27 April 2017

Tasha and Bertie: first contact

This morning I tried to take a few impromptu photos of Bertie the black cat and Tasha the sheltie starting to interact a little. Bertie lets the puppy sniff around him and they even touched noses a couple of times.


It wasn't easy to take photos because the two animals were sitting right by my feet and it was dark in the living room at about 6 a.m. I used the flash. I just let them do their thing, because we don't want to rush them.


Bertie was raised with a dog companion. The people who left the cat with us in 2010, because they were going back to England to live and couldn't take him, had brought a puppy and a kitten into their home at the same time back in 2006. I remember seeing the two animals sleeping together in the same pet bed, and Bertie used to go on walks with the dog and its people.


So Bertie must have been disconcerted when Callie failed to take to him. Things will probably be different with Tasha. Bertie and Callie were both already adult animals when they first met.

19 comments:

  1. Bertie is a very mild tempered animal and never agressive. It was Callie who tried to bite him every time she could and Bertie never tried very hard to defend himself. Let hope Callie will learn from the youngster and make peace with the black cat!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Only the neighbors across the street have complained that Bertie is aggressive. They say he scratched them without provocation. Maybe Callie knows something that we don't know!

      Delete
    2. I have never been with Bertie outside of his territory. Maybe that's why I think he's not aggressive?

      (I didn't know there were two Gs in aggressive. Un faux ami?)

      Delete
  2. That's what I hope, too, chm!
    Wow, these photos really put into perspective how tiny little Tasha is :)

    ReplyDelete
  3. Such a sweet pup! It looks like Bertie may have found a new friend, that's good.
    My NB, NC friends are picking up their puppy this Saturday. He was also born on February 23!

    ReplyDelete
  4. That is BS about B being "aggressive" ... if he was aggressive, he would hide and attack their silly asses when the come out of their house.
    These photos are heart melting, that puppy is so adorable .. so appealing ..

    ReplyDelete
  5. Isn't Puppy Play very rough with them chewing on each other and rolling around ? She is doing what a puppy does .. I will be happy to take her though, if Bertie just can't cope.

    ReplyDelete
  6. I am so happy to see this....Bertie finally getting the friend he has perhaps sought.....yay

    ReplyDelete
  7. Sympa! I think Bertie and Tasha will be friends. I love that carpet of yours.

    ReplyDelete
  8. Lovely. I sincerely hope that Callie will fit into their little play soon.

    ReplyDelete
  9. Oh!!!! happy to see them getting to know each other :-)

    ReplyDelete
  10. Did I tell you about the old cat I had when we got a young puppy ? We bought this huge dog bed, a sort of pillow for the puppy. First morning down to the kitchen, see how the puppy slept .. he was in his crate, sleeping, the cat was on the dog bed.
    As the days went by, they were both on the dog bed in the morning. The cat often napped in the crate while the puppy was out and about. They do it according to their plan, not ours .. they bond .. they are best friends for always. I have 3 cats now for a good reason but I really want a puppy :) Someday ... if the cats will allow me to do such a thing :)

    ReplyDelete
  11. My experience with cats and dogs is that the cat is usually open to a friendship if the dog doesn't chase or make too many sudden moves. Both the critters being young helps, but I think Bertie is a naturally friendly cat and will be happy to be Tasha's pal. Very sweet to see.

    ReplyDelete
  12. Taking another look this afternoon :) Tasha is gorgeous.

    ReplyDelete
  13. She's so sweet, and it looks as though she'll be inquisitive.

    ReplyDelete
  14. What a great start for the two of them. It's a good thing if Bertie has the upper hand as he would be the one in danger if things got too rough. Plus I also think that Bertie has a wonderful temperament. (Your neighbours not so much. Haha)

    ReplyDelete
  15. My cats interact better with my dogs than with each other... As Tasha is a puppy, and very sweet, I think Bertie will welcome her and they will be friends!

    Have a nice day!

    looloo

    ReplyDelete
  16. I'm so glad that Bertie and Tasha seem to have made a good start, it bodes well for future tranquility!

    ReplyDelete

What's on your mind? Qu'avez-vous à me dire ?