Bonding with sidekick, Koogle

Since Mi-yeon passed on, Cotton becomes a solo bun again. It's also a matter of time that Cotton be bond with Koogle as a pair. I did not bond Koogle straight away as his body wounds conditions were not good so the focus for the past 2 weeks was healed his wounds. Also, Cotton also need some chill time to recover his loss of companion recently.

So now, the time is ripe as Koogle is recovering well and Cotton has been constantly visiting Koogle for the past 2 weeks as well. 

As Cotton is a free roam bun, it's really difficult to find a neutral ground to do this bonding, compared to last time round. To make matter worst, Cotton and Koogle fought once before when I let them explored by themselves one day. They were flying in circles in their fight and furs could be seen sputtering out in the air as well. How bad was the fight? Look at the bite wound inflicted on Koogle's nose. 

Now bonding both of them is even harder after that fight. The bonding journey is going to be tough as I thought. So I decided to lend a helping hand.....the same strategy which I used earlier to speed up Miyeon and Cotton bonding then. I did that for 5mins a day for 3 days but it was a futile effort as their animosity is too great to be overcome.  

I have also tried to stroke them by placing them together side by side. 

If this does not work, I have to use plan B - induce an external stress factor. Uncle Hubby used the vacuum cleaner while cleaning up the house. Indeed, the vacuuming sound did cause Cotton hopping to Koogle's pen and laid next to him. Ahhhh....there's hope!

 

From plan B, we decided to move to plan C - a road trip! Uncle Hubby and I brought them out today this morning for breakfast and to run some errands as well. We also did not want to gain unwanted attention on us when traveling with them in toll so we finally get to use the free gift bag trolley! 

The walk trip lasted about 3hrs. At times, I peeked at them in secret to see how they were doing. 

They never fight, struggle or trying to escape while in the trolley bag. All the while throughout the almost 3hrs journey they were very quiet and remained pretty stationary. Cotton was in particularly pretty nervous and would hide below Koogle for some comfort.

After the trip, it's time to continue bonding them at the bonding site despite it's not a neutral ground. Oooooh lah lah, they can tolerate being with each other without any fight! 

 

After placing them for 1hr later.....

Cotton was also caught on video licking Koogle a few times! It's a super great leap although Koogle will still stomp his foot when Cotton and him are in the same litter tray. 

 

After placing them together for 9hrs and their direction of lying is finally in-sync. It's another leap progress sign!

To continue building on the good progress of their bonding, I have installed a playpen for Cotton so that Cotton and Koogle can continue stay near each other throughout the day and night. Sorry Cotton that you will lose your free roam privilege for now. 

Only when both of them are bonded then can Koogle be able to progress to free roam around the house. Finger-crossed for now.