When Hurricane Milton tore through our area, it left a path of destruction that felt unimaginable. The tornado that spun off from the storm hit my home directly, leaving devastation in its wake. My lanai was ripped away, the entire back wall of my house – once a beautiful expanse of windows – was shattered behind the shutters (the tornado just sucked the glass inward), and shards of glass filled every corner of my home. It was as if the storm reached inside and destroyed not just the structure, but the sense of safety and peace within it.
Now, I’m facing the enormous task of rebuilding. Outdoor ceilings need replacing, every bit of insulation has to be redone, and the entire back wall needs to be rebuilt from the ground up. My outdoor space, which once felt like an oasis, is now completely gone. No outdoor grill, no seating, no cage or fence around the pool. Just empty, broken space where memories used to be made. I know that many in California are going through similar circumstances with the fires.
As a human being, I can process this. I understand that these things can happen. Nature is powerful and sometimes unforgiving. But my dog? She doesn’t understand. She was in the house when the tornado hit. She felt the chaos as glass rained down around her, destroying everything that was hers too. Her bed, her toys – all gone in an instant. She didn’t just lose possessions; she lost her sense of security and comfort in her own home.
Seeing her confusion and fear in the days that followed broke my heart in a way the structural damage never could. She kept searching for her things, for the cozy spaces she knew, for the familiarity that was stripped away in a moment. And she couldn’t understand why it was all gone.
So as I begin the long process of rebuilding my home, I’ve made it equally important to rebuild her world too. It’s been my mission to make her life feel normal again – safe, comfortable, and filled with the little joys she deserves. These are the steps I’ve taken to bring peace back into her life, from finding the perfect new beds to rest in, to bowls that she can eat and drink out of, and small changes around the house that make her feel secure once more.
This storm may have taken so much from us, but it has also reminded me of the deep bond we share with our pets. They rely on us not just for food and shelter but for emotional security too. Rebuilding isn’t just about fixing walls and replacing furniture – it’s about restoring the heart of a home, for every soul who lives in it.
So, we began to replace the important things in her life.
Saatva Dog Bed
Your pet deserves the best. That’s why Saatva elevated the traditional pet bed with an upgraded ergonomic design and premium materials to give your best friend the same comfort, quality, and durability you expect from a Saatva mattress. Saatva’s unique, proprietary Micro Coil technology mirrors the coil technology found in their traditional mattresses to give your pet not only the coziest sleep but one that will benefit their long-term health in a bed that won’t get lumpy or saggy.
She’s a catty corner sleeper!
It comes in three sizes and earthy colors:
- Taupe Boucle
- Slate Boucle (this is the one Baby has)
- Natural Linen
She finally feels like she has her own spot in the living room again, right beside the sofa.
- Available at Saatva
HomerunPet Bowls
Baby the bull terrier LIVES TO EAT (one look at her body & you’ll see – she’s no fitness model), so when both her water and food bowls were filled with glass from doors that blew in (both bowls were made of soft silicone so they had to be thrown out as there were shards of glass stuck in them) she PANICKED. For the first day or so, she ate out of our food bowls (wrong shape for a dog and YUCK for us).
We were gifted two premium pet bowls that combine food-grade stainless steel durability with double insulation to keep her meals fresh, and they feature a non-slip base for easy, mess-free dining. They come in both solid and fun prints and a smooth, wide design makes it a stylish, safe choice for your pet’s mealtime. Not only do they not slip around, but cleaning them is a breeze as they are dishwasher-safe.
Plus they come in sizes, so they’re perfect for dogs of all sizes!
- Available at Amazon.com
Homerun Pet Wireless Fountain
For the kitties (we have cats in the neighborhood that all of the neighbors care for) we thought a little upgrade was a fun addition with a wireless fountain also from HomerunPet. Imagine having a constant fountain of fresh water flowing (like a human water fountain with an area to lap the water from) 24 hours a day.
The Homerunpet Cat Water Fountain offers a hassle-free, cordless solution to keep your pets hydrated without messy wires cluttering your space. Its truly wireless design features a detachable tank and a completely wireless pump for effortless cleaning and maintenance. Powered by a high-capacity 7500mAh battery, it delivers up to 30 days of use on a single charge, making it perfect for busy pet owners or travelers. The easy-clean tank and snap-out pump simplify upkeep, while the natural flowing water encourages cats to drink more, promoting better hydration and preventing urinary issues. With an ultra-wide sensor that activates fresh water flow when your pet approaches, this innovative fountain ensures hydration and happiness for your furry friend.
- Available on Amazon
Tuffy Dog Toys for Aggressive Chewers – the MEGA Octopus
Because Baby is a bull terrier, toys don’t last more than an hour or so…that is until I discovered Tuffy Toys for Agressive Chewers. You can see that before the storm, the it was her favorite, but we couldn’t let her have it covered in glass.
Baby’s favorite toy amongst the glass
So, I went onto Amazon and bought her another and while I think she may have known the difference, having a favorite toy to help comfort her when her home just wasn’t the same. Tuffy toys are designed to be the ultimate soft dog toys for aggressive chewers, boasting a reputation as the World’s Tuffest Soft Dog Toy. These durable toys are constructed with up to seven layers of fabric, making them exceptionally resilient for rough play. Perfect for interactive fun, they are not meant for chewing but can handle tugging, tossing, and fetching games. Tuffy toys are also practical, as they float in water, making them great for pool or beach adventures, and they are machine washable for easy cleaning (air drying is recommended). With a rating of 10 on the TuffScale, Tuffy toys are a go-to choice for pet owners seeking long-lasting entertainment for their furry friends.
- Available on Amazon
In times of disaster, your pet needs more than just safety—they need comfort and reassurance. While replacing the items that they lost can provide a sense of familiarity and play, your presence is irreplaceable. Pets often feel stress and anxiety after traumatic events, and your gentle touch, soothing voice, and calm demeanor can help them feel secure again. Whether it’s cuddling together, or simply sitting quietly by their side, these moments of connection can be a powerful source of comfort. Remember, you are their constant in an uncertain world, and your love and care will help them heal and feel safe once more.
I’ll have more about ways to rebuild your life after a disaster coming soon, because as you can see by my first photo, there is a lot we have to do to get back to a sense of normalcy.
