12 Comments
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Bri Grosvenor's avatar

I love this. I also have a fur baby who I had before I was married and had kids. She’ll be 14 this month and I just can’t believe it. So thankful for these special animals and the places they hold in our hearts.

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Mum Guilt and Other Stories's avatar

It's crazy how time flies, god knows what I'll be like when my kids hit their teens 😭

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Maria Sandberg's avatar

First you make me laugh, then you break my heart. Such a beautiful, moving piece! I relate to it deeply. My first baby is my golden Labrador, Baloo, and some days I’m overwhelmed with guilt for giving him so much less time, cuddles, and energy than before the baby. I wish I could split myself in pieces and maybe, just maybe, then feel like I’m enough for everyone I love ❤️

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Mum Guilt and Other Stories's avatar

Baloo sounds lovely 😍 It does feel like that for a while, and sometimes something happens that takes you right back there, but the love they give back is so restorative 💖

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Ren's avatar

My practice child is Cobb - a grey tabby with white socks. I remember being out for a curry after work and deciding we wanted to leave to get home to him. I could never imagine loving anyone as much as him before I had human children!

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Mum Guilt and Other Stories's avatar

It's crazy how your heart grows, isn't it? Just when you think you don't have the capacity to love any more along comes the next one to melt your heart

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Ren's avatar

Oddly enough i’ve never looked at it like that, but it's true! ♥️

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Alys Hedd's avatar

I loved this, Vikki - I think we all practised on pets first! Edmund sounds like a wonderful kitty cat ❤️

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Anna | Tender & True's avatar

Vikki, I found myself nodding along, smiling, and misting up by the end.

The line “You don’t always get what you expect, but you’ll love them anyway” hit me especially hard. That’s parenting in a nutshell — fur, feathers, or babies with mismatched socks.

I love how you wove humor and heart together so seamlessly. Edmund sounds like the perfect companion through every chapter — judging you lovingly, claiming white sheets, and showing up exactly when you needed comfort the most.

Thank you for sharing him with us. A toast, indeed. 🤍

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Mum Guilt and Other Stories's avatar

Thank you, you always put everything so eloquently!

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Maria T.C.'s avatar

We also have a senior kitty in our home. He is social but sleepy and so loved and special. My daughter, 16 months, loovvvvveeees him

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Mum Guilt and Other Stories's avatar

Yep my baby's eyes light up whenever near 🤩

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