You cannot imagine the pleasure this photo gives me.
To see these two lying side by side like this is wonderful; it's taken me about 6 years of 'training' to get this far.
My dream is to have them snuggling up together on Winter nights.....but that may be just a tad too far-fetched. Fred is 13, so not a lot more 'training' time available.
Still; I'm working on it.
A space heater used to bring all of our animals together. Fred is wondering if he springs up in alarm, whether Bok will fall backwards into the pool.
ReplyDeleteI've seen plenty of cat/dog friendships where they sleep together in the same basket. I'm still hopeful.
DeleteEvery time you mention this subject, Cro, I wonder: "Why doesn't he just let Freddie be, leave him and Bok to it instead of forcing their bond?" I am sorry, Cro, I literally don't get it why you try and enforce your will on a cat (of all people!).
ReplyDeleteU
It's because there is a traditional misunderstanding between cats and dogs. They are under the impression that they are 'natural enemies' whereas in fact, if they live in the same house, they get on very well (as do mine). The next stage in their re-education is keeping each other warm in winter. QED.
DeleteBok is such a lovely dog. I'm inclined to think he would do almost anything he thought might please you...you took him in when he wanted desperately to be with Monty. He hasn't forgotten that.
ReplyDeleteOne of our neighbours (aged about 10) comes regularly to take him for a walk. Bok used to be her family's dog, and he's terrified that she's come to take him back. He refuses to go with her.
DeleteWhen we had cats and dogs they were incredibly friendly. One young kitten used to jump on the dog in hope of a bit tough and tumble. They enjoyed playing together. I'm glad your efforts are paying off.
ReplyDeleteI'll get there; I'm sure!
DeleteTrain a cat Cro? You are joking. I am sure that cat will climb in Bok's bed if he wishes to on a cold night and I am sure Bok is such a dear he will let him. But remember 'I am the cat the walks alone. All places are alike to me.' Not sure cats are trainable.
ReplyDeleteWeaver, hi, cats are trainable - providing you put the time and PATIENCE into it - in as much as stopping them from jumping up onto kitchen counter tops and tables which is anathema to me. In terms of food hygiene I can't bear it.
DeleteWhat I did, every time, put them down onto the floor, gently, again and again and again. And then some. What do you know: Some time later, my patience not eroded yet, they'll get the message and stop. Mind you, one kitten, creative, instead clawed her way up my legs (wear jeans!) up my back, and balance on my shoulder whilst I was doing whatever one does at a kitchen counter (say, chopping vegetables).
What I wouldn't do, a la Cro, is force friendship on a cat, particularly as they are solitary animals. My goodness, Mother Cat (Fleury) clipped her own kittens round the ears and hissed at them when she just about had it with them.
U
I've managed to train him to sit close to Bok. A few years ago he wouldn't have been in the same room!
DeleteLook at the two of them just relaxing by the pool. Bok is getting a bit white around his muzzle, How old is he now?
ReplyDeleteHe'll be 8 in November. I love his greying muzzle.
DeleteGood luck is all I can say.
ReplyDeleteI need it!
DeleteFor years I worked on getting my oldest, a girl, closer to the brother next in age. They fought like...forgive me...cats and dogs. Recently, when she had some problems with a boyfriend, this brother was the first to go to her home and change all her locks. He supplied the high quality locks and the labor, for free. Harmony is worth the efforts, man or beast.
ReplyDeleteBlood is thicker than the proverbial. Good for him!
DeleteI am in awe of the arrogance of claiming to train a cat to like a dog. Fred has you believing you are a man, maybe even an artist or a grandfather. Both animals are looking at you with such disdain. It's a lovely summer day, lean back and to to sleep again.
ReplyDeleteThe proof of my pudding is in the eating; I suggest you taste some!
DeleteThat's a bit of a stark reply to Joanne. I am afraid, and I have said it at least twice in time gone by, that I don't understand why you force that relationship.
DeleteWhy not let things unfold naturally? Do animals have their own individuality or do humans feel entitled to impose their wishes onto their "pet"?
U
The very reason why I wrote about this is because it is TRUE. If you don't wish to believe me, then just go elsewhere. Did you think I was trying to fool you both?
DeleteDear Cro, I never doubted that you were telling the truth. It saddens me that you don't appear to understand that I questioned the wisdom of imposing your will onto Freddie. I still remember that post of yours where you described how you'd actually hold Freddie quite close (can't remember now whether it was Monty or Bok) to one of your dogs. Of course, and I mean that in a jokey way, there is such a thing as aversion therapy - still, all I could think of was Freddie's cortisol (stress hormone) rising. Continued high cortisol levels a contributor to taking to your death bed earlier than necessary.
DeleteAnyway, it's your cat. But just as you criticize some of your neighbours and the way they treat their dogs and horses you may allow some of your readers to take a different viewpoint to yours without taking offence.
Greetings to Freddie and Bok,
U
It's taken me a couple of years to teach George not to bark and growl at the sweet neighbor's cat when we walk past their house. She is a sweet, sweet cat that ignores George and comes up to us for petting (and to sniff noses with Ginger). Although George has learned to sit down and wait quietly while we greet her, I would never trust him off leash around her or any other cat. Since I'm allergic to cats, I'll never be able to own one again, which is just as well.
ReplyDeleteI love Bok's graying muzzle!
Bok still chases after Cats, Deer, and Hares, in the woods. I don't think I could ever get him to stop. At least at home all is quiet.
DeleteThat's progress for sure! I love cats and dogs and also always try for unity in my household.
ReplyDeleteI aim for 'friendship'; no less.
DeleteI wish Sons cats would like Winston.
ReplyDeleteThis photo makes me very happy also.
cheers, parsnip
It's very much a 'happy' photo.
DeleteAah! Perhaps they've both located the coolest place to lie out. In winter may come together to find the warmest.
ReplyDeleteIt's where we sit in the evenings to enjoy a glass of wine; they always come to join us.
DeleteFred could be around for another ten years or so...
ReplyDeleteIts not so much training a cat,its showing themthey'd be better off doing things a different way...then getting them to decide to agree!
Exactly. It's changing their preconceived ideas! Something that Joanne and Ursula don't seem able to understand. I wouldn't have written about it if it wasn't so!
DeleteCro, forgive me. I know I am beginning to get on your nerves regarding this subject.
DeleteCats, dogs, any animal, don't have "preconceived ideas". They live by their instincts. Primal instincts. Survival instinct. "Preconceived ideas" are a human concept.
U