Day 7: Kitten/Dog Relations Progress

Brownie and the kittens are coming to a tentative understanding: Brownie may be present, but if she moves towards the kittens (rather than them approaching her) she will be hissed at, possibly scratched. The kittens can do whatever they want to, and Brownie will try her very best not to provoke them with her dog-ness or by moving in any way other than breathing nearby.

Brownie seems to be okay with this agreement. She finds the kittens fascinating, and she enjoys the treats for just hanging out being calm.

I’m ready for a multi-species cuddle puddle but that’s not on the table yet. I’m holding space for a deeper kitten-dog connection. I can see it happening down the line, but not tonight, not on my timetable.

Tonight I’m doing shuttle diplomacy — kittens on bed, Brownie gazing in through the cracked door. Then Brownie on bed, kittens not giving a f-ck in their exclusive bathroom zone. Then Brownie on my lap in the kitten zone, kittens coming around to sniff her and attempt to catch her tantalizing tail.

I’ve talked to Brownie a lot about how she is my first dogger and best girl. I’ve taken her out for special walks. But on some level I’m sure it’s hard for her to have new girls in our home, in our bed, in the bathroom where she and I have shared so many happy kitten-free times.

She’s not acting out. She’s being a sport about it. Even showing great interest in demonstrating her capacity to be a gentle friend to the kittens.

And, she is a dog. It’s hard to watch three kittens frolic around a shiny string thingy - or ball! - and not join in. At 19lbs, she’s a giant furball compared to them. Plus, a dog.

I believe in love. I believe in magic. I believe in patience. I wish I could speed up these animals’ burgeoning relationship. Perhaps prayer -

The juggling is tough, wondering if I should be with Brownie when I’m with them, or if I should be with them when I’m with Brownie. Am I giving them enough together time? Separate time? Solo time?

Rationally, I know all the animals are fed, loved, and comfy. They get what they need. It’s still baffling how old patterns of mine come up — I know I’m a good kitten and dog mom, but I want to be an even BETTER kitten/dog mom than I am. 

And I know the striver energy is exhausting and unhelpful to the progress of our happy coexistence. Tonight, fireworks in the sky, easy togetherness and apartness at home. I’m gonna keep going.

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