The One About Learning to Get Along

This is Luvvy. As in Mrs. Howell. See her fur muff? So yes, Luvvy. And she can be a love. As much as any cat can, I guess. She came to live with us the third week in August. She enjoys her outdoor adventures, but she likes coming in out of the weather when it gets cold. Because of our allergies, she has a special warm spot in the garage. She is quite happy with it too. She comes in when she’s ready, and she can check out first thing in the morning. Or not. She’s pretty set with all the amenities right there in her cozy home.

Miss Sophie is not quite sure what to do with Mrs. Howell. She has gone from straining to run after her to barking at her to merely sniffing around her and timidly getting closer and closer each time they are around each other. It is sweet to see. Miss Sophie has reached a level of comfort and trust over time. She no longer thinks that this creature who is so different from her and who moved into her “neighborhood” is a threat. It took time and curiosity and a sweet spirit and, let’s face it, much encouragement for her to accept this feline companion, but it has happened.

Every night, Miss Sophie curls up on the couch against my right thigh–the same one she waddled over to and dropped her head on when I first met her. She sits and snoozes a little and sometimes watches TV or “helps” me write. But she is always waiting. She is the one who lets me know when her friend is ready to come inside. Luvvy will climb up onto the windowsill outside and wait. I can’t see her out there in the dark, and I can’t hear her meows.

But Miss Sophie can.

And she won’t settle down her barking and worrying about her friend until I open the door for Luvvy to come in and get in her bed. Sometimes they even have a moment together at the door–a greeting of sorts with noses and sniffing and and somehow conveying how much they care about each other. It’s precious.

And it gives me so much hope. Because if a dog and cat can learn to get past their differences and welcome each other with open…..paws, then maybe just maybe…..