Good News for One of America's Favorite Dogs...

I was going to wait until the end of the month before posting. Some news is just too good to postpone. (Pun totally intended.)

For the past 15 to 20 years, there has been a concerted effort on the part of many rescue groups to change the perception of pit bulls and pit bull type dogs from that of potentially dangerous creatures to beloved family companions. It has been an up-hill battle with so much hysterical/sensational reporting in the media about dog bites, human deaths, breed specific legislation (BSL), and dog fighting ... Oh, did I say dog fighting?  While admittedly an abominable activity, dog fighting coverage in the news may have actually kick-started improvements in the general opinion of this much maligned dog.

The notorious Bad Newz Kennels bust in 2007 was certainly a seminal event which tipped the scales of public perception. For the first time, the dogs involved were deemed "victims" of a human crime. Many rescue groups and the Humane Society of America lobbied on behalf of the 40 some-odd dogs found on the premises, urging that the dogs undergo temperament testing rather than being immediately euthanized. The judge agreed and the rest of the story is an amazing testament to the true nature of these dogs.

In the intervening years, despite resistance from the general public and ridiculous BSL in many municipalities, there are good signs. One of the best is this infographic from Huffington Post published on October 24, 2013:

Infographic by Alissa Scheller for the Huffington Post

Mind now that one of the data sources is the ASPCA, one of the "humane" groups (along with PETA) which recommended euthanasia for the Bad Newz Kennel dogs 6 years ago. My, how times have changed!

Falling in Love Again

For the past two years, I have been slowly and respectfully working on a relationship with an amazing rescue group, Bad Rap (Bay Area Dog-Owners Responsible About Pit-Bulls). The director and CFO--both co-founders of this outstanding non-profit--are human beings (in the finest sense of that phrase) who are dedicated to restoring the pit bull terrier as a cherished family dog. Certainly a cause I can get right behind. ;)

After CJ died this summer I was convinced that I'd be happy in a two dog household. So I was really surprised when I found myself crushing on a BadRap dog so hard I actually emailed them about his availability.

This video got me first... snap, snap, snap, but very gentle when he connected with the other pups...Then there was a photo on the Bad Rap Facebook page:

Look at that impish mug! And those feet! I was smitten. Totally smitten. But the very best thing about this guy are his ears... Check them out in Bad Rap's Facebook album, "Rock the Kasbah!"

It was an even lovelier surprise when my inquiry was greeted with a warm reception and I was invited out to the Rescue Barn to meet the object of my crush, Kasbah, a nine-month-old clownish boy-dog.

Life, Love and Longing

This has been a summer of mixed blessings. At the end of June, CJ's body gave out. X-rays showed a series of compressed discs in his back which the vet said were due to degenerative hip disease--he was throwing his weight forward to keep pressure off his hips, humping his back in such a way that the discs pushed together. I had to make the difficult decision to have him put down.

Where I live, we're fortunate to have several area vets who are affiliated with Lap of Love, a network of veterinarians who offer hospice and in-home euthanasia. Dr. Brent Martin responded to my call and helped CJ pass over the rainbow bridge while Samara and I held his big body and sang to him.

In late July, my beloved cat, Oliver, died in my arms. One minute he was up on the cat tree, the next he was on the floor gasping and then he was gone. Consensus was that he'd somehow gotten into poison, what kind we'll never know. His death was mercifully quick but emotionally devastating.

For several weeks I'd get up in the morning expecting to see my charming loudmouth on the garage roof outside my bedroom window waiting to be let in or CJ's big cinnamon brindled body stretched out on the dog bed in the living room wagging his tail as I made coffee. Their missing energy/presence was palpable. Poppy kept sniffing at the blanket CJ lay on when I took him to the vet and nosing my bed where Oliver held court. We all sensed the empty space which had been filled so recently by these two lovely animals.

I waited for Oliver for 17 years and am a adherent to the theory that a house is not a home without a cat. Cats have always been my first choice for pets. Soft fur, huge purrs, and the comforting warmth of a furry body curled up on my lap... I started looking at adoptable cats at my local shelter--listening to my heart, visiting to see if there was a special spark between me and another purr-buddy. No one captured me. Figuring I wasn't ready, I slowed down the search deciding that the right cat would find me. I never once thought I'd consider another a dog... until I saw Kas' picture.

Something about his floppy ears and goofy posture just called to me. And let me be honest, with CJ gone,  Poppy has turned her energetic attentions on my senior beagle, Jimmy, who simply doesn't have the size or tolerance for her unabashed terrier nature. What if another big blockhead were to come into my life?

Stay tuned as the story continues...

Slacker Mom

Good grief. I'm such a slacker... Last post was in July and there's been so much that has transpired between then and now.

<ahem> August was uneventful and September was much of the same.

October was an entirely different story...

First off, there were two family weddings, both of which were spectacular - sister-in-law and niece were married to two of the nicest fellows. Then there was the house-sitting gig at my sister's home on the Central Coast at the end of the month -- ten days of solitude with me and Poppy, two resident kitties and a green Amazon parrot.

Pops and I had a great time together. And the kitties only tortured her a little... She was a good sport about the circus-performer who walked across the top of the enclosure eying her with great curiosity. She never barked or lunged at him. Not once.

She lives with a cat so she wasn't in total shock. I think it was more that they were unknowns and did behave as expected. Oliver, the home cat, is big and confident. He has no trouble putting Pops in her place, albeit gently. He will even deign to play with her on the rare occasion. The pair of cats we were taking care of were a different story.

For the most part they kept their distance and stared at Pops with wide, startled eyes. Tigger, the male and more bold of the pair, would jump up and gingerly walk across the "gate" to Poppy's enclosure. He was terribly fascinated with the the large creature who defied explanation in his world. His sister, Pepper, wanted nothing to do with the big dog and would freeze for about two seconds when Pops was in the living room and then zip off to another part of the house where she felt safe.

 Poppy and Tigger had a funny interaction one evening. When she was in the living room, I had her on a long lead so she wouldn't be able to chase the cats. She and Tigger had a little routine -- he would jump up on the back of the couch and she'd put her front paws up and they'd play "keep away" with the cat always just out of reach. The night was chilly so I started a fire in the wood stove. The crackling sound puzzled Pops and she kept cocking her head trying to figure out what that new noise was and alternately searching for the cat. Surprise!

One of the best things we did was to attend National Pit Bull Awareness Day sponsored by SociaBull of Monterey County. The weather was clear and warm and it was so much fun to see so many bullies in one place! Pops was very well behaved and we made some new acquaintances. Just wish I'd had four hands--two for the dog and two for the camera. I'm merely human so no pics of the event. You can find some on SociaBull's Facebook event page.

When we weren't lounging and napping, we did a lot of walking through the low hills and pleasant countryside. It was idyllic as always and, while I do miss living in a more rural area, I realized that it was just too quiet. Coming home to the noise and bustle of Richmond felt like home. I think Pops was glad to have her freedom back, too.

P.S. Poppy passed her basic obedience class!

Confessions of a lazy dog blogger...

So, I've discovered that I'm a lazy blogger. "Meh," as my sons might say. It's not that I lack for things to talk about, it's simply that my life is busy with work, 3 dogs, a cat and a 20-year-old  offspring and rediscovering what life is like when I can direct it myself. I'm also reluctant to put myself in a situation wherein I have to write more than once a month. Initially my goal was to put up a weekly post but time is not on my side. :-/

The past few months have been so busy! Summer? Vacation? Huh? What? Right. It's been like that.

The best thing to come out of my summer (outside of 2 weeks of vacation the first part of June)  is getting Pops into BADRAP's beginning obedience class. Definitely worth the wait. The class has forced me to be more consistent in how I handle the leash, dispense treats and attention (NILIF), and the way I correct naughty/undesirable behavior. Pops has responded well to the training I'm receiving. I'm not 100% but it's a vast improvement over how I managed her 6 months ago.

International Outrage

Poppy and CJ, foundling and adoptee, respectively

The plight of Lennox, a bully breed dog residing in Belfast, Northern Ireland and judged (under Belfast City Council's (BCC) breed specific legislation (BSL)) to be offensive and therefore subject to BCC's harshest measures, has elicited international outrage for over two years.

Lennox's fate, as determined by the BCC, was touted on the interwebs as a horrid example of the worst outcome of such misconceived laws. The BCC seemed determined to hold up Lennox as an example of why BSL is in place - to the larger community of Belfast and the world. "Though shalt not suffer a [bully breed] (pit bull type dog) to live." As a result of the law enacted by the BCC a valued life was lost, a family was denied the opportunity to be with their cherished pet as he left this life, mementos of this beloved pet's passing were withheld from his loved ones, and, ultimately, this family was denied the possibility of reclaiming Lennox's remains. Does this strike you as behavior that supports a sincere value for life?

What is it that allows us to call ourselves 'human?' Why, when we create such inhumane laws, do we fool ourselves into thinking that we can act humanely?

I feel terribly sad to know that Lennox passed into the rainbow realm without a nearby kind thought, hand, or word to see him safely across the realms of life and light. I wonder how we dare call ourselves "human" much less "humane."

Fear is nearly always the greatest motivator for enacting such sweeping laws that do not allow for the individual to express his/her/their love for someone/something which does not conform to what is considered a "norm." Lennox was an object of fear. Was he truly as the BCC animal wardens describe? Will we ever know the truth? Does it really matter? Yes, it does. The only cure for fear is education and education only comes when those who are willing share their knowledge and never, ever shut up. Groups like Animal Farm Foundation, Stubby Dog, Sula Foundation and BADRAP are fierce defenders of bully breeds and their voices are being heard in places like Baltimore, Cleveland and Miami. Perhaps one day their words will cross the Atlantic and reach the ears of the BCC.

It was our duty to be fair, impartial, and, ultimately, to act in the best interest of all concerned. Human-kind failed you, Lennox. Please forgive us. Those of us who care about special dogs like you will continue to provide education about bully breeds to those who are ignorant, offering sanctuary, training and loving homes.

Forgive us.

Another Day at the Dog Park

I remembered my camera - this is actually our fourth trip to the dog park - and our resident foster, CJ, came along for a romp. More fun in the field and on the beach!


 

 

Free At Last...

Since Poppy came into my life seven months ago, I have been very careful about where we go walking and with whom we interact. She's amazingly friendly and curious about people, small children and other dogs but in the interest of making sure her manners were impeccable before she engages fully with the aforesaid beings, I have chosen to keep her solitary and under tight leash control while out in the world. It's true that, from behind our fence, she wiggles at our neighbors who ask and then tentatively pet her. I've heard some good belly laughs as she wildly licks their hands. It would be a very jaded person indeed who could resist that butt wiggle and happy face. But it's not human-dog contact that concerns me. It's the dog-to-dog meet and greet I fret about. Our experience at a local dog park this past weekend allayed most of my fears about how socially adept Pops would be with other dogs.

My friend, Samara, who runs Laughing Dogs and occasionally helps out with rescue and fostering efforts in the Bay Area, offered to meet us at the Albany Bulb, a nearby dog-friendly park. One of her client dogs is in need of short term fostering and she asked me to consider taking CJ in providing he got along with my critters. She's a certified dog trainer - what? Like I could say "No" to Samara anyway - so I nervously agreed.

Well, I can honestly say that the only time I've felt more proud of one of my "children" was when my son spoke from the pulpit for the first time at our church, or maybe it was when he graduated from high school... At any rate, the emotional high of watching my beautiful dog romp, race and bound with complete abandon was exhilarating! Poppy had the best day of her young life in the open space of Albany Bulb. We'll do it again soon and have pictures next time!

Mental Patience

Walking around the Richmond Marina with Poppy, I noticed a slipped sailboat with the name "Mental Patience" applied with an intentionally crude brush that brought on a good chuckle and a brief exploration of what the name might mean. Boats are a lot of fun but a whole lot of work. Keeping them in good repair and battling the ever-present effects of water on wood... Owning a boat requires a goodly amount of mental patience, discipline and foresight. So does being a responsible dog guardian.

Patience is a key component in the process of training both dog and guardian. No dog is going to be completely trained after just six classes. It's an ongoing process, not unlike the rote, grade school teaching of multiplication tables. Repetition, repetition, repetition. Sit, stay, down, stay... and just like an elementary school teacher, a dog owner/trainer needs a constant, even tone of voice. Personally, I don't think dogs understand what's happening when someone shouts at them. They get the "loud and angry" part but they don't get why their steady, loving, giver-of-treats-and-cuddles suddenly becomes a scary monster. No wonder they cower or run away. I don't pretend to be an animal behaviorist but having seen my own furry friends look at me in what I interpret to be terror when I lose my temper is telling. As I work with Poppy to teach her basic commands, I find that I am required to be my best, temperate self. It's a lot like being the parent of a two-year-old child again. Patience...

There are about as many schools of thought on dog training as there are modes of teaching children. How do you select the right one? I can't tell you but I can recommend that you try everything that does not subject your canine companion to cruelty or some crazy notion of human dominance and canine submission. Really? Really. The notion that I am the superior being in the relationship with my dogs is utterly ridiculous. I didn't grow up in a "pack" and am just barely beginning to learn the subtle nuances of a dog's body language. I have years to go before I understand even half of what Poppy is trying to communicate.

Which brings me to the next lesson: observation. What is my dog telling me with her body language? The more I learn about my dogs and their temperament, body language and idiosyncrasies, the more I realize how little I understand them in a real and substantial sense of the word. Sure, there are some basic queues as shown in the illustration by Lili Chin, but just as our spoken language is nuanced, so is what a dog says with it's posture, eyes, and movement.

I'm not a dog-savant, I'm not a dog-mind-reader, I'm just an ordinary person who wants to do my best to make my dog a good citizen who plays well with others. Yet I find myself working really hard to try and translate Poppy's non-verbal statements without anthropomorphism kicking in. Every time I think I "know" what she's communicating, I have to check myself and look again. Aleksandra at Love and a Six-Foot Leash gives an example this month about overlaying a dog's feelings with those a human might experience. Again, the idea of patience pops up and reminds me that this, above all else, is key in training up a pup and her guardian.

I try to remember the need to be consistent, I work as diligently as I can, and Poppy keeps trusting me. That's all I need to stick to the path of patience.

2012... Gratitude for the New Year

It's hard to imagine that six months have passed since Poppy came into our lives. It's also a stretch to think about how she has influenced the household and the way we live.

1. Fostering: I sure wouldn't have considered this before Pops. See that little guy looking
   
   up at her? Well that's Scooter, our short-term foster over the holidays. Despite the need for constant supervision (or the puddles of pee would have taken over) I'm grateful that we were able to give this little guy some help. He's currently at All Aboard Animal Search and Rescue in Santa Rosa, waiting to be someone's joy for life.
2. Volunteering I: Honestly every time I thought about volunteering for one good cause or another I had this vision of my time and energy being spent upon problems I couldn't solve. I also had some challenges wondering about how much long-term good would result from my "help." Of course, the volunteering being considered was people-oriented. Once Poppy came along and I discovered local shelters needed volunteers to walk or just love on the dogs, I knew I'd found my mission. My Friday mornings are now spent walking shelter dogs and getting them ready for adoption. Helping dogs - that feels good!
3. Volunteering II: BAD RAP is a rescue and outreach group in Oakland that promotes  responsible dog guardianship and a positive, healthy perspective on pit bulls and pit bull type dogs. One of the coolest things they do is sponsor free spay/neuter/shot clinics several times a year. The focus is on under-served and low income communities where backyard breeding is fact of life, whether it's for profit or just because folks can't afford to spay or neuter their pets. Handing out or hanging up flyers gets the word out and it's a great way to spread the word about the importance of S/N. It also tells folks there's a community of people who really care about all dog guardians regardless of their income bracket.
4. Friendship: An unexpected benefit of volunteering has been meeting folks who are involved in fostering, volunteering, rescue, and/or training. What a great way to meet kindred spirits and find playmates for Pops!
5. What's Next: We're signed up for training with BAD RAP's class at Aquatic Park where I anticipate meeting both dogs and people who are devoted to one another. Poppy will learn some more manners and socialization skills that will allow me to take her to the dog park where we'll meet more dogs and people... I'm setting our caps at Canine Good Citizen training afterwards. There is work to be done fighting against breed-specific legislation (BSL) all over the US that, thanks to the interweb, I can participate in from my computer. And I'm sure we're only beginning to discover the interconnections that Poppy has made possible.

2012 is looking bright with it's promises of adventure and discovery with Poppy. Thank you, girl, for all the joy and love you bring to me.

~ L

Poppy says, "We're off-line in protest of SOPA and PIPA. Visit https://www.google.com/landing/takeaction/ and make your voice heard against these dangerous proposals."

P.S. Looks like the message made it through to our government officials!

Eve of a New Year

Christmas Letter

Dear Universe,

I am grateful for the events, opportunities for learning, and gifts of 2011, despite feeling as though I've ridden out this past year on a roller-coaster without a safety bar...

All snuggled in for a long winter's nap...

• March: Major life change - single after 22 years.
• April: Recovering and reflecting on who I am, what I will do with my "wild and precious life," and how to live more authentically in the world.
• May: Lost our little Joy on Mother's Day. Jimmy is sad and depressed and so are we all. Life is not as rich without the "pretty, pretty princess."

  

  Joy

• June: Thinking about a new companion for Jim and learning patience.
• July: Gift of Poppy and the beginnings of insight/inspiration for a new perspective on living rightly; gratitude for Bad Rap's extensive video catalog of training resources.
• August: Vacation time and exploring the Central Coast with family and my new companion.
• September: Looking at volunteer opportunities and considering what calls me to act.
• October: First foray with Bad Rap volunteers distributing flyers for one of their free spay/neuter/shot clinics.
• November: More flyer distribution (I'm liking this!) and signing up to volunteer at Berkeley Animal Care Services to help needful dogs and cats.
• December:

  

  The Cone of Shame

  Poppy finally had her spay surgery and discovered she LOATHED the cone of shame. First solo Christmas in many years but wonderful companions will keep the loneliness at bay - and one more first - trying my hand at fostering. (Smacking head with palm and wondering, once again, what did I get myself into?)

Holidaze...

Aaahh... seven days until Christmas! The tree is up and decorated with ornaments strategically hung above tail whipping height. (Just have to watch those near the window sills as Oliver likes to swat them.) All the garlands and shiny or sugared faux fruit have been hung - it's a different world to come home to - I love it! To the animals, it means nothing except a time of warmth indoors, more treat-filled toy fun, and less access to the back yard due to inclement weather.

To keep them both from wailing on each other and otherwise experiencing the negative effects of cabin fever, I have obtained lots of toys to occupy their little mouths and brains. (Happy early Christmas, critters!)

Thanksgiving 2011

It is the eve of Thanksgiving Day and I have spent the evening doing laundry and keeping a snarky, heat-ridden bitch too busy to care what her impotent buddy is up to. If she's not in her crate, Poppy has been occupied with a new brain-teasing toy, a rawhide chew or (sssshhhh), soon, a bath.

There has also been time to reflect on how much my four-legged companions contribute to my quality of life. They're loyal, affectionate, cuddly, and utterly forgiving of my inept care-taking.

Love my 4-leggers!

Pet Perks

My son and I enjoyed a good laugh at the antics of our four-legged pals, Poppy and Oliver, on Sunday night.

Dog and cat have had an interesting relationship. When she came home with me, Poppy was the same height and weight as Oliver. She behaved as puppies do, assuming the play position while Oliver sat back and observed the audacious pup through narrowed eyes. If Poppy became too rambunctious, he'd wallop her with a velvet paw, claws sheathed. Poppy would back off for a few seconds and try again only to receive the same response from Oliver. Eventually she'd get bored or frustrated with the uninterested and decidedly aloof creature and run off to take up the game with Jimmy. You could almost hear Oliver snicker as he sauntered, unscathed, into another room. 

At six months, Poppy weighs about thirty two pounds and is nearly eighteen inches at the shoulder. As she's grown in size, she has yet to grow in her understanding about the difference between herself and Oliver. Needless to say while pup and cat are no longer equals, she still tries to engage him in play. Oliver has a great deal of tolerance for her pouncing on, pinning him to the grass, carpet or couch, but only for a brief time. He really doesn't appreciate being trapped by a creature three times his size. Amazingly, I've never seen him use his claws to defend himself against her playful overtures. He simply yowls loudly enough to startle Pops and high tails it to the top of his cat tree, safely out of reach.

Delinquency and Legitimacy

I started this blog believing that I could just copy old journal entries onto a page and eventually catch up to the present. Ha! There's too much going on in our lives to write down a quick note and then try to remember all the nuances later. There will be some back-dated posts appearing in the coming weeks and, hopefully, I won't forget all the details. The present is hard enough to recall...

Confessions of a Idle Pet Guardian: 

While our family has had pets for the past six years, we (me, my ex-partner and son) have not been what you'd call model pet guardians.

Don't let this complacent posture fool you.
He's just waiting for food to drop.

Our beautiful nine year-old beagle, Jimmy, is not walked regularly nor have we been consistent with training. He sits readily for treats or a meal and reluctantly cooperates with "go to bed" but still pulls hard on a leash and plays dumb when confronted with the "down" command. Forget "stay." He's had no shots or veterinary care, with the exception of being treated for a rattle snake bite four years ago. His hips and knees are becoming arthritic, and this year he has officially gained "senior" status.

Oliver, my three year-old orange and white tabby, is neutered but has never had shots. He's thirteen pounds, healthy and active - one of the best mousers I've ever had. Interestingly enough, Oliver thinks he's a dog. He fetches Nerf balls, chases and takes turns tackling or being tackled by the beagle, and has been known to sack out on the dog bed with his buddies after a busy afternoon. He also insists on going outside and coming in with "the pack." It's wonderful that they get along so well but the dogs won't keep him healthy if he gets sick. They also won't protect him from a rabid rat or rabies carrying fleas. That's something his humans need to be taking care of.

L-R (clockwise) Jasper, Joy, and
Jimmy, with Oliver in the middle

Finances (or lack thereof) played a big part in excusing our past delinquent behavior. When there's not  enough money for annual exams or shots when they're due, it's easy to make excuses for not getting your critters to a vet. Yeah, you can hear it coming, can't you? "If you can't afford to have a pet, you shouldn't have one." That particular criticism didn't hinder our acquisition of two dogs and a cat as it should have, nor did it make the correct impression about why it might be wise to set aside a little bit of cash every month to save for their care.

People love their animals until they become too expensive or inconveniently disabled. People make excuses for not taking proper care of their animals or training them. People can be really blind and willfully ignorant about finding ways to make their "best friends" comfortable and keep them healthy. People are really good at making excuses. I know. I've used them all.

Debut...

My sister's home on the Central Coast seems a continent away from Richmond. It's also the only retreat at which I can afford to stay for a whole week. I just had to help with the dishes and be good company. That I could do.

T and K live on five acres of low, rolling hills studded with live and scrub oak. Their property, situated between two high ridges, has been left largely as nature created it; the oaks clothed in the colors of moss and lichen, small stands of bright green ferns follow the course of an underground spring to the southwest quarter and darker green bracken grows near another small spring frequented by deer, fox, quail and other California wildlife. Such a haven of natural beauty...

When you first arrive you notice the quiet immediately. Then birdsong begins to emerge from the soundscape of oak leaves softly pattering in the breeze and an occasional rooster crowing far off in the distance sounds almost ghostly. No sirens, no highway noise... just the blessed quiet of the country. A perfect place to rest and forget the busy world on the other side of the ridge.

T and I didn't plan any major outings during my visit; a pancake breakfast and street fair in Aromas on Sunday morning that she wanted to attend, and maybe a visit to Logos Books, Santa Cruz' version of Moe's. Our intention was to enjoy some good down time together, you know, sister stuff: lots of talking, maybe some drawing or painting, walking or just sitting around in our pajamas doing absolutely nothing. That kind of idle time is a luxury in both our lives right now.

R and R and P!

On Friday morning I ran errands, picking up new dog toys, chewies, my favorite Belgian ale and 6 pack of chocolate stout, then we hit the road at about 1 p.m. Traffic was blessedly light except for one spot on Hwy. 101 just outside of San Jose. Poppy slept or gnawed on a rawhide bone, occasionally nudged my elbow as if to say, "Hey, remember me? When are we gonna stop?"

I keep forgetting that Pops is still a baby. At 15 weeks she is possessed of all the charm puppies have - a tail that wags her whole body, a tongue that keeps on licking, and a huge desire to be with her person (I'm so lucky to be that person) but she displays a grace at times that is reminiscent of an older dog's personality. Can dogs have old souls?

We made one pit-stop in Morgan Hill and Poppy dove into the lush lawn outside the filling station. Apparently there's nothing like a roll in slightly overgrown grass to cool off a hot pup. Then it was back into the car for the last leg of our trip.

We arrived at K and T's around 4 p.m., both ready to stretch our legs after being confined to the car for several hours. K and T thought her adorable and were impressed that she had been so well-behaved on the trip down.

Vacation Prep

Vacation!!!!!

I have been so looking forward to enjoying some down-time with my sister and her husband at their beautiful home in the Central Coast hills. They graciously agreed to host both me and Poppy - my brother-in-law built a gate for their front hallway so Pops can have a space of her own that will allow her to interact with the household but keep her apart from the K and T's new kittens, Tigger and Pepper. We all feel a little nervous about puppy / kitten interaction but have agreed to take it one day at a time.

I wonder what she was thinking...

This was to be my first road trip with Poppy. We have been practicing with short local jaunts to the pet food store and a couple of parks. She just curls up in the front seat with the seat belt run through her harness and goes to sleep until we reach our destination. A very mellow passenger.

Miss Pepper

Besides T and K, the other residents of their home are brother and sister kittens, Pepper and Tigger, and Chips, a green Amazon parrot. All the furred and feathered creatures are rescues and there are two feral kitties that are being fed outside, as well. My sis and her hubby have huge loving, compassionate hearts.

We weren't worried too much about how Pops would get along with Chips since his perch is quite high and he doesn't move fast enough to catch her attention. We all had major concerns about how she'd react to the kittens racing around like little... well... energetic kittens.

Tigger

My three year old cat, Oliver, was bigger than Poppy when she first came home with me and now they're about the same weight and height. Oliver is extraordinarily tolerant of being pounced on, licked and nibbled by  his exuberant new housemate and, as far as I can tell, he has yet to lay a claw on her. She's accustomed to greeting him enthusiastically when allowed to and is learning (with difficulty) to "leave it" if I think Oliver has had enough or she's being too rough with him. Oliver at 15 pounds can stand a little rough housing but the two four-month-old kittens wouldn't.

Mr. Chips

Trudy and I had several long discussions about how to negotiate the introduction of the kittens to Poppy. I hit the internet after each phone conversation looking for information on dog-cat introductions. Everything I read boiled down to "take it slowly and use a crate or gate" to provide a physical barrier between the critters. We looked at baby gates, dog gates, kennels and all kinds of options for containing my pup to limit her access to the kitties and thereby keeping all three of them safe. Wow! I never would have thought wire kennels could be so expensive. Gates were not so costly but we couldn't find one that would span the 60"+ hallway where we'd agreed Pops would spend some of her daytime hours. Agony! Did I have to leave her behind?

That's when my beloved brother-in-law exercised his creative genius. He built a gate within a gate constructed from 2x2s and wire fencing. It was 48" high and was tension-fitted into the hallway entrance. A perfect spot for Poppy that would keep all three furry critters safe. See what I mean about big hearts? I'm so lucky!

Friday is the big day. Can't wait. Maybe the butterflies will abandon my stomach by then.