This is another example of using the thirds rule and light to set the focus of the picture.

Our cat Boat was resting in front of the fire on a winter evening. Her eyes are in perfect focus while the remainder of the photo is quite soft and the light relatively dim. While Boat is not looking directly at the camera, she has her eyes slightly averted to the left. I think the existing light is far more effective than a flash picture would be in this case.