Must admit...I’m a dog person. But one special yellow cat stole my heart.Dewey Readmore Books was the resident cat at Spencer Public Library, Spencer Iowa after a heartless soul dropped him into the library book return one cold January night in 1988. Library director, Vicki Myron, a single mother also in a struggle to get back on her feet after a series of tragedies, found him the next morning, hoarse from crying and suffering from frostbite.
He stole the hearts of the staff when, despite his discomfort, nudged each one of them in a gesture of thanks. Their decision to adopt him was rewarded by 19 years of loyalty. A contest was held to pick a name, and Dewey (named after Melvil Dewey of Dewey Decimal System fame) Readmore Books was officially added to the staff.
Patrons and friends donated pop cans and money, from as far away as New York, to pay for Dewey's food. Don’t get me wrong. Dewey was no charity case. As an official library staff member, he had his own job description.
Now, Vicki Myron has put Dewey's story in print. To "readmore" about this special cat, click on Amazon.
Or visit: Spencer Public Library
Mary Cunningham
Quake
Cynthia's Attic Blog
11 comments:
I've spotted this book and thought I'd read it even though I'm a dog person too. But how great that the cat found a great home after someone was so cruel. You wonder, what's wrong with people?!
Who could resist Dewey? And, he was responsible for such great P.R. to the library.
I have this book but haven't gotten around to reading it yet, seems to be in response to Marley. I was too slow to write my own real life cat story book: Jake the Terrible, and Other Tiger Tales. Someday.
There's still time for that book, Linda. Love the title!
Chris, Mary, I have to confess that I've considered dropping Moesha into a library collection bin, and worse. I've had good cats, and then there's Mo. She's a long haired Torty with a bad disposition. I say she's feral, but she's really selectively mean, and her misplaced anger is always directed at yours truly. (She's asleep on my desk here as I type).
I'm a cat lover and a dog lover, and wouldn't hurt a flea on their fluffy bodies. But Mo lurks in the shadows, just waiting to ambush me as I walk by, especially if my ankles are bare: just too enticing, I guess. She is fierce, all claws and teeth, her pupils open wide with madness.
But not so in the morning, when I get up to feed her and our Golden-Go-Get-It-Yourself. They wait together, anxious for their bowls to be set forth.
Ah, well. I suppose there are things that must be endured to cohabitate successfully with cats. At least she doesn't "cr*p in my boot". (Anybody remember Fritz the Cat?)
Pam
http://readingwithscissors.blogspot.com
I'm definitely a cat lover (have 20 at least;), and read the book which is more a Vicki Myron memoir -with Dewey as catalyst for the story. It's a good read.
Dani
http://bloodredpencil.blogspot.com
Wow, Pam, you sure tell a tale of one tempermental cat! Sounds like you two have learned to live and let live. Have you raised her from a kitten? How does she get along with your dog?
Hope your ankles survive!
I fell in love with this story, Dani. Mostly I fell in love with Dewey who had passionate will to live.
Dewey eats pop cans?
Norm
http://fangplace.blogspot.com
No, Norm! He doesn't eat pop cans! Never did. Put on your glasses and read again!
Kidding, I know you really meant 'drink pop,' right?
I suggest not Mountain Dew though. It rots the teeth quicker than most soft drinks.
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