At home, the only way I am able to relax at all is when Miss Kitty is not wandering through the house, checking out the walls and the corners. When she’s out and about, I’m constantly monitoring Dakota’s levels of interest as well as her proximity. I can concentrate on other things when Miss K is safely behind the baby gate I brought over, which segregates The One Who Would Like To Nibble Kitty Toes from The One Whose Toes Would Be Nibbled.
It’s my nervous system that needs the break… and perhaps even Kota’s eyeballs, but not Miss Kitty! She’s actually rather brave about the entire situation; cautious, but not nervous or skittish. In fact, last night I found the two of them staring at each other from their respective sides of the gate:
You’ve got to hand it to her though… Dakota has the patience and determination to hang out on her side of the gate for HOURS — waiting, straining, craning for a glimpse of black fur and clear plastic. I swear, you’d think she was the paparazzi PUParazzi and Miss Kitty was Britney Spears in rehab.
Eventually, Kota does leave her post. Tonight she played with her new toy for a while (it bears the scars of being loved; it’s almost bald!), and hung out with me on the floor for an ear-rub. And right now she looks like she’s passed out on the floor next to me, but I know it’s all a ruse because her ears are swiveling like furry radar!
And Kelsy? She’s doing great! She gives Miss Kitty the right-of-way, and otherwise pretends that she doesn’t exist by averting her eyes. “I don’t see the kitty, I’m a good dog!” I don’t have to worry about her at all. She’s currently on my other side, passed out and breathing deeply.
Hmm – two sleeping dogs? Must be time for bed!
