Frenemies

The question I’m getting asked the most right now is how things are going with G and Rosco. You know those pictures you see all over the internet that show some cute cat and dog snuggled together grooming each other? Yeah, well, we’re not quite there yet. But I’m happy to share that things actually are progressing so much faster than we imagined. Let me put this into perspective for you. 

A couple years ago, we introduced a new kitten to our home. Rosco wasn’t afraid of the kitten but was clearly annoyed with the interloper and us. He exiled himself into our basement, and it was weeks before he forgave us enough to start making an appearance and interacting again with the family. Sadly, we lost our sweet kitten to a rare disease just a month later.

I share this story because it’s only been a week, and Rosco and G are occasionally sharing the same space without incident. Based on Connie’s suggestion, we put up a baby gate in the doorway between the kitchen and the hallway to the basement. It’s propped up with a gap that allows the cat to walk through but is not wide enough for G to get through without knocking the whole thing over. The point is not to provide an ultra-secure barrier to keep them apart but to create enough separation so that the two can comfortably check each other out. 

On day four after G’s arrival, the two engage in a lengthy stare-down through the gate. That gives us enough confidence to encourage a little further interaction. After tuckering G out with a vigorous game of fetch in the basement later that evening, we lure Rosco out from the guest room for some family social time. Keeping G on leash but with a loose hold, we allow Rosco to come as close as he dares while my husband pets him and makes him feel safe. 

The loose hold on the leash is essential because if a dog feels any tension and senses your anxiety over the situation, it assumes there is something to be concerned about, which can actually result in the exact behavior you’re trying to avoid. (We learned this from The Dog Whisperer, but Connie also confirms this as fact.) During this first attempt, the two get within twelve feet of each other with absolutely no barrier between them. G seems intrigued but remains completely chill while Rosco purrs and holds his tail up high—a sure sign of his confidence and contentment. We spend a good ten minutes or so with them together like this.

The next night, they get within ten feet of each other. And last night, it becomes only six feet of separation. Rosco also makes several appearances per day in our main living space, tentatively testing the waters. While there have been other incidents where G ends up chasing the cat, it’s really promising that Rosco keeps returning. 

Talking to Connie about our concerns about what would actually happen should G catch up with the cat after chasing him allays any of our fears. She strongly doubts that the cat will become an entrée. Her thought is that Rosco will most likely hiss and bat at the dog, and then G will turn around and flee with his tail between his legs. And while she can’t make us any promises, she assures us that she has never had a client who had to remove their cat from their home because of getting a service dog.

Watching G’s interactions with Rosco—it truly seems like he’s much more curious rather than yearning to have him for lunch. What we’ve witnessed during the two chase events is that G eagerly tries to interact with the cat; Rosco gets startled and then darts off. And it’s that quick movement that ends up spurring G to run after him.

Considering that it’s only been a week since G entered our lives, we feel incredibly optimistic that things will eventually work themselves out between the two of them. And while they may never become the best buds who snuggle and groom each other, we’ll happily accept a grudgingly respectful cohabitation.