The Jon Katz Fan Club meets several times a day to discuss treats, their quality, frequency, and how to get more. When I am sleeping, going to the bathroom, sitting at the dining room table, or reading in his chair, the members of the Fan Club are apt to show up and sit quietly and silently.

They make no noise, cause no trouble, and do no drooling. If I am in my office, they might suddenly appear at the gate smiling, looking cute, wagging their tails quietly. I think they’ve learned the lessons of the donkeys, who stare at me with their big brown eyes, braying softly.

If I ignore them, they will go away and call another meeting in a few minutes. They are never discouraged or deterred, even though they only get one treat in the morning, and one treat in the evening before bedtime. Both are sugarless and digestible.

The club is exclusive. Newcomers are neither welcome nor permitted. They always take up the same position with Bud, the Little King in front, Fate with her blue eye in the rear, and Zinnia waiting calmly and patiently. She is the Queen of Chill.

I think they have their meetings at night, when we are reading or talking, they gather in a circle and plan their approach. They are very successful and are studying the art of cuteness.