Did a bunch of rescue puppies just make me cry about my fertility journey? Absolutely.

If you haven’t seen it yet, the NHL’s annual Stanley Pup event is officially back (watch it here) and, yes, it’s as adorable as it sounds: 32 rescue dogs, each representing an NHL team, all looking for forever homes. I expected to tune in for some puppy chaos and a few cheap laughs. Instead, I ended up reflecting on what it means to create a family—outside the box, and sometimes against the odds. And honestly? It was kind of life-changing.

Family Isn’t Always “Traditional”—It’s Built With Heart

Watching those wiggly pups scramble across the mini ice rink, it hit me: family can start in so many unexpected ways. Whether it’s a rescue dog donning a Nashville Predators jersey or a couple building their family one brave step at a time, the real magic is in the choosing and the trying.

For anyone on a fertility journey (like me… and probably you, reading this), it’s so easy to get caught up in what isn’t working, or in the “traditional” narrative. But then here comes Stanley Pup, reminding us that the path to family is sometimes a little wild, often unpredictable, and always worth celebrating—even if it looks nothing like what you imagined in health class.

Why Hope (and Creativity) Matter Now More Than Ever

It’s 2025, and let’s be real: the world feels pretty heavy. Fertility headlines fill our feeds, TikTok is ablaze with fertility hacks and horror stories, and everyone’s got an opinion about what you should or shouldn’t be doing. In a culture obsessed with instant results, the Stanley Pup offers a gentle (and wiggly) reminder:

• Building a family is rarely linear.
• Community—and compassion—makes the journey lighter.
• Sometimes, the biggest wins come from the least predictable places (like, say, a pug in a Boston Bruins bandana).

So, What Can a Hockey Puppy Draft Teach Us About Fertility?

Stay with me! I promise it connects. Just like those adoptable pups, every fertility journey is unique. Maybe you’ve struggled with infertility for years. Maybe you’re trying at-home insemination. Maybe you’re looking at adoption, or you’re single by choice, or part of an LGBTQ+ couple pioneering your own path.

That “pup parade” was a reminder: the world is full of tools, helpers, and alternatives that can empower you to write your own family story—even if it’s not the story you thought you’d tell.

A Real-Life Solution: At-Home Empowerment (and Actual Support)

Here’s where I get personal: The overwhelm of fertility appointments, waiting rooms, and sky-high costs used to consume me. But today, we have options our parents never dreamed of. At-home fertility solutions—like insemination kits—are making it possible to take control, save money, and create a more private, less stressful experience.

I’ve found value in checking out resources that demystify the process and offer real community support. For example, the MakeAMom guides and customer stories completely changed how I see at-home insemination. Their kits aren’t just budget-friendly or discreet (though, thank goodness for unmarked packaging!); they’re designed for all sorts of needs—from low motility to sensitivities—so no one feels left out. Knowing I’m part of a community that’s 67% success and 100% committed to inclusion lit a spark I didn’t know I needed.

Open Loop: What About the Setbacks?

Of course, not every cycle ends in fireworks. Pets have accidents. Plans get derailed. Sometimes, it feels like you’re losing 0-6 in the first period (hello, hockey metaphor), and everyone else is scoring while you’re still stuck in the penalty box. But the Stanley Pup shows us: with every new round, there’s hope. There’s another team. Another moment to try.

If you’re on this path, whether by choice or circumstance, you’re part of a league of people—sharing joy, heartbreak, and resilience—with a whole community behind you.

Your Next Move: Celebrate Every Form of Family

So, here’s my challenge: whether your “baby” is a rescue pup, a donor-conceived little one, or something (or someone!) you never planned for, celebrate it. Celebrate you. Because choosing to love, to hope, and to keep trying in the face of uncertainty? That’s family. That’s the real championship.

And if you’re craving more stories, support, or actual tools for your at-home conception journey, don’t be afraid to explore the wealth of resources out there. You might just find your community—and maybe, just maybe, your own kind of victory parade—waiting for you.

What’s your unexpected family story? Or your craziest hope for the future? Drop it in the comments—I’ll be reading every one. And, as always, keep rooting for yourself.