One of the finest dog trainers I’ve ever seen in action used to live with me. His name was "Slim" (not at all indicative of his physique or eating habits). We first met when he was approximately three years old and working as a blood donor at a local veterinarian’s hospital. He was a large black and white cat. His name was rather on the comical side, for he was anything but slim. Sinewy, graceful, and elegant, he contributed to the recovery of many a dying feline while employed by this veterinarian. When he had been a donor for a year and a half, he retired and came home to live with me and my five Golden Retrievers.

I have described him physically, but at first glance he didn’t appear too extraordinary. As you watched him with the dogs, though, you realized he was a very valuable asset to a dog trainer. He taught my dogs that cats are not to be chased; they are your friends. He even demanded and received respect from any neighborhood dogs who came to visit. He would allow the dogs to bathe his face, but would tolerate no rough stuff. Never did I have to worry about my dogs running after a loose cat––they knew what happened when you caught one! He seldom unsheathed his claws on a first offender, but was never molested after the second attempt.

Puppies were the only exception to this rule. I never saw him harm a puppy in all of the ten years he was with us. They were socked, but never scratched. He could sense when a strange dog was a real menace and respond with lightning retribution.

I spent many an evening with a good book in hand, several dogs lying around my chair, and a large black and white cat in their midst. He was their friend and companion, and convinced me that dogs and cats can live happily together and respect each other.