Dalton on Medical Probation — Learning to Slow Down

Hey there — I’m Heather Holt, and this Smile Drop from Change Happened, Then What? begins with bad news, a very unrealistic set of rules for a Labrador, and a whole lot of quiet bravery. When Dalton tears his ACL, life suddenly comes with instructions no Lab understands—no running, no jumping, no wrestling, and only ten minutes of leash walking a day. The dog who believes he’s all speed and mischief is officially on medical probation, and what follows is messy, tender, and oddly beautiful. In this short reflection, I try to keep an 85-pound Lab from acting like a Lab, watch Waylon adjust to losing his favorite chaos partner, and learn—again—what strength looks like when it’s mostly patience. Dalton doesn’t complain. He simply pauses. And in that stillness, something unexpected shows up. This Smile Drop is about waiting, slowing down, and trusting that healing still counts—even when it doesn’t look the way you hoped. If you’re in a season where the pause feels endless, this episode offers a quiet companion… and a reminder that slowing down isn’t failing. It’s healing. If you'd like to support the show, just click the link | Be a part of the Change Happened community Enter to win the "What Changed Me Community Challenge" | Enter to Win! To join our mailing list and learn more our guests visit | Changehappenedpodcast.com Get your discount on Pure Energy Apothecary products | 20% off PURE ENERGY NOW Start your Liminal Luna Journey FREE | code CHANGE at checkout | Liminalluna.com Looking for your customized Dear Sweet One lullaby find them here | Shop Now Dear Sweet One Follow along on Instagram @Change Happened  Got a story to share? Drop me a line at [email protected] and maybe your "Change Happened" moment will be next.