Pop culture has produced enough films and TV shows that depict the bitter rivalry between cats and dogs. The idea that these animals simply do not get along has been instilled in our consciousness. While the other is naturally affectionate and clingy to its human companions, the other can be aloof and distant.
But this story of a firefighter and his furry friends in Belgium will show us that the two pets can co-habit and treat each other like family.
A firefighter found the injured but still alive kitten in the middle of a road. He and his wife Nathalie tried to look for its family, but to no avail, so they brought it to a vet where it stayed and recuperated for a few days. At first, his survival rate was not very promising but he somehow managed to pull through, they took him home and named him Azmael.
Even though the new kitty made a nice addition to the family, the couple already has five pets of cats and dogs. This posted a little challenge from their end as they weren’t so sure about how the others will take it.
In fact, on the first day they brought Azmael home, the couple noticed that it was as if he was trying to gauge their Swiss Shepherd, Liam. They were unsure about the presence of the other inside the house, but after a few hours, Liam seemed to decide that the kitten was harmless and could become his friend. He did a great job of taking care of the newbie and making him feel at ease in his new home.
Eventually, Azmael warmed up to everyone else in the house and became an instant member of the gang. He also developed a special bond with Nimue, an Altdeutscher Schäferhund breed. She did a great job by cleaning and playing with Azmael, which was a big help to the couple as they already have their hands full looking after everybody else.
Their bonding includes doing daily pack walks where Azmael proudly joins his canine siblings as if he is one of their kind. Nathalie recounts that the kitten is not afraid of other dogs and even chases some of them away when they bother them.
Nathalie expressed her relief and happiness with the good relationship that their animals have with each other. She says it would have been a lot more difficult if they all didn’t get along.
And we’re glad it all turned out for the better!
Source: Doudouisawesome