Standoff

Nona has a compulsion. Having been bred from a long line of champion herding dogs, the need to herd is literally in her blood. Since we don't own a flock of sheep or a herd of cows, the cats are in the unfortunate position of being her only available charges.

The herding instinct is a latent trait, meaning that she doesn't need to herd every second of every day. In fact, it only kicks in when someone starts running. Luna either has not figured this out yet or her "fight or flight" instinct is just too strong because the second that she spots Nona, she takes off. Naturally, Nona follows suit. It's kind of like a cop who spots a fleeing suspect. If they're running, that must mean that they're up to something.

Payton does not have the same natural response. I don't know if it's because he's more dog-like, more ambivalent, or just because he's too fat to care. Whatever the reason, if Payton notices that Nona is trying to track or herd him, he just sits down. Nona, uncertain how to respond, does likewise. And then this happens.



I like to call it, "The Standoff." The two of them might sit there for hours and will only move if one of three things happens:

1) I take the dogs for a walk
2) It's time to eat
3) Luna makes herself visible...and then runs away

I love the standoff. It reminds me that a lot can be gained from doing the unexpected. If someone is trying to push you around, just sit back and refuse to play the game. In my opinion, Payton is very wise...or maybe he really is just fat and lazy.