I try to be somewhat of an expert about all things dog, but I am not an expert about all things cat. So, when my people decided to foster a cat a few months ago, I was concerned. Their friend had an unexpected health crisis and the cat was in danger of having to be put down, so they stepped in. (What's that old saying about good intentions?)

I have always called our family cat by the simple name of "Sneaky" because that is what she is. I decided to call the foster kitty "Other Cat." These, of course, are not the names my people call them, but I'm a dog and I do not dignify cats with proper names.

Other Cat is primarily quiet and low-key. For the most part, he leaves the dogs of the house alone, but that does not mean that we have not formed our own relationships with him. My beloved Isabelle is actually affectionate with Other Cat. Even the alpha dog has decided to tolerate him completely.

The problem, you see, has nothing to do with any of the dogs. The problem is Sneaky. From what I understand, my people would keep Other Cat if Sneaky could learn to live with him. That, however, does not seem to be in the works. We all hope that Other Cat will find a forever home soon.

For the time being, however, we're learning a lot of valuable lessons. Sneaky hates Other Cat and makes her disdain quite clear on an hourly basis. It's ugly and shocking, and not at all what any of us expected. Hissing, growling and flying fur have become commonplace in our normally peaceful home.

To cope, we've learned about creating safe territories for Other Cat that are off-limits to Sneaky. We've learned about slow and brief introductions that take place over weeks or even months. We've learned not to force any issues or hope for fast results. In short, we've learned that bringing a new animal into the home can require the kind of strategic planning and patience generally reserved for the battlefield.

I have barked from the top of my lungs that everyone who can adopt, rescue or foster should do so. I still feel absolutely 100% the same about that topic. I have, however, realized that ample preparation for the existing family pets is critical. If even one existing pet indicates that there could be a problem, it's important to consider whether life will become stressful for both animals.

Ironically, all of us dogs have learned to adjust. Without Sneaky's seal of approval, however, it's still a delicate situation.

Many of you who read this column have great big hearts and many of you have enough room in your hearts and homes to adopt and foster. I applaud you and thank you so much for the difference you make.

For those of you considering bringing a rescued animal into a home with pets, please know that introductions are often easy. Even when they are hard, the reward is worth the work. That said, it's always a good idea to minimize the risk up front. Read all you can about introducing animals into a new environment. Become an expert about cat/cat, dog/dog, and dog/cat relations. Most of all, know that a little advance preparation can go a long, long way.

Other Cat will be fine. We'll all make sure of that. But we now know that sometimes it takes more than a big heart to create a big family.

Albert, a Jack Russell Terrier, is Chairman of the Board of Wylie Wagg, a shop for dogs, cats, and their people, in Middleburg and Fairfax. Email him at albertspawpals@gmail.com.