Popeye and the Dogs

I am pleased to report that Popeye is acclimating to our dogs. We have a lab (Brisbie) and a lab/german shepard/etc mix (Tatum). Both dogs are fairly excitable and curious, especially when there is a new smell in the house.

On the first day that Popeye and the dogs began to share the living room, I was prepared to separate them after a short while, but I didn't have to. Suddenly Popeye became aware of the dog and no-dog areas of the room. He played in the cat area and peeked out at the dogs from behind the couch.

Dog watches Cat, Cat watches Bird

(Tatum is the brown dog, Brisbie the yellow one.)

The biggest surprise that day was when Popeye curled up and went to sleep on the cat tower. It was the first time he had gone to sleep outside of his crate or his favorite hiding corner, under the curtains. And on dog day #1 of all days. Since that Monday, the upper rungs of the cat tower are Popeye's favorite napping spot.

Another startling advancement happened the next day when he wandered past the dogs on their dog beds (they were obeying the rules without taking their eyes off of him for a second) and down the hallway, then used the littler box in the bathroom. I'm amazed that he chose to treat our house like his own so early in his introduction to our dogs.

Unfortunately, this doesn't mean that everyone loves each other and they all roll around together in a field of heather. Popeye doesn't care for the dogs but is becoming quickly tolerant of them. He plays his way out into the living room, forgets they are there, complains at them, then darts away. The good news is that he doesn't stay hidden for long. Less than a minute behind some piece of furniture and he is back to what he was doing.

Popeye's reaction is much different than anything I had expected. He doesn't treat the dogs as though they are predators, which would be natural. He treats them like any other moving, noise making thing in our house; potentially scary. He gives the dogs a wide berth while walking by and doesn't let their presence deter him from what he is doing. Popeye has no problem objecting when the dogs try to get closer or they surprise him.

In summation, Popeye still enjoys himself the most when the house is on the quiet side, he is adjusting well to our dogs, and becoming very comfortable traversing our house. Still not a fan of the video camera though. :(

The cure for feline photophobophobia? Why, a little white mouse, of course.

Furrballicide

(He didn't want to be videotaped, but the mousefur toy could not be ignored.)

CUTENESS NOTE: Not only are Popeye's ear hairs white, but he has one, tiny, white whisker.