dog-2606759__480

 

We got her! Our new dog Libby arrived last week and we couldn’t be happier. She’s sweet. She’s little. She’s adorable. She infuses the house with youthful vigor, joy and play. She’s exactly what we wanted. Except there’s one major problem.

Our 13 year-old cat Rocky isn’t happy. His world has turned upside down.

Rocky’s place has always been my lap. Not anymore. Now Libby is there… all the time. When Libby’s out of sight, I try to get Rocky to take his old spot, but he’s skittish, always on the lookout for this new rabble-rouser. In fact, I think he’s insulted.

Even worse, he’s lost his bearings. His place of safety was always under our bed. Our old dog Simon could never follow because he was too big. But little Libby can. Underneath our mattress, we’ve heard feline growls and canine barks that sound like planets colliding.

We weren’t sure what to do until Rocky found his own solution. He escaped to an upstairs loft where the dog can’t follow. He sleeps there now while Libby slumbers in his old spot on our bed.

Rocky has been temporarily displaced. It breaks my heart.

We adopted this cat 13 years ago. He was so small he could stand on my outstretched palms. He slept in our bathroom that first night with a terrible cold. I worried he wouldn’t make it. But he did.

The first dog in Rocky’s life was elderly, courtly Chihuahua, Ren. Rocky was young and strong. Ren was old and tired. They formed a bond until Ren died.

Sweet, goofy Simon was Rocky’s middle-aged companion. Together for ten years, they touched noses each morning in greeting. Sometimes they slept side by side. Then Simon had to be put down last summer. Afterwards, Rocky stayed under our bed for days, most likely grieving.

Now Rocky must endure the gale-force charm of young Libby. And so far her in-your-face, high-octane 2 year-old energy is too much for this grumpy, old cat.

Still, Libby’s the canine I always wanted – a small, fluffy, adorable, not-too-old, not-too-young female lap dog.

Finding her wasn’t easy. I looked on websites. I scoured local pounds. I walked past metal cage after metal cage.

It got so I couldn’t enter these shelters anymore. There were too many animals staring forlornly. A few would wag their tails hopefully and smile. They were close, but not what I was looking for.

When I stopped going, my son Paul asked how we’d ever find our dog if we never actively looked. “We’ll send our wish to the universe,” I said. “She’ll come to us somehow.” (I only half-believed this, but was hopeful.)

Months passed. One day my husband Randy showed me a picture of a dog up for adoption from one of his Facebook friends. She had just had a litter of puppies and wasn’t ready to leave, but would be in a few months.

I stared at the image of the small, fluffy, adorable, not-too-old, not-too-young female lapdog. This was the one.

Last week we brought Libby home and it feels like she’s always been a member of the family. “We hit the bull’s eye,” I recently told Randy. He agrees.

Except…what do I do with Rocky?

It feels like yesterday this cat was the new kitten on the block. Now Rocky’s joints are stiff. He’s thin and old.

Animals with their short life spans show the passage of time. We see how days move on not only for them…but for us too.

One day even Libby will slow down. Her white muzzle will be gray. Her spry, youthful body will get achy. She’ll be cranky when some young whippersnapper comes into her life.

But that’s a long time away. In the meantime, we do our best to show Rocky we love him.

And maybe in a funny way, this cat needs Libby. Maybe she’ll shake his life up, something we all could use. Maybe she’ll help him forget his long-time companion, Simon.

Just the other day, they were in the kitchen together without hissing and barking. It’s a beginning.

Yes, I believe Rocky will eventually come to accept Libby.

Someday they might even be friends and touch noses each morning.

 

 

Have you had to introduce new pets to each other? Comments are always welcome and thank you for reading and sharing.

Comments(44)

  1. Hahaha Laurie! We have a dog, Chaka, that we adopted in October. At the time, our original idea was to adopt a kitten and a puppy so that they could grow up, play together and bark/hum Kumbaya in the fullness of time. That didn’t happen. It’s just Chaka. Now, we’re afraid to bring a cat into the picture for fear that Chaka will eat her. Hmmmm. Well I hope Libby and Rocky will soon become the best of friends.

      • Laurie Stone

      • 8 years ago

      Thanks so much, Valerie. I’m always amazed at how much cats and dogs eventually bond. I know that with time Rocky and Libby will do the same. Thanks for reading!

  2. The first cat I adopted on my own, Bumble, is also about 13 years old. I got her at a shelter when she picked me. I was looking for a dog at the time, but Bumble (then named Marimba) looked at me that said “you are my person.”

    It took another few days before I went back and actually adopted her. We had quite a few adventures in our first year together. About 10 months later, I adopted her first sibling from the animal control facility in the same town. It was a difficult adjustment at first, but Bumble came to love her big black Lab sister.

    In late July 2011, the Lab went down for the count and I had to make arrangements for euthanasia. The last 2 nights, Bumble slept in Bama’s crate, which was a foot or two away from the dog (who could no longer get inside). I think Bumble was as heartbroken as me when I arrived home that night, without Bama.

    It’s been harder to introduce Bumble to a couple of cat siblings. I’ll skip the details.

    I think your Rocky will come along–especially if Libby is good to Rocky. Just keep loving on her and be patient!

      • Laurie Stone

      • 8 years ago

      Wow, great story, Sheree. So sorry about about Bumble but as we pet owners learn, sadness comes with the territory. Thanks so much for reading and commenting.

  3. I truly believe animals, like people, learn to adapt and make their way when “strangers” are added to the mix. And it takes time and patience and trust in them…that they know what they’re doing, even if it doesn’t look “hopeful” at first.

    And yes, for sure animals grieve. They are excellent role models for us!

      • Laurie Stone

      • 8 years ago

      Thanks so much, Karen. And I couldn’t agree more. Animals (like people) do need time to accept new entities in their midst! Thanks for reading.

    • Liv

    • 8 years ago

    I remember how thrilled our older dog was when we got the younger one.

    Not at all. He warmed to her eventually though.

      • Laurie Stone

      • 8 years ago

      Liv, I guess animals are like people. We all need time to get used to each other. Thank you for reading.

  4. I’m so glad you found Libby! She’s a lucky dog. I’m sure Rocky will come around. With all new things, it’s takes some patience and time. Looking forward to the adventures of Rocky and Libby!

      • Laurie Stone

      • 8 years ago

      Thank you so much, Lori. Already things are settling down and last night, they both sat on my bed at the same time! Progress. Thanks for reading.

    • Dana

    • 8 years ago

    Congratulations on getting a cute new dog! 🙂 I wish I could have one, but my health is too bad for me to be able to take care of it. 🙁

      • Laurie Stone

      • 8 years ago

      So sorry, Dana. I hope things get better. Cats are also good pets, and much easier than dogs. Thank you for reading.

    • Salu

    • 8 years ago

    Libby is really lovely.
    Rocky will get used to the idea. Last week when I went to your house could not find him.
    Be welcome Libby to this family that I love.

      • Laurie Stone

      • 8 years ago

      Thanks so much, Salu! Rocky is coming around and I know will say hi next time.

  5. Libby is adorable! And change is good for all of us, right? Even Rocky:). He may find new energy . . .

      • Laurie Stone

      • 8 years ago

      Couldn’t agree more. Change is good for all of us, even Rocky. Thanks for reading!

  6. I found this story touching and thoroughly absorbing. Poor old Rocky!

      • Laurie Stone

      • 8 years ago

      Thanks so much for reading, Jessica! Rocky is slowly accepting Libby, I’m happy to report.

  7. I’m glad you got the dog you’ve been hoping for all this time. I can’t help feeling sorry for Rocky, but perhaps he’ll come round to Libby eventually. I mean, how could he resist? Libby looks so very appealing in that photograph.

      • Laurie Stone

      • 8 years ago

      Bun, Libby is very appealing. Even Rocky is coming around. At least they can be in the same room together. I’ll take any progress.

  8. I think Libby may “shake up his life.” But of course he’ll hate it for a while. It’s hard to bring a new baby in when our old ones are so content with their window seats and quiet routines. Good luck! I’m sure it will be a blast.

      • Laurie Stone

      • 8 years ago

      So true, Rica. It would be hard for any of us to have a new person brought in and all routines out the window! Thanks for reading.

  9. Such a sweet story. I hope Rocky adapts and comes around. I’ve known of friends that have had similar situations and it usually works out. Love those pets!

      • Laurie Stone

      • 8 years ago

      Laurie, Thank God, Libby and Rocky have become friends. They sometimes even sleep close together now. I think they finally realized they’re in this life together. Thanks for reading.

  10. Fingers and paws crossed that peace reigns.

      • Laurie Stone

      • 8 years ago

      Anna, I’m happy to report that peace mostly now reigns in the valley… with a few skirmishes here and there. Thanks for reading!

  11. Animals enrich our lives so much–and each other’s, even if there are a few nips and growls along the way. You know, like marriage! 😉 I love your writing so much, Laurie!

      • Laurie Stone

      • 7 years ago

      Lee, You’re always so kind. I love your writing as well. And I agree how animals enrich our lives in their own “challenging” little ways!

  12. My 40 lb (at that point) English Shepherd pup met my 25 pound bobtail cat and I thought they’d hate each other but they were so cuddly and lovey-dovey it was sickening.

      • Laurie Stone

      • 7 years ago

      Tony, Laughing. Pets can make surprising companions. You never know what “chemistry” will work and what won’t. Ironically, Rocky’s gotten used to Libby and I suspect even likes her. Alas, dog Libby is still indifferent to poor elderly kitty Rocky.

  13. My cat would not be happy! But I don’t like dogs, so she doesn’t need to worry! I’m sure Rocky will get used to her though. My dad had a cat when he got his dogs, and she got used to them over time.

      • Laurie Stone

      • 7 years ago

      My cats and dogs have actually gotten along for the most part over the decades. Now cat Rocky’s used to dog Libby and actually likes her. The sad part is young, brash Libby is indifferent to this elderly old man kitty, which makes me a little sad.

  14. In november we introduced a chihuaha mix puppy to our older cat. It has not gone well. He keeps thinking she wants to play. One day I pulled an entire cat claw from his nose. Any time I pet that cat the dog is springing to his full height to interfere. It makes me sad but I don’t quite see a way around it!

      • Laurie Stone

      • 7 years ago

      Anna, Dogs get very territorial, even little terriers like Libby. An entire cat claw? Wow, that sounds painful, but maybe that’s the only way puppy will learn to respect kitty.

  15. Libby will bring him around!
    We raised Old English Sheepdogs for years. Whenever we kept a puppy, the older dogs, who until that time, acted like puppies, suddenly became old. And grumpy. The passing of the puppy torch. It was quite a thing to see!

      • Laurie Stone

      • 5 years ago

      Diane, So sweet. Love the “passing of the puppy torch.”

  16. Haha cats do NOT take well to change and newcomers (at least not in my experience!). My cat could not STAND every newcomer-cat that came after her, and hissed at them everytime she saw them, to her dying day.

      • Laurie Stone

      • 5 years ago

      Flossie, I’ve met many cats like that. Rocky didn’t mind the dogs somehow, but never had to live with another cat. Something tells me that would’ve been another story.

  17. My husband used to have a German Shepard and 4 cats. They snuggled with each other all the time. I was amazed that they all got along so well.

      • Laurie Stone

      • 4 years ago

      Jennifer, Apparently animals have chemistry like people. Most of my cat and dog duos loved each other. Unfortunately, Libby never took to poor, old Rocky. It broke my heart.

  18. I have two little dogs who are getting crankier every day. My younger female likes to intimidate the older male. They sometimes get in mini fights but despite that love each other.

      • Laurie Stone

      • 4 years ago

      Rebecca, Sometimes I think fighting is how dogs play, although sometimes its the real thing. Sounds like your two fur babies love each other.

  19. Hello there! Quick question that’s completely off topic.
    Do you know how to make your site mobile friendly? My weblog looks weird
    when browsing from my iphone 4. I’m trying to find a theme or
    plugin that might be able to correct this issue.
    If you have any recommendations, please share. With thanks!

      • Laurie Stone

      • 4 years ago

      Hi! I highly recommend the site, Blogging 911 for all blogging questions. I’ll try and give you the link but if I mess up, just google Blogging 911 and you’ll get it.

      Blogging 911

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *