Life is a serious business for the black and white executive of the house. His day starts on the dark granite island. Sitting in a perfect loaf formation, he acts as the kitchen supervisor. The tall staff members know better than to prepare breakfast without his direct oversight. He watches the faucet and the soap, ensuring hygiene standards are met before the tuna is served.
But observation from afar is rarely enough. To ensure maximum efficiency, he often scales the heights of his personal assistant. Perched on a broad shoulder, he peers down at the glowing phone screen. Scroll faster, his gaze seems to say. And why haven’t you ordered more toys yet? He isn’t just a passenger, he is the captain of this vessel, steering his person through the digital world.
During the holiday season, his duties expand to rigorous quality control. Deep within the branches of the frosted fir tree, he conducts structural tests. With pine needles brushing against his whiskers, he hunts for weak ornaments and potential hazards. It’s a jungle in there, and he is the undisputed king of the evergreen, blending in perfectly with the shadows and the lights.
Even a hardworking professional needs a distinctive look. Donning a tiny blue trucker cap, he proves that fashion and authority go hand in hand. He wears it with a stoic face, tolerating the accessory only because it commands respect from the other inhabitants of the living room. It is a look of effortless cool.
Eventually, the corporate grind takes its toll. After a long shift of judging, climbing, and supervising, the battery runs low. Curled up on a soft blanket, he throws a single paw over his eyes to block out the world. The shift is over. The boss has left the building mentally, at least drifting off into dreams of endless treats and unguarded counter space.
Shannon Willis can usually be found in the company of furry friends. A passionate animal enthusiast, her work is often inspired by her deep love for cats, dogs, and the animal kingdom as a whole.
