. . .if you don’t move, It can’t see you.

I considered the above advice ridiculous when spouted by numerous Jurassic Park characters at critical plot points when confronted with giant prehistoric reptiles bearing huge pointy saliva drenched teeth breathing their steamy carnivorous breath onto said main characters.

However, it seems to be true. At least where greyhounds and kittens are concerned. I’ve taken to bringing Needlenose, the greyhound, with me to the barn while I do chores and posting him by the open door as an anti-cat wandering device. (See Herding Cats and Crouching Tiger, Hidden Kitten) Until next Monday, the barn remains East Germany; the open barn door Check Point Charley.

On Monday, both cats are scheduled to be spayed. Our vet has recommended we (and by we, I mean he) spay the kitten early, at 4 months due to our special situation . This is city vet speak for believing I am a barbarian for keeping my cats outside, in the barn, with the heated tack room and heaps of cat food where they might also make an occasional dent in the East German rodent population.

There have been a few close calls which largely explains why Needlenose is on a leash. Kato found a bit more courage tonight and zipped out around the corner and then froze. Foolish kitten, I thought to myself, that only works in the movies; and readied myself to intervene. But it worked. The dog stood within a foot of her sniffing around in the air confused (I was sure I saw a kitten around here somewhere) and eventually, almost with a shrug of his shoulders, just walked away.

Lest you get the impression that the poor pup, already retired from one job as a race-dog is still working at a feverish pace, please reference a more typical pose on afternoon guard duty in the house.

Tags: cat, Check Point Charley, East Germany, greyhound, Needlenose