Friends ?

Well at least Pippa is not chasing Shula any more. I think the break through may have come on Saturday as Ken and I went out for the evening and left the cat and dog in together. When we got back we were surprised to find Pippa still in and it was obvious they had both been on the bed. I was still surprised however, when on Sunday, Shula jumped up on the sofa next to the cat. It is really nice that they are getting along together and we dont have any hissing and spitting anymore, or the worry that the cat might scratch the dog.

It rained most of the day yesterday so it was lunch time before we were able to get out for a walk. A few dog owners had the same idea so Shula had lots of exercise dashing about with all the dogs we met. Around 5 pm we managed to take a walk round the block before it poured down again. Both Pippa and Chia spent all the afternoon and evening in, which is unusual so it shows how bad the weather was. Chia sat with Ken and Pippa and Shula sat with me. Since we have been back from the UK Shula seems to have lost interest in the cats so they are more inclined to ignore her. Pippa likes to sit on my knee and will let Shula sit next to me on the sofa but if I get up she won't have Shula sitting there. Shula is such a gentle dog she just excepts her place which is good because the cats were here first and had no competition for ten years.

It is not raining today but the temperature has dropped a bit so I had to wear my jacket for our walk this morning, which until yesterday I have not had to do.

Perfect Dog

Pippa as a kitten
Chia as a kitten

Since we got Shula home from the kennels she has been the perfect dog, following us around everywhere and coming as soon as she is called. She also seems to have given up her inclination to try to play with the cats, which is just as well because at nearly ten they do not appreciate it. I don't know how long her perfect behaviour will last, probably by tomorrow she will be back to normal trying to steal the cat food and bugging the cats. It is a shame the cats are are not still kittens as when they were young they played all the time and she would have loved it.

New Friend

We met this little chap and his owner when we went for our morning walk in the ravine.

Everything is back to normal, all the cats are okay. Pippa is being very vocal and clingy which she always is for a few days when we get back. Chia came into eat then disappeared again and Tich and Tommy came to eat on the window ledge. I haven't seen Oliver yet but could hear him crunching in the kitchen after I had gone to bed last night.

Back Home

Yesterday Ken and I went to pick Shula up from the kennels. She was well and happy and very pleased to see us. I felt sorry for Patch who looked sad when we took her out of the kennel. I am very grateful to Pat Coleman and her girls for taking such good care of Shula while we were away. The FAMA kennels are like a big family and Pat and the girls are dedicated to making the dogs as happy as possible, in what for some could otherwise be a very traumatic time in their life when they are waiting for a new home.

When we got home Shula got straight back into the routine of using her special place in the garden for her toilet needs. I wondered if two weeks in the kennels might have made her forget but it hadn't.

Shula and Patch

I took Shula to the kennels this morning. When they let her kennel mates out into the paddock she was very nervous but soon gained confidence and was running round with her brother. Patch seemed delighted to see her , and I am sure he recognised her. Apparently he has a home to go to but the people want him a bit more socialized before taking him home. He is still extremely nervous. I hope she enjoys the next two weeks playing with her friends but that she will be pleased to see us return. Only time will tell.

The Day Before

Yesterday afternoon I took Shula for a walk in the ravine, she was way ahead of me and I got this photo when I called her. She has gained confidence and unless some strange dog approaches, she rushes ahead all the time. I felt a bit sad as I have to put her into kennels for two weeks while I am in the UK. She is actually going to stay in the kennels where I got her. My reason for this is, they know her and also she will share a kennel with her brother who is still there. Most kennels round here don't want dogs to share, which I can understand as there could be problems if they don't get on. I know Shula would be unhappy on her own so am very grateful to Pat Coleman who runs F.A.M.A that they will have her while I am away.

Biscuit Ball

This is one of Shula's favorite toys. I bought it for the cats years ago when they were kittens. You fill it with biscuits and I thought it might keep them amused, but they never showed any interest in it. Shula loves it and as long as there are biscuits inside she rolls it about. Once the biscuits are gone we have to remove it as she does then try to chew it, as it was designed for cats I am sure it is not dog prove. I would like to find a similar toy for dogs. Shula does have a Kong toy but that only really holds one treat. I am in the UK next week so will visit one of the large pet stores which will be fun as I have a small list of things to look for.