Kato, the beautiful (but camera-shy) apricot-point Himalayan with the perpetual frown, belongs to my good friend Eugene Shepherd. Gene is a very fine violinist. He was the Concertmaster of the Santa Rosa Symphony for 33 years, and in 1980 he assumed the role of Conductor of the Baroque Sinfonia of Sonoma County. Twenty-two years later, he is still our beloved Maestro. I am a violinist in this orchestra, and I also study privately with Gene.

It is often said that people tend to resemble their pets, and in Gene's case, this is true. The physical resemblance is obvious, and there are some personality similarities as well.

Kato is a no-nonsense cat. Speak with dignified intelligence, and he might warm up to you eventually. If you want to capture his attention, please don't condescend to him by calling "Here Kitty, Kitty." Put on some Mozart instead, or serenade him with baroque violin duets, because Kato is a cat who really enjoys and appreciates the fine points of classical music. While Gene and I are playing duets, Kato often sneaks up behind us and rolls over onto his back with all four feet curled contentedly in the air. Since he's out of our line of vision, I suppose he thinks we can't see him in this somewhat undignified position.

Now if only Kato could absorb just a little of Gene's wonderful sense of humor! That cat really needs to discover the healthy benefits of a good laugh. Even with nine lives, life is still too short to be taken so seriously.