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A blue-gray British Shorthair cat sits on the back of a red merle Australian Shepherd walking across a grassy backyard. 11 / 31

The Cat Needed a Lift Across the Yard, and the Aussie Obliged

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A round-faced gray British Shorthair has climbed on top of a red merle Australian Shepherd and is riding across the grass like a small, serious captain. The dog trots forward with ears relaxed and eyes on the path, his speckled coat of cinnamon, cream and white catching the late-day light. The cat sits upright with her copper eyes alert, paws planted firmly on his back. A wooden fence and garden beds frame the yard.

We can call the dog Maple and the cat Thistle. Neither is in a hurry. Maple walks with an even gait, careful not to jostle his passenger, and Thistle keeps perfect balance.

Australian Shepherds are intelligent herding dogs with lots of energy, and they thrive when given tasks, training and room to run. Because herding runs deep in them, some will gently try to guide other pets and children, which can be charming or a bit pushy, so early training matters. British Shorthairs are calm, easygoing cats with dense plush coats, and they are generally less acrobatic than other breeds. Pet owners should know that riding on a dog is not a great idea for most cats, since a fall could injure them. Supervise any such behavior, and keep both animals' nails trimmed to prevent scratches.

For Maple and Thistle, the yard has never looked better than from up there.

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