Tootsie, The One Who Made Me, Me again

In today’s episode of 30 Days to 30, I share the story of someone who completely changed the course of my life — and she just so happens to have four paws, whiskers, and the sweetest soul.

Her name is Tootsie.

At a time when I was hidden away, buried in schoolwork, and convincing myself that isolation was just part of being “focused,” Tootsie came into my life. She was tucked into the corner of a shelter cage, just as quietly unseen as I felt in my own world.

But the moment I held her, something clicked. I knew she was meant to come home with me.

She didn’t ask me to be okay. She didn’t fix me.
She simply existed beside me — making me laugh again, pulling me out of my room, and reminding me to care for something outside of myself.
And slowly, I started showing up for myself too.

Tootsie isn’t human, but she gave me more stability and love than any person had. She became my quiet anchor, my little healer, and one of the most powerful presences in my life.

This episode is a love letter to her — and to the unexpected ways love can show up and save us.