Wow, where do I even start? So much has happened since my last blog post that it honestly feels like my life hit fast-forward—only with a lot more fur and way more chaos than I was ready for.

First off, the biggest and best change: I have a new puppy in my life. His name is Phoenix, and he’s already stolen my heart. If you’ve been following my story, you know how shattered I was after losing Cato. The sadness just wouldn’t let up. My boyfriend, Beau, could see how down I was and, along with my mom, decided to take action. Together, they found Phoenix and—just to make me cry even harder—Beau covered the adoption fee. It was honestly one of the kindest things anyone’s ever done for me.

Phoenix is three months old now, and he’s an absolute goofball with the sweetest soul. He’s a husky/malamute/timber wolf mix, and sometimes when I look at him, it’s like I’m seeing Cato all over again. He even has the same brown eyes as Cato, and their expressions are so similar it honestly gives me chills (in the best way). Sometimes he acts like a grumpy old man, and sometimes he’s just a wild, stubborn puppy—but there’s a comfort in having him here that I can’t really explain.

Some of you might remember that session I had with the cowgirl shaman I wrote about before. She said Cato’s spirit wasn’t ready to leave this world, and that the next puppy I brought home would have Cato’s soul “walk in.” She said he wouldn’t be an exact copy, but I’d feel something familiar. And honestly? She might have been right. There are little things Phoenix does, looks he gives me, that remind me so much of my boy. I catch myself talking to him like he’s Cato, and sometimes it genuinely feels like he hears me.

As if that wasn’t enough to shake up my world, I finally decided to dust off my riding boots and get back to horses. Darla Opava at Opava Eventing welcomed me back as a working student, just like I was years ago before everything went sideways. For those who don’t know, I had to quit being her working student after Darryl died. Finding him the way I did sent me into a spiral. His older brother and some of his “friends” blamed me for his death—still do, actually—and my health completely tanked. Hospital stays became normal. Just three months before Darryl died, I’d had major surgery to rebuild my esophagus and remove my failing gallbladder. The scar is so big that strangers think I had heart surgery, but nope, just a really gnarly double whammy. And then, if that wasn’t enough, I needed emergency surgery to remove a blood clot that almost reached my heart. (Honestly, if my insides were a TV show, it’d be one of those medical dramas.)

But things finally feel like they’re moving forward again. This morning, I figured the craziest thing that would happen was my coffee order showing up late. I opened my door for my Uber Eats delivery… and instead, I found a kennel full of eyes staring up at me. Literally, I had to stop and do a double take. There, outside my front door, were nine kittens—just sitting there, waiting. No note, no heads-up, just a basket of kitten chaos. Apparently word’s gotten out around my neighborhood that I’m the animal rescue person, so here we are. No idea who dropped them off, but honestly, I’d rather take them in than have them dumped at the shelter. So, I guess I’m officially a kitten foster mom now. Send help—and coffee.

If you’re still with me, thanks for reading and sharing in this crazy, beautiful mess with me. It’s not always easy, but it’s mine. Phoenix and the kitten crew are already turning my world upside down in the best way possible. If you’ve ever lost a pet or gone through your own rough patch, just know you’re not alone. Sometimes, the universe throws us exactly what we need—whether we’re ready or not.

I’ll keep you updated on all the adventures, chaos, and maybe a little healing along the way. Until next time—wish me luck (and send caffeine).

Lots of Love XOXO,

Sammy