Pawsitive Pottery - The Shoppe

08/21/2026

Doing something a little different for me.
Focusing on things that I enjoy doing and that bring me joy.

Mayco Colors

08/19/2026

I’ve been asked for an update on my health situation…it’s complicated and confusing!

I’ve spent the past 3 months in limbo because of my heart.
May - told my heart function was now only 28% and I needed a pacemaker/defibrillator.
June - told I have a Bundle Branch Block causing desynchronization in my heart pumping.
July 24 - Code Blue during my surgery caused by defibrillator lead perforating vein in my heart.
August 11 - had a Cardiac MRI to determine my heart function
August 15….specialist told me that my heart function is actually 40%!!!! I never needed a Pacemaker/defibrillator!!!!

My chronic exhaustion could be caused by any number of things!!! Medication. Some sort of deficiency. Added to depression.

Yes…it’s great that I don’t have to get a pacemaker. But why the f**k did I almost die getting something I didn’t need?!?? I’m now trying to come to terms with everything I’ve been through. I still feel exhausted. My brain is 😵‍💫.

I’ll get through this. But it’s really tough. Thank you to everyone for being my support 🫶🏼

07/30/2026

I’m home from the hospital and currently trying to digest everything that’s happened. A procedure I was excited about because it could make my life liveable…almost killed me. I won’t go into much detail…however…I was awake during the entire event. I heard, experienced, and felt everything. It was extremely painful and very traumatic to know that there was a high risk of my not surviving. The Cardio team at University Hospital saved my life!!!! I’m still here because of their quick response and lifesaving skills.

I’m not sure what the next steps are going to be. I now have an amazing group of specialists involved in my care.

Thank you so incredibly much to everyone who commented, messaged, and prayed. I’m humbled.

I’m going to go offline for a while so I can process things. The trauma that John, Sydney, Brynne, and I have experienced, needs time to recover from. To mentally and emotionally heal…

A nurse from that day said something that I felt was highly appropriate…

My Code Blue experience is rated at zero out of 5 stars. Would not recommend.

07/26/2026

So, what exactly went wrong during my implant? As the surgeon was placing the defibrillator lead, it somehow twisted and punctured the vein in my heart. Which caused bleeding into the sac that surrounds my heart. My blood pressure crashed and I was very very near death.
A Code Blue was called and I had A LOT of people working to keep me alive. Meds were ‘pressed’ to increase my blood pressure and a pericardiocentesis was done. Pericardiocentesis “is a procedure that drains excess fluid from the pericardial sac (the membrane surrounding the heart) to relieve life-threatening cardiac tamponade. Using ultrasound guidance, a needle and flexible catheter are inserted into the chest to aspirate the fluid, stabilizing heart function.”

I’m still in shock and trying not to think about the reality that just happened. Right now, the team is focusing on draining the fluid/blood and managing my pain. I’m hoping the drain can be removed today 🤞🏼

Once I’m healed, we’ll reschedule the implant surgery with a smaller device. Probably in 2 weeks. Huge hiccup but I’m still here. And once I wrap my brain around everything…I’ll be able to really appreciate life even more.

Thank you to everyone who has commented and given me words of encouragement. I truly appreciate it 🫶🏼

07/24/2026

What 2 words do you NOT want to hear during your surgery?

CODE BLUE!!!!

My surgery today didn’t go as hoped. 🥺
Unfortunately, I developed a bleed around my heart and my blood pressure suddenly dropped to critical levels. I’ll explain more about this another day. Approximately 3% of these surgeries end up like mine.
The many nurses and surgeons that answered the code …saved my life. A ‘needle’ and catheter were inserted underneath my ribs to drain the fluid from around my heart. It’s THE most painful thing I’ve ever endured. I’ll be in CCU in London for a few days while my heart heals. In a few weeks, a different device will be inserted…it’s smaller but will do the same thing.

Everything happens for a reason. But I can truly say that what happened today was devastating, painful, and frightening. 😢

07/18/2026

The Shoppe is closed until ???????

My surgery is this Friday, July 24TH. If you haven’t already read my previous posts? I’m receiving a pacemaker and defibrillator because my heart health has declined drastically.

Afterwards, I’ll be focusing on recovery and being gentle on my body. And hopefully…feeling better. I have absolutely no idea what will happen after I receive my device. The hope is that my heart will pump like it’s supposed to and I’ll feel a lot better. 🤞🏼🤞🏼🤞🏼🤞🏼🤞🏼

I’m just trying to take care of myself and doing my best 🫶🏼

07/09/2026

What doesn’t go well with a life altering illness? Depression!

I’m struggling. Not being able to do physical activities is really tough. Or being out on our dock in the nice weather. Or going on a day trip…🥺

And what is my favourite therapy when I’m struggling with depression? That’s right…playing in clay. Creating something that is both tactile and mindful. And I’m not strong enough to throw anything on the wheel or handbuild.

In early spring, I had made a lot of mugs, cups, etc to prepare for an event and have a little extra bisque pottery. I was absolutely depleted physically…now I know why. I’ve just not felt up to being in my studio since April…

On Monday…I dragged my sorry ass to my basement, opened my studio door, and spent about 30 minutes just gently tidying a few things. Then I layed down and recharged. Then I repeated…slowly sanding, washing, and waxing some mugs and cups.

Mentally I felt better. But it’s really hard physically. A little bit at a time. Today, I was joined by Lord Grayson…my Supurrvisor (and moral support)…and I painted 2 mugs. While listening to a true crime podcast.

Two more weeks until my CRT-D surgery. It feels like forever. I feel exhausted, drained, and scared of every twinge in my chest. It’s a lot of anxiety!!!!

I belong to a Facebook group for Canadian Women with Medical Heart Health issues and it is amazing to chat with women who get it.

The reason I’m posting about my health? So that any woman who reads my information and is feeling like I do…that they don’t brush it off. That they get help! Don’t get told it’s in their head, lose 10lbs, get more active…push for a EKG and an echocardiogram. It could save your life!!!

07/06/2026

Over 9 years! That’s how long I’ve been making my Paw Print on My 🩵 mugs!!!! And it warms my heart each time one is adopted.
I’ve heard so many stories about who the mugs are for…veterinarians, animal lovers, and many people who have lost their beloved furbaby 🥺

It’s my most requested pottery and I try to keep a few on hand, just in case.

I’ve received a few messages from people saying how incredibly happy they were to see my Paw Print mugs available in a local shop. That I must be feeling better…Unfortunately…they’re not mine. 🥺 I used to sell my PPoM🩵 mugs wholesale there before my heart failure drastically reduced the amount of pottery I was able to create.

I could go into everything about artistic integrity, how disappointed I am, etc etc etc. I can’t stop people from making their own decisions…but I don’t have to feel good about it.

I’ll just keep doing what I’m doing and hope my customers…who have been adopting my original PPoM🩵 mugs for over 9 years…know how much I appreciate them 🫶🏼

If you’ve adopted my Paw Print on My 🩵 mugs or cups, could you send me pics?!?! I’d love to do a video montage on how they’ve changed over the years. 🤗

The mugs in the photo were very quickly adopted available for adoption 🩷🩵. 🤗

The original PPoM🩵 pottery 😊

06/26/2026

All pottery will be adopted by donation only. 100% of the donations will go to Caregivers 🐾

BBQ - Saturday ! Pop over to beautiful Petrolia for lunch and support Petrolia Ferals ! Pet Valu is the location and Sarnia Cat Sitter is very generously sponsoring this event !
Burgers hotdogs soft drinks and a surprise dessert from Peter and Julie Wilbur - all by donation. ♥️

ALSO ... Pawsitive Pottery - The Shoppe items handmade by Lori Windover Kennedy will be available at the barbeque - you won't want to miss these one of a kind masterpieces! All proceeds go directly to our organization. ♥️

We will have Kittens available for adoption starting at 10 - 1 unless adopted before 1.

🐱 Kitten Adoptions: 10 AM – 1 PM
✂️ Nail Trims: 12 PM – 3 PM
🌭 BBQ: 11 AM – 3 PM
🏺 Pawsitive Pottery - 11 AM - 3 PM 

Whether you’re looking to add a furry family member, shop for pawsitive pottery , freshen up your pet’s nails, or grab a bite from the BBQ, there’s something for everyone!

A huge thank you to Sarnia Cat Sitter for sponsoring this event and helping support local cats in need❤️

06/25/2026

Note: I completely forgot to add…the amazing The Cupcake Lady Sarnia purchased these mugs and donated them to the auction!!! My brain functions are 😵‍💫😵‍💫😵‍💫 lately

Congratulations to 2 of my customers who bid on these PPoM🩵 mugs during Caregivers of Petrolia Ferals recent auction. Over $100 was donated towards caring for those who can’t ask for help.

Do you want to adopt a PPoM🩵 mug? Stay tuned! I actually have a couple in The Shoppe and I’ll be adding them to my website very soon. Along with a few other pottery goodies and fused glass creations by me and John

The only way to get your paws on one of my PPoM🩵 mugs or cups is in The Shoppe, on my website, or wherever I donate to. 🫶🏼