Mister Ozzy the Dog - There and back again

 Hello everyone!

It’s almost been a whole year since I started living with a cat in the apartment.

At first, we didn’t get along at all. As I mentioned before, I used to spend some time behind the baby gate just so she could freely stretch out around the place. Then, for example, she’d be out on the balcony while I strutted around the apartment, getting all the cuddles from Mom.

The adjustment period took quite a long time. First, we had to accept that we all live together now and that there needs to be some order and discipline. Then, on top of getting used to the new environment, the cat and I had to get used to each other. To be completely honest, I think we still keep a bit of distance.

After maybe three months, we reached a bigger breakthrough—or at least that’s what Oliver said. The cat grew braver and started walking past me, and I’d be a good boy and wouldn't chase her around the apartment. Okay, maybe just sometimes, but those were just moments when I actually wanted to play!

Still, NeMachka remained pretty cold and distant toward me. She didn’t want to hang out with me, and I somehow forgave her for that. But when I saw her going over to get petted by MY mom, Leah—now that didn't feel nice at all. The first thought that always hits me like a bolt out of the blue is that Mom might replace me, or even worse… love HER more!

No, that’s never going to happen. I’m number one!

Anyway, NeMachka and I were doing okay up until summer. But when summer arrived… the heat was unbearable, overwhelming, terrifying! It was impossible to breathe in the apartment in Temerin, as well as the one in Novi Sad. The AC was running all day long, and yet the place just couldn't cool down enough. At night, we even had the fan going, and Oliver and Leah even tried creating a breeze by opening all the windows, but there wasn't a breath of fresh air.

That whole nightmare led Mom to take me to Grandma and Grandpa’s place for—as they call it—summer vacation. Yes, Grandma and Grandpa live in Novi Sad too, but their apartment is much cooler, to the point where sometimes you don't even need the AC. I love being there, but the only thing that bothers me is that Mom gets sad because I’m not with her.

This time, because of temperatures over 38°C (100°F), I stayed at Grandma and Grandpa’s for two whole months. That was more than enough time to completely forget about NeMachka.

Every morning around 4:30, I’d go for a walk with my sweet Grandma, since that was the only time the air felt fresh. We’d get back home around 6:00, I’d have breakfast at 7:00, and then I’d doze for the rest of the day. They cuddled me, spoiled me, and all I had to do was enjoy it.

Finally, the temperature loosened its grip a bit—it dropped by a good 10 degrees, which was the sign for Mom that she could come get me and bring me back to OUR home. Yeah… back to where the cat is… again…

The weather conditions were good, the car AC was adjusted so I wouldn't overheat, Mom was happy holding me in her arms again, and we arrived in Temerin, where we had to start learning how to be a happy little family all over again.

When I walked into the apartment after so long, I couldn't spot the cat anywhere. She hid. Like a pro. She didn't even show up to say hi for even a minute, all the way until evening.

When our eyes finally met, my instincts kicked in and I chased after her. She puffed up from head to tail, hissed loudly at me, and bolted. We went sliding across the laminate floor until she escaped and tucked herself into her hideout. I barked a couple of times, but since she wouldn't come out, I gave up.

That first night, after two long months, I slept on the big bed with Oliver and Leah again. The cat slept in the living room.