The dog and cat officially met this morning. I’ve gotten myself into the habit (and have shin splints to prove it, thankyouverymuch) of waking at 5:45 each morning to take the dog on a walk. On our way out the door this morning, she came across the cat. Now, the dog is becoming increasingly comfortable in our house. She’s also become more comfortable eating the cat’s food. And taking the cat’s space on the floor. And stealing all the attention the cat once got (which, admittedly, was very little. She didn’t really like hanging out with us when the kids are up and about). I had a funny thought on the way to work this morning. I envision the cat pacing drill-sargeant style back and forth in front of the dog’s crate during the day while we’re all away from the house. I figure she’s laying down the law for the dog, as far as the cat is concerned. “Now, furball. Here’s the way it works. The humans don’t like it when we pee, poop, or puke on the floor. If you’d like to keep your happy home, I’d suggest you straighten up your act. They’re only going to fall for that crap they read in the dog-training book about your bladder being small and immature for a little while longer. And when they put you outside, for cryin’ out loud, don’t bark! I’ve been waiting to go outside for 9 years now, and they don’t let me, and there you are trying to wreck your perfect arrangement of spending expanses of unsupervised time in the backyard by howling, barking, and otherwise being stupid. The food in the hallway outside the kitchen is M-I-N-E mine. I’ve been kind and generous in sharing it with you the past couple of days, but now you’ve eaten it all and I’m starving. So. If that happens again, I’ll demonstrate upon your face what exactly you’re missing by not having dew claws.”

“Oh. And one more thing. The big comfy bed where the humans sleep? I have free reign to go there at any time of the day or night. You, on the other hand aren’t even allowed upstairs yet. So let’s not forget our place in this family. Capiche?”