Fireplaces are critical

Before Puppy Red arrived, the cats loved laying by the fireplace. They would stretch out and stay there for as long as the fire was on. Now the fireplace room is the puppy room. I considered turning on the other fireplace to give the cats their own space. Instead I decided to take a gamble and use this fireplace as a tool to get everyone to coincide and eventually bond. I realize this could go horribly wrong...the cats could resent the dog for taking their favorite warm space and never forgive me for allowing it to happen. However, I'm thinking I know my four-legged children a little better than that.

Apparently I was right; Cat Leo hasn't given up on his warm time. The following takes place between 9:00 and 10:00 am:

• From the other side of the child fence, Leo waited for Puppy Red to fall asleep.
• Once asleep, Leo snuck over to the fire while watching Red. Soon he layed down and enjoyed the heat while Red napped.
• Leo was obviously tired and wanted to nap, but had to keep an eye on Red.
  
• When Red woke up, he got up and took a curious step towards Leo. Leo gave a low growl and slight hiss to let Red know not to come too close and Red obliged.
  
• Red continued to watch Leo out of curiosity, but Leo decided he could close his eyes for a bit. However, he was still very alert. Even something simple, like turning my camera on, caused Leo's ears to perk up.

• Red kept shifting a little. He was itching to say hello to Leo. Leo kept watching/listening but continued to hold his ground and relax.
• Finally Red couldn't stand it anymore. He stood up with tail wagging and gave a little, "woof!" Leo jumped up and ran away.

I'm so proud of both of them. Red's learning that to make friends with a cat, he can't run at them like he could with his siblings. Leo's learning that Red isn't so scary and they can possibly coexist. I'm sure Kitty Kailey will soon conduct a few tests of her own.