His big brother Rio, a beloved 10-year-old pit boxer mix, showed him the ropes early on, especially how to be “a good boy.” When Waylon turned two, he spent a year with Mary Lou Heidt, Ben’s Nana, before her passing nearly a year later. Under her loving care, he was classically trained in etiquette, even learning to rinse his paws in the faucet before and after meals.

During holiday dinner parties, Waylon discovered his love of hosting and, most of all, his love of duck. One nibble was all it took; he's been wailing for more ever since. We've even caught him listening in on menu discussions and making subtle gestures of approval when duck is mentioned. He’s a fanatic: raw, cooked, confit, pâté, he doesn’t discriminate.

Waylon is a very social cat, drawn to affection and attention. He now recognizes when we begin arranging the dining room, it’s time to prepare. Though sometimes overwhelmed by strangers sitting in his favorite sun-basking chairs, he still makes his rounds: smelling shoes, rubbing legs, accepting gentle pets. On four separate occasions, guests stood to leave only to find their shoelaces mysteriously untied.

In the off-season, HQ is his domain. He handles all managerial duties while we’re menu plannin, emailing, managing the IG, cleaning, and all the behind-the-scenes clerical work. Waylon isn’t just a mascot, he’s part of the show, a core member of the team, and a beloved companion to Ben (Nick) and Jared (Wick). Speaking on behalf of Nana and Rio, rest in peace, he makes us proud with his charm and sweetness..