I got a dog on December 29. I've been wanting one, searching the Facebook rescue groups, Humane Society, Petfinder. I filled out applications, even brought a dog, Oscar, home for about a day. My cat, Thunder, attacked Oscar in his face with no provocation from the dog. Thunder is 17 ½ and deaf. When I walked Oscar, he was quite aggressive when he saw another dog across the street, lunging and barking, so it worked out for the best.
Jose' is between 3-4 years old, younger than I'd planned. I'd gone to the Humane Society with a list of 4 dogs to see. None of those were friendly with cats. The girl behind the counter recommended 'Bandito.' Due to overcrowding, Bandito was living in an office with a cat. Of course, I wanted to meet him.
Just look at his face. That is his scared face because he is terrified of Thunder. My cat has not attacked Jose'. He has hissed at him and picked at his food, but Jose' is afraid.
My dog, Barkley, died in 2020 so it's been over 3 years since Thunder has been around a dog. In April 2023, my cat Esse died at age 17 1/2. Shortly after that, Thunder lost his hearing, probably from old age.
Why the name change? Why Jose'? I didn't like 'Bandito.' I'd decided that if I got a female dog her name would be Boots because, 'these Boots are made for walkin.' If I got a male, I'd call him Jose'. On walks I can say, 'No way, Jose',' and 'This way, Jose'.' He's so smart, he understands and is already learning his name.
Jose' was a stray and lived in the office with a cat at the Humane Society for a month. He's not officially mine yet. He's a foster-to-adopt until they get him neutered. While he's 'not my dog,' I can't let him around other dogs or take him to the vet, but I can get him a bath. That's coming up soon; he needs it. I can't bathe him myself because of my back.
You can probably tell from the photo that Jose' is a pit bull mix. I love all dogs and don't believe in breed discrimination. My apartment complex doesn't have breed or size restrictions, but their rules are very strict.
Thunder knew something about the first dog, Oscar, that I found out when I walked him. He had the potential for aggression. That must have been why Thunder attacked him. If I'd kept Oscar and he'd attacked another dog, I would have been given the ultimatum: move or find another home for the dog.
I don't believe Jose' has an aggressive bone in his body. I'll be patient and wait it out. In time, Thunder will get used to him being here and stop hissing at him. They might eventually become friends. Or not. But at least things will settle down and Jose' can relax and not be afraid.
If you are looking for a pet, please don't go to a breeder. The shelters and rescues are bursting at the seams. For every one animal adopted they take in three. I look at the shelters and rescues as one big pool. It didn't matter where I found a dog because if I took one, it would open a half-space for another one. The high-kill shelters are even more overcrowded with wonderful cats and dogs. Most are required by law to put the animals down after a certain time. Don't judge the employees. It's the system.
For now, I'll continue working with Jose' and hope this period of Thunder's anger passes quickly.