The cat, the coyote, and I go on long walkabouts in the canyon below the cabin. I’ve never gone on walks with the cat; and it’s fun to watch him do his thing – sharpening his claws on the brush, racing after some invisible thing to attack, all sleekness and grace.

The cat stops at intervals to check in on Charlie who is a total klutz and still falls down if he turns around too fast. Charlie follows the cat with devotion, and the cat seems to understand his role as mentor/babysitter. Eli comes to me when I meow, so now Charlie responds to a meow too.