Pets -

"You did alright, kid," Luna said, closing her eyes for a nap. "But don't get used to it. Once you get home, I expect you to bark at the mailman at least twice a day. Keep the brand alive."

Barnaby stopped mid-twirl, panting. "I’m showing initiative. Humans love initiative."

"You’re trying too hard," Luna meowed one Tuesday, watching Barnaby perform a frantic series of spins for a young couple. "You did alright, kid," Luna said, closing her

The next day, a woman with tired eyes and a stained sweatshirt walked in. She didn't head for the puppies or the designer breeds. She walked slowly, her hands tucked into her pockets.

Across the aisle sat Luna, a sleek black cat who acted like she owned the joint. She spent her days lounging on a carpeted perch, watching the humans pass by with a look of bored judgement. Keep the brand alive

When the woman walked away to find a volunteer, Barnaby looked at Luna. "I did it. I stayed still."

Barnaby felt the urge to spin. His tail began a frantic thwack-thwack against the plastic floor. But he remembered Luna. He sat. He tilted his head. He tried to look "soulful," even though his ear kept twitching. The next day, a woman with tired eyes

In the kennel across the way, Luna let out a quiet, approving purr. She knew a "soulmate match" when she saw one.