# 2 From Two Dogs To a Cat: I'm in my Cat Era

Starting a business often comes from a place of passion and personal experience. It also comes with a lot of uncertainty and fear. Questioning every decision I make—from colors and fonts to what people will think—and the amount of time it takes me because I’m learning as I go and researching each thing that pops up.

Self-doubt and perfectionism have really taken center stage like never before. I sometimes forget what I am here for and the things that brought me here. For me, Paw & Order began with two dogs, but didn’t materialize until years later.

Today my journey has taken an unexpected turn with the arrival of a cat—a companion I never imagined I needed. I love all animals and always have. But I guess you could say that technically I was always a "dog person.” I never had a cat of my own; I experienced cats through friends, family, and clients.

This new addition has brought a smile to my face that I desperately needed. A quiet and comforting presence, and fresh inspiration and energy for my work, proving that growth often comes from embracing change.

Meadow and I picked each other when we met, but she wound up in my world because of the people I have in my life.

People around you can see things that you can’t.

They could see what a sweet cat with a bit of a rocky past, and a 44-year-old single woman with a bit of a rocky past, needed. I joked about taking her home after my time with her, and a few weeks later, she moved in. In this chapter of my life, I had it in my mind that it wasn’t my time to have a pet. I would care for other people’s pets and that would be enough. That’s when a sweet, sassy, curious cat named Meadow entered my life.

At first, I was hesitant. Cats seemed mysterious and independent—unfamiliar territory after always having dogs. But this cat quickly showed me a new kind of connection. Her quiet presence and playful spirit brought comfort and joy in ways I hadn’t expected. She does her own thing, but likes to be nearby and always observe what I am up to. We are in a small space together—which is also very different for me—but she completed my 500-square-foot studio like a beautiful piece of artwork I once had. Meadow’s companionship through long hours on the computer, working through the back-end side of building a business, helped me find peace during frustrating moments.

I could reach down and rub her head, see her tail go up, hear her purr, and immediately remember what I was doing all of this for. I have always said that I had two giant holes in my heart from saying goodbye to Shiloh and Jax. I suppose that was a bit dramatic. It was the best call for everyone at the time. In the past, I couldn’t see how holes can be filled in different ways by different things. It’s not a lock-and-key situation. It’s more of a sushi roll situation. Sometimes there is a blend of flavors and textures shoved in that hole (or roll), and somehow the combination of everything in there works.

Friends.

Family.

Purpose.

Growth.

Work that means something.

A peaceful place to call my own.

And yes—a cat.

Meadow wasn’t part of the plan. Neither was Paw & Order. But both arrived at exactly the right time.

This unexpected journey with Meadow has become a vital part of my story, and the future of Paw & Order. As I continue the building process, I’m learning that not every chapter unfolds the way we imagine it will. Sometimes the unexpected turns out to be exactly what we needed. And for now, I’m fully embracing my cat era. In my opinion, a house just doesn't feel like a home without a furry friend.