The Jealous Jack

I've established Skippy's troubled past. Her lack of socialization with humans has certainly left a permanent impression on this poor dog's psyche. She is continually worried about being abandoned, even after eight years with us; and despite the constant love my wife shows her, she still has a desperate need for attention. And so, enter the cat.

Kitty is an average cat in many respects. She wants and gives attention on her terms. If she doesn't want to be pet and you try to, you will most likely get scratched for your effort. But she will occasionally brush up against your leg or climb on your lap, puring loudly. If your really fortunate, she might abrasively draw her sandpaper tongue across your arm or leg a few times. As if to draw attention to herself by means of distraction, Skippy immediately feels the need to intervene.

Now let's visualize this for a moment: Skippy is on the couch resting as she does most of the day. Kitty walks into the living room and brushes by my leg. The dog jumps down from the couch. Momentum naturally gives her a few extra forward steps upon landing, bringing her within inches of the cat's behind. Skippy had obviously not fully thought this course of action through beforehand, and in her jealous haste she puts her in a situation that she had not anticipated.

There is moment of stillness. Time is stayed just long enough for her to look up. Fear and uncertainty cover her face. It is a moment of frozen panic for Skippy as she realizes what she has just done. But for the cat, there is no pause. She does not wait. She turns immediately and brings her paw across Skippy's face, breathing her hateful hiss.

Occasionally - in a rare moment of mental clarity - Skippy remembers the consequences of her impulsiveness. But not content to let the cat have her due share of human attention, she rolls onto her back, her legs inappropriately spread, and with her strained cries, gives a mighty voice to her sorrow: "Formerly abused Jack Russell over here, needing her belly rubbed. Don't look at the cat anymore, please. I'm pretty sure that cat wasn't abused. In fact, I think a few times I heard her bragging about her "no abuse" past. Did I mention that I was neglected as a puppy and am now emotionally stunted?"

What's up with my Jack Russell? Maybe in this situation the answer is clear.

Don't worry, Skippy: we love you the most.