What Can We Do While They're Sick?

Is there any worse feeling than being next to someone you love who is sick and not being able to make them feel better? And when I say someone I mean human or animal.

Two years ago, I adopted my tortoiseshell cat, Stella, from the Humane Society. Three months later she had a breast cancer scare and went through an emergency mastectomy. I was heartbroken. To have to take my cat to the vet, leave her there for several nights! [is that not the hardest thing to do?], and then pick her up with her eyes sunken in, her tummy shaved, and then watch her bump into everything with her cone on. I felt absolutely horrible for her.

We made it through that and then a cross-country move three months later, but didn't realize how hard things were about to become. Stella and my parents' cat, Missy, [but really she was my cat too] were there for me every night when I came home from the hospital the week that my mom died. Another time that I had to sit and watch helplessly.

Eight months later, I sat beside Missy as she tried desperately to hang on to life but her lungs and old age just couldn't do it anymore and we lost her too.

But through those losses, as horrible as they were to go through and still are today -- I've had my Stella girl by my side. Late last night, Stella started not feeling well. At all. She was up on her perch above the refrigerator and I climbed up to get her down and she collapsed into my lap and snuggled up.

I decided it was time to close up shop and for the two of us to go to bed. I carried her in my room, got under the covers, and motioned for her to come over. She is really a dog, I'm sure of it. Instead of coming over to snuggle against the other pillow, Stella wedged herself between the edge of the bed and my shoulder. Where she would be closest to me. She laid her little head on my hand.

It sounds like it's back to the vet we go. A place I hate just as much as the hospital. Keep my sweet girl in your prayers this weekend and send some happy thoughts our way.

Sometimes all you can do is be there to comfort a loved one. No matter how hard it is to admit, you can't take the sickness away. Just be there. By their side. Whether they're human or animal, it makes a difference to them.

One Year Ago | Bell and Whiskers

My life was changed by someone. She was small and scared and curled up in the back of her cage. Her neon green eyes stared at me sadly. I remember the first time I held her in my arms. She just collapsed into a ragdoll shape and molded herself into the crease of my elbow.

My then-husband and I took her into the "get acquainted" room where she was more concerned with finding a good place on us to snuggle up than she was with playing. She'd walk back and forth between our two laps, getting nice and cozy.

I texted my dad a picture of her. His response: "Just looking, right?"

At the time, we were just looking. The Humane Society has always been a place that I've frequented to visit with the animals, looking forward to the day when I could adopt. I had no idea that, upon setting foot inside the Humane Society that day, I would find my forever friend.

Her name was “Bella.” She was a one year and nine month old short-haired tortoiseshell cat.

She filled my heart with joy that day.

"Well, let's go fill out the paperwork" he said.

"What?! Really?" was my response.

I guess I had always kind of blocked the whole ‘actual adopting’ idea out of my head. I had figured I'd be visiting these homeless animals for years before I'd be able to adopt one of my own. I was wrong. The more we sat there and spent time with "Bella," the more she fit right into our hearts.

He went and got the paperwork, we filled it out, took the card out from the outside of "Bella's" cage, they gave us a box, we paid a small fee, and she was ours. Bella had a new family. Someone who'd never give her away.

Bella soon became Stella. It fit her perfectly.

For the next few days, Stella was quiet, scared, and didn't do much - including eating, drinking, or using the litter box. Finally, she warmed up to us and the rest is history!

During the rough months of my life, I truly felt the bond between Stella and I grow. It may sound crazy for those of you who don't have a pet, but I couldn’t imagine my life without her. She’s been my little shadow; my Toto running after me everywhere I go. Waking up every morning to her all snuggled up beside me with those sweet, green eyes just makes my day.

The reason I’m writing this today is because yesterday marked one year since I adopted Stella. She has been such a joyful addition to my life and I’m excited for many more years with her :)

For all the times she’s reached over to my hand, woken me up in the middle of night by coughing in my face {yes, this really happened}, for all the boxes and presents she’s so willingly helped me unwrap {because she can’t wait to sit on the tissue paper}, and for all the times she’s just been there by my side, I love her with all my heart :)

The Story of Stella

Let me just start off by saying that, while I have a cat, I consider myself an ANIMAL lover! I don’t discriminate. I don’t think cats are better than dogs and vice versa. Every animal is so unique in their own way and they each have something wonderful to offer as pets :) With love, food, and some training, pets can end up being some of our greatest companions. Today, I’m excited to be linking up with C Mae for Tail Wagging Tuesday!

I’ve mentioned my cat Stella a few times on this blog, but, because I had a different blog when I adopted her, many of you don’t know her “story.” So, I figured since this is my first time linking up about my pet, I’d dedicate this post to Stella and the role she’s played in my life thus far :)

Homeless animals have always had a huge spot in my heart for as long as I can remember. I’ve been known to go to the Humane Society/SPCA to just visit, see the animals, and say “hi.” February 12th of this year started off just like any normal trip to the shelter. I had the intentions of going and saying “hi” to the cats and dogs. I entered the cat room and there in the second cage was a little tortoiseshell cat. Her information said she was 1 year 9 months old and the reason of intake was a “move.” She became the first cat I took out to play with in the little room there at the shelter.

She was a little ragdoll and loved spending time on our laps. I fell in love with her instantly. I knew after only a few short minutes that I may never find another cat like her. It just felt right. The decision had been made. After filling out some paperwork and paying a small fee for baby girl, she had a new forever home and that was with me :)

Her adjustment into a new household was a little iffy at first. She just wanted to hide under the bed all day and didn’t eat for about three days. I was getting worried, but after the first week, she started loving her new home! She became such a little cuddle bug and was always SO playful!

As most cats do, she found the most creative places to nap. I got a kick out of this spot when I walked into my closet one day and saw her laying with all my tote bags!

Stella would even curl up in a skillet we had just won in a giveaway. She’s a riot, I tell ya!

Then, one day in May, everything got turned upside down.

We noticed a pea-sized bump underneath her skin on her tummy. There were a few smaller bumps as well. I made an appointment at the vet and found out Stella could possibly have breast cancer and would need to have a mastectomy as soon as possible. You see, female cats that are not spayed when they are young run a much larger chance of developing breast cancer than cats that are spayed earlier in life. Stella had not been spayed until she was turned into the Humane Society. The worst part is 80% of mammary masses in cats are malignant!

The weekend I had to take Stella in for surgery was so scary and sad, not knowing what the result was going to be. I cried and prayed, cried and prayed and was SO happy to receive the call from the vet that she was doing well and could be picked up.

My little girl could hardly get around with the cone on her head. We placed this suitcase at the foot of the bed for her to use as a stepping stool but instead, she made it her new bed and slept there all the time. I had to help her eat and I’m sure using the litter box took all the energy she had. She was a trooper.

The days of waiting for the test results were long. Finally, I received word from the vet that the masses were, in fact, NOT malignant and you better believe I jumped for joy. Stella’s post-surgery check-up went well and soon her collar came off. I still check her tummy for those bumps as they could easily return. Do you and your pet a favor and, while you’re giving them a massage or rubbing their tummy, check for anything out of the ordinary. You never know…

Call me ridiculous, but Stella has felt like a child to me. I admit, there was a time after she was first adopted that I was out one evening and said, “I wish I could call Stella to make sure she’s doing alright.” That’s love right there.

I’ve had her for almost exactly eight months now and we’ve already gone through so much together. She was the only one there on those lonely nights in Utah and she made the journey across the country with me where she’s adoring her new home and all the loving people around her. She follows me around like Toto, jumps up on the couch next to me when I’m watching TV, and LOVES to play fetch.

This weekend, I had the delight of waking up to this {my most recent picture of her}:

She’s been the perfect little companion and there’s not a thing I wouldn’t do for her :)

If you have a little fur baby, be sure to head over to Happiness is and link-up!

Some Pictures and Fall TV

First of all, I just wanted to thank everyone last week for all your love and support. I’m so grateful to be a part of this lovely blogging community and to have such wonderful FRIENDS in so many of you! Whether I’m having a bad day or a good day, your comments and emails are always sure to make my day :)

Next up! It was so much fun to FINALLY share some of my many iPhone pictures with you guys last week! I actually found myself taking a ton this past week so I’m linking up with Savanah and Erin again!

It’s hard to believe Christmas decorations are already out but I love this!

Listen, I’m not sure WHY there’s at least one Angry Birds reference on my blog a week, but check this out! Yellow bird, of course, because they’re the best.

My best friend’s little boy turned one this weekend so I was out and about on a toy shopping escapade. I loved seeing these German toys!

The classic Water Baby was one of my most beloved toys growing up. Hahaha. I loved my little doll!

One day last week, while going out to lunch, I spotted this bad boy in the parking lot. It will one day be mine!

I caved and let my cat Missy up on the table only to find out this is what she had in mind. Pardon the horrible picture quality.

Needless to say, that was Stella’s reaction when she saw the special treatment that was going on. “Hey, Mom! Let me up there too!”

It’s okay. Stella had her own fun later on while “tightrope” walking across the bottom of the chair!! She’s got skill.

These little puppies were pretty unique. Cute little wedges with a black tie across the front. Too bad my feet are way narrow and the smallest size was too big :(

While in Restoration Hardware one night {is that store cool or what?!} I saw this grey, tufted headboard! If you know me, you know it was love at first sight. Unfortunately, the lighting in that store isn’t ideal for iPhone pics but you get the idea!

Lastly, I’m also linking up today with Neely and Amber for the Fabulous Fall Blog Challenge since there are a few Fall shows I figured I’d mention!

First off is a show that starts tonight!

{via}

Hart of Dixie! Fingers crossed that it ends up being decent because I’ve missed Rachel Bilson! Who else will be tuning in tonight to watch this?

Then, of course, is one of my shows that just started up again two weeks ago…

{via}

90210! Sometimes I really feel like I’m the only person who watches this because I never hear anyone else mention it. But, listen… I’m not really one for series television {I like my reality TV} and I’ve been following this show since its first season. As a lover of the original Beverly Hills: 90210, I got a bit hooked early on.

The new Real World {SAN DIEGO!!!} starts this week as well. While the cast doesn’t look all too thrilling, I’ll be watching only because San Diego holds a very special place in my heart :)

Oh, and while they’re not technically “Fall” shows, I’m loving The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills, although the Orange County girls will always be my favorites, and DANCE MOMS! Ohhhh my gosh, Dance Moms is amazing!

What are your Fall shows? Since there are so many, I can’t catch them all :)

I’m a Picture Hoarder

I admit, one of my biggest bad habits is taking hundreds of pictures on my iPhone and then doing nothing with them. I don’t put them on Facebook and hardly ever upload them to my blog since I use my Nikon for real picture-taking. So, I may or may not have 600ish pictures on my phone, waiting to be shared. Oops.

The only time I choose my iPhone over my Nikon is when a) I forgot my child Nikon b) the picture is time sensitive and my iPhone is easier to get to c) I’m too embarrassed to take out my gigantor camera. So, friends – today I share with you my latest cell phone snaps. While I’m at it, I’ll link up with Savanah and Erin!

Is this seriously what life has come to? Girls now go around to their friends saying, “Hey! Want to play Justin Bieber?” instead of, “Hey! Want to go play Barbies?” There’s something wrong with this.

Watching Doggy Daycare can sometimes be hilarious. I want the dark brown dog/all of them :)

One guess.

If you don’t know about Carl, then you really ought to go back to third grade and check some of these books out from the library.

Have you tried brie? It’s best on a nice, warm sandwich :) Yum!

Friday was our first cool, crisp day here in DC so what better way to spend some time outside than to go to a FARMERS MARKET? It was my first time going and I am in love! Check out these little pumpkins! We also sampled some AMAZING Pomegranate Apple Cider {yes, it IS the most amazing thing ever} and white chocolate carmelitas! Heaven, I tell you! I’ll definitely be going back there!!

Miles and miles of flat Kansas land – what a beautiful sight

My entire old apartment stuffed inside a 5x10 storage unit…

I was very nervous prior to moving back to VA about how Stella was going to settle in to a new place. Well, needless to say, she has had no problem making herself feel right at home :) She’s much happier here – just like her mama.

So, I’m sure you’re wondering if I feel better now that I’ve finally stopped hoarding all of these iPhone pictures! The answer is yes, mos def. Now, the hard part will be getting me to delete them off my phone. Not happening. Does that defeat the purpose of virtually un-hoarding? Don’t answer that.

The Road Home: Part Four

It’s time for the fourth and final part of my road trip back to Virginia. After driving through the rest of Missouri that morning, the next state we passed through was Illinois. Southern Illinois is full of fields. Geez, at this point, it seems like most states in the entire country are filled with nothing but fields! But, Illinois did throw a curve ball and presented some great entertainment, if only for a little while.

There had to have been an antique car show or something nearby because we saw SO many antique cars on the freeway and at gas stations where we stopped. It was amazing to see these cars and of course I picked out which one would have been mine. Couldn’t get a picture of it though!

Sadly, there was not much off the freeway in Illinois and Indiana to take pictures of. I’m not hating on you, Indiana/Illinois bloggers :)

Next up was Kentucky. I was a pretty big fan of Kentucky! Louisville is an awesome city, I started to feel more humidity, and the rest stops were very nice :) Oh, and they had White Castle. First time ever going there.

If someone could explain to me what the “Yum Center” is, that’d be great. And, yes, I know I look like a big girl driving that truck all by myself in the below picture. Haha! Riiiight. But, hey, my chin definition is pretty on-point for some reason…

Stella was an absolute champ throughout the whole journey. I had been so nervous since she’s an indoor cat and had never done any heavy traveling {to my knowledge.} She napped and napped and was just a little doll.

Okay, so to explain the tri-collar system: Green collar=regular collar. Dark purple collar=pheromone collar that was supposed to “relax” her. I’m still not buying it. Lighter purple collar=flea collar because who knows what mites are in those hotel rooms?! She is now only wearing the green collar :)

Look at all that gorgeous greenery! Totally different from where I started my journey earlier that week. This country is truly magnificent. It was so uplifting to see true beauty after such a trying and painful time in my life.

Although I’ve been to West Virginia countless times before, the beauty of that state was also astounding. I think that state often does not receive the credit that it deserves. Okay, so the rest stops weren’t my absolute favorite there, but the scenery, the beautiful shopping centers we’d pass, the old capital city of Charleston… all amazing.

Then, once the sun went down and we stopped for dinner at 8:00pm, things started looking downward. The latest weather update for Hurricane Irene was not looking good and we needed to get home to my poor, little mom. Soon after we got back on the road after our bite to eat, we realized we probably wouldn’t be making it home that night.

Cue Sandstone Mountain.

Driving Eastbound on this section of I-64 there is a 1,433 foot descent from the summit of Sandstone Mountain. The reported grade is 7% for 5 miles! It is steep, fast, windy, with several emergency truck run-offs to remind you of the intensity of the descent. My dad was pretty nervous about this and slowed down. I tried cheering him on. I remember saying, “See, Dad! We’re already 2 miles down the hill!” Then, the entire truck started shaking as we “braked” down the mountain. Shaking. More shaking. And even more to the point where I thought we were going to flip over. There was complete silence. I reached down to make sure Stella was okay, holding on for dear life with my other hand.

The brakes were too hot from the very steep 5 mile descent. With the weight of the truck AND trailer with my car pushing it down the mountain, the brakes were working too hard to slow the truck down. It was scary. We survived. A bit traumatized, but we survived. Scared of any more intense mountains, my dad decided to take it easy {and drive under the speed limit} until we were on I-81 in Virginia. That said, we probably lost a good hour or two. Safety first, friends!

It was so late at night when we reached Virginia that this is all I could get:

We stopped at the VIRGINIA Welcome Center to re-group, call Penske to make sure our brakes weren’t going to fail, and to give Stella some food and water. We got back on the road. However, not long after, we both started to lose it. It had been SUCH a long day week and we needed sleep. We decided we’d stop in Harrisonburg {home of JMU – GO DUKES! That’s for my brother} and stay at the Hampton Inn and leave super early to make it to Northern VA before the hurricane hit.

Welp, it just so happened to be “move-in weekend” at JMU so the hotels were packed with parents and families. Not only that, but, a lot of Virginia cities had been evacuated and a bunch of those people decided to stay in Harrisonburg I guess. There was not ONE hotel room available anywhere in Harrisonburg or the surrounding towns. Looks like I’d be sleeping in my own bed, after all!

The second we entered Fairfax County {the county I’m from} I shouted and put my hands in the air :) I didn’t care how long it took, I was home.

At 4:15 EST, we finally arrived at the house. It was a wonderful feeling - to be back, safe, and on my way to happiness again.

If you’ve followed me along this journey, thank you. It’s still not over. There will still be healing, learning, and moving on to do but I thank you for your support and understanding as I rebuild my life.

{Also: Today I’m guest posting for Ashley over at Diary of a Reporter. Head on over there to keep me some company as I write about something personal I’ve learned throughout this chapter. And while you’re there, be sure to explore Ashley’s beautiful and thoughtful blog. I just adore that girl :) }