Sometimes, cats & dogs are purrrfect companions; at San Diego Zoo and Safari Park, cheetahs and dogs are best friends

Cheetahs would rather run than fight, and why not? They're the fastest land animal in the world. But they're extremely skittish. So, for four decades the zoo and Safari Park in San Diego have been pairing cheetahs with relaxed, affable pound puppies. The cheetahs take their cues from the dogs and figure everything is OK, and there's no danger. The dogs, meanwhile, get a lifetime playmate. The mixed marriage is a winner for both. My story on the big cats and smaller dogs for the San Diego Union-Tribune: http://www.utsandiego.com/news/2012/oct/11/unlikely-allies/