Zach Hearn felt his family was complete, but Tang and Cream, his two dogs, had other ideas. Early last month, while out for a walk, the dogs came across a small animal crying for help and ran to its aid. “Tang and Cream stopped and looked perplexed,” Hearn told The Dodo.
“A meow could be heard from a short distance away, so they both ran to check it out.”
Hearn couldn’t see where the noise was coming from, but the two dogs found a small kitten lying in the center of the road, perhaps 3 or 4 weeks old.
The little kitten was dirty and underweight, and there was no sign of his mother.
Hearn was afraid his golden retriever and King Charles Cavalier would scare the cat away, but the pups had other ideas.
Hearn was surprised when both dogs began to comfort the frightened little calico. “Tang started moaning and l ay down next to her,” Hearn said. “Cream started licking her and cleaning her.”
Hearn felt he couldn’t leave the kitten alone on the trail, so he picked her up and brought her home, where he and his companion provided her with a warm place to sleep, as well as a bath and food. The kitten had clearly been alone for some time, but she quickly regained her strength.
“We named the kitten (Tou Jiang), which means jackpot,” Hearn explained. “At first he didn’t have much energy and slept a lot. She perked up after being fed regularly and given a warm place to sleep.”
The dogs fell in love with Tou Jiang the moment they saw him. The dogs never leave his side and are always ready to provide whatever he needs, whether it’s comfort, hugs, a tongue bath, or some play time.
When it comes to raising the kitten, each dog has its own different “parenting” technique.
“Tang is more of a calm, relaxed mother,” Hearn explained. “Tang just lies there while the cat climbs on her and plays with her tail.” If the kitten is going to do something, he will intervene.”
He went on to say, “The cream is completely different.” “She floats more and is usually around her, playing with her and licking her like her real mother would.” They are great at taking turns, but unless they put her in her bed, they are always watching her.”
It took me a while to get used to having a kitten at home, but the joy and affection that Tou Jiang offers his adoptive canine parents is priceless.
“Raising a kitten is not the same as raising a puppy,” Hearn explained. “The constant need to eat and go to the bathroom can be stressful, but it’s worth it.” She spends all day with the dogs and we have a camera at home to keep an eye on them while we are at work. The dogs constantly watch her and follow her everywhere.”
