Conference misery::feline

    Lord, I wouldn't separate them for anything.  I'm sure they are fine
    company for each other when you are away.
    

    Truly enjoyed reading your story.   My mother-in-law had both
    a cat and dog who were best buddies.   The dog who was part sheepdog
    (very big) use to come in from the rain and the kitty would sit there
    for hours lapping him dry!!  They were always cuddled together...and
    it was a beautiful sight!!!
    
    Even though you are working and feel you can't give Misty that much
    attention....I think your kitty is keeping him company and it would
    be a shame to break up the duo!!  
    
    Keep sharing those stories.....we love to read them.
    
    Sandy ( who currently has 9 cats (or is that 10)...but would love a 
            dog someday too!)
                                      
    

    Could you ask a friend to stop in for a visit now and then to keep them
    company?  I'm sure that would help break up a long day.

    Sounds like you have a happy, well adjusted pair!  I wouldn't
    worry about it, as they seem to have all well in hand! (8

    
    Thanks for the encouragement, I know in my heart I can't bear to
    split them up and it helps to have others feel its justified too!
    
    RE: .3
    
    Thanks also for the idea about having someone stop in to visit Shadow
    and Misty occasionally. I do that for Shadow when I have to travel and
    take Misty with me but I hadn't really thought about it for both of
    them on the really loooonnnggg days.
    
    Terry

       My 12 dogs and 3 cats get along great with each other, but there are
    a couple of more closely 'bonded' pairs among them.
    
       My smallest cat (a little cutie who's all white except for a 1.5inch
    spot of black on each ear, a black strip down the back of each rear
    leg, and a black tail) is "best friends" with my largest dog, an 80+ 
    pound mix that looks a lot like a Rottweiler. Cookie(the cat) will sit
    for an hour or more washing Teddy's face...he LOVES it... The other
    "pair" is my Mini-Dachshund, "Rudi", and my 3-legged male cat,
    "Smokey". The dog is actually a bit smaller than the cat... These two
    are a PANIC to watch...they chase each other around the house, roll
    around together on the floor, and when they get really tuckered out,
    they flop somewhere literally ON TOP of each other and pass out from
    exhaustion. 
    
      It's not unusual to see 5 or 6 dogs and a cat or two zonked-out in a
    heap of fur 'n legs sleeping contentedly... We've never once had any
    sort of confrontation between the species... (now and then the
    Beagle-boys play a bit too rough with each other and end up with a
    little 'ding', but never with the cats..
    
      This thing about "natural enemies" may be true in the wild, where
    competition for survival is a factor, but when animals are raised
    together, it isn't really true. I had an Aunt who had a huge Siamese
    who's 'buddy' was a parakeet!! That cat 'n bird were a real pair!! The
    parakeet almost died of lonliness when the cat passed away at 19 years
    of age..(Parakeets can live up to 35-40 years so I'm told...)
    
      John McD 

    I have a question about getting a cat acclimated to the arrival of a
    new dog.    My husband and I are seriously considering getting a dog
    for our daughter who is constantly asking for a puppy.   My concern is
    how our 9 year old Manx will adapt.   I sure do not want a stressed out
    kitty that all of a sudden decides that she isn't going to use her
    litter box.   Any ideas and inputs on what I should do once we get a
    puppy to make her feel secure and loved.  I had dogs when I was growing
    up but haven't had one in quite a few years.   Is there a way to lessen
    the stress of bringing in a new pup?    If this topic is addressed
    elsewhere a pointer would be appreciated...
    
    Thanks,
    Sarah
    

    Well, I just wanted to say that we did get our puppy.   So far, Shadow
    is not too terribly upset.   Several things that I have done is:  
     - Before we brought the puppy into the house, I went and picked up
    Shadow and held her and petted her when the puppy was being brought in.
     - Although I pay attention to the puppy, I make special attempts to
    still pay Shadow a lot of attention and let her know that she is still
    loved. (My husband and daughter do so as well.)
    
    The first night (we've only had the puppy two nights), Shadow didn't
    pay too much attention to the puppy at all.  Since the pupply is crated
    at night and during the day (when we are at work) and Shadow is
    free-roaming, I think that this probably will give Shadow a chance to
    check out the puppy without being too threatened.   Of course, we've
    had to change things around and change the area where Shadow eats her
    food, since we do not want the puppy to get into it.   When the puppy
    isn't in the crate, if she comes into direct confrontation with Shadow,
    Shadow will growl and hiss and the puppy will turn away, but Shadow has
    not made any motions of slapping or attacking the puppy.   
    
    So, So far so good.  Shadows appetite hasn't been dented. She doesn't
    appear to be too stressed out or upset unless the puppy comes into her
    path.  Mostly Shadow just stays up on the couch, table or something to
    stay off the floor and out of the puppies way.    
    
    By the way, our new addition is a 13 week old Sheltie who's name is
    Julie. She is adorable and so far house breaking is going with out any
    major problems.

    Hi..                
    
    We introduced a puppy into our household of 4 cats.  The cats took to
    him like he was just another cat... they would hiss at him and let him
    know who is boss... he was actually "adopted" by one of the cats.. The
    cats name was Moe.. Moe would play with Bud and snuggle up with Bud... they
    were inseperable... Bud is now 6 (65 lb. golden retriever/lab mix), Moe 
    unfortunately passed away a few years ago, but we got Bud a kitten 
    3 years ago, and he adopted the kitten the same way he was once adopted 
    by a cat...   He mothered the kitten (Maddie).. cleaning her, carrying
    her around (she was just 5 weeks when we found her), snuggling up with her,
    and protecting her from our other 3 cats, who were pretty disinterested
    in her arrival.  (-;
    
    The two of them go to the vet together.. Maddie stands under Bud (her
    protector) while we are in the vets office.. the dog is somewhat
    oblivious to his duties as "protector"... (-;
    
    oh, and don't be surprised if your dog starts picking up some cat 
    like characteristics...  (-;
    
    
    Kathleen