If you’ve read any of my posts you know that I am a huge dog lover. I actually went so far as to make a separate account on Instagram for Phoebe and Holli.

Phoebe

Holli

I know it probably sounds a little ridiculous to some of you but there are tons of dog accounts on Instagram and sometimes it is just nice to sit and scroll through the feed. It is filled with happiness and innocence. You can’t help but smile.

http://instagram.com/holliphoebelabs

My personal account is tied more to my advocacy and therefore, I follow a lot of Crohns, ulcerative colitis and ostomy patients. Some of the photos I come across are hard for me to handle. Pictures of people’s scars, ostomies, infections, IV poles, etc can sometimes be triggering to me. It depends on the situation and person I think. When I go to a friend’s account, I can pretty much guess what I am going to find since I know what has been going on in their life recently. In those cases, it isn’t as upsetting since I already anticipate it.

I want to be clear in saying that I absolutely do not find the photos some IBDers post on Instagram to be “negative.” Not in the least bit. They are real. But sometimes, I don’t necessarily want real. I want to be looking at cute, innocent, puppies because dogs have always been so good to me and for me. It has been wonderful having both of my girls living with Frank and I. Knock on wood they will stay

Anyway, the account I made for Phoebe and Holli is @holliphoebelabs and my personal account for those of you IBDers who would like to connect is @rissylauren.