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An older man in glasses plays checkers on a porch table at dusk while a gray cat rests a paw on the board. 21 / 37

Earl Was One Jump Away from Winning at Checkers. Then Pewter Stepped In.

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Dusk is falling over the porch, and a string of tiny lights glows in the trees beyond the railing. A wooden checkerboard sits between Earl and Pewter, with dark and light pieces scattered across it mid-game. Earl, wearing his glasses and his usual vest, reaches out to move a piece with real concentration. Across from him, Pewter rests one paw on the corner of the board, her green eyes narrowed and her ears angled forward, studying the position as though she has a plan. A glass of iced tea and a ring of keys wait at the edge of the table.

Board games are good brain exercise for people of any age, and a pet at the table can make the game friendlier. Cats do love to bat at small moving objects, so checkers pieces can easily become toys, and it is best to count the pieces at the end so none are lost under a chair. Pieces small enough to swallow should be kept away from a curious cat who likes to chew or swat. Offering a feather wand or a puzzle toy beside the table can give a cat her own game while the people play theirs. Russian Blues are known for being smart and observant, and many enjoy having a role to play in the family routine. A calm game and a calm cat make a good evening.

Earl says he has not lost a game on this porch in years. Pewter has not yet said whether she believes him.

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