No matter where Sassy the Scottish Terrier is, when Katie Cat is up and about, she creeps and tiptoes from place to place so she can watch the dog. Sometimes she even creeps so close we have to move her away, just in case. Sassy is energetic and likes to bounce and jump and lunge. We’re not sure whether she wants to play with the cat or bite her little off.
Here Katie is pretending to ignore Sassy. Sassy is on a leash, and Katie knows it.
Sassy belonged to my brother who had end stage COPD and passed away in October. During the last years of his life, my brother spent a lot of time in his apartment, just resting on his bed and watching television. As a result, it appears that Sassy has become addicted to TV. She prefers Animal Planet, of course, but I found many of the programs are very violent and she gets agitated, especially when there are bears, wolves, dog fights, or injured animals. As a result, I’m recording benign pet shows such as “Too Cute” and “Dogs 101” and then I let Sassy watch TV about 20 minutes twice a day. Currently we’re concentrating on the “Too Cute” programs that feature adorable cats and kittens. Some of them even show cats and dogs together, getting along just fine.
You may think this is pretty silly, but this dog is extremely intelligent and learns very fast. I think I’m on the right track here.
Sassy watching cats and kittens on an episode of “Too Cute” from Animal Planet.
Do you have a dog and cat that get along well? If so, do you have any tips to keep both of them safe?
Love your dog story, Patricia. I’m currently working on page proofs for my new mystery which has a dog-cat duo that has to learn to like each other, so this was perfect. Thank you for sharing!
Eileen, I love that your new mystery has a cat and dog team. I’ll be looking forward to the book’s release. Be sure and get in touch so you can do a guest post for my blog. It would be a nice addition to my real-life Sassy/Katie story.
I will send you an ARC in a couple weeks. We should have copies by then. Thank you! I was just thinking it had been a while since I’d gotten one of your posts, and it occurred to me to check to see if you were still doing them, thinking I might have fallen off your mailing list due to the change in format. So glad to have rediscovered you. Always love your posts.
Thanks! With two pets, each with big personalities, my life has gotten very interesting in the last couple of weeks.
Sorry to be late this party, Pat. Sassy and Katie look so cute!! I’m very glad they’re getting used to each other, too. I have a friend who was in the same situation (had a cat and a dag), and they adjusted to each other, too. I think it takes time and work, but it can happen.
I’m expecting at least a month or two for this project, Margot. Lots of folks with cats and dogs are giving us tips, and they don’t always agree. And that means we have to go with our instincts. It’s an interesting challenge. (And I’m not getting very much writing done as my brain is entirely focused on furry critters.)
They are so adorable. Our dog and cat never fought but they weren’t buddies either. The dog would have liked to be but the cat would have none of it. I never had a dog that watched TV.
This pair is interesting to watch, that’s for sure. One thing about the cat, though, is that she’s not about to give up the attention she thinks she deserves from her humans.
I love that she watches TV. Our cat Hobbes would watch cat and snake specials.
Diane, the only thing Katie Cat was ever interested in was football, and that was only when the ball was being passed (by Peyton Manning, of course). If she catches on and starts watching TV with Sassy, maybe I can get something done around here besides pet sitting.
When you get her up to movie length television, you can try The Incredible Journey.
Very clever you are showing her shows that feature cats in a good light!
Hi Alex — So far, she doesn’t seem to like my favorite shows although she’ll run over to the TV for a good commercial with animals or animation. From what I’ve seen so far, she would already watch a whole movie like The Incredible Journey.
And Katie Cat would sit somewhere in the room, watching the dog watch TV.
One son and his wife are pet people and it’s very good for their children. I don’t have any advice but I think you’re on the right track.
Last night Sassy jumped at the cat with her tail wagging and her body in play position. Katie Cat reared back and said, “Whoa, Dog, not so fast!!” But Katie held her ground, apparently trusting me to keep Sassy in check.
Sure is exciting around here.