We are dog people. This is no secret to anyone who knows us. When my husband and I were dating he had the sweetest little puppy, Itchy. She was an Australian Shepherd and absolutely adorable. Riding around in his pick up, Itchy would always sit on my lap. I obligingly stroked her long hair, rubbed her tummy and scratched her ears. It was love at first sight—for me and Itchy, that is!  (I would show you a picture of Itchy, but this was years ago, long before digital cameras and I must confess that I have not made the time to scan all of my negatives from my film days.)

My husband had another young dog at that time, a Blue Heeler named Rooster. We still have Rooster, he is the proud leader of our canine geriatric ward. He is completely spoiled and thoroughly enjoying his retirement years.

Most of our dogs are working dogs. Over the years we have had an assortment of Blue Heelers, Border Collies, Australian Shepherds, Kelpies and Corgis. We have had AKC Registered dogs and curb-side setters. When they get too old to go to work every day they enter our geriatric ward and live out their days in blissful laziness.

Dogs are part of our family. They are well taken care of and much loved. I cannot imagine a time in our lives when we will not have a dog. The kids also love our dogs. They help care for them, play with them, pet them and give them dog biscuits on a daily basis. It looks as though we are raising our children to be dog people, too.

And then...

Along came a mouse.

Suddenly we had an increase in the rodent population around here. Frankly, there are few things I hate more than mice. We tried mouse traps. We tried ultrasonic devices guaranteed to scare away mice AND be safe for pets. We did not try poison--too many small children and dogs around here. But, even though we won a few battles and killed a few mice, the rodents were still winning the war. So, we took the next step and got a couple of cats.

This was a big decision for us. The cats would have to live in the barn, because they make me sneeze and itch like crazy. We worried if the dogs and cats could live together harmoniously. Plus, we are dog people, would we have to become cat people?

Well, I have to admit that so far it has been hugely successful. No more mice. (hallelujah!) The dogs and cats tolerate each other quite nicely, although we continue to keep a close eye on them. I have seen a dog chase a cat a time or two and I have seen a cat scratch a dog across the nose a time or two. It seems to be working out perfectly.

Except for one thing.

I think my kids are turning into cat people.

As long as that means no more mice, I think I can handle a few cat people in my life.