THE FRIENDSHIP ON THE OTHER SIDE OF THE DOOR

"Dubu plays the princess."

— Mattho Mandersloot

Dubu came into Mattho Mandersloot's home as a foster kitten from Jacksonville Humane Society. She arrived with her littermate, but it was the family's dog, Soju, who would help determine what happened next.

At first, the kittens were kept in a separate room from Soju. They could see one another through the window in the door, though, and would patiently sit on opposite sides, staring at each other.

Once they were introduced, it became clear how well Dubu fit into the family.

As Mattho puts it, Soju essentially adopted the kittens on their behalf.

Dubu never went back.

Her name means "tofu" in Korean, but her personality is anything but plain. Affectionate and decidedly regal, Dubu is the one Mattho describes as "the princess."

Her relationship with Soju began with plenty of kitten mischief. When Dubu was young, she liked to swat at Soju's tail, turning the much larger dog into an irresistible playmate.

But beneath the playfulness was the connection that had been there almost from the beginning.

Dubu arrived as a foster kitten who needed a temporary place to stay.

She found a dog who welcomed her and a family that became her own.