"When I adopt/foster a pet a warm-fuzzy feeling envelopes me," said Lynne, "but for Hudson, it was - unadulterated anger!
Our 90-year-old relative entered short-stay nursing care. His spoiled-elderly-heavy-weight dog, Hudson, was being taken care of by neighbors who were raised thinking that
dogs belonged outside.
They tied poor Hudson up to a fence. It was undignified, just so they would not have to let him out to 'potty'. The weather was cold and he was exposed to more than just the elements - the neighborhood has a roving pit bull!
I drove over to check on Hudson and was shocked to find him tied up with no shelter and sitting on the frigid ground without food, water or shade. Chewed particle board was strewn around him. Had he
tried to eat it? Hudson is old and he was cold! A short haired, designer dog, is NOT an outdoor dog and he was filthy. I couldn't get him out of there fast enough.
That morning, fostering a dog was not on my 'To Do' list! Especially since I have a senior kitty, King Arthur, who's been our castle's ruler for years. (I have met the 'real' Prince Charles and as nice as he is, I instead knighted my cat King Arthur.) The 'King' welcomed the dog to his
'royal court' amid hushed hisses.
I could barely keep Hudson's water dish full! The poor dog drank and drank, worried that it was going to be his last. Starvation is a terrifying reminder.
The dog and his aristo-cat are learning to co-exist. Hudson has such a sad expression if I forget and pay attention to Arthur and not him.
The first day, as Hudson mournfully watched me pet the cat, he responded by urinating
on the carpet. Luckily I figured out what was going on so now I must simultaneously brush and pet both. Neither like their ears cleaned, so if I am doing one, that is the only time that it is OK not to 'share'.
The cat and dog are slowly becoming familiar with each other, eating together on the floor a 'safe' distance apart.
When Hudson sleeps in Arthur's floor beds, Arthur takes the high road and elevates himself above the lowly dog on a lofty
purr-ch, the Fur-niture!
Arthur has never had the purr-ivelage of observing a dog close up, so he cautiously approaches Hudson for a safe-sniff when the dog is asleep - snoring.
Arthur is totally purr-plexed as to Hudson's ignoble behavior of chasing and returning a tossed ball. Arthur knows that a regal cat's job is to look at the ball and ours is retrieving it. Historically, when Arthur wants something he puts his paw on my leg. Now
he's taught Hudson this successful behavior!
I secretly think that Arthur wishes the dog would leave, yet he's a bit protective of him. Arthur speaks in soft hisses while casually stretching and giving a warning air swipe with his paw, yet he never touches Hudson.
Yet, things are nicely progressing with the inter-species friendship. The other day, both the cat and dog accompanied me to our apartment's elevator. It was
adorable.
Today, when I arrived home both the dog and cat were lined up at the door to greet me. Arthur was behind Hudson, only because Hudson needs space for his 'happy dog' dance to the music of his jingling dog tags.
While I am at work, the animals are entertainment and company for each other, like a living-furry TV.
Hudson's addicted to me ... and howls when I leave. Arthur considers this rude behavior,
especially when it disturbs the King of Naps. But Hudson has never been alone nor lived with another pet.
I don't think his elderly pet parent walked him very often, which explains his weight gain. When we go walking, he has a blast! To say Hudson is happy is an under statement!
I am not sure if I'll be able to keep Hudson, but at least my family knows if a home return for our loved one is not paws-able, Hudson has a good home with me.
I secretly think that the King would miss his purr-sonal court jester. And thankfully, Arthur who continues to rule our land, has resumed our pre-dog routines and is once again purring."
