I had a childless neighbour in her early seventies who had two dogs. At the time, I also had two dogs, Max and Mia. One day, she said to me, “We have a lot of love to give. Dogs are where that love can go.”
Read moreMy Cats, My Rocks!
When my husband and I started our fertility journey to try and become parents, we didn’t realize the struggles we would face. As with most couples, we felt it would be a straightforward journey and we would have a bouncing baby soon enough.
Read morePoppy is Thirteen
Poppy was thirteen in July this year. She is the one dog I call my baby. I’m not her mum (obviously) but she’s my baby.
Read moreHow My Rescue Cat Rescues Me
When I first met Boba at his rescue home, I was immediately taken with his personality. A ginger tabby boy, his outgoing nature was apparent from the first.
Read moreSuperheroes in Furry Capes
The worse night of my life had happened. I was alone in the middle of the night holding my mum as she died in my arms. That was it, I was on my own now.
Read moreA Pet isn't a Replacement for a Child
When I found myself childless after fertility treatments ended, I felt a huge void. I had so much love to give and didn't know where to focus it if I couldn't be a biological mother.
Read moreMy Unintentional Healer
I didn’t think I could look after an animal, I could barely look after myself.
Read moreMy Dogs Here and Now Gone
The very happy childless cat lady!
I am a nearly 50-year-old childless and infertile woman. I have always had a cat. Since I was two years old, we always had a cat in the house.
Read moreHans & Hannah
I will never forget the phone call that came with the results of my IVF procedure! Mostly, how I couldn’t breathe when they said that after 8 weeks, I was no longer pregnant.
Read moreAn Appreciation of Boris
I love you Boris
I love how soft and velvety your ears are
I love how you are short-but-long
Read moreThere's no love like puppy love
So first up let’s introduce the reprobates. I have two dogs - Beagles - a 7 year old girl, Holly who we’ve had from a puppy and a 10 year old rescue, Douglas. I’m currently working on adding a third but my husband might read this so shhh…
Read moreA Love Letter To My Dog
Love is love - I'm so honoured
I wasn’t going to submit for ‘The importance of pets’, as I usually focus on ‘Moving forwards’, but this year I’ve decided to quickly do both.
Read moreA Love Letter To My Pets
Thank you to the beloved pets that have been with me through my childless not by choice journey.
Read moreI love being a cat mom
I’m childless not by choice, I have premature ovarian syndrome and was diagnosed at 26.
Read moreNo, we are not only dogs
A farewell letter from Naya to Oscar.
Read moreNot Just A Pet
He Saved My Life
I never wanted animals. I used to say, “if I have to clean up after something, pay and raise it - it better become a productive member of society.”
Read moreMotherhood, Millie, & Me
On paper, I rescued her, but really, I think she rescued me. In 2018, sprawled on my bed in the Ugandan village of Ruhanga - papers strewn around me - I wrote the line …
Read more