@MisTricks/InstagramLike many pet parents, when Chloe Chung’s dog was diagnosed with terminal cancer, her world was turned upside down. “MisTricks was my soul dog,” Chung tells Scary Mommy. “She was diagnosed with aggressive T-Cell lymphoma very young at the age of 6 and given only a five- to six-month prognosis."Chung, who is based in Los Angeles, pursued “every treatment possible,” including a bone marrow transplant, radiation, and chemotherapy. “Her quality of life stayed amazing throughout her entire cancer battle,” she says.Despite every effort, MisTricks died 16 months post-diagnosis, though Chung admits that she had been thinking about what to do with her best friend after she died for months.“I considered cloning, and also cremation, turning her ashes into a diamond, taxidermy, and freeze-dry preservation. I was worried that if her preserved body did not come out perfect, I would have regrets, and ultimately decided on cremation,” Chung says.When MisTricks died, Chung says she mentally “really struggled” with the concept of her dog being turned to ash and delayed the cremation process while her veterinarian kept MisTricks’ body safe and temperature-controlled at his facilities.“After I finally picked up MisTricks several months later and drove to the crematorium, I completely snapped. I looked at her beautiful face sleeping peacefully and then the large metal cremator, and knew I couldn't go through with it,” Chung says. I basically ran out of the crematorium with MisTricks in her little coffin in my arms, and drove her straight to Hollywood, where I knew Bischoff's was located.”Chung is referencing Bischoff’s Pet Preservation, a California-based taxidermist who specializes in respectfully preserving animals after they have passed.Co-owner and master taxidermist at Bischoff’s, Ace Alexander, tells Scary Mommy that pet taxidermy isn’t new and can take many forms, including traditional taxidermy, skeletal or skull preservation, bronze casting, heart preservation, or even memorial-based options like curated ashes with custom portraiture.“There has always been interest; our company has been around since 1922, and pets were being preserved even back then,” Alexander explains, pointing to iconic historic examples like Roy Rogers’ horse, Trigger. “What has changed is the conversation. Social media has made pet preservation more visible and less taboo, allowing people to openly discuss their grief and memorial choices.”Alexander says his goal is simple: to honor the bond and memory in a way that feels right to the owner.“I couldn't imagine never seeing her again, and that is how I ended up choosing to have her preserved so she can be with me forever,” Chung says of the preservation process, which averages around $2,600, though pricing can vary depending on size, method, and the type of preservation chosen.So when Chung recently posted a now-viral video revealing how MisTricks was preserved, she thought she was simply sharing her story. Instead, the internet had a lot of opinions — and many people didn’t take it well. At publication, more than 5,000 commenters had taken to the comment section to weigh in, calling the preservation traumatic, not normal, and dystopian.“I don’t think I could do this to my dogs. They deserve dignity once they have passed. They aren’t an accessory to prance around with,” one user wrote.Another user wrote, “No hate, truly sympathetic to your loss, but if you wouldn’t do this to a human, doing it to an animal is just objectifying and commodifying — loss is hard, but this is not letting them rest in peace, I’m sorry to say.”One particularly distressed user commented, “IS NOONE ELSE FINDING THIS SHIT CREEPY?????”To which Chung replied, “Perhaps you think it’s better to just dig a few feet into the ground and throw your pet with all the bugs and worms? No, my dog was preserved and has more dignity being loved, and in our home until the day I die, and she will be cremated with me then. Worms can have somebody else’s dog.”While the internet remains mixed, Alexander recognizes that pet preservation is not for everyone.“Grief is personal,” he says. “Our role is not to judge, but to provide options, craftsmanship, and respect so each person can remember their companion in a way that feels meaningful to them.”

If motherhood (and, honestly, just being a human) has taught us anything, it’s that the strangest little inventions are often the ones that actually make a difference. Here, you’ll find useful items that solve oddly specific problems you didn’t even realize you’d been tolerating for years. Scroll through for hidden gem products that may leave you mildly confused and then deeply grateful.A Genius LED Keyhole Light With An Automatic SensorDEEIRAO LED Keyhole Lightamazon - It might seem simple, but this keyhole light is actually pretty genius. It features an infrared sensor and a bright LED light so you can see what you’re doing. The automatic sensor turns on and off based on a person’s movement. It comes with double-sided adhesive tape that makes installation easy — you’ll just need one AA battery.Pocket Scrunchies With A Hidden CompartmentLokiStashed Pocket Scrunchies (3-Pack)amazon - If you find yourself wishing you had a tiny pocket on you at all times, you can achieve that with this three-pack of pocket scrunchies — all while holding your hair back. They’re made with plush velvet and finished with a discreet zipper pocket tucked right into the band. The hidden compartment is roomy enough for small must-haves like folded cash, a key, or tiny accessories, all while keeping the scrunchie looking like a normal hair tie. Towel Tablets That Can Be Used Multiple TimesEamecl Bath Towel Tablets (10-Pack)amazon - Since this pack of 10 towel tablets takes up practically no space at all, throw them in the trunk of your car for emergencies or bring them along on your next camping trip. Each tablet expands into a full-size towel, and each is individually sealed. The fabric is disposable-friendly yet durable enough for multiple uses.A Phone Wallet Stand That’s MagSafe-CompatibleESR Phone Wallet Standamazon - This phone wallet stand holds up to five cards with dedicated slots plus a clear window for your ID. The built-in RFID blocking lining adds a layer of protection against unauthorized scanning. A standout twist is the adjustable stand hinge that lets you lean your phone back at multiple angles when propped up. The magnetic ring is calibrated for strong attachment to MagSafe-compatible iPhones and cases.A Car Disco Light That Changes Colors With The MusicASFSKY Car Disco Lightamazon - This tiny disco light turns your car into a colorful party zone. It features multicolor lights that rotate and change with the beat of your music, making it ideal for car rides or small rooms. The sound-activated function keeps the lights in sync with songs, which you’ll love just as much as your kids.A Hooded Travel Pillow With Loads Of ExtrasSkyTrax Hooded Travel Pillow amazon - This hooded travel pillow brings a lot of thoughtful design to the table, starting with its extra-large hood that adds a built-in layer of privacy without needing an extra eye mask. The memory foam core is shaped for head and neck alignment, and it keeps its form thanks to a slow-rebound construction. It comes with a skin-friendly, removable cover that has an adjustable closure for a customized fit.Taper Candle Grippers With A Barely-There LookHINGTAI Taper Candle Grippers (12 Pieces)amazon - You probably didn’t know these taper candle grippers existed, but they do, and they’re super helpful in preventing candles from tipping over. They come in a pack of 12, and they’re made from elastic silicone and designed to hug standard taper candles with a low-profile, barely-there look. The flexible shape works with a range of candle bases, and they’re easy to rinse off.LED Sensor Night-Lights In 23 Design OptionsL LOHAS Sensor LED Night Lights (2-Pack)amazon - You basically get to choose your own adventure with this two-pack of LED sensor night lights, because there are 23 very different and very cool designs to select from. The night light boasts a dusk‑to‑dawn sensor that senses ambient light and responds accordingly. A brightness slider lets you dial in anything from a whisper‑soft glow to a more noticeable light. Reviewers have given them an impressive overall score of 4.7 stars. An Aromatic Diffuser Necklace That Comes On A 24-Inch ChainINFUSEU Diffuser Necklace amazon - This diffuser necklace is a charming mix of style and aromatherapy. The small lotus flower pendant sits on a 24-inch snake chain, paired with seven lava rock stones that add a subtle, earthy vibe. Simply open the locket when you want to switch out a rock, and add one to three drops of your favorite essential oil.Washing Machine Foot Pads That Reduce Vibration During CyclesKnivel Washing Machine Foot Pads (4-Pack)amazon - After you install this four-pack of washing machine foot pads, you’ll notice a difference. These heavy‑duty rubber pads really help absorb shock and reduce vibration during spin cycles. They grip well on tile and laminate and help stop the machine from “walking” across the floor. Installation is effortless — just slide them under each foot.Portable LED Lights With Adjustable Brightness Levelsoneleaf Portable LED Lights (5-Pack)amazon - If your backyard could use some ambient lighting, check out this five-pack of portable LED lights. The touch‑activated LEDs cast a warm glow with adjustable brightness levels. Each piece docks into a charging base that can charge two of the lamps before needing to be recharged itself. You can spread the lights out or stack them.An Adorable Animal Razor Holder That Sticks To A Shower WallMhfpl Animal Razor Holderamazon - This adorable sloth razor holder adds a fun touch to a bathroom while keeping your razor stored and easy to reach. The silicone self‑adhesive backing made installation a breeze. It’s not only practical but also a sweet little decorative accent that comes in different animal options, including a penguin, cat, and dog. A Clever Toilet Paper Spray That Works As A Wet Wipe AlternativePRISTINE Toilet Paper Spray amazon - Change your bathroom routine for the better with this toilet paper spray. This clever spray turns ordinary toilet paper into a flushable wet wipe alternative, giving a much cleaner feel without relying on traditional wet wipes that can clog plumbing or harm the environment. 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A Heated Eyelash Curler That Gives A Long-Lasting LiftDUDUDU Heated Eyelash Curleramazon - This heated eyelash curler gives your lashes a natural, long-lasting lift in just seconds. With two adjustable temperature settings, you can customize the curl to your lash type without tugging or pinching. Its compact, travel-size design fits easily in your bag, and USB-C recharge makes it simple to power up anywhere. A Quick-Drying Loofah Bath Mat With A Nonslip BackingMontVoo Loofah Bath Mat amazon - The loofah‑style textured surface of this bath mat is so comfortable to stand on, and it even provides gentle massage‑like support while showering. The PVC material drains water quickly and dries fast, helping prevent puddles and mildew growth. The nonslip backing stays put on wet tub surfaces. It comes in three colors and five sizes.A Mushroom-Style Clip-On Night Light With Multi-Color LEDsShroommate Clip On Light amazon - Mushrooms are so in right now, and so is this Shroommate clip-on light. 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Toilet Sprays That Are Sized For TravelPoo-Pourri Before-You-Go Toilet Spray (5-Pack)amazon - If you dread public bathrooms or shared restrooms, this travel-size five-pack of Poo-Pourri toilet sprays is a game-changer. The TSA-approved 0.34-ounce bottles fit in a purse or carry-on, and the five fresh scents — from citrus to lavender peppermint — actually work to trap odors before they escape the bowl, thanks to its plant-based formula. An Exfoliating Lip Serum That’s Also Subtly Hydrating The Ordinary PHA 5% Exfoliating Lip Serumamazon - You might be skeptical about a lip serum doing what a sticky sugar scrub can’t, but this one genuinely works. The PHA 5% exfoliating formula feels lightweight on your lips, and after a few nights of using it before bed, you’ll notice that flaky skin starts to disappear without irritation. 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Star Tribune via Getty Images/Star Tribune/Getty ImagesAs I raced around the North Hills of Pittsburgh on Saturday morning, gathering last-minute supplies for the impending snowstorm, I noticed a quiet wave of energy roll through shoppers as we navigated busy aisles. And then, I realized why: A buzz in my pocket alerted me to another nightmare — another human being shot and killed by federal immigration agents in an American city. I stood, holding bananas, as my feed showed me a video of a man on his knees being shot multiple times by masked men.Again. It was happening again.Not even three weeks ago, federal agents murdered a mother of three named Renee Good. A few days before that, another federal immigration officer shot and killed Keith Porter, Jr. in Los Angeles. Daily, our city network of concerned citizens is documenting the injustices happening against our neighbors. Pittsburgh — like America itself — would not exist without immigrants, yet we watch them be dehumanized and terrorized hourly in what has long been known as Mister Rogers’ Neighborhood.The pressure that has been building in this country since the 2016 election felt uncontainable, unconstrainable — in an instant.I spent the rest of Saturday balancing parenting duties with grief, doomscrolling, and trying to stay on top of things. Play a board game, check the local Signal chats to see if ICE is near our community once again today. They’ve been consistently trolling our local businesses where immigrants work, asking for papers like modern-day Gestapo. Load the dishwasher, watch a video from a new angle that shows, once again, that Pretti was not a threat. Stare in horror as we watch death via 10-second social media clips over and over and over in this country. There’s no way it does not affect us, this collective ritual of bathing in trauma daily.I struggled to place the feeling in my gut until later in the evening, once our household of six had settled in to await the impending snow — snow that would look fresh and clean, blanketing a country that feels dirty and broken.Then I placed that feeling. I was 17 again, sitting in my senior math class, as a quiet wave of energy rolled through my high school. Our teacher, a hardass who was not known to pause a lesson for anything, insisted we keep learning. Another teacher shoved into the room and demanded he turn the television on, “Now, Mark!!”As the screen came to life, we watched smoke stream out of the World Trade Center. An accident, surely. Then the second plane hit as we collectively gasped.In that moment, the timeline shifted. We all knew it, even with limited details and understanding. Next, we heard a third plane had crashed near Pittsburgh, looping over our metro region before heroes took it down in a Shanksville cornfield.“What’s next?” we wondered. None of us knew. Even as high school kids, we knew things were irrevocably altered in our country in a moment.I’ve had that sickening hollow question mark in the pit of my stomach at other times in my life. I know others have experienced it before my time, too. Pearl Harbor. Emmett Till. The Kent State shooting. For me, the death of Trayvon Martin. And Michael Brown, and Tamir Rice.Like many of us during difficult times, I turned to the internet to see if that hollow feeling was mine to bear alone. I knew it was not, of course, but I sought the connection nonetheless.A friend from Romania, now a U.S. citizen, struggled to tamp down the panic in her chest. “This is triggering for the 10-year-old me who witnessed what happens when the army shoots at their own people,” she said, telling me how she snuck into the television room to see the news her parents tried to shield her from. She had blocked many of those memories until this weekend brought them rushing back. “The execution of people in the street; they opened fire on the protestors. Not a good day.”A neighbor, Cait, told me about the day she ran through Manhattan, a sweatshirt wrapped around her head to shield herself from debris as the planes struck.“After the towers fell, we became settled in the realization that loss was the climactic event,” she told me. “It’s different now, not yet knowing if we’ve seen the worst, and living with the unsettling truth that we haven’t… There’s a very similar vulnerability now to what I felt then, but it’s honestly worse.” She told me it was easier to wrap her head around evil terrorists on the other side of the world attacking us than this. “Knowing our own government is the terrorists, and not knowing when or how this plays out, is so much worse.”Another friend shared about her son’s first nightmare about ICE grabbing him — his brown skin has always made his young body a liability in America. “I felt that feeling even more when I was being eyed by some rando at a gas station with an American flag on his arm,” she continued.“And my heart sank completely down when I heard more than half a dozen shots fired into that man and the lady screaming,” she shared truthfully. “I think it was her screams that finally did it. Something terrible is coming.”I felt her words fill that hollow question mark in my stomach that’s been gnawing and angry for days. I know what she means. I caught myself thinking, “Maybe this time it will matter? A white man, this time, maybe they will care?” Anyone with a reason and a conscience has long been caring, but we know this to be true. The true injustice of this country is that we have to recognize that many value white lives over all others.That moment where it felt like the air was collectively sucked out of our rooms across the country? That feeling is change coming. It’s the dam of the last decade breaking — even during the Biden years, this hatred was relentlessly chipping away at the bedrock of our country.We listen to the federal government command us to ignore the evidence we see with our own eyes and ears, to the point where even conservative Reddit and the comment sections of Fox News are dubious about the lies we’ve been asked to swallow this time. We take that feeling and we lean into it, use it.Something has indeed shifted in this country — I know I’m not alone; that’s what many of us feel, what so many of us now know. I think back again to that math class on that day so many years ago, and those famous last words of Todd Beamer, a passenger on Flight 93, just before they crashed it into that Pennsylvania field.“Let’s roll.”Meg St-Esprit, M. Ed. is a journalist and essayist based in Pittsburgh, PA. She’s a mom to four kids via adoption as well as a twin mom. She loves to write about parenting, education, trends, and the general hilarity of raising little people.

You spent hours picking nursery colors and finishes, agonized over the Snoo or a regular crib, and picked out their homecoming outfit months in advance. You planned every detail, expecting your first moments at home with your baby to be some of the most joyful of your life.When that time does come, instead of basking in happiness, you’re overcome by anxiety, sadness and hopelessness, making the baby’s needs feel overwhelming. Many new moms are surprised to find that they’re not immediately flooded by adoration and devotion for their baby — feelings they believed would come naturally as soon as their baby was born.The truth is, feeling disconnected from a newborn isn’t an uncommon feeling among new moms. Often, though not always, it’s a telltale sign of postpartum depression (PPD).What Is PPD?Postpartum depression is a mood disorder which occurs after birth, with onset being anytime between one week to one year postpartum. “It significantly impacts functioning and quality of life for new moms and parents,” says Dr. Niyati Dhand, M.D., a double board-certified perinatal and reproductive psychiatrist, and founder of Alaire Psychiatry in Chicago. The prevalence of PPD is 1 in 8 or about 13%, though some healthcare professionals say the number is higher. It can last several months without treatment and affect a person’s functioning, quality of life, relationships and more.Why Does It Happen?Dhand says the why is multifactorial, with several biological, psychological and social factors. On the biological front itself there are multiple reasons. “The immediate postpartum period involves the most dramatic physiologic hormone shift a person typically experiences in their lifetime,” she says. There are significant bodywide changes: with hormones and the endocrine system, in the neurosteroid system and immune system, with genetics playing a part.What Do Moms With PPD Experience?Women describe feeling a low, depressed or irritable mood, feelings of guilt, decreased interest in things, low motivation and short-term memory difficulties or trouble with focus or concentration. “They have difficulty accessing joy and experience a detachment from things or people that typically ground them or make them feel good,” says Dhand. “And also, they have difficulty bonding with their baby. PPD can sometimes cause mothers to feel detached from their baby and make it difficult to experience joy from interacting with their baby,” she says.They may have changes in appetite, sleep and energy as seen in depressive episodes outside of the postpartum window, but these symptoms can be unreliable as there is overlap with the general postpartum experience.Family members and friends can help by keeping an eye out for symptoms. Look for changes in how someone responds to things that typically would bring them joy, and if they withdraw from relationships by distancing and isolation. They might display low motivation and apathy, a detachment from activities or making statements that convey hopelessness.There can be a loss of interest in caring for themselves including an impact on their personal hygiene. “This is different from when mothers don’t have time to shower or have to prioritize sleep over showering due to limited support,” says Dhand.Why Do Moms Feel So Alone?Even though there is greater awareness of postpartum mental health issues and their warning signs, many mothers still feel profoundly alone in experiencing unwanted emotions — feelings that are far more common than they realize. This isolation can directly contribute to a sense of disconnection from their baby.One major factor is the lack of systemic care. “Systemic issues contribute significantly, particularly the absence of routine maternal mental health follow-ups between six weeks and one year postpartum,” says Dhand.Social conditioning also plays a powerful role. When a mother feels pressure to lose herself entirely to “mommyhood,” any feelings of sadness, resentment, or ambivalence can feel forbidden. Rather than being processed and supported, these emotions may be suppressed — creating emotional numbness or distance that can extend into the mother–baby relationship.“It is deeply isolating, and many women experience a strong sense of shame or guilt, believing their depression reflects personal failure or inadequacy,” says Dhand. Beyond that, she says, there is often a fear that they will be misunderstood rather than empathized with, along with concerns about how they will be perceived.What Can Help?Find a perinatal therapist or a reproductive or perinatal psychiatrist if the patient is on medication or wants to explore that option. Dhand suggests the resource postpartum.net. She urges her patients to join postpartum mom’s groups (which are often offered through local hospitals or therapy groups) and to engage in meaningful self care. “Ask for support. Coordinate with your partner or family to identify weekly time blocks that allow up to four hours of uninterrupted and protected sleep,” she says.Gentle, realistic steps matter. Getting out of the house once a day and committing once a week to a reasonable and manageable activity that the mom used to previously enjoy will also help. These moments of reconnection with herself can make it easier for her to show up emotionally with her baby. “Your bond with your baby often improves as you begin to feel more whole and yourself,” says Dhand.In the meantime, bonding doesn’t have to look like overwhelming waves of love. Skin-to-skin contact, interactive play, talking to the baby, and narrating what you are doing when you’re with them are ways she suggests moms can kick off the bonding experience — and actually help the bond grow. Many new parents in fact need more time to bond with their newborns; it’s not an instant process. When expectations of immediate attachment collide with depression or anxiety, mothers may interpret a slow bond as something being “wrong,” when in reality it’s simply unfolding at its own pace. If the detachment persists, dyadic therapy can really help.At the end of the day, Dhand wants moms to remember that having depression and reaching out for help doesn’t make you a bad mom — especially when bonding feels hard. In fact, it’s the opposite. “It’s proof you’re a great mom who is trying to get better, not just for herself but for her child as well. I want mothers to let go of guilt as much as possible as we work together to reframe and honor everything they’re doing.”Presented by BDG Studios

I just want to talk to whoever has romanticised the idea of being a new mom. When you’re in a flurry of diaper changes, following a two-hourly pumping schedule and meticulously cleaning and mixing up bottles while running on less sleep than you’ve ever had, mommyhood ends up being more of a frenzied checklist of tasks to get done and not enough time snuggling and making babytalk with a babbling infant.It’s no surprise that many moms feel overwhelmed in those early weeks when their bodies, minds — and hormones — are on a perpetual roller coaster of highs followed by lows. It’s often hard to make sense of the feelings and categorize which ones are considered normal postpartum baby blues and which signs point to a need for intervention. Even if you have access to mental health resources, it’s key to know when to just work through the feelings with rest and family support, and when to bring in the pros.Below, we spoke to mental health professionals who lay out the difference between the more commonly-occuring baby blues, and its more serious manifestation, postpartum depression.Baby Blues Come And Go QuicklyTechnically, baby blues are not considered a formal diagnosis in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM), a handbook by the American Psychiatric Association to help healthcare professionals diagnose mental health conditions.“The way I characterize postpartum blues is that while they can sometimes look like postpartum depression or anxiety, the difference is that they resolve pretty quickly, usually within two weeks,” says Dr. Marianna Strongin, a licensed clinical psychologist and founder of StrongIn Therapy, a boutique psychotherapy practice in NYC.Symptoms of baby blues develop within 24 to 72 hours of the birth or delivery of the placenta, says Dr. Niyati Dhand, M.D., a double board-certified perinatal and reproductive psychiatrist, and founder of Alaire Psychiatry in Chicago. “Symptoms peak by day five, then improve around two weeks postpartum,” she says.The critical distinction between baby blues and postpartum depression is that the symptoms are transient.The Symptoms Are Similar, But DifferentSigns of baby blues include feeling overwhelmed, teary, moody and irritable. “There are sudden shifts in mood, referred to as mood lability, which can range from tearfulness and sadness to happiness and hope,” says Dhand.Symptoms of postpartum depression include persistent sadness or numbness, loss of interest in activities, guilt or worthlessness, sleep and appetite changes, and difficulty bonding with the baby. “There is a feeling of disconnect from the baby and these moms have a harder time bonding. Sometimes, people even can experience thoughts of death or passive suicidal ideation,” says Strongin. Dhand also notes psychomotor slowing and delayed speech, including a “slow, soft, monotonous speech.”There’s A Difference In Risk LevelsNew moms with baby blues do not suffer from disorientation, functional impairment, suicidal ideation or psychosis. “There's never really any impairment in people's daily function, so people are still able to take care of themselves,” says Strongin.The severity of PPD can range widely. “You would be more fearful of leaving them alone with a baby. They're unable to take care of themselves and they're also unable to take care of the baby,” Strongin says of severe cases.Baby Blues Are More Commonly Experienced than PPDStrongin says baby blues are much more common, with anywhere from 50% to 80% of new moms having these feelings. Typically, baby blues resolve by themselves with no prescribed treatment. Supportive care like mild exercise and getting fresh air, self-care practices, getting adequate rest, and bonding time with the baby are all helpful.The numbers for postpartum depression are lower: an estimated 10% to 20% of mothers experience postpartum depression, which can occur during pregnancy or up to 12 months after birth. It can also last for months, or even longer, without treatment.At the end of the day, if you’re still confused about where you are on this confusing spectrum, getting a mental health consultation if you have the access and resources, will never be a wasted effort.Presented by BDG Studios