Within seconds, TRIPOD had jumped off the bed and was around David's legs in that special dance dogs do when they are happy to meet new humans. 'Betrayer!' I wanted to shout at my dog. Polly covered my back. When David warily approached the bed, she scowled at him and snarled.

I've never been more of a cat person than I was today.

I looked at David suspiciously as he placed the unopened can on my bedside.

I snarled a firm "no."

When Tripod sensed the tension, he froze and ran back to my room.

I need two minutes," he said softly.

Assuringly, "Well, anything you need," I said. As...