Easter Miracle

Before Kozmo came into my life my cat Sparky had never seen a dog. I found Sparky as a stray when he was a very young kitten. Since I brought Sparky home he has been an indoor only cat and spent the first 8 years of his life with Ace, the coolest cat ever. Even though I got Sparky when he was young he had enough life experiences and imprints that he has always been slow to trust and leery of new situations.

Introducing Kozmo to Sparky has been a very gradual process. From day one I wanted Sparky to know that he was still safe in his own home and wasn't being replaced. I also wanted Kozmo to respect the cat. I implemented several safe zones for the cat. I read books. I kept Kozmo on a leash for brief introductions. I exercised more patience than I thought possible. I waited.

Eventually Sparky stopped hiding all of the time and gradually gained the confidence to be in the same room as Kozmo. Sometimes Kozmo gets too close and Sparky has had to use his claws to remind Kozmo he needs a healthy respect for cats.

I was so happy the first time Sparky was brave enough to come into the room with and jump on my lap. I've seen the cat tease the dog. The progress has been slow.

On New Year's I made a goal that in 2013 I would get a photo of Kozmo and Sparky together.

Today is Easter. I went to visit my family and took Kozmo with me. Sparky had the house to himself. He must have enjoyed being home alone without the dog. When Kozmo and I returned from our travels Sparky was on Kozmo's loveseat. I only call it Kozmo's loveseat because it's the only piece of furniture where Kozmo is allowed and this is the same piece of furniture Kozmo has chewed several times.

Kozmo was pretty mellow from his big adventure. I kept him on his leash and used a treat to lure him onto the loveseat. Sparky was calm enough not to move and just observed the dog getting this close.

Ok, so this isn't a prize winning photo. Kozmo was on a leash and I did have to use treats but this crappy iphone photo represents a LOT of patience and work to get these two very different creatures this close together without drama. I was proud. Immediately I had to share this photo with my inner circle claiming it was an Easter miracle.

Kozmo showed no interest in antagonizing the cat. He curled up at his end of the couch. I really was witnessing an Easter Miracle. I got brave and removed the leash. Within a few minutes Kozmo and Sparky were peacefully coexisting without any interference from me. I was beaming with pride.

I was overjoyed simply watching my two furry family members hang out together. I was witnessing history. I actually had a photo of my dog and cat together. (The photo is only with my iphone and the perfectionist in me won't be satisfied until I get a better, more professional looking photo) I didn't want to move and disturb this magic. I sat in the chair with my coat on and just quietly watched. If these two could find a way to lay on the same couch together anything is possible.

I sat quietly observing my small victory and before long both Kozmo and Sparky fell sound asleep. I was no longer using a leash or treats. Sparky felt safe enough to fall asleep with Kozmo only a few feet away and Kozmo chose sleep over chasing the cat. It was a beautiful moment.

Happy Easter!!! Miracles are possible.