Loyal Canine Rescues Drowning Kitty

Published March 15, 2010
It is completely mind boggling for me to try to understand why there are still some folk who continue to believe that cats and dogs can never get along and in fact to even become close buddies. I just cannot imagine why they feel this way, and I love stories like this that dispel that myth. So this little tale about a dog named Chloe, a canine stereotype-breaking ambassador who became a hero in the eyes of one very lucky Siamese cat will perhaps change the minds of folks who doubt that dogs and cats can and do become inseparable buddies. Chloe (Photo Credit: Care2) It seems that when Amanda and Ron Bjelland, owned by a dog named Chloe, and Willow, a Siamese cat were out on their daily stroll to pick up their morning newspaper, the events which followed their daily routine were destined to become far from ordinary. When the couple returned to their house, Chloe followed them in. Willow, a typically inquisitive feline, remained outside, exploring their backyard. About five minutes later, following their return to the house, Chloe began barking and crying at the glass door which led to their backyard. So when Chloe's barking and crying continued, in spite of her being let outdoors, Ron became somewhat concerned and compelled to check it out. He followed Chloe out to the family's koi pond where he quickly discovered that Willow had fallen through a hole in the ice-covered water. The frightened and freezing feline was desperately struggling to liberate herself from the piercing sharp frigid water. The Bjellands think that Willow may have been imprisoned for almost twenty minutes in the icy pond. Ron immediately rescued the trembling kitty, rushing her indoors to warm her. Of course, Chloe, her heroic canine companion received a reward of a juicy bone for her watchfulness. And as a result of this near-tragedy, it appears that Chloe and Willow have deepened their friendship. According to their owners, even though they ate and slept together, following the incident they seem to have formed an extra special close bond. Of course this story does prove that many canines and felines are capable of very deep friendships. But what I wonder about is if this kitty feels some kind of gratitude toward Chloe, her canine companion. Do you think that animals are capable of this type of emotion? Leave a comment and share your thoughts.
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Jo Singer

Shortly after retiring as a social worker and psychotherapist, I discovered my "writer's voice"…

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Comments (19)

James M. Essig (Unverified)
Jim Essig; I think animals are quite capable of noble and morally informed behavior and intentions. Although I have never served in the military and have never been a law enforcement officer, I have heard of many stories about the loyal disciplined heroic ventures of service dogs. I once read an interesting article obout how well trained military service dogs and K-9 dogs have such discipline that they can be in an attacking or defending combat mode and then immeadiately de-escalate on command, just as U.S. NAVY SEALs can and do when taking and issueing commands. Dogs and cats are quite noble creatures and I say this as a conservative Catholic who is a dailly Mass attending member of the Knights of Columbus. Contrary to the views of many of my fellow Catholics, I do not exclude animals from the roster of creatures on Earth who can take heroic and deliberative actions. Our family when it was young always had pets and the warmth, love, and acceptance they would show especially when a family member was upset was phenomenal.
Pat Lukes (Unverified)
I think animals are the purest form of good in this world. They have no agenda and act based on their emotions. We give them so little credit for what they instinctively know. You can buy that or teach it.
carla (Unverified)
My dog Madeline and cat Salem play all the time and sleep side by side. they did not grow up together but formed a friendship after we got the dog. they are fun to watch. Neither one are young Madeline is 7, Salem 4 I have had several dogs that got along with cats just fine. the best example was Happy who would babysit for laddercat. she had just had litter of pups and the kittens found out she had milk so would of course go find her when Mom went outside. Happy did not mind at all and Laddercat would sit and wait for them to finish then get her kids and put them back in their little home till the next time she wanted out. Was sure a joy to watch. Dogs who hate cats are trained that way by uncaring dog owners is my feeling.
Anonymous
Do I think cats (and dogs) feel emotion? Yes. Do I think one of those emotions is gratitude? Doubtful. That's a bit anthropomorphic for my taste. I think at a very basic level these two animals trust each other and now their trust has been deepened. Remember, animals don't lie to each other...they don't have a way to be dishonest, and for some reason, that makes me think that the rest of their emotions are clear and uncomplicated.
W (Unverified)
Years ago, I had a cat that used to nurse on my tri-color collie. When I had to have my dog put down, my cat got so depressed. She never did recover from the loss of her "momma". She died the next year & I swear it was from a broken heart. The vet didn't find anything wrong with her in the necropsy I had him do.
chey (Unverified)
i cant believe it my 2 cats are terrified of my dog and would probaly take the dog down with it!
janet (Unverified)
I own a Jack Russell Terrier. Her name is Angel. I have a Parakeet named Birdie. My sisters dog came over our house for a visit and Angel stayed pretty clear of this pup since it was much bigger than herself. The vistor approached the Birds cage standing up on its hind legs and when this was noticed by Angel,she went Balistic with Barking. We feel she was protecting her Friend, Our Bird. In her own way of telling the visitor to get away from the bird. You'll be surprised what a dog can do.