Yes, I said terrier and like most terriers she has very keen hunting skills which is one of the reasons I had hesitated in having a cat in the household. However, For the first time in her life Gemma found herself an only dog and appeared to be very lonely. I entertained the idea of getting a cat. Something I had not had since getting so involved in Westies 10 yrs ago. There were many things to be taken into consideration, including an impending extended trip to the USA.

After due consideration I took Gemma to the pet shop with me. Having already spoken to the owners for their consent. There Ashley was picked to become a member of the family by her now adopted sister Gemma.

On first taking her home from the pet shop I thought it would take some time to socialise her into full acceptance in the house. After all having had Gemma pick her out it's always a different view at home on your own turf.

I started off by having only one loose at a time. While the other was confined to a puppy crate. From the outset there were no worrying signs and believe me Miss Gemma isn't backward in coming forward when there is something she doesnt like.

On the second day I allowed them supervised time together. Surprisingly I found Gemma wonderfully gentle with Ashley right from the outset. Ashley would jump all over her hanging onto her hair and her tail. That evening while they were both on the lounge with me and to my utter amazement Gemma allowed Ashley to suckle on her. I knew then that I had made the right decision.

The two have become firm friends with Gemma being more playful than she has even been in her life and ever so gentle. They not only play together, they also eat each others food. They are never very far from each other at any time and when it comes to taking Gemma for a walk Ms Ashley, of course, wants to go too.

While I am currently in the states the two are, unfortunately, separated from each other. The plan originally was to have them at my sisters together. Plan B, was to have them both in their own home with a friend taking care of them. However, the fence at my sisters was inadequate for Gemma and the friend taking care of my home bought along her dog, who is not at all happy, having a cat around. The most important consideration was that they be both safe and happy. So Gemma is in her own home and Ms Ashley is in that of my sister who keeps me updated on her antics via email.