"Each friend represents a world in us, a world possibly not born until they arrive, and it is only by this meeting that a new world is born," Anais Nin once beautifully said, and this very special friendship between a Dalmatian and a tabby kitten can only prove that.
When freelance photographer Taylor Meadows brought home 3 four-week-old foster kittens last year in March, she didn't plan to adopt any, yet her Dalmatian created such a special bond with one of them that she decided to keep the dog's favorite. Little did she know how inseparable they would become!
More info: Taylor Meadows
Taylor Meadows wasn't planning to adopt any foster kittens, yet let her Dalmatian keep one and it resulted in the most beautiful friendship ever
Image credits: Taylor Meadows
Image credits: Taylor Meadows
Image credits: Taylor Meadows
Everything started last year when Taylor brought home 3 little kittens weighing less than a pound each. She supposed to only take care of them as a foster mum for a month until they reached 8 weeks old, yet one of them unexpectedly became really attached to the woman's Dalmatian.
"I did not picture myself getting a cat anytime soon and was actually planning on getting a second dog at the end of this year or next year - but after seeing how much he and River loved each other, I just knew I couldn't separate them - they were truly best friends and so in love with each other," Taylor explained in an interview with Bored Panda.
"It was really bad timing for us as we’re about to leave for 2.5 months in Canada, but he was too perfect! Once I got the okay from our Airbnb in Canada, I went to adopt him! I remember telling the foster coordinator when he was about 6 weeks old that he’s going to be the best adventure cat and that I had a feeling he would love hiking and going out on walks," she added.
The little kitten, who was later named Summit, in addition to his always adventurous, curious and super cuddly spirit, apparently loves dogs, therefore makes a perfect companion for River. Over the past year and a half, the two of them have become true besties for a lifetime.
"He loves River more than me, and I think it’s the cutest thing!" Taylor said. "They cuddle for at least an hour every day and it’s fun to see because River isn’t really a fan of sharing her personal space while she sleeps, but she lets Summit snuggle a lot!" she added and also mentioned that the two of them always make so many people happy when they see these furry friends together.
Image credits: Taylor Meadows
Speaking about River, the woman got her in August of 2021 as a puppy. A Dalmatian was Taylor's dream dog since she was 3 years old, and not because of the 101 Dalmatians movies, like many of us could have thought, but because of a Dalmatian Christmas movie that she loved.
"She's my first dog, my best friend, and the best adventure dog - we go everywhere together! She's such a smart and sweet girl - she is shy, but once she gets to know you then she'll love you and she really loves her people," Taylor shared and added that once she started fostering kittens in November of 2022, River treated every foster kitten as if they were her own babies.
"She's a ball of energy outdoors and loves to play, but she's so calm and patient indoors with her foster kittens. I fostered 5 kittens, and 2 puppies before I fostered Summit's litter of 3 kittens," she explained.
Taylor has already traveled with River and Summit through 10 states & parts of Canada in less than a year
Image credits: Taylor Meadows
Image credits: Taylor Meadows
Image credits: Taylor Meadows
Since Taylor is passionate about traveling, River and Summit have already followed her through 10 states & Canada in less than a year. Even though it definitely takes a little more work with planning and packing for them, the woman loves having their company and getting to share all of these remarkable experiences with them.
"They make me laugh and they bring so much joy to the people we pass on our adventures. I can’t tell you how many times we’ve been stopped for a photo of them walking together or been told it just made someone’s day seeing them hike side by side!" Taylor shared. "And they love it - they’re obsessed with road trips, hotels, and all the new sights, smells, people and adventures!"
Summit joined River and Taylor on quite a long road trip - a 36-hour drive from AL to Alberta, Canada - where they spent the summer in the Canadian Rockies. The cat learned how to walk on a leash, how to hike, how to camp, and even how to paddleboard! Taylor explained to us that Summit is the best little adventure cat and loves to be outdoors as much as possible, so now he joins her and River on just about every adventure!
"I often get comments about how unusual Summit is in his personality because he genuinely LOVES dogs and will walk up to any dog to greet them - he's so friendly and probably thinks he is a dog himself!" Taylor added.
She explained that they're the perfect duo for exploring the outdoors and she feels really lucky to have them. She also noted that Summit is River's emotional support cat because River can be a nervous girl, but she's so much calmer when Summit is around. Therefore, sometimes Taylor brings him to River's vet appointments and she seems so much calmer.
Image credits: Taylor Meadows
Asked about what was the most special moment of this precious friendship, the woman told us that it was probably their first hike together about a week and a half after she adopted Summit. They went out to a local nature preserve and they got to hike together, climb rocks together, and even explore a cave and a stream!
"This was their very first time walking together and they just fell into place walking side by side - it was the coolest thing to see them be so in sync with each other. And I realized that they were going to make the best adventure buddies!" she recalled the memories.
Although Taylor's social media accounts are full of incredibly beautiful photos and videos of River and Summit, she noted that capturing them together is actually very challenging because Summit doesn’t stand still for long.
Taylor had been working a 9-5 in sales for SaaS companies/startups for the past 3 years, but then she had a company-wide layoff affect her role in June, so that pushed her into trying photography & content creation out full-time.
"I’m equally excited and nervous about the opportunity because it feels like the future is so up in the air and unknown - and I won’t lie, I do apply to jobs, like, every other week when I think about it too much…" she said. "But it’s going really well, and I am so excited to have so much more time (and energy) that I get to focus towards creating content!"
For all those who are curious to know more about River and Summit and want to follow and support Taylor's journey, I recommend checking on her on Instagram or TikTok.
River and Summit are obsessed with road trips, hotels, and all the new sights, smells, people and adventures
Image credits: Taylor Meadows
Image credits: Taylor Meadows
Image credits: Taylor Meadows
Image credits: Taylor Meadows
It is often assumed that cats and dogs are not able to coexist peacefully, yet River and Summit's story shows quite the opposite.
While the Dalmatian wished to keep her foster kitten, Summit wished to have a home and a family. It seems that both of those wishes came true and probably even better than they expected.
This unexpected and adorably sweet friendship melted hearts all over the internet
