A doggie teaches cats the meaning of peace

In my little soi, the quiet of the early morning is suddenly shattered by a blood-chilling moan. I recognise the yell immediately. Mekhala, my white lady, is screaming at Thep, the orange soi boy.

 Poor Thep, who drops by the patio for breakfast and dinner, wants to come inside, where he can sense all sorts of interesting smells. Besides, his good friend Thong is there.

 Mekhala, however, won't accept him. For her, he's an invader who must be stopped.

 As I come down the stairs, I see that Thep has managed to open the door. He's now inside, and if he can pass Mekhala, he has four entire floors to explore.

 He takes another step, but Mekhala prepares to jump on him. With good and plentiful food over the past months, Thep has grown fatter, but Mekhala is still bigger than he is.

 She doesn't have the chance to attack, though. Suddenly, she's flying across the floor.

 Talk about surprise. Mekhala hasn't expected such an attack - and neither have I.

 When I look around, I realise that the assault hasn't come from any of the other cats, not even from Thong, but from my poodle pup Wan-Wan. I wonder if it's even an attack. Wan has a big, friendly smile on her face, as if she's decided to join in the fun.

 Mekhala tries to return to Thep, but Wan butts her again on her side. The cat turns to avoid the attack, but Wan, barking happily, chases her around the computer table.

 Over the next few days, I notice a change in household alliances. When Thep jumps over the gate and into the patio, Wan rushes out to greet him. The two touch noses and rub up against each other. Wan still plays with Mekhala, but no longer in a gentle game of tag. The dog seems determined to keep her away from Thep, if possible.

 Mekhala and Thep still yell at each other, but now Wan monitors the bad language. If it becomes too violent and she can reach Mekhala, she interferes.

 For readers who tell me their own households endure cat wars as bad as or even worse than mine does, may I offer some words of comfort?

 Sometimes, the situation changes. Cats who hate each other mellow as they grow older - or sometimes the dog takes charge and moves everyone on the path to peace.