For my birthday this past October, my sweet husband gave me a kitten, since I have been nagging him about getting a cat ever since we moved into our house 2 years ago. At the time, we had a very sweet yellow Lab named Sandy. Sandy tolerated Dipstick, our new kitten, and would let Dippy play with her tail, and made the occasional running lunge at her, but all in all, didn't pay too much attention to the new addition. Sandy loved us, of that I am sure, but she was pretty independent unless it was time for her rawhide chew fix.
Well, Sandy died a few weeks ago, she had either a brain or spinal cord tumor. We were both very sad, but I at least had my little Dipstick. Dippy is a very affectionate and, above all, social, kitty. She loves sitting on my chest and purring. She loves all people and is always in the center of any group of people we have over, no matter how large. She makes sure everyone has equal time, as well, sitting on everyone's lap for five minutes before moving on to the next one., purring her little head off.
Husband took Sandy's death very hard, and about a week after her passing, a friend at a local animal rescue place told us of some lab puppies who needed a home, which is how we acquired Abby, a black lab mix puppy who is a very cute bundle of energy.
So, in the matter of 2 months, we went from having 1 old dog who slept 20 hours a day, to having a 6 month old kitten and a 3 month old puppy. What a difference! I was a little worried about how the babies would get along, but I needn't have. They are actually quite good for each other. They love to play together, and while doing so, tire each other out. Abby loves to chase Dippy, and Dippy loves to torment Abby through her kennel cage walls at bed time. They both keep track of where the other one is, even if they aren't plotting their next strike.
The funniest thing, however, is the jealousy for my time between the two of them. Husband travels for work, and therefore I am the sole caregiver for 2-4 nights a week. I walk in the door and let Abby outside, and immediately Dippy is practically standing on her hind legs trying to get me to pick her up, like a child holding up her arms. Abby comes back in and chases the cat up and down the stairs and up to some high perch, then comes over to get her dose of affection. If one is sitting next to me, the other has to start a tussle to pull the rival away. Once one goes to take a nap, however, the other does, too. Can't get caught tired when the next round of battle starts!
Dippy eats Abby's food. Just walks up to the bowl and takes one or two pieces. Abby doesn't care, she's just happy for the playmate. I know Dippy is happier, because she has stopped peeing on the sofa and is purring more than ever. Besides, she instigates at least half of the tussles, I keep a careful eye on them.
Watching these two little animals interact is fascinating, to say the least. Abby started out only a little larger than Dipstick, although that won't be true for long, already Abby has practically doubled in size. I have no doubt that they are going to be best buddies, and I heartily recommend to anyone thinking about getting both a puppy and a kitten that they do so at the same time. Any two animals that grow up together form a bond that is simply amazing to see.
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1 comment:
Great first review Dr. Sue. May it be the first of many.
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