Penny Lane

It's been a different experience dealing with a dog. I know, I know....we used to have dogs. But that was before I fully recognized my calling as a Crazy Cat lady. I have been so immersed in cats, and cat toys, and cat furniture etc...that I can hardly remember how to be a guardian of a dog. And to be what this dog needs without shirking my duties as cat mommy. It's a delicate balance especially right now while they are trying to get used to each other. Well, the dog is trying. The cats are having none of it.

Our house is divided. The cats have once again retreated to the bedroom end of the house. They can still access the pet door leading to the courtyard. The dog is not being allowed to venture down into their space right now. She gets too excited and jumpy and barky which freaks the cats out. They seriously disapprove. But today we had a small victory. The cats came out into the fenced backyard while I had Penny on a leash outside. Well, 3 of them did. Omen did NOT! But she is more of an indoor kind of girl most days anyway.

So 3 cats and the new dog occupied the same backyard space for a half hour or so. Penny was excited but managed to calm herself to a manageable level. The cats were wary and tentative...but brave enough to wander for a little while. It was a start. Hopefully we will have more progress soon.

So this is Penny Lane. You can't tell from the picture but she has freaky light blue eyes. We have no idea what she went through, only that she was starving when Bruce found her. She is trying to learn how to behave in a house, in a family and as the only dog in a cat household. Wish her luck!