Question:
As some of you know, I take Logan to visit my father as a therapy session. The last time we visited my parents, they didn't want Molly to come with so we left her at home. My heart broke because when we left the house, she was crying. I didn't feel it was fair to bring Logan but have her stay behind. So, I told my mum we would come for a visit this weekend but Molly has to come with. My father is having serious doubts about having her come with because he is afraid she will be aggressive towards the cats. I told my father I would keep her on a leash and she would not go anywhere near their bedroom (where the cats normally stay when there are people over). He said he would think about it. I understand worrying about how she would react with the cats but if she is on a leash, that would solve the problem. I just feel guilty leaving her behind.


Answer:
Aww.. poor Molly. I would feel the same if it was my dogs. I felt guilty leaving Koko at home when I was bringing Montana to work with me. They always go everywhere together. I can also see your fathers side of it too.. he loves his cats as much as you love your dogs. It's their house though.. That's a tough one.
I thought about my friends who have 2 German Shepherds.. they used to come over & want to bring their dogs but I feared for my chinchillas safety so I had to put my foot down and tell them no.. they were welcome to bring their 2 smaller dogs but if anything happened to my chinnies I'd be so angry with myself for allowing it.


Answer:
I agree with Suzoo, The house belongs to the cats(and your Dad). But, I also understand the heartbreak you and Molly go through. Is a hotel that allows dogs out of the question?


Answer:
Tim, my dad lives about 20 minutes away from me so we don't go out of town to visit him.

Molly is great with the chinchillas but she has never encountered a cat.


Answer:
Well hopefully your Dad changes his mind and Molly gets to go too.. Let us know what happens.


Answer:
I can see your Dad being wary. I don't want my grandparents dog to come over to my place because I don't think Pickles would handle it very well at all. Teddy's a barker and too curious for his own good. Couple that with the fact Pickles is a scaredy cat...

But I do understand you feeling guilty about it.


Answer:
Oh poor Molly! I feel for you Denise, but I can see your Dad's point of view. I hope they can accept Molly into their home.


Answer:
I can see your Dad's point that the cats might get stressed out when having a dog or dogs visit, but what I don't get is why they are okay with Logan, but not Molly? It would make more sense to me if he said please don't bring either dog along for the cat's sake. That is a hard thing, but at least you are not far away from home. Maybe you could do a trial run with Molly only and run her back home if she doesn't do well with the cats?


Answer:
Annie, I believe it is because Molly is a rescue dog and her history is unclear. Logan has been visiting my father since last fall and my father feels confident he wouldn't do anything to the cats. Logan has had exposure to the cat next door and he was fine with him. He even went into my parent's bedroom and saw Ivy sleeping on my parent's bed and he wasn't phased by it. In all honesty, I think my parents are a bit intimidated by Molly because of her size. Turns out we can't visit my parents this weekend anyway becuase we are going to be busy.


Answer:
Can you try Molly with the cat next door and see how she does?