Dogs: the secret ingredient in our feline leukemia facility

Our beautiful Porsche and Mercedes Steffens Oasis for Feline Leukemia Positive Cats is home to 20–30 feline leukemia cats at any given time. Several have lived at Home for Life^® for many years without exhibiting any ill effects attributable to the leukemia virus.

Visitors to the Oasis are always taken aback to see that the facility also includes dogs! The assumption is that the presence of dogs detracts from the cats' quality of life and the ambience of their special quarters. It is assumed that dogs and cats will inevitably fight with each other.

The concern is valid: maintaining a serene environment is important for cats whose immune systems are compromised. However, boredom and isolation can be even more stressful and enervating than having a few canines around to contend with. In fact, the pacific small dogs of the feline leukemia facility have a remarkably enhancing effect on the cats, and the two species enjoy a fascinating symbiosis.

In fact, the dogs and cats of the Oasis have much in common: the leukemia cats and the older small dogs are packing a lot of living into their years at HFL. Quality trumps quantity for those who may not have many years left. These animals were without options before they arrived at HFL, and they seem determined to make the most of their present good fortune. Thus, the Oasis is a happy place and the cats and dogs form touching friendships.

The cats find the small dogs excellent sources of warmth: "hot water bottles with fur," so to speak. They can be found cuddling with each other on the futon and couches. The cats will even groom the dogs as they lounge together. The two groups also bask outdoors in the sunshine together on these warm summer days.

The cats rely on the dogs — especially Hawk — to screen all new people, and hang back contentedly until the dogs conclude that the visitors are friendly. Many of our leukemia cats used to live outside as strays and survived by their wits. Now, they appreciate having dogs around to act as a first line of defense.

Other dogs who join Hawk in keeping the feline leukemia cats safe and entertained are Dachshund Emmie, Jade, Italian Greyhounds Marco and Vinnie, Pomeranians Teddy Bear and Dixie, and Hawk's understudy Tipper — a nervous Chihuahua/Rat Terrier mix.

Hawk's Story

Hawk is a four year-old red firecracker of a Min Pin who came to Home for Life^® in need of a job that makes use of his special talents. As his name suggests, Hawk has a watchful eye and is a natural guard dog.

Hawk, who did not have a name when surrendered to Home for Life^®, came to us through a donor who is a social worker. Hawk's former family were her clients, and in the course of multiple visits to the home, she witnessed much maltreatment of the little dog. Hawk was locked in a dark closet for several hours a day; at other times he was kept in the cold unheated garage. They would also put Tabasco or hot chili sauce in Hawk's mouth and laugh while he ran around screaming in pain. This neglect and abuse affected the high-strung puppy, and he was quite defensive and fear aggressive when he first arrived at the sanctuary.

But Hawk is a strong and intelligent dog. To his credit, after a few short weeks at Home for Life^®, he realized that he would be treated with kindness and respect here.

For a time, Hawk lived in the small-dog apartment. However, as a newcomer, he experienced some bullying from the "in crowd." We decided that he needed a more serene environment after the trauma of his earlier home. As a descendent of the Doberman, a working breed, Hawk also needed a job to do.

That's when Hawk packed his bags and moved down the road to our Feline Leukemia building, where he found not only a safe harbor, but also his true calling. As a member of a small group of diminutive dogs who have no need to jockey for position, Hawk found his place as the ever-watchful guard of the leukemia-positive cats. The other dogs, mostly older and laid back, are happy to delegate this duty to Hawk.

Any new person entering the cattery will be thoroughly "vetted" by Hawk before gaining full access to the facility and its precious inhabitants. Once Hawk has examined and cleared the visitor, the cats and other dogs know it is safe to approach. Hawk takes his job seriously and the other dogs and cats depend on his street smarts for protection.

In the summer, Hawk loves the huge outdoor cat run and expends his considerable energy charging outside to run the perimeter and monitor all activity on the south end of the sanctuary.

During the winter, with tour season suspended until spring, Hawk takes some much-deserved rest. He can be found at any time under a pile of blankets on the futon with several cat friends clustered around him. Calling his name brings the whole pile of covers to life. Hawk emerges from the mountain of bedding and loves nothing more than to share a cuddle and some lap time, with his feline and canine charges nearby.

Hawk is on the job, protecting his feline charge.