A Path Through

I have been told that having something that brings you comfort or joy is important to keeping positive as you walk through your cancer journey. I can quickly say that my amazing network of family and friends meet that need in spades, which is something that not everyone can say. However, I have decided I need a little bit more.

We are all aware of the significance of the pink ribbon that represents breast cancer and the daffodil quickly reminds people of the Canadian Cancer Society. Well, I have decided to personalize my cancer journey a bit more with a mascot, an emotional support animal per say. And what better animal is there to represent MY cancer fight than the OTTER! Yup, nothing says “You can beat cancer” like a furry little water sausage!

I know, you have stopped reading at this point and are thinking “hey wait, is this not supposed to be a depressing blog about breast cancer and the path through to the cure!?” Yes, you are correct (except the depressing part) and I promise this will not turn into the next episode of National Geographic’s In the Wild. Trust me, this will all make sense as you continue to read.

Way before cancer invaded my happy little world, otters have brought a smile to my face. These adorable little critters live their little otter lives to the fullest. They enjoy life and focus on what is important…fun, family, and food! Who would not love that?!?

Additionally, what otter animal allows for the degree of word play that you can do with an otter? Honest, it is otterly impossible not to find a way to bring these little critters into your every day conversation (did you see what I did there…I know, I otter write a blog on otter ways of including otters into your life).

In addition to the points above, here are a few important considerations I otter share that supported my decision to embrace this cancer mascot:

• Otters Are Fighters – Otters have fought there way back from near extinction in Alaska and are now flourishing. They came back from something that threatened their existence and won…enough said.
• Otters Armpits Are Purses – As a woman who has a closet full of purses, any animal that is prepared to make a meal because they store the rocks they use to break open oysters under their arms is AWESOME in my books. On an interesting side note, you will always know the mom otters as they will also have hair ties, Kleenex, aspirin, their husbands wallet, and a cell phone under their arms as well. Honest….google it! In reading this one, I am not 100% sure how it ties into my cancer journey, but folks this is impressive!
• Otters Are Furry – Otters have the densest fur of any mammal in the animal kingdom. To a person who is weeks away from being completely bald, this point alone is enough to cause serious feelings of envy.

and last, but honestly the most important reason for selecting an otter as my cancer mascot ….

• Otters Keep Each Other Safe. When the waters get rough, otters will bunch together, holding hands in order to keep the group safe and together. That is all that needs to be said. There is nothing more important to me right now than knowing that when the waters ahead get rough, someone will be there to hold my hand and keep me safe.

Otters….you otter love em!