The Corgi Stopped in His Tracks When Five Kittens Looked Up
The Corgi has stopped mid-step, his white-tipped nose lowered and his brown eyes soft with curiosity. In front of him, five kittens sit in a half circle on the grass, ginger, white, black, gray tabby and calico, all staring up at the newcomer with their ears forward. Behind them the yard is a happy jumble of a blue watering can, a garden hose, sandals, flowerpots and a lone yellow flower. The golden evening light gives everything a gentle glow, and nobody seems to be in a rush.
A first meeting between a dog and kittens is best done slowly. Corgis are herding dogs, which means many of them have an instinct to nip at heels and gather things, so a Corgi may need training before he can be gentle with tiny animals. Keep the dog calm, perhaps on a leash, and let the kittens approach on their own terms. Praise and treats for calm behavior help build good habits, and the kittens should always have a safe place to retreat. Kittens that young need vet care, so ask a vet when it is okay for them to play outside.
The Corgi's careful pose suggests he understands that he is meeting very small and important guests. Nobody pounces and nobody runs, and the whole yard is hushed for the hello. It is a hush worth keeping.
