Dogs, felines, and birds have been portrayed as enemies for centuries, but many films, television shows, and books tell stories of them teaming up and overcoming obstacles. All species can get along if they give each other a chance, spread a little love, and work together. I have living proof in my home, but I also have dead proof in my backyard. You must keep reading for that tale about a dog, cat, and bird learning to live together…or not.
An Unlikely Family of Fur and Feathers
My nickname is “Mrs. Doolittle” for a reason. I have cared for or owned nearly every animal you can imagine except a spider (because I am terrified of them). I always had dogs and birds, but I found my other human half, who came with one. They moved into our home, and that caused a bit of chaos for all of the creatures in our lives. Most of us survived…
Lesson learned:”Do not underestimate a sneaky cat. Be sure to secure your bird cage if they coexist with you.”
The 14-year-old cat had never coexisted with another animal, and was suddenly brought to a new home with a “strange” woman, dogs, and a parakeet. Let’s say Larry Bird, the parakeet, did not survive. Jamo is the fluffy dog below, and Jake the Cat has since peacefully settled in with his new brother and two new parakeets. They were all thrown into an unexpected situation, but soon became a big, happy family.
Homeward Bound
Inspiring stories of unlikely species becoming friends have transcended decades, connecting people through a love for animals and a genuine belief in goodness that cannot be extinguished. One story is the film “The Incredible Journey (1963),” which was remade into Homeward Bound: The Incredible Journey (1993). It can be streamed on Disney+ or purchased on other streaming services, including Amazon Video and Apple TV. The tale of two dogs and a cat teaming up to travel 200 miles in the Canadian wilderness and find their owner is genuinely inspiring.
Let’s All Be “Frenemies”
Despite our differences, we are simply trying to thrive and survive on this big rock we call home, apart from our cat and dog friends. The history books will tell you that we will probably never see eye-to-eye, but we can at least agree to be frenemies. There are many misconceptions about when and how the term “frienemy” was coined, but the Oxford English Dictionary has a history dating back to 1891 It defines it as “a person with whom one is friendly, despite a fundamental dislike or rivalry.” Does this relate to cats and dogs? Maybe we should learn from our furry friends, regardless of the species.
Tales of Unlikely Friendships Continue
Dogs, cats and birds may have a reputation of not being the best of friends, but history and media has told a different tale and continue to inspire friendships and love across species. I recently watched the 2019 film “A Dog’s Way Home,” which had me crying both sad and happy tears for the entire story about a dog that travels 400 miles to find her owner. The dog meets and befriends many creatures on her journey including an orphaned cougar kitten. If you are a sucker for tear-jerker films about animals, it is currently streaming on Netflix. It seems that unlikely relationships between “frienemies” will continue to be written into history.
