No, I don't have a second dog, Little Hawk, but you do give me an idea. He evidently loves cats; must have had one in his first home.

I say that because a couple of weeks after I got home I housesat for some friends. I had done it with Meggie a few times too and the Monk and my dog never fought but it was an armed truce.

The day I walked into their yard with Ellery, however, the Monk met us at the gate. He and Ellery fell into instant love. They never sniffed each other's rears but they rubbed noses and nuzzled their necks together. I think it was because Ellery so clearly said in delight: "They have a cat!" And Monk responded.

Maybe if Ellery had a cat of his own he'd feel less abandoned?