Daisy, the pit bull, suffered from separation anxiety when her human, Rosmarie, would leave home. It started years ago, and since then, the puppy would panic whenever left alone. Then, she found help in the form of two fuzzy kittens.
“Something must have really scared her,” Rosemarie says. “Since then, she doesn’t like being home alone. She suffers from separation anxiety.”
Whenever Rosemarie would walk Daisy in the morning, the dog would not want to go back indoors, knowing she would be solitary again. Also, the dog would block the door when she thought her human was leaving the house.
After seeing a veterinarian and a veterinary behaviorist, Daisy started taking medication to help with the anxiety. However, relief was on the way when she met two foster kittens.
“Daisy wishes everyone a happy Saints Patrick’s day,” from Instagram 2020.
Rosemarie Adopts Hummus and Honey
On New Year’s Day, Rosemarie’s beloved 20-year-old cat Fluffy passed away. Then, the long-time ASPCA volunteer, a cat and dog lover, decided to take in two kittens, Hummus and Honey.
According to the ASPCA, the one-month-old kittens came from the Bronx after a good Samaritan rescued them. At the time, they were infested with fleas, had conjunctivitis and upper respiratory infections. So, Rosemarie had to nurse them back to health.
Over the years, Rosemarie learned that Daisy loves kittens and was sure the sweet dog would love Hummus and Honey. Generally, the pit bull loves kittens and kids too.
“Daisy likes kittens even more than other dogs,” said Rosemarie.”
“Black & White Family. Daisy, Pepper & Oreo” from 2018.
Daisy the Pit Bull Adores Kittens
Sure enough, after a few days of separation, Rosemarie slowly introduced them, and soon Daisy began licking Hummus and Honey. Then, she started sleeping beside the kittens and letting them crawl on her.
“I think she always wanted to be a mommy,” Rosemarie said.
Images via ASPCA
After one month, Rosemarie decided to make the kittens a permanent part of the family. Now, they received new names, Tulip and Sparkles.
Tulip Helps Daisy the Pit Bull Overcome Her Anxiety
Tulip is particularly close with Daisy, and it’s helped with the dog’s anxiety. It’s as if the kitten intuitively knows and wants to help.
Now, when Rosemarie is about to leave, the kitten has taken to lying on the dog’s bed.
“When Daisy sees Tulip lying down, she joins her,” says Rosemarie.
Then, when Daisy comes back from her walk, the kitten comes to help at the door. So the dog doesn’t refuse to come back inside like she used to.
“She literally helps Daisy walk back into the apartment.”
Thus, Daisy the pit bull is much happier, and in return, she’s helping socialize the kittens. Now, Rosemarie plans to continue fostering kittens with Daisy. By fostering them with a friendly dog, the kittens are readied for forever homes where dogs may be present.
“Fostering programs help animals become socialized, which makes it easier for them to transition into an adoptive home,” she says. “It brings joy to my heart to see how they thrive, and to know that I was part of the process so that they can be happy in their new home.”
In 2018, we shared the story of Nono the Bulldog, who helps foster kittens from the same ASPCA Kiten Nursery in New York.
Daisy the Cow, or Is She?
Rosemarie adopted 8-year-old Daisy from the Animal Care Centers of NYC. Since 2012, she has fostered 31 animals.
In 2015, Daisy became the subject of a children’s book called “Daisy The Cow, Or Is She?” by the retired schoolteacher who also works as a personal trainer.
“Daisy loves children, and every time kids see Daisy, they think she’s a cow because of her black spots,” says Rosemarie. “The book is about bullying and how some kids aren’t accepted because of the way they look.”
So, Daisy the pit bull is helping kids and kittens, two of her favorite things.
Daisy via Instagram
