Today marks the six month point since I started this petition - and also six months since losing Reuben.

Honestly, I would’ve loved to update everyone with breakthroughs and major progress, but truthfully… there really isn’t any. And I think that’s also part of the reality of these things.

When you’re in the middle of it all, sometimes it feels like nothing has changed - at least not to yourself or those immediately affected. But maybe sometimes it helps to zoom out a little. As the signature counts slow down and the interactions fade, the rest is left for us to carry forward.

I’d love to say these past six months have been easy, but they haven’t. And if I’m honest, the cold autumn and winter days definitely haven’t helped either. But I’m incredibly grateful to have the right support, resources, and people around me when needed.

Six months ago, I set out wanting to create change. Six months later, I realised that sometimes all you really need is a voice. I’ve been fortunate enough to have this platform - and others - to help spread awareness, but most importantly, I’ve been fortunate to have every single one of you supporting, sharing, signing, commenting, and helping in your own ways.

As time moves on, these events slowly become memories. And maybe that’s okay. Whatever we go through in life eventually won’t feel as heavy as it once did - and it should be that way. We don’t need sadness, anger, or grief forever to continue showing up and loving what we’ve created so far.

Whether this petition eventually leads somewhere big or nowhere at all - that’s part of the process too. Maybe this whole experience is simply an expression of what it means to be human.

I also wanted to share something a little special.

A month ago today, I welcomed another gorgeous boy into our home - Benjamin. In some ways he feels like an extension of Reu(ben). Reuben was always “Reuby,” and Benjamin is fully himself, but also a continuation of the love I have for these furry, funny, strange little characters.

And somehow, life aligned in a beautiful way - Benjamin is also Reuben’s half brother. They share the same dad.

People often say after losing a pet that they could never go through that pain again. And I understand that completely. But maybe love was never meant to stop there. Maybe they become a part of us just as much as we are a part of them. Maybe they’re an extension of our capacity to love, care, and continue opening our hearts despite the pain.

And with that, I just want to leave everyone with the biggest thank you once again.

Without all of your help, support, and awareness - none of this would’ve reached as many people as it has.

Thank you 🤍