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Living with Loula, Lily, and 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 from 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 About 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 and Sleepy Lily the Senior Calico Cat | Livin' Real with Larissa | livinrealwithlarissa.com #livinrealwithlarissa

Loula, Ivan and Lily in Larissa's New 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 Cat'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 Male 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 Male Tabby Sleeping | Livin' Real with Larissa | livinrealwithlarissa.com #livinrealwithlarissa

Weird Ivan the Orange Tabby Sleeping | Livin' Real with Larissa | 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)

Cats 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 Kittens 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 Kittens | 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 Inside | 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 Kittens Inside Pet Stroller for Living with Loula | livinrealwithlarissa.com #livinrealwithlarissa

Adoptable Rescue Kittens 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 Snuggles | livinrealwithlarissa.com #livinrealwithlarissa

Stormy the Rescue Kitten Snuggles | 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 Bonding | Livin' Real with Larissa | livinrealwithlarissa.com #livinrealwithlarissa

 

 

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

Grooming Loula Goldendoodle | livinrealwithlarissa.com #livinrealwithlarissa

 

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

Loula Standing with Isaac Bedroom | livinrealwithlarissa.com #livinrealwithlarissa

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 (s) | 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

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Reader Love

I found my voice! Thank you so much, as I have experienced some of what you speak of. You helped me find my voice. Love to you, Larissa. You are loved.

~ Karen

Livin' Real with Larissa
2025-10-18T11:01:18+00:00

~ Karen

I found my voice! Thank you so much, as I have experienced some of what you speak of. You helped me find my voice. Love to you, Larissa. You are loved.
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Livin' Real with Larissa