For the many who share their lives with cats and dogs, we're often amazed at how two creatures in the same household could be wired so differently.

Take Daisy the dog and Bernard the cat. When Daisy was adopted, she learned basic commands such as "come" and "lay down" in just a few minutes. Bernard, on the other hand, took a few months and several cans of treats to learn how to walk on leash. To his credit, he required no training in how to use a litter box.

Cats and dogs are just not wired the same, and we'd be wise to modify our approach to them based on their innate differences.

Dogs are social creatures that are happiest in a pack that operates with a clear hierarchy. Hopefully, your dog views you as the leader and not the other way around.

A dog's attachment is to family and much less to territory. For example, a dog taken to his owner's office for the day is probably just as happy as when at home with his human companion. By comparison, a cat taken to work is more likely to be anxious.

On the other paw, anyone who has heard the hair-raising sounds of a cat fight knows that felines are extremely territorial. Cats don't develop strong pack structures where leadership is important. Feral cats in colonies are mostly solitary creatures that hunt alone. The members of a colony share a common territory. This is part of why moving homes is so traumatic for cats and requires a gradual introduction and in-house confinement for a couple of days to avoid him fleeing in search of his old turf.

"Flight or fight" is another big difference between cats and dogs. Cats are great at fleeing confrontations. They're built to jump and climb.

Not as nimble, a dog typically must rely on overt aggression and his ability to fight in a confrontational situation. Fleeing the scene is just not as easy as it is for a cat, and being part of a pack serves dogs better for hunting.

ADOPTABLES

SMOKEY

Dressed in the finest coat in the Cat House, Smokey is one cool dude. This laid-back lounger takes life in stride. The Humane Society knows that he's picking his next owner and not the other way around.

SANDY

Sandy gets her name from her love of the beach. She's happy-go-lucky but with a long attention span when it comes to play. She's a loyal and loving companion who is looking for a pack leader who's calm, assertive and willing to make a lifelong commitment to her.

HOPSCOTCH

Hopscotch is ready to hop into a new home and start sharing her life with a family. She's a little shy but once she gets to know someone, her playful personality emerges. She's crazy about leafy lettuce and that's a surefire way to make a fast friend.

These animals already may have found homes. Go to www.hawaiianhumane.org or call 946-2187. Call immediately to report lost or found animals, ext. 4.