See them having their first taste of freedom, sniffing the grass on the outside of their enclosure for the past 6 months.
On the way home, they snorted and "smiled" and stuck their faces out of the car window to feel the fresh air blowing their ears back. Of course, I was holding tightly on to their harnesses.
When we got home, they gave the cat a quick glance, but were more interested in getting to know the place, and enjoy our company. We gave them their first bath in 6 months. They seemed to enjoy all the attention, and stood still while we lathered and rinsed them off, and snorted happily while I rubbed them dry with a towel.
All was still fine between the dogs and the cat - the dogs were uninterested, but the cat was nervous. Then the Clawd's nerves gave in and he hissed at Abigail and dashed away down the passage. This was Abigail's signal - she gave chase with much enthusiasm. From then onwards, the cat has kept a good distance from the dogs - often sitting on my shoulders for protection - and Abi gives chase as often as she can. Cho (the black pug) is more calm and accepting towards Clawd.
In the evening, Madison dropped by to meet the dogs. We decided to give the cat some space, and her and I took Cho and Abi for a walk (all harnessed and attached to leashes) to the wharf. They were so excited that they ran, pulling us along, most of the the way down i.e. in between stops for various Saints who wanted to pet them and ask about them. On the way back, however, they needed almost as many stops to regain their correct breathing rhythms as I did.
It was a busy day, getting everyone used to each other, but it was a happy day. Everyone is smiling (except Clawd).
The dogs slept in our bedroom - initially on their beds that we brought from SA - but later on, after we were asleep, they snuck up onto our bed and finished off their first night back at home wedged between Graeme and I. Clawd disappeared, but came out from his hiding place in the morning to take a swipe at my bare legs as I went to the bathroom.
All's well that ends well.
So happy for all of you - they look like two very happy dogs who are none the worse for wear. What troopers they are!
ReplyDeleteOur dog and "temporary" cat got quite used to one another within days and I would say even enjoyed each others company as they often napped together during the day.
Thanks for the encouragement, Genevieve. My dad once had a dog, a cat and a pet rat that used to sleep together. I trust that our 3 will soon put their natural instincts aside and start enjoying each other's company.
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