And Just As Quickly As It Began...

It was over.

After spending 8 days with us, Leela decided to attack one of the cats, twice. Unfortunately, she was showing some aggressive (rather than playful) behavior, and the cats are missing their best built-in negative reinforcement tools: their front claws.

So we consulted with some trainers, both our friends and online. The best-case scenario would be that the dog and the cats could co-exist under supervision, but could never be left alone together. Unfortunately, that means Leela probably needs a home without other pets.

It was one of the hardest decisions I've had to make recently. You can become incredibly attached to a new companion in a surprisingly short amount of time, it turns out. I admit, I broke down and cried a couple of times (a few times.) And I'm sure tonight, when we return her to the adoption agency, isn't going to be easy.

Eventually we'll get another puppy. But not for a little while.

Update: And, she's back with the adoption agency.