You've Got A Friend

Update: I forgot I had more recent pictures of Cody and Sera frolicking in the snow. Scroll down to see the two pals just a few days ago...

You may recall, back when Shadow and Sera were dropped off here by their mom, Cody and Bruce would faithfully walk down every morning to the log deck where they lived and take them food and fresh water.

They hid in the logs, but Cody would make a monkey-type noise "Oooo, ooooo, oooo" and they would poke their heads out and look at him.

As the kittens grew bigger and Bruce started working on the log deck, they moved up to our woodshed, and now sleep on our front porch (on a heated pad, of course).

As you know, Cody loves being outside, so the cats had to get used to him sharing their space. They still kept their distance, though. After all, Cody is a big, hairy, woolly mammoth.  A true woodland creature. If I were a cat, I'd run as fast as I could from this guy!

Slowly, Sera became more curious about Cody, watching him and edging closer and closer.

Over several weeks, we joyfully watched as Sera grew braver and approached Cody. Cody, who used to chase cats before we adopted him, now knows all about cats and respects them deeply. Especially the claw parts.

Cody was very patient with Sera and didn't make any sudden moves. He allowed Sera to check him out at his own pace. Finally, one day...

A friendship was born! Now, Sera waits for Cody to come out and play. He rubs against Cody's legs, they touch noses, and just chill out together.

They hang out together, exploring the yard.

Sometimes, Sera runs up a tree and then Cody pees on the trunk. I don't know. It's their thing.

Here are some recent pictures of them enjoying the snow.

Shadow still runs from Cody and doesn't understand his brother's fascination with the dog. His motto is "Cats Rule, Dogs Drool". But Sera loves Cody. And Cody has a new friend.

Sera escorts Cody up to the front door when they're done playing and says "Until next time, my friend"!

Ginger, Cody's late human mom, would be so proud of her boy, and how he has transformed from being Cats' Enemy #1 to Cats' Best Friend.

And for those of you who have been patiently waiting to see Shadow's and Sera's new kitty condo, it's almost finished! Bruce is out there working on it right now. But here's a sneak peek...

This is the covered entryway. I think it needs a little planter box of catnip in there. And a porch light. Maybe a welcome mat? Stay tuned for complete coverage of the Fabulous Kitty Condo!