibly important, especially given how quickly everything unfolded.

What followed was a long and stressful month. Cameron needed multiple rounds of antibiotics, two surgeries, and twice-daily warm compresses before he finally started turning the corner. It was heartbreaking watching him go through all of that, especially knowing how much pain he was in.

Fortunately, he made it through.

The experience has definitely changed him a little. He’s more cautious around other dogs now, which is understandable. But the good news is that he’s still very much the same playful, fun-loving little guy I’ve always known. He still loves his tug toys, his couch time, and pretty much anyone willing to give him a belly rub.

There’s also a little permanent reminder of that night. Where the scar tissue healed on his throat, he now has a strand of dark hair that stands out from the rest of his coat. It’s a small thing, but I notice it every time I look at him.

In September, we celebrated Cameron’s 10th birthday. Ten years old! Considering everything he’s been through, I’m especially grateful to have another year with my little sidekick.

It’s hard to put into words how frightening that evening was. Cameron is family, and the thought of losing him, especially in such a sudden and violent way, is something I don’t even like to revisit. I’m just thankful that he recovered, that he’s back to enjoying life, and that we still have plenty of adventures ahead of us.

He’s a tough little dude. Always has been.