Mothers Day Style with Catherines

This post is sponsored by Catherines and contains tracking links. 

If you follow me on social media, then you know that in July 2018 I lost my 11 year old English Bulldog, Bosley to cancer. We were lucky to have him for almost 6 years, and he was my first experience being a mother. My whole life was taking care of him… making sure he was safe, happy and healthy, and I was so lost when he passed. I had a huge whole in my heart, constant pit in my stomach, and I did not know what to do with myself. A few weeks after his passing I started volunteering at Southern California Bulldog Rescue {SCBR}, which is the organization where we adopted Bosley in 2013. I literally dove in- helping at the kennels with baths, play time, and adoption events, as well as helping with home checks for prospective adopters. Volunteering has been a way for me to give to animals in need, but also to help channel my grief in a positive way.

Throughout the first few months of volunteering we considered becoming a foster family for one of the rescue bulldogs, but we didn’t feel quite ready to bring another dog into the home. Somehow I felt that I was betraying Bosley. All his stuff was still in place, right where he left it- his bed, toys, water bowl, and the mess he made on the wall the last time he ate out of his bowl. The thought of another dog coming in and using his stuff felt wrong to me, and our emotions were so raw that it was too much.

Then, in December 2018, this baby bulldog, Brutus came into my life…

Brutus {aka BB or Baby B} came into SCBR as an 18 month old who had been bounced around to a few different homes, and had typical puppy personality along with some bad learned behavioral issues. I was asked to babysit him for the weekend while his foster mom was out of town, and long story short, he has been with us for 5 months literally to the day!

Being a foster mom to Brutus has opened up a whole new chapter of motherhood for me. His puppy personality challenges me every single day, giving me constant lessons in patience, and keeps me accountable to instill boundaries and discipline, while still giving him confidence, affection, and unconditional love. Giving BB a stable, loving home and seeing him thrive has been so rewarding and fills my heart with so much joy.

I haven’t shared a whole lot about my journey with Brutus, because TBH, we have just been taking it day by day and working to get him into a good place so he can be the best boy he can be- mind, body and spirit, but when my friends at Catherines reached out to celebrate Mothers Day , I knew it was the perfect time to share some “dog mom” love {and few fun spring looks}.

All Around Romper with Pockets

Veranda Kimono

Rose Gold Slider Bracelet

Tropic Petal Maxi Dress with Pockets

Im not sure how my journey with Brutus will end, but I cherish every single day that I get to be his mama, and I am forever grateful to my Bosley for bringing this Baby B into my life {and I truly believe that he did}.

Happy Mothers Day to all the mothers and mother figures out there who selflessly open their hearts and give themselves to nurture, care for, and love others every single day.

Mother Earth / An eternally fruitful source of everything.

Thank you Catherines for making us part of your Mothers Day celebration, and for your generous donation on behalf of Brutus to Southern California Bulldog Rescue!