There are those who will say that dogs and cats are always natural enemies. That may have been true hundreds of years ago when canines and felines were competing for the same prey, but I contend the relationship today is much more complex. I give, as example, the friendship of Boots and Butch.

Boots was an orange Tabby kitten, with huge white polydactyl paws. He was a neighborhood stray, being cared for temporarily by friends who suddenly had to move. As the last box of dishes was being loaded in the rental truck, my friend asked, "What are we going to do with Mittens?"

Just recently, a dear friend gave me a starter for Amish Friendship Bread and a loaf of Amish Friendship Bread. I was so excited. I remember my mom making this bread when I was younger. As a teenager, the lady who is now my mother-in-law would make this, also. My mother-in-law frequently made hers in muffins and my mom made loaves of bread. Either way, it is delicious.