Hahahaha. Homer makes me laugh, too. That’s awesome. Is he a chocolate lab? I love his doggy profile in your pic. You can tell he’s taking it all in. If only we humans could consistently do that.
This is such a gorgeous post Allison. I have two black cats in my life. Both came to me amidst an unsuccessful journey with infertility. Both became my angels, in their own different ways, walking me through my grief. One by his deeply intuitive presence. At the moments where I would hit rock bottom, he would be glued to my lap with a paw on my heart. The other by bringing mischief, cheekiness and life back into my home and my heart - a perpetual kitten who chases anything that moves. They're also both aging now. I don't know how I'll ever face those goodbyes when the time comes...
Oh I love this, Vicki. I love that your precious cats brought you comfort each in their own unique way. Animals can be so in tune with us humans (I would argue, MORE in tune with us than most of our fellow humans). The energetic kinetic clicks that a soul pet can provide is worth every tear shed when we have to say goodbye to them. ❤️💔
This is such a beautiful post and tribute to all dogs who ground us, prop us up and make us better humans! Your story about how you found Stella is remarkably similar to my story about how I found my furry love, Ash. (Though, I do wonder if there was a bit of woo-woo, divine intervention, serendipity that helped us find each other). They are always a part of us and always with us.
TOTALLY! I definitely subscribe to the woo-woo and know that my dog was sent to me for a reason. It's a connection like none other. And dog people are the only ones who get it.
Beautiful post. I got my dog, Homer, two years ago after many years of making excuses for why I shouldn't have one. He's my COO - he nudges me when I'm working late and it's time for our evening walk, and he always makes me laugh when he finishes his dinner and occasionally lets out a big belch, hence the name :)
I’m obsessed with my cats and would gladly write about them everyday, so thank you for the invitation. At work, I find refuge when I look into the eyes of other people’s dogs. I was always afraid of them as a kid because they were big and jumped and stuck their noses in my crotch. Now, I appreciate their sweet loyalty and chaotic playfulness.
Cats give me the peace and space and softness that feels like home to me, though. My daughter and I have three, my sister has one of her own and two community cats, and the neighbor’s cat is on the property every day. So seven total cats are coming and going but mostly laying around and sleeping at all times.
Team Dog. I have a pinned post with Leonard, who is my Buddist-ish teacher. He reminds me to slow down. Then he bites me carefully on the tip of my nose.
I enjoyed reading this love letter to Stella. So moving! I grew up with dogs and cats but for most of my adult life have not had pets because I want to be able to travel at a moment’s notice: the call of the wild, rather than the call of the sweet, wild dog. But lately in my newly single adult solitude—when it feels lonely—I think how nice it would be to have an animal companion. Maybe one day. 💗
Oh we are super fortunate that my mother-in-law takes Stella for us when we travel. I know what you mean, Amy. In that regard, pets can be harder than babies.
I enjoyed “Dog Medicine: How My Dog Saved Me From Myself” by Julie Barton. I currently have 2 dogs and 5 cats, and they have truly been one of my lifelines over the past couple years as I’ve dealt with a lot of grief and hardship. Even when some of that grief and hardship is because of the pets! They just always bring a smile to my face (which is priceless, really). And rescue pets like your Stella are the absolute best! All my fur babies are rescues. They would probably say the same about me ❤️
Oh I feel the same way - Stella “would probably say the same about me.” I feel like she takes her job of “saving” me everyday very seriously. She’s always checking in with me with her eyes.
I haven’t read Dog Medicine and just downloaded it on my kindle. I’m craving a good dog story so thank you!
I appreciate you sharing here and reading this piece, Amber 🙏🏼
Sending ear scratchies to your sweet rescues 🐾🐶❤️🐈
💙💙💙Rusty was my Stella. Named him after The Rusty Spur Saloon. A bar in Scottsdale. Hope his soft brown eyes and Boxer wiggle butt is over the rainbow bridge right now glad I dropped the wine I so often drank alone while he snored next to me.
Oh Stephanie - I have a soft spot for Boxers!!! My sister had one named Jager (yes, as in Jäegermeister) and he was SUCH a remarkable dog. So many tears when we had to see him go.
You’ll both be wiggling with joy and love when you reunite with Rusty - I believe there is a place we’ll all romp around together!
Oh Allison, you nailed it!!! All you said is especially true with rescues! I currently have a 9 year old dog and a 10 year old cat. I have had 5 at once in the past. Rescue dogs are the best. They know they've been saved. I rescue older dogs. I love their pace and they often get passed by. Mona came to at 11 and lasted only 3 months due to bladder cancer. She was one of the most precious dogs I have every had. People always ask me how I can keep rescuing older dogs. That's easy . . . I get so much positive from them than the ending grief, so much love and happiness. All my rescues have overcome serious obstacles and the pride I feel is explosive. I wish everyone could have the experiences and love I have had with all my rescues. There is nothing like it in this world.
I LOVE that you rescue seniors, Jane. I keep saying that our next rescue will be an older/adult pup.
Do you have any experience fostering? I’m starting to wonder if we might want to try that on - to see if having another dog puts some pep in Stella’s step. Bring out the youth in her.
For SURE - they know we are saving them. No doubt in my mind about that.
I had a Stella too! This essay brought back memories. She was so special to our family. She made our lives so much richer. She was a funny girl for sure. Thank you for bringing me back to those days.
Stella is gorgeous! I grew up with cats but I’m a dog person now. I was so sad when my old border terrier passed away that k didn’t want another dog, but my daughter persuaded me to get Pepper during lockdown. I then developed long covid and she’s been great company, and keeps me active! I wouldn’t be without her! 🐶
I love the photo of you and Stella smiling together! Beautiful!
The subject of pets brings tears to my eyes right now... We rescued our cats, Shadow and Pancake, when we first arrived in Beijing three years ago. They've been such a beautiful part of our life here, keeping my boys company during months of online learning, and keeping me company when the boys finally went back to school.
But in three months we're moving to Bali. I've been so worried about how the journey and the quarantine would be for the cats, and how they'd cope with living in an open house when they've only ever lived inside our apartment. Then the other day a friend said she wanted to adopt them. The cats have fallen completely in love with her, and she's permanently based in China so they'll never have to travel. It's the best thing for them but I'll be so heartbroken to say goodbye.
That pic of Stella & me was taken after my family was away for 12 days on a trip to the west coast. Stella stayed back with my in-laws and that pic was our reunion 😅.
Sending you big hugs as you navigate leaving those precious cats. I admire how your decision is based on their well being. A sign of how much you truly love them. I’m sure Pancake & Shadow (great names BTW!) will show up still in your life. You’ll get updates, photos, maybe even FaceTimes 🙃
As hard as it will be to leave them, how wonderful that you are modeling for your boys how to put the cats’ needs and well being before yours. Such a great life lesson. They will always be your pets - even if you only lived under the same roof for a few seasons of your life.
Dogs are the best! Thanks for sharing your story about Stella. I hope you treasure the time you have with her and are able to remember all the good times y'all have together. I lost my dog about 6 years ago and still miss him dearly. I have since adopted/step parent my gf's Chihuahua/Weiner dog (chi-weenie) mix. There is just something so special and immeasurable between dogs & humans. What a special bond.
I don't have any good book recs, but I absolutely ADORED the new movie, Arthur the King. It's so good! I have put a hold in at my library for The Art of Racing In the Rain. Thanks again for the heart tugging piece!
What a great story!! I seem to remember Stella from some prior post of yours or maybe comments. Great to see her again!!
Yes, dogs are the best!! The first story I wrote on Substack was about Skilak who died suddenly at 3 yrs last November. It was devastating but actually writing the story for substack really helped heal me…big time!!
So yes, I’m all in with dogs (and pets). We need them in our lives to balance us from all the human stuff. Great post Allison. Give Stella a scratch for me!!
Hahahaha. Homer makes me laugh, too. That’s awesome. Is he a chocolate lab? I love his doggy profile in your pic. You can tell he’s taking it all in. If only we humans could consistently do that.
Thanks for sharing Homer with us here!
This is such a gorgeous post Allison. I have two black cats in my life. Both came to me amidst an unsuccessful journey with infertility. Both became my angels, in their own different ways, walking me through my grief. One by his deeply intuitive presence. At the moments where I would hit rock bottom, he would be glued to my lap with a paw on my heart. The other by bringing mischief, cheekiness and life back into my home and my heart - a perpetual kitten who chases anything that moves. They're also both aging now. I don't know how I'll ever face those goodbyes when the time comes...
Oh I love this, Vicki. I love that your precious cats brought you comfort each in their own unique way. Animals can be so in tune with us humans (I would argue, MORE in tune with us than most of our fellow humans). The energetic kinetic clicks that a soul pet can provide is worth every tear shed when we have to say goodbye to them. ❤️💔
This is such a beautiful post and tribute to all dogs who ground us, prop us up and make us better humans! Your story about how you found Stella is remarkably similar to my story about how I found my furry love, Ash. (Though, I do wonder if there was a bit of woo-woo, divine intervention, serendipity that helped us find each other). They are always a part of us and always with us.
TOTALLY! I definitely subscribe to the woo-woo and know that my dog was sent to me for a reason. It's a connection like none other. And dog people are the only ones who get it.
Thanks for getting it. :-)
And give some love from Stella to Ash!
Beautiful post. I got my dog, Homer, two years ago after many years of making excuses for why I shouldn't have one. He's my COO - he nudges me when I'm working late and it's time for our evening walk, and he always makes me laugh when he finishes his dinner and occasionally lets out a big belch, hence the name :)
I’m obsessed with my cats and would gladly write about them everyday, so thank you for the invitation. At work, I find refuge when I look into the eyes of other people’s dogs. I was always afraid of them as a kid because they were big and jumped and stuck their noses in my crotch. Now, I appreciate their sweet loyalty and chaotic playfulness.
Cats give me the peace and space and softness that feels like home to me, though. My daughter and I have three, my sister has one of her own and two community cats, and the neighbor’s cat is on the property every day. So seven total cats are coming and going but mostly laying around and sleeping at all times.
I love how you love on all the cats. And I love the illustrations you include in your publications.
Cats do provide space - that is something dogs generally won’t do. They sniffing of crotches/butts - they don’t get it. 😅
Sweet loyalty and chaotic playfulness is a good way to put it!
Sending all kinds of 🫶 to you and your cats and the community of neighboring kitties that commune with you. 😻
Team Dog. I have a pinned post with Leonard, who is my Buddist-ish teacher. He reminds me to slow down. Then he bites me carefully on the tip of my nose.
Ha! I love that. I’ll have to go read about Leonard.
Yes 🙌🏻 team dog.
I enjoyed reading this love letter to Stella. So moving! I grew up with dogs and cats but for most of my adult life have not had pets because I want to be able to travel at a moment’s notice: the call of the wild, rather than the call of the sweet, wild dog. But lately in my newly single adult solitude—when it feels lonely—I think how nice it would be to have an animal companion. Maybe one day. 💗
Oh we are super fortunate that my mother-in-law takes Stella for us when we travel. I know what you mean, Amy. In that regard, pets can be harder than babies.
If I lived closer to you, I’d pet sit anytime! 🤗
I enjoyed “Dog Medicine: How My Dog Saved Me From Myself” by Julie Barton. I currently have 2 dogs and 5 cats, and they have truly been one of my lifelines over the past couple years as I’ve dealt with a lot of grief and hardship. Even when some of that grief and hardship is because of the pets! They just always bring a smile to my face (which is priceless, really). And rescue pets like your Stella are the absolute best! All my fur babies are rescues. They would probably say the same about me ❤️
Oh I feel the same way - Stella “would probably say the same about me.” I feel like she takes her job of “saving” me everyday very seriously. She’s always checking in with me with her eyes.
I haven’t read Dog Medicine and just downloaded it on my kindle. I’m craving a good dog story so thank you!
I appreciate you sharing here and reading this piece, Amber 🙏🏼
Sending ear scratchies to your sweet rescues 🐾🐶❤️🐈
💙💙💙Rusty was my Stella. Named him after The Rusty Spur Saloon. A bar in Scottsdale. Hope his soft brown eyes and Boxer wiggle butt is over the rainbow bridge right now glad I dropped the wine I so often drank alone while he snored next to me.
Oh Stephanie - I have a soft spot for Boxers!!! My sister had one named Jager (yes, as in Jäegermeister) and he was SUCH a remarkable dog. So many tears when we had to see him go.
You’ll both be wiggling with joy and love when you reunite with Rusty - I believe there is a place we’ll all romp around together!
Thanks for sharing 🫶
Oh Allison, you nailed it!!! All you said is especially true with rescues! I currently have a 9 year old dog and a 10 year old cat. I have had 5 at once in the past. Rescue dogs are the best. They know they've been saved. I rescue older dogs. I love their pace and they often get passed by. Mona came to at 11 and lasted only 3 months due to bladder cancer. She was one of the most precious dogs I have every had. People always ask me how I can keep rescuing older dogs. That's easy . . . I get so much positive from them than the ending grief, so much love and happiness. All my rescues have overcome serious obstacles and the pride I feel is explosive. I wish everyone could have the experiences and love I have had with all my rescues. There is nothing like it in this world.
I LOVE that you rescue seniors, Jane. I keep saying that our next rescue will be an older/adult pup.
Do you have any experience fostering? I’m starting to wonder if we might want to try that on - to see if having another dog puts some pep in Stella’s step. Bring out the youth in her.
For SURE - they know we are saving them. No doubt in my mind about that.
I’ve had one foster and it failed 😂
I do think bringing in a second dog can give your pup new energy 😉
I had a Stella too! This essay brought back memories. She was so special to our family. She made our lives so much richer. She was a funny girl for sure. Thank you for bringing me back to those days.
Awwwww, thanks for letting me know, Linda. I can tell how sweet your Stella was, too. Hugs to you and all her humans that loved her.
Stella is gorgeous! I grew up with cats but I’m a dog person now. I was so sad when my old border terrier passed away that k didn’t want another dog, but my daughter persuaded me to get Pepper during lockdown. I then developed long covid and she’s been great company, and keeps me active! I wouldn’t be without her! 🐶
That top pic is just the best.
Pure puppy joy 🤩
I love the photo of you and Stella smiling together! Beautiful!
The subject of pets brings tears to my eyes right now... We rescued our cats, Shadow and Pancake, when we first arrived in Beijing three years ago. They've been such a beautiful part of our life here, keeping my boys company during months of online learning, and keeping me company when the boys finally went back to school.
But in three months we're moving to Bali. I've been so worried about how the journey and the quarantine would be for the cats, and how they'd cope with living in an open house when they've only ever lived inside our apartment. Then the other day a friend said she wanted to adopt them. The cats have fallen completely in love with her, and she's permanently based in China so they'll never have to travel. It's the best thing for them but I'll be so heartbroken to say goodbye.
Ah, pets... I'm not crying!
Thanks Michelle 🫶
That pic of Stella & me was taken after my family was away for 12 days on a trip to the west coast. Stella stayed back with my in-laws and that pic was our reunion 😅.
Sending you big hugs as you navigate leaving those precious cats. I admire how your decision is based on their well being. A sign of how much you truly love them. I’m sure Pancake & Shadow (great names BTW!) will show up still in your life. You’ll get updates, photos, maybe even FaceTimes 🙃
As hard as it will be to leave them, how wonderful that you are modeling for your boys how to put the cats’ needs and well being before yours. Such a great life lesson. They will always be your pets - even if you only lived under the same roof for a few seasons of your life.
❤️🫶❤️🫶
Dogs are the best! Thanks for sharing your story about Stella. I hope you treasure the time you have with her and are able to remember all the good times y'all have together. I lost my dog about 6 years ago and still miss him dearly. I have since adopted/step parent my gf's Chihuahua/Weiner dog (chi-weenie) mix. There is just something so special and immeasurable between dogs & humans. What a special bond.
I don't have any good book recs, but I absolutely ADORED the new movie, Arthur the King. It's so good! I have put a hold in at my library for The Art of Racing In the Rain. Thanks again for the heart tugging piece!
Oh- I sooo want to see Arthur the King! I heard it’s based on a memoir. Might have to read that, too.
I’m sorry for the loss of your beloved dog. I imagine the sting and pain never goes away - you just get used to carrying it. 💔
Thanks for reading and sharing your dog experiences here, Brent!
What a great story!! I seem to remember Stella from some prior post of yours or maybe comments. Great to see her again!!
Yes, dogs are the best!! The first story I wrote on Substack was about Skilak who died suddenly at 3 yrs last November. It was devastating but actually writing the story for substack really helped heal me…big time!!
So yes, I’m all in with dogs (and pets). We need them in our lives to balance us from all the human stuff. Great post Allison. Give Stella a scratch for me!!
I remember your story about Skilak! It really moved me. I’m glad writing through it was cathartic for you.
Stella says thanks for the scratch! And thanks for reading 🫶