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An elderly man in a tan sweater whittles a small piece of wood on a porch as curled shavings pile up beside a tuxedo cat. 8 / 22

Grandpa Ken Thought Domino Was Watching Him Carve. Not Quite.

AI imagetuxedo catwhittlingfront porch

Curls of pale wood drift down onto the porch boards one by one, and Domino is tracking every single one. Grandpa Ken sits on the edge of the porch in a tan sweater over a blue plaid collar, a small knife in one hand and a block of wood in the other, smiling as he works. The pile of shavings at his feet keeps growing, and Domino has parked himself right beside it, golden eyes turned toward the camera as if he has just been caught considering a pounce. A blue watering can, a potted aloe, and a pair of work boots complete the scene.

Little moving objects like falling shavings set off a cat's hunting instincts, which is why so many cats can't resist a twitching string or a rolling bottle cap. It's a healthy urge, but woodworking spots deserve some caution. Sharp tools should be put away when not in use, and small splinters or sawdust are best swept up before a cat decides to taste them. Wood stains, varnishes, and finishing oils can also be harmful if a pet licks them, so keep cans sealed and let finished pieces dry somewhere the cat can't reach. A safer outlet is a wand toy or a crinkly ball tossed across the porch between carving sessions.

Whatever Ken is shaping, Domino has already decided the leftover curls are the real prize. Every craftsman needs a dedicated apprentice, even one who mostly just watches.

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