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Living with Loula, Lily, & Ivan

Do you have a best friend? I used to think I did, at least, in human form. However, my current bestie dons a curly black coat, is full of boundless energy, and is everlastingly interested in ME. Living with Loula, Lily, and Ivan lends to a never-dull-moment-don’t-turn-your-back kinda life.

I wouldn’t trade it for the world.

Worried Loula Goldendoodle Looking for Love by Livin' Real with Larissa | livinrealwithlarissa.com #livinrealwithlarisa

We all know that animals provide therapeutic interactions and it’s renowned that they can help us heal.

While I’ve always wanted a hobby farm (or at least I used to), I’m loving my dynamic trio even when they drive me CRAZY.

REVIVING THE PAST

In the past, I’ve shared the stories of Loula, Lily and Ivan.

  • Loula – she is two years old, came to me via a rescue, and is the biggest dog I’ve had the pleasure of sharing life with
  • Lily – she is twelve years old, came to me via a farm at an emotionally dark time when I lost my daughter
  • Ivan – he is two years old, was nearly dead when my son, Isaac, found him on the street. Also, he is Loula’s puppy

With that in mind, I want to let you peek into my fur-ball world because these three deserve a shout-out for Life Update #19 (read all Life Updates HERE). Please enjoy this fun-tastic vlog of my fur fam.

Vlog Living with Loula, Lily and Ivan - a love-filled tale of therapeutic love from pets | Livin' Real with Larissa | livinrealwithlarissa.com #livinrealwithlarissa

whew!

They are such a hoot, such a pain (at times), but all love. Sounds like a family to me. {{wink wink}}

Lily is queen of the abode and knows it. She will come into my room to claim my bed, even if I’m sleeping in it and then look at me like THIS.

Sassy Lily the Senior Calico Cat | Livin' Real with Larissa | livinrealwithlarissa.com #livinrealwithlarissa

Loula, Ivan and Lily in Larissa's bedroom | Livin' Real with Larissa | livinrealwithlarissa.com #livinrealwithlarissa

Here Ivan claimed my bed first. Loula went in to mediate and Lily is showing her disdain. haha.

As I mention in my vlog above, I mention how Ivan is Loula’s pup. Though recently she’s been defending Lily from Ivan after she was attacked by a neighborhood cat.

Mind you, Ivan was also attacked a week later from same doggone cat.

Likewise, Loula is adamant on taking care of Ivan’s left ear that was horribly infected when we rescued him and had surgery.

Loula Cleaning Ivan's Ear | Living with Loula by Livin' Real with Larissa | livinrealwithlarissa.com #livinrealwithlarissa

TABBY TALES

Meanwhile, Ivan is a typical orange tabby male – ornery, opinionated, and full of DEMAND.

Ivan the Orange Tabby in Blue Chair by Livin' Real with Larissa | livinrealwithlarissa.com #livinrealwithlarissa

He will throw anything off any surface including, but not limited to, vases, knives, and all of the above-floor items. GEESH.

Crazy Ivan the Orange Tabby Sleeping | Livin' Real with Larissa | livinrealwithlarissa.com #livinrealwithlarissa

Weird Ivan Sleeping Positions | Living with Loula, Lily, and Ivan | livinrealwithlarissa.com #livinrealwithlarissa

Only on rare occasion will Lily and Ivan eat beside one another.

HOWEVER, each day they warm up more and more. It makes me hopeful. (see the vlog above)

Ivan and Lily Eating Together | Livin' Real with Larissa | livinrealwithlarissa.com #livinrealwithlarissa

Also, do you remember our rescue, Monty? With sad hearts, he has since passed away, but he is forever in our hearts.

ANOTHER TALE OR TWO

Then, a week ago I was innocently dropping off my recycling with my two youngest daughters and we see this…

Abandoned Kitten near Dumpster | Livin' Real with Larissa | livinrealwithlarissa.com #livinrealwithlarissa

This little one disappeared under the dumpster, but we found a trail leading into the brush that, to me, looked forged by a larger cat or animal.

We left the kitten there and my daughter, Elena, who has her own pet business, wanted to go back and try to see what was going on. She got permission from the recycling center who told her they’ve seen kittens out there.

She did go back with her sister (my oldest daughter), Corinne, and after a few hours in wicked-high temps were able to feed the kitten and get it to Corinne’s house.

Long story short, they returned at dusk to see raccoons, ground hogs, and many cats. Even rat poison set out by the dumpsters.

Another little kitten came out crying the minute they arrived.

Feeding Stray Kitten | Livin' Real with Larissa | livinrealwithlarissa.com #livinrealwithlarissa

ADOPTION

Needless to say, my daughters now have two bonded sisters looking for a loving HOME.

They’ve about six weeks old and have been bathed and are scheduled to see a vet soon. Not only that, but are litter training perfectly, and we are doing everything we can to acclimate them to people and other cats and dogs.

I found this pet stroller for Corinne at the thrift store so she could take her own rescue sister kittens that she adopted from a local sanctuary, Giovanna and Angelina, outside until they got harnesses. While her neighborhood is quiet, her house is near a busier street.

These two new females came with us to our tennis matches and enjoyed the fresh air and oodles of pets.

Pet Stroller with Rescue Kittens | Livin' Real with Larissa | livinrealwithlarissa.com #livinrealwithlarissa

Inside this stroller you’ll meet Sierra and Stormy. Say, “hi” to the sisters my daughters rescued a week ago.

Sierra and Stormy Inside Pet Stroller for Living with Loula | livinrealwithlarissa.com #livinrealwithlarissa

Adoptable Rescue Kittens available by Livin' Real with Larissa | livinrealwithlarissa.com #livinrealwithlarissa

AWW…

Sierra is on the left and Stormy on the right.

Folks, they need a new home together as they are bonded and are sweet as sweet can be and will not be living with Loula. ahem.

I have PLENTY of fur family for the time being.

Send me an email if you’re local and would like more information on adopting them. (contact information in menu above)

Sierra the Rescue Kitten | livinrealwithlarissa.com #livinrealwithlarissa

Stormy the Rescue Kitten | livinrealwithlarissa.com #livinrealwithlarissa

TIME WILL TELL

While each day leads to new adventures while living with Loula, Lily, and Ivan, I’m glad I have the ability to have such sweet souls in my life.

Loula Reflecting on Seeing Herself for the First Time | Livin' Real with Larissa | livinrealwithlarissa.com livinrealwithlarissa

Simone and Living with Loula | Livin' Real with Larissa | livinrealwithlarissa.com #livinrealwithlarissa

My kids can attest to how much life and healing they bring.

Grooming Loula | livinrealwithlarissa.com #livinrealwithlarissa

Oh, to have such a positive effect on those around us.

Loula Standing with Isaac | livinrealwithlarissa.com #livinrealwithlarissa

Ivan in the bunk bed and Loula demanding Isaac pet her. haha.

SHARE THE LOVE

As always, I truly enjoy hearing your own stories in comments below. Tell us how a furry soul has touched you. Likewise, pin and share to warm someone’s day.

Livin' Real with Larissa share her love-filled story of living with Loula, Lily, and Ivan. A goldendoodle, calico, tabby love tale | livinrealwithlarissa.com #livinrealwithlarissa

Before you go, be sure to sign up for my FREE newsletter. Until next time!
Livin' Real with Larissa | livinrealwithlarissa.com

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While you’re at it, here are more posts similar to living with Loula:

Create a DIY Floating Cat Bed using a thrifted basket and thrifted wool sweater (no sewing!) | project by Larissa of Prodigal Pieces | prodigalpieces.com #prodigalpiecesAdorable DIY Dog Coat made from Upcycled Sweaters by Larissa of Prodigal Pieces | prodigalpieces.com #prodigalpieces #dogs #pets #sewing #refashion #upcycled

Comments

  1. Niki says

    Oh, sisters…..we have those too!! Not kitties though. My oldest son who lives across the street has a regal looking lovey girl named Lilly who is a Britany Spaniel and we have her full blood sister Jàger who is a year younger and cute as a button. Then there is old man shih tzu Buster and our playful almost 1 yr old GSP Tex. I know you know that but I figured not everyone here does. 🐶🐾🐾🐾🐾
    I would never have ever imagined that I would start to take on anxiety whenever I have to leave my fur babies. The first time was the months before our son’s wedding in Canada when we were deciding on arrangements for them. I almost had a full blown panic attack at the thought of missing them or the what if’s…like what if they ran away and we never saw them again. Thank God that didn’t happen.
    I have never been that way before but now……I dislike being away from them period. They are my source of comfort for sure.

    • Larissa says

      It sounds like you have quite the crew too, Niki! 😀 I know what you mean about leaving them. I have a similar anxiety when it’s below zero out in winter and I’m waiting them to come in for the night. They drive me crazy! haha.

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