Episode 18 - Vanessa Villela

Not all rescue stories are “love at first sight”; often, it’s simply about helping an animal in need, and the bond that grows from there. Sometimes that electric feeling is undeniable where you know that you and your pet-to-be are absolutely perfect for each other. That’s what happened when Vanessa Villela met her cat, Osita, here at PetSpace.

On this episode of the PetSpace Podcast, Vanessa describes her first meeting with Osita, how she knew she was ready to adopt a new pet, and why, when a breeder offered her a free puppy, she turned them down.

For more from Vanessa and Osita, you can follow Vanessa on Instagram, and you can also follow Osita on Instagram.

The Petspace Podcast is:
Hosted by Catie Voglio,
Recorded & Edited by Roger Gomez,
Produced by Cameron Kell,
To learn more about Wallis Annenberg Petspace visit us at our website annenbergpetspace.org

Transcript

[PODCAST MUSIC FADES IN]

CATIE:

Welcome to the PetSpace Podcast. It is always an honor to welcome one of our amazing adopters onto the show, and today, we got to welcome a guest that shines nothing but love and light into the world. You may know Vanessa Villela from Selling Sunset; however, we know her best as Osita’s mom. Vanessa took her time after losing her beloved cat before preparing for a new life to enter her world. Once she met Osita, it was a special connection that we got to hear all about. Now, Vanessa is telling everyone she knows how important it is to adopt, not shop, and welcome these beautiful animal spirits into their lives. Please welcome the amazing Vanessa Villela!

[PODCAST MUSIC FADES OUT]

CATIE:

Vanessa Villela!

VANESSA: 

Heyyy!

CATIE:  

How'd I do? 

VANESSA:  

[laughs] Yeah, awesome!

CATIE:

Welcome to the PetSpace Podcast!

VANESSA:

Oh my God, it's such an honor and such a joy to be here with you.

CATIE:

Every time you walk in this door, it's like a ray of light. 

VANESSA:

Aww. [laughs]

CATIE:

You and your husband—first of all, we love you because you have adopted from us, so thank you, thank you, thank you for choosing to adopt and not shop, of course. 

VANESSA:

Aww, yes. 

CATIE:

But you all have such a wonderful, beautiful energy, and every time you have left here, the staff at PetSpace just can't stop singing your praises, because you’re just so— 

VANESSA: 

Oh my God that's so beautiful, you're gonna make me cry. [laughs]

CATIE: 

Too early for tears, too early—-

VANESSA:

Yeah, yeah yeah yeah. 

CATIE:  

So today, we just want to talk about your adoption journey and your new princess, Osita—

VANESSA:

Osita!

CATIE:  

—who is one of the most adventurous, incredible cats I've ever met. 

VANESSA:  

Yes. 

CATIE:

So tell me, how did you decide you're finally ready to adopt? Or, what led you to say, “Hey, I need a cat in my life”?

VANESSA:

Well, I mean, it's funny because I've always been an animal person, and I have dogs; I had a cat when I was younger, and then five—no, maybe like 11 years ago, a friend of mine... I was on my own and I was working a lot, so I couldn't really have a pet at that moment, right? So I didn't have, like, the time to be with a pet and I had two dogs prior, which obviously hurt me a lot when I couldn't be with them anymore. I went through… you know, I lost them, and it was like losing a family member. 

CATIE:

It’s hard, yeah. 

VANESSA:

So my heart wasn't like—into, like “I want to go through that pain again sometime soon.” 

CATIE:

Understand—I understand that. 

VANESSA:

So I was just like, on my own, and this friend of mine gave—gifted me, adopted a cat for me, and then she gifted it for me and I'm like, “Whoa, what? I wasn't ready for this, no!” and she was like “Okay, I must have—”

CATIE:

Uh oh, “I pushed too much!” [laughs]

VANESSA:

“I rescue him. Try it out and let me know how it goes; worst case scenario, you send him to me,” and that’s it, like “Okay!” So, there I go, home with this beautiful cat: he is chocolate, green eyes, beautiful—and he was like a shadow, like he was my shadow. Like, since we got home, he was following me, so I fall in love with cats again, you know? There comes this love for cats again. Unfortunately, he only lasted five years.

CATIE:

Oh, and there goes the heartbreak again. 

VANESSA:

[Nodding] And there goes the heartbreak again. 

CATIE:

These animals—the only flaw they have is they don't live long enough, truly! [laughs]

VANESSA:

Exactly, I wish they could live long enough to wait and say goodbye, so I don’t have to go through that thing.

CATIE: 

Yes. 

VANESSA:

When my husband and I got married, we were like, “Okay, we should—we should adopt,” and—and honestly, my heart wasn't ready. I don’t know. I was still like, grieving, you know, Brownie, was his name. And I was like, “I’m not ready.” So anyways, long story short, we go to a meeting, and there’s this beautiful cat—very similar to Osita—that comes to me, and she was just purring and loving and all that, and I fall in love with the cat. 

CATIE:

Oh, no. [laughs]

VANESSA:

And I’m like, “Oh my God,” and I felt like, I think I’m ready. So I said to Nick, and he was like “Absolutely, let’s go and adopt one,” and I was like “Well, let’s see—”

CATIE: 

Oh, he was on board!

VANESSA:

Yeah. He was on board, totally. He loves animals as well. His mom, you know, has this incredible place in Spain where he—where she rescues dogs and all of these animals—

CATIE:

Yeah!

VANESSA:

—and so he loves animals just like me, so we were like “Okay, so let's search for the right one,” right? Because that's also very important— 

CATIE:

Super important. 

VANESSA:

So that's what we did; we started searching for cats in the area, and then I found this beautiful place, the most beautiful place on Earth. [laughs] Annenberg PetSpace!

CATIE:

It was like the doors opened and the angels sang! [laughs]

VANESSA:

Oh my God, literally! And it's funny because, I saw one online somewhere else, and then it was like an hour drive and we were super busy, so we couldn't go that day. And then when I called, it was gone. So I was like, it definitely wasn't for me, but I got a little upset because—

CATIE:

Wasn't meant to be, yeah. 

VANESSA:

Definitely. I definitely—I do believe, one hundred percent, everything that's meant to be is meant to be, But I got a little upset, because I said “Maybe if I should have been—if I should have made the time…” you never know. And obviously, I know now, “No—”

CATIE:

Yes.

VANESSA:

 —but in that moment, it was like—I was like, “I should have made the time.”

CATIE: 

It felt like, “Oops!” [laughs]

VANESSA:

[laughs] Right, exactly—and it’s maybe because he reminded me a little bit of Brownie, the one I saw online.

CATIE:

Oh, yeah.

VANESSA:

He was brown with green eyes, and he had that similarity that I was missing. And then—and then yeah, then we came here! [laughs] And then, we met—

CATIE:

And you all met a LOT of cats. [laughs]

VANESSA: 

Oh my God, yeah. [laughs] That's one of the things that I love the most about you guys. You let people interact with them and then really have—and take your time and make the decision that it feels like, “This is the one,” you know?

CATIE:

Yeah, we want you to feel comfortable. And of course, it's the—a cat can, you know, they can live 20 to 25 years.

VANESSA:

Yes.

CATIE: 

[So] of course we want you to feel so comfortable in the decision you're making, 

VANESSA:

Right, exactly. I feel like it was—I wanted—I was very clear on what I wanted to feel in my heart. I was like, “I want to… I want to feel the cat, that it’s playful, funny—” AH! Also—

CATIE:

[laughs] Funny. 

VANESSA:

Yes, funny! [laughs] Because—my husband and I, months before we decided that it was like really, like, adopting time—before we would go to sleep, we were watching cats videos. 

CATIE:

Oh, the cat videos, just funny internet cat videos?

VANESSA:

Yeah, because, we were—I want to, I said to him, like it's so good to sleep with something funny or good in your, in your heart. 

CATIE:

Aw, yeah.

VANESSA:

Instead of watching like, something negative, let’s watch something fun! 

CATIE:

The news. [laughs]

VANESSA:

Exactly, let’s watch something that when you go to sleep, you go with a smile in your heart. 

CATIE:

Yeah. 

VANESSA:

And it was always cats videos, because they're super funny! 

CATIE:

I love that.

VANESSA:

And they’re weird, you know? They’re so incredible! [laughs] 

CATIE:

I have to say, I'm not necessarily a cat person. I've always had dogs; my parents were allergic to cats. But when I watch like, TikTok and stuff at night, it's always cat videos. They're so funny! [laughs]

VANESSA:

They’re so funny! [laughs] They are! So… ah, so yeah. Long story short, I was like, I wanted a funny cat but also a very sweet cat, because I am very loving and I'm very hands-on, and my husband’s the same. So he connected with Jackson first, and Jackson was very lovely but he was very, very playful. 

CATIE:

Yeah. 

VANESSA:

And I felt like it was a connection with him but not with me. And then, so, I took my time, I was like, “Okay, let me see; let me find—” There was one, and I think his name was Cloud, and he was on top of me and kissing me and all of that, but he like, he wasn't connecting.

CATIE:

Isn't it funny that they all have such unique personalities?

VANESSA:

It’s super incredible. 

CATIE:

And I think you all were very perceptive to their personalities, and you really took the time to meet them and understand their personalities, and it's really nice to watch potential adopters come in and really think that hard about it, but still letting you have the agency to make a decision either really quickly or take your time. So it was nice to see you meet them all!

VANESSA:
Yeah, I mean it could be—I did! I did, and I fell in love with all of them! [laughs]

CATIE:  

Well, you knew them all better than I did by the end of the day! When I was talking to you I was like, “Oh my God, I didn't even know we had that cat,” and you were like, “Well, let me tell you about them!” [laughs] 

VANESSA:

[laughs] Yeah, and cats are very particular. Like, they're not like dogs. Like, you cannot force a cat to, to be loving. 

CATIE:

Definitely not, yes. 

VANESSA:

It's impossible. So that's why that part of the puzzle for me was super important, because I was like, I definitely want to cuddle my cat and kiss my cat!”

CATIE:

Yeah! Yeah, you wanted a like, snuggle-bug.

VANESSA:

Yes. 

CATIE: 

Yeah. 

VANESSA:

So, then—

CATIE: 

So, what was it about Osita that stood out like a shining star?

VANESSA:

Oh my God. [laughs] She just like, literally at the moment they were like, “Okay, so we just got new kitties actually today,” because I think it was like, the second day that I came to see cats again and to see—by spending time on my own with Jackson, will this connection happen? And then I’m like, “Do I want to see them all? Of COURSE I want to see them all!”

CATIE:

Yeah, they don’t have to ask you twice!

VANESSA:

Yes! And then I see this beautiful girl. [looks down] Yes, you! Laying down—

CATIE: 

For those of our listeners that can't see, she's on the floor right now in her carrier, staring lovingly at her mom. 

VANESSA:

Yes. [laughs]

CATIE:

She's so cute!

VANESSA:

Super cute. So she looked at me, and I could feel like a very mellow, like magic in her eyes. It was just like, like when you know it's the one.

CATIE:

Yeah, it clicked. 

VANESSA:

Yeah, it was a click. Instant click. And Nick, my husband, immediately noticed that like, I was already like—

CATIE:

He felt it too. 

VANESSA:

Yeah, it was like—no, he… I think he was outside. He noticed immediately that I connected with her, and also she has a—she had the name, at that time, of one of my best friends, Lily. 

CATIE: 

Oh! 

VANESSA:

Which, I thought “Oh! It might be a sign to me.”

CATIE:

That's the “meant-to-be” part of it all! [laughs]

VANESSA:

Exactly. *laughs* So then, when Nick saw that he was like completely, you know, that I was really in love. He was like, “Okay, let me let me spend time with her,” and it was a matter of a second that the magic happened between them as well, and we totally—we spoke even with my mother-in-law, which—like I said to you, she has a lot of [animals], and she was like “Oh my God—”

CATIE:

Can you tell me about her rescue? I'd love to hear more of it, because it's not in the U.S.—

VANESSA:

It’s not in the U.S. 

CATIE: 

Yeah. 

VANESSA:  

It's in Spain. This is a wonderful story, because she's a wonderful woman that happened to go through a tragedy in her life. Through a fire, they lost their home. 

CATIE: 

Oh, wow. 

VANESSA:

And then, a woman that she met while she was like, very depressed and, you know, going through a lot of—obviously, it's a major loss in your life. 

CATIE:

Yeah, that’s—yeah, of course. 

VANESSA:

And then this woman that, that she knew at that time, they were both having love for animals. So then she started helping with, with fostering and rescue and all that, and then it became bigger and bigger and bigger and now they have on—like, their own beds like they have… I don't know, maybe like 18 dogs?

CATIE:

Wow!

VANESSA:

Or, or—yeah, something like that. [laughs] 

CATIE:

She's got her hands full! [laughs]

VANESSA:

Yeah, and she rehomes dogs, and others, like, she stays with them. Like, some of them might have, like wheelchairs or, you know…

CATIE:

Aww, that’s wonderful!

VANESSA: 

She's the most loving, like, devoted—like, her and her husband, who is my father-in-law, like they're the most loving and devoted people I've ever met with animals. Like, you know, they do everything on their own. 

CATIE: 

Do you feel like your husband absorbed a little bit of that from them? 

VANESSA:

Yeah, I mean, obviously he didn't necessarily grew up with that—

CATIE:

With the rescue, right.

VANESSA:

—but he absolutely, I mean, he has gone through all of this process with them. 

CATIE:

Yeah. 

VANESSA:

And… yeah. He loves animals like me, so it just—I see myself in the future with something—

CATIE:

Uh oh. [laughs]

VANESSA:

[laughs] Yeah, like getting old and, you know, I—I wouldn’t mind to have so many dogs and cats in my life, you know?

CATIE:

Yeah.

VANESSA:

I just feel that they're angels that come to your life to show you what true love is. It's so unconditional. It's so peaceful. It's so—like, just… it’s literally an angel in an animal's body.

CATIE: 

In a little furry body. 

VANESSA:

You know? Yeah. [laughs]

CATIE:

It's so beautiful. 

VANESSA:

Yeah, they don't care if you are, you know, beautiful, or rich, or—they really don't care. I mean, they are just… pure love.

CATIE:

As long as you're giving them some love, yeah. 

VANESSA:

Yes.

CATIE:

I totally agree. I think that's why so many of us love animals, because I can be having the worst day and not looking good, and my dog is for sure coming up and giving me a kiss on the cheek. 

VANESSA:  

Yeah, yeah. [laughs] 

CATIE:

And I'll feel a little better. I think I'll feel a little better after that. 

VANESSA: 

Yeah. 

CATIE:

So, Osita is now yours forever. 

VANESSA: 

Oh, yeah. [laughs]

CATIE: 

And tell me about some of her adventures, because you all take her quite a few places. 

VANESSA:  

[laughs] Yes. I mean it’s—she’s a, she's a super lucky cat. I’m not gonna deny that. 

CATIE:

Yeah! No, she IS super lucky, that's an understatement.

VANESSA: 

Yeah, yeah, yeah. I mean most cats, either—they're like, in the street all the time or they're at home and nobody really like… you know. Yeah, they're—I'm taking them anywhere. 

CATIE:

Yeah. 

VANESSA: 

But Osita has a personality that is very outgoing, and I remember that the first time that we brought her back here for her injections, there were dogs and there was people and she was completely okay with it. And we wanted a cat that was like that, that we could take out with us, kind of like a dog and take her into some adventures. I understand that some adventures are not necessarily, you know, proper—appropriate? [laughs]

CATIE:

Eh, she seems pretty adventurous.

VANESSA:  

She is! She went to the beach already where she is—she's come with us to some restaurants—

CATIE:

Yeah.

VANESSA: 

—to some, uh, parks—

CATIE: 

You know, LA is so dog-friendly— 

VANESSA:  

Yes. 

CATIE: 

You see, I mean, there's dogs in Target— 

VANESSA: 

Yes, everywhere.

CATIE:

—there's dogs at Trader Joe's, there are kind of… almost too many places, and it's so funny because you are—at least, I'm starting to see cats more places, and I think it's so, like… I was talking to your husband on—walking him up the stairs, and he was like, “Oh, yeah, she just goes on all the adventures. We are looking for a new carrier so she can see more, because she needs to experience everything.”

VANESSA:  

[laughs] Yeah, yeah, yeah. We want something that she can, maybe go on the back or something. 

CATIE:

Yeah, and I just think that's so lovely that you're giving her… because cats are on the streets and they do love being in the wild, and—and they do love tons of stimulation, and you guys are really giving her quite an incredible life. 

VANESSA:  

Yeah, we do! We do. She's a very loved cat. She’s a… yeah, she's like the light of our lives now, you know?

CATIE:  

Yeah. 

VANESSA: 

She came to our lives to bring so much joy. We're both crazy about her.

CATIE:

We couldn't ask for better adopters! [laughs]

VANESSA: 

*laughs* Yeah! We're like, super crazy about her. Like, everywhere we go, we speak with everyone about our little baby.

CATIE:

Are people surprised when you have her out and about and she's so well behaved and almost dog-like?

VANESSA: 

Yes, I think—yes. I mean, obviously first people think like, “Oh my God, why are they coming out with a cat?”

CATIE:

Yeah. 

VANESSA:

And I'm like, “Why not?” Like, why only dogs deserve to be out? 

CATIE: 

No, I really—I agree, I agree with you. 

VANESSA:  

Especially if she behaves, and I am—I obviously have it in a harness. 

CATIE:

Yes. 

VANESSA:

I mean, obviously, you know? But she's the most mellow cat, so she should be able to experience some incredible things as well. 

CATIE: 

All the world has to offer. 

VANESSA:

Yeah, and people are like, “Oh my God, she's so well behaved, it’s incredible!” Like, I brought, like—we went to a barbecue, and she was in the, in the—you know, while we were doing the barbecue, whatever, in her—in her [carrier], her house, like they are right now. And then, we went into the apartment and I put her on my legs, and she slept all—

CATIE:

The whole time. 

VANESSA: 

—the whole time! She was on my legs, like, just chilling. 

CATIE:

I mean, she just—

VANESSA:

Yeah.

CATIE:

—you guys, I really think you guys found this like, very incredible connection with this cat, and it is—

VANESSA:

Incredible, yeah. She’s totally meant to be in our lives, yes.

CATIE:  

Yes, a hundred percent. So, every time you come, we appreciate it because you always share some of our adoptable animals, and the more visibility on these animals, the better. And then of course, I think one of my favorite things now is letting you know when animals get adopted, because I always get a really fun voice note back! [laughs]

VANESSA:

[laughs]

CATIE:

And it makes me feel excited again, because sometimes when you're in this industry, you see them come and go so often that it almost loses the, the joy sometimes, even though we're always happy. 

VANESSA:  

Yeah, of course.

CATIE: 

I think the joy that you share when these animals get adopted is just so incredible. You shared a story with me one time—and I hope you're okay telling me about it—

VANESSA:

Sure!

CATIE:

—that you had a breeder reach out to you. A dog breeder reached out to you.

VANESSA:

Yes.

CATIE:

 —and said, “Hey, we'll give you a puppy.” You said—you said no. 

VANESSA:  

Yes. 

CATIE:

When did you realize that adoption was so important to you? And that, you know, taking something like that, something that may be perceived as high value, is not worth as much as adopting and, and saving a life?

VANESSA:  

Right. I probably—I don't know how long ago I realized the magnitude of adopting instead of buying. I don't know, it was not that—maybe not that long ago, to be honest. But I always thought that there were so many animals out there that are waiting for a forever home that you—why would you go and buy one when there’s so many? Not one, like MANY. Millions. 

CATIE:

Millions. [laughs]

VANESSA:

So, now that I am aware of the problem that these breeders cause, because what happens is that people buy them because they think they're cute, or they’re beautiful—

CATIE:

And they are cute, and they are beautiful, yeah.  

VANESSA:

—and they're cute, and they're beautiful, but then sometimes they're like, too much to take, or something happens, and they put them on the streets. And they just keep reproducing, and then there's no space for all of them because they don't have forever homes, all of them. And then it’s just like, a chain of… it’s wrong. It’s wrong.  

CATIE:

Yeah. Yeah.

VANESSA: 

I mean, what people do—buying is wrong, people breeding is wrong. I think we should just, like, really be aware and share with our family members and friends, like the importance of adopting and stop like—because this, this varies. Cats, dogs that they don't have a forever home, they will most likely end up putting to sleep.

CATIE:  

Yeah, I mean, that's the point we're at right now, is that they're… It's interesting; we were just kind of chatting about it, and the numbers that they're finding is at, you know… kind of an average number still going into shelters, but it's taking so long to adopt them out, which means people aren't adopting. So, it's so important when someone who has a platform like you have to talk about, you know, your wonderful experiences.

VANESSA:

Yes, yes.

CATIE: 

And you're so wonderful, because it's not like you're standing up there preaching. You're showing what a great animal you got by adopting!

VANESSA:

[laughs] Yeah, I did. I did, and I definitely want to create more awareness around it. I love animals, and I think that if they did—we deserve something good, they deserve even better. 

CATIE: 

Yeah, they do deserve better. 

VANESSA:

So—they deserve better. And then… Yeah, like this friend of mine was giving me an example of a poodle. Like, poodles—they’re, obviously they’re super trendy. And then—but there's so many people getting rid of them because they can't—they're like, “Oh, we buy—we buy the dog, then we see that it’s a lot of work,” because they have to cut their hair very often—

CATIE:

Yeah, the grooming. 

VANESSA:

—and the grooming, and it’s just so much, and then just put them on the streets. 

CATIE:

It's interesting; we're seeing a lot of these doodles in shelters now, and—and it's true. I mean, getting a pet is a big commitment, and— 

VANESSA:

It is a big commitment.

CATIE:

Everyone also deserves to know the love of a pet, but maybe if we just took that extra moment to think about what kind of pet we're getting, or where it's coming from, or what the big picture [is], and I know it's hard to look at big picture, because the world's a tough place. Like, we all have a lot going on in our lives, but to look at that big picture—

VANESSA:

Right. Yeah. But it’s a family member, you know?

CATIE:

Yes, a hundred percent. 

VANESSA:

I think that some people adopt or buy… not necessarily, a hundred percent, giving the importance that it is. 

CATIE:

Yeah. 

VANESSA:

And it IS a family member. 

CATIE:

Yeah. 

VANESSA: 

So you can’t take it like, you know, lightly.

CATIE:

Yeah, party of three now! [laughs]

VANESSA:

Exactly! [laughs]

CATIE:

And now, it's [a] party of three.

VANESSA:

Even when we travel, now she’s coming. She’s with us, so, yeah. 

CATIE:

It's like, you have to make a dinner reservation, and you have to have a spare seat for the cat, too. [laughs] 

VANESSA:

[laughs] Exactly, exactly.

CATIE:

Yeah, I think it's just so beautiful, the voice you've given, at least for a few of our animals, and I think taking Osita out into the world and making sure people understand. Like, you… you really saved her life, really. Someone did along the way. 

VANESSA:

And then this incredible guy that we met in a—imagine, so this is what happens with the magic of taking her somewhere, right?

CATIE: 

Yeah, yeah. 

VANESSA:

So we're charging our car because our car’s electric, and then we, we have her, you know, moving around inside the car, obviously with us. And then, this guy was charging his car next to us, and he sees Osita in the car, and he's like, “Is that a cat?” and then we were like “Yeah, you like cats?” “Oh, yeah, I have a cat. I'm actually—I'm sad because I'm gonna have to put her to sleep soon,” and we were like, “Oh my God, no, I'm so sorry.” “Yeah, I was thinking about getting [another] cat.” I'm like, “Oh my God, you should go to Annenberg PetSpace. It’s the most beautiful place, we adopted Osita and I was actually thinking of taking Jackson with us, you know? Her brother. 

CATIE:

Yeah, the one that got away. [laughs]

VANESSA: 

The one that got away. He was so like, like, really trying to take—you know, like, “Take me, take me, take me!” But, Nick was like “No, let's take one only for now.” And then—and then yeah, then we were like, talking and chatting about it, and he was like, “Yeah, I love—actually, I love white cats,” and we were like, okay, and I am like, “I'm gonna show you the most beautiful cat—”

CATIE:

Pull up the phone! [laughs]

VANESSA:

[laughs] Yeah, and then, we were like, “You need to go there! You go and spend time with Jackson; I'm sure you're gonna fall in love with him. And whether you're gonna put your now-cat like, you know, to sleep soon or not, I think it's gonna be better if you have another baby with you, and even with her [it] might bring her—some life to her as well.” So yeah, he came—

CATIE:

And he showed up! 

VANESSA:

And he showed up, and he took Jackson!

CATIE:

We got a call, actually! Yeah, this is so funny. 

VANESSA:

So actually, we’re—we’re planning a playdate, because they’re brothers. 

CATIE:

Aww, yeah! Siblings!

VANESSA:
And we’re like, “Oh my God, it's gonna be awesome.” 

CATIE:

Yes!

VANESSA:

Exactly, they can be—yeah, they’re siblings. 

CATIE:

Yeah, we got a call at the front desk and they were like, “Hello, I just met Vanessa who adopted a cat from you at the charging—I was charging my car,” and we were like, “What is happening?” [laughs] And, yeah! Sure enough, he showed up and adopted Osita’s sibling. And that's amazing, you're gonna do a reunion! So cute.

VANESSA: 

I know! Yeah, I think I'm gonna film them. [laughs]

CATIE:

You saved two lives, so, kudos. 

VANESSA:

Thank you.

CATIE:

So, where do you think this crazy world of pets is going to take you, Vanessa? Where do you think you'll be going, and do you want to get deeper in?

VANESSA:  

Yes, I definitely—you know, helping in general is something that moves my heart a lot. And I want to be involved in things that matter in life, you know? Obviously, animals is the most beautiful thing. You know, I'm now experiencing my time with Osita again, like, feeling so close that the love of the animals, it makes me want to go deeper into making people aware and helping more of these centers like Annenberg PetSpace to be more recognized everywhere. And yeah, any way I can do to help more lives, I'm going to do it, and I’m full-in. I’m always gonna have your guidance. I want to be a part of, you know, a movement of making an impact in these beautiful things.

CATIE: 

I think the way you look at animals is so, so incredible. It's nice to see someone hold them in such high regard. Were—were you always that way when you had pets growing up? Did you always have that, like, connection? 

VANESSA:

Yes. I've always felt like there's—they’re magic, they’re—they’re little, they’re angels that got put in the Earth to really show, show us like, unconditional—I said it before, unconditional love. But like, you know, it's so pure. It's so special what they have, and then if we truly give them more attention and more love, they become even—you know, then you see them shine. 

CATIE:

Yeah. 

VANESSA:

It's incredible. 

CATIE:

Yeah, I agree. So, what else can we expect from you; from your husband? What’s up-and-coming?

VANESSA:

[laughs] Well, we're working—we're working on several projects and obviously one of them with—you know, what we'll discuss. 

CATIE: 

Yeah! Yeah.  

VANESSA:

And then, another—with me and my husband, I am… I'm also creating another project to helping people that have gone through adversities.  

CATIE: 

Great.

VANESSA:

Yeah. And I am—yeah, I'm working on some projects for filming as well. I'm also an actress that's—you know, how my, my story began; in TV. 

CATIE:

Yeah, of course. 

VANESSA:

So, yeah. I'm just super busy but always making time for the important things and that's why I wanted Osita to be, you know, a cat that can come with me everywhere, so she’s not staying at home.

CATIE:

Yeah, of course. She's so portable.

VANESSA:

She's coming to filming locations; she's coming to me when I'm [working] as an actress—

CATIE:

She’s gonna need her own agent soon!

VANESSA: 

I know! [laughs]

CATIE: 

How are you gonna—how are you gonna make her into an Internet cat? You're gonna have to teach her some funny stuff, Vanessa!

VANESSA:

Well, she's already funny, and it’s so incredible. When I—when I give her her food, she sat—she sits in her, in a chair, and she just waits for me, and she's like, literally waiting for her food, but in a—such a funny way. I have a video, I'll show you. But no, obviously at the beginning, she was coming to the food and I was like, “No, stop there,” so she now eats like she’s in a restaurant!

CATIE:

Now she’s trained. [laughs] Like a restaurant!

VANESSA:

Yeah, like she’s in a restaurant! Like, “Okay? Where is my food? Come and bring it out!”

CATIE:

She's classy, just like—like, you’re really teaching her the ropes. [laughs]

VANESSA:

Oh, she’s SUPER classy. And her—and her legs are like this; it’s so cute! [laughs] But also, she’s funny: she can do like these, you know, when they go onto their side and just start jumping on their side—

CATIE:

We have to teach her some, like, some internet talent or something!

VANESSA:

I—yeah, I want to! I mean, we were trying to—well, she knows how to stand up now like, uh, this, you know. She stands up, but I don't know how much I can train her. Maybe I should get together with a trainer or something—

CATIE:

I’ve seen some incredible things! 

VANESSA:

Maybe I have to get a trainer of cats, so I can train her—teach her more. 

CATIE:

The ultimate cat trainer. 

VANESSA:

Yeah. I mean, she's super, super funny! [laughs] She’s funny, and like she goes, like—oh! We play hide and seek! 

CATIE:

Oh, yes! You told me this last time, but please share!

VANESSA:

That is SO funny, honestly. [laughs]

CATIE:

Do you play with her, or is it Nick? Is Nick—

VANESSA:

Both, both.  

CATIE:

Oh, it’s everyone. All three. [laughs]

VANESSA:

Honestly, Nick is more like, you know, he’s like—I think he’s more playful; I’m more loving. 

CATIE:

The rough-and-tumble dad. [laughs]

VANESSA:

Yes, exactly. He’s more rough, but we both play with her, and sometimes he’s easier on her, like playing the ball together, and he’s really awesome. 

CATIE:

Do you think you would ever add to the family or you feel like three is the perfect little… you know, number?

VANESSA:

I mean, for now, we're super good. The three of us—

CATIE:

Yeah. 

VANESSA:

—obviously, it will change the dynamic between her and us—

CATIE:

Yeah, always.

VANESSA:

—to have one more, so I think now I kind of like, agree with Nick that—he was like, “Let's take one first,” and then in the future also when we—you know, when we have a bigger house, and then, you know, yeah. Maybe she'll get a brother or a sister. [laughs]

CATIE:

Or a sister.

VANESSA:  

Or like, yeah, something to—you know. So I get that sometimes they do need also that interaction—

CATIE:  

Yeah, but it—it seems like you guys keep her plenty busy, you know?

VANESSA: 

Yeah, we do, and I obviously feel like I want to enjoy her, you know, like, on my own, on her own for a time, and I did that too as well when I had my dogs in the, in the past. I had my dog for a quite—for a while, and then I eventually introduced another one.

CATIE:

Yeah, give them—you know, you gotta get to know them.

VANESSA:

Yeah, but definitely—I know that in my future, I can see like, you know, even if I can have ponies, and like… [laughs]

CATIE:  

Oh, a pony! Yeah!

VANESSA:

Yeah, yeah, yeah—I think I would love to have, like, a house with, with—you know, like a ranch. 

CATIE:

Yeah. 

VANESSA:

And we’d have, like bunnies and, and, and horses, and dogs, and—

CATIE:

Listen, we can clear out the LA shelters; they've got all of those. [laughs]

VANESSA:

Exactly. [laughs] I mean, honestly, if I—if I could, I would have a—you know, yeah, I would help like that. 

CATIE:

A whole system. 

VANESSA:

I would foster a lot of, uh… yeah, those animals.

CATIE:

I think that's great. It's so wonderful to meet someone who cares so much, and we're so happy to have you as part of the PetSpace family. 

VANESSA:

Oh, thank you. I’m so happy—

CATIE:

Whether you like it or not, now you're in! [laughs]

VANESSA:

I am a hundred percent in. [laughs] And I love you guys so much. Anything—everything that you do is incredible, like I've never—

CATIE:

Thank you.

VANESSA:

Every time I speak about you, I'm like, I've never seen any, any place like it. The people that work there, the way that they have the animals… I mean, they have their own space; they’re not in, you know, in… 

CATIE:

Yeah.

VANESSA:

They’re not in—how do you say it, like in… cages?

CATIE:

We just feel fortunate we can give them a second chance and lighten the burden a bit from our partner shelters. 

VANESSA:

Yes, and obviously everyone that works here, you know—Oscar, he's awesome.

CATIE: 

Shout out Oscar! [laughs]

VANESSA:

Yes, yes. And the vet, her name, I—she's so awesome, too. The way she cares, I mean, it's her life, you know? Guys—like, you guys are all their angels in this, like they’re helping these beautiful angels—

CATIE:

Thank you.

VANESSA:

—to get a second chance to live, because I know that… I think that they brought them from another shelter that was on fire, and—and, you know, they took—yeah. 

CATIE:

Oh, yeah, so she was part of the Orange County—I didn't realize she was part of the Orange County shelter [that] had a fire behind it.

VANESSA:

Yeah.

CATIE:

—and there—the air quality was terrible, and we didn't have space at the time. Our k—our dog kennels were full, but we had space for a bunch of cats, so we went and got 42 kittens and cats. 

VANESSA:

Wow. 

CATIE: 

[pointing to Osita] And she was one of them! 

VANESSA:

I know!

CATIE:

Breathin’ real clear now. [laughs]

VANESSA:

[laughs] I was so lucky you guys took her in, you know? I was very lucky!

CATIE:

I know! Isn't that funny? It's funny to think of all the steps it takes for that animal to find you, and you to find that animal, and make that connection is pretty wild. 

VANESSA:

Yes, yes. It’s really wild. [laughs]

CATIE:

Yeah, well—it's a beautiful love story. 

VANESSA:
Yes, yes it is.

CATIE:

If our listeners want to find you on Instagram, where should they find you, Vanessa? 

VANESSA:

Yeah, well, it's “vannevillela,” V-A-N-N-E-V-I-L-L-E-L-A, and OsitaWorld! That’s easier.

CATIE:

Yeah, Osita has her own—

VANESSA: 

Yeah, at Osita World you can see who’s the mom and the dad. [laughs]

CATIE:

Yes. So Osita has her own Instagram now. 

VANESSA:

And, you know, putting more out there, because I know that it brings a lot of smiles. You know?

CATIE:

Yeah. 

VANESSA:

I remember when I didn't have her, and some people might not be ready to have them, which is fine. They'll be ready when they're ready, but at least they can enjoy the adventures of Osita over there!

CATIE:

All of your content, yeah. No, it’s great. 

VANESSA:

[laughs] Right? So, yeah.

CATIE:

Thank you so much for coming today. 

VANESSA: 

Oh my God, thank you. It's such a joy to be here. 

CATIE:

We might have to do a once-a-year Osita catch-up. 

VANESSA: 

Oh, yeah please! Or, or less, yeah. Do you mind if we share Osita today?

CATIE:

No, please! Can you take her out?

VANESSA:

Yes, yes!

CATIE: 

And maybe we can get a couple—Osita is our maiden cat in the podcast studio, so maybe we can get a couple meows from Osita. She’s gonna give her testimonial of how much she loves you all.

VANESSA:

[laughs] Osita!

CATIE:

Hop out, hop out. She—she is—there is something very special; it’s funny. She does have a very special quality. Oh my God, you’re huge! 

VANESSA:

I know!

CATIE:

Hi! Are you gonna give us a meow?

VANESSA:

Hi! Say “meow.” “Meow!”

CATIE:

[laughs] I’ll take a picture. It’s so funny. She’s so cute. 

VANESSA:

I know! Look at her, she's super mellow. Hi, Osita!

CATIE:

Yeah, I don't know many cats that would tolerate podcasting.

VANESSA:

She is—she is incredible, like she didn’t—she didn’t go [makes noise] 

CATIE:

Are you gonna give us a meow? 

VANESSA: 

Give us a meow! 

CATIE:

Is she vocal? I can hear her purring.

VANESSA:

A little bit, yeah. I know. 

CATIE:

She's just like, “This is my mom and I love her so much.” [laughs]

VANESSA: 

Mi preciosa! She’s my baby. Who’s my baby? [laughs] Look at her! She’s so cute. She's just happy and comfortable, and that's, you know, that’s all that matters. 

CATIE:

She is getting big. She looks great. 

VANESSA:

I know! She's getting a little gordita, I think. Are you gordita?

CATIE 

Oh, a little chunky. 

VANESSA: 

Yeah. Now we're far from the microphone—come on, Osita. Make a noise. 

CATIE:

That’s okay. She's like, “What is this? What is that?”

VANESSA:

Meow! Oh, I love you, Osita. Osita World!

CATIE:

I love her too. She's so cute. At Osita World [@ositaworld]. She's a cutie. 

VANESSA:

She is! [laughs]

CATIE:

Well, thank you so much, Vanessa.

VANESSA:

Thank you, thank you.

CATIE:

And thank you for giving Osita the best home ever. I don't think anyone could have topped it. You guys are top of the top.

VANESSA:

Oh, thank you. Thank you, thank you. Well, I hope that we can inspire other people to come and adopt and give them a chance to bring so much joy.

CATIE:

I think you will.

VANESSA:

The joy that she has brought to our lives—we were obviously happy, but she's making our lives even more joyful and more alive and more… our hearts are so full of love all the time. It's incredible. 

CATIE:

Yeah. It radiates off you guys.

VANESSA:

Thank you. 

CATIE: 

Thank you!

VANESSA:

You are awesome. Thank you, my love.

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CATIE:

The PetSpace Podcast was brought to you by Wallis Annenberg PetSpace. To learn more, please visit Annenberg pet space dot org [annenbergpetspace.org]. If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe, leave a rating, a review, and be sure to share with your friends. Don’t forget to follow us on Instagram at pet space podcast [@petspacepodcast]. 

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