Love is not based on vision, but blooms in the heart. The friendship between a dog and a cat is undoubtedly charming. Although dogs do not usually imitate cats, many kittens demonstrate a resilient spirit and adopt canine behaviors. We’ve put together a collection of stories that demonstrate how dogs and cats can form unbreakable bonds of friendship.
At just 2 weeks old, the delicate kitten ꜰʀᴀɪʟ had apparently given up on life’s challenges. Discovered alone on the streets of San Jose, California, the kitten found refuge with Thoa Bui, an experienced animal rescuer. A little over six months ago, Rosie the kitten was hanging precariously between life and the unknown. Despite Thoa Bui’s unwavering efforts, Rosie’s appetite waned and her responsiveness diminished. Thi Bui said: “When Rosie came into our care, we did everything we could to take care of her. However, nothing seemed to make a difference.” That’s when Lilo, one of Bui’s huskies, intervened. Lilo accepted the role of caregiver and literally took Rosie under her paw. Little by little, the once languid kitten woke up to her new world: a world where maternal love transcended species boundaries.
Thi Bui shared, “During the initial night with Rosie, things seemed promising, but suddenly her health took a turn for the worse. He refused food and lacked the strength to lift his head. His eyes became infected and closed. Despite our human care, we realized she needed a mother figure and introduced her to Lilo, one of our huskies. Surprisingly, Lilo took on the maternal role with ease, an unexpected development considering she had no recent puppies and had been spayed just the week before. Thanks to Lilo’s tender care, Rosie’s health improved dramatically. “She grew up under Lilo’s guidance, believing herself to be a husky and even accompanying them on walks.”
The trio of owners, sisters Thi Bui, Thoa Bui and Tram Bui, now oversee a household comprised of four cats, two huskies and two rabbits, all of whom share an inseparable bond. Their joint Instagram page, “Lilo the Husky,” has a following of over 41,000. Thi Bui revealed, “A year and a half after this priceless bond was formed, Lilo and Rosie remain strong and resist any separation. When they sleep in my sister’s room, physical contact is essential. It’s really fun. The two have become inseparable. Rosie mirrors Lilo’s actions, even sneaking bites of dog food when we’re not looking. Despite his small stature, he strives to match the energy of the huskies: chasing them during play, playing wrestling with his “mother” Lilo, and trotting alongside the pack on his tiny legs. From time to time, we separate them to give Rosie a break, since Lilo’s immense size can accidentally harm her due to lack of awareness. The farewell hurts them both: Lilo stands next to the door near Rosie, and Rosie takes the other side. Their synchronized moans and cries seem straight out of Romeo and Juliet. When they are reunited, the joy that follows is a spectacle in itself.”
The impact of being raised by a Siberian Husky is profound for Rosie. As he matures, an identity crisis becomes evident. Rosie noticed her surrogate’s outdoor bathing routines, prompting her to do the same. She even demands to be leashed for walks, as if she were a dog. Rosie forms bonds not only with Lilo but also with Bui’s other pets: she finds a sister in Infinity and a brother in Miko. Rosie could easily be forgiven for considering herself a dog. In the end, when human compassion could not replace a mother’s love, a dog took over the role and has remained steadfastly at Rosie’s side ever since.
