Cat v dog 2

I am right now trying to pluck up the courage to ring my friend and tell her she is welcome to come on her own, but she can't bring the dog. Poor old Flad's worst enemy, the bullying black cat, is back on the scene and is making him nervous as hell.

A year ago, it started coming in the garden and the result was a tremendous fight as Flad tried to defend his territory, during which he got his biggest canine ripped out at the root and came in pouring blood and couldn't eat properly for days. This was victory to Flad, because the bully stayed away. But now it is chancing its arm, or rather its paw, again and launching attacks on our elderly and slightly arthritic pet. It's younger, stronger and capable of doing a lot of damage. Last night Flad came hurtling through the catflap, tail like a bottlebrush, and took refuge beneath the coffee table in the corner of the lounge.

But imagine if the dog had been here and Flad couldn't come in/ He'd have no refuge anywhere and could end up badly injured. No, I can't risk it. So I'll just have to tell her. Wish me luck!