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I've been an artist my whole life and have had so many exciting art related jobs, which makes me kinda of a jack of a bunch of trades. I'm also college grad with a BFA and went to the High School of Performing & Visual Arts here in Houston. Visit my shop at Etsy and I promise you'll most likely receive a Smile to take with you! I decided to mention that about 10 years ago I was on chemo for 2 years. The chemo worked, but left me with other Heath issues, such as a case of Fibro which left me with having to get disability.Sad news, since I had a great career, that I can not work anymore. With my Faith and determination, I am determined to still do my art. My art gives me inspiration and thank you God! Oh, and please follow my blog! I'd love to have yall join me in my show and tells and also would love to hear what yall have to show and tell!:)

Thursday, August 20, 2009

Article about Dewey


I told my friend, Sharon, that I was reading Dewey and she wanted to know if I was reading Dewey, about the library cat and I asked her how did she know about it? Well then she sent me this article! For all you cat lovers, I thought yall might enjoy reading it! It's kinda long, but I thought it was really cute as it relates to all kitty cats!!! :)

Dewey Readmore Books was the resident cat at Spencer Public Library. He was put in the book return one cold January night in 1988. When the staff found him the next morning, they decided to adopt him. After the library's board of trustees and the city council approved, the kitten was declawed, neutered, and given the proper vaccinations. A contest was held to pick a name, and Dewey Readmore Books was officially added to the staff. The staff cared for Dewey and donated their pop cans to feed the kitty. Patrons and friends from as far away as New York have donated money for Dewey's food.

Dewey generated lots of publicity for the library. He was featured in the local paper, Country magazine, Cat Fancy magazine, on the Sioux City television stations, in books, and on postcards. He was a video star in Puss in Books, a documentary about library cats. Of course, Dewey was already the star of the library. Many people came in just to see him. Dewey even had his own job description. Check out Dewey as a supervisor of our staff.

Dewey passed away on November 29, 2006 due to complications from a stomach tumor. He had become very frail because of hyperthyroid disease for which he was receiving medication. He died in the arms of the library director, Vicki Myron. He had just celebrated his 19th birthday eleven days before he died. Although Dewey is gone, he will be remembered by thousands of people whom he cheered by simply being a loving presence in the library. Although we may get another library cat, Dewey will never be replaced. The library won't be the same without Dewey.

DEWEY'S JOB DESCRIPTION
Reducing stress for all humans who pay attention to him.
Sitting by the front door every morning at 9:00 am to greet the public as they enter the library.
Sampling all boxes that enter the library for security problems and comfort level.
Attending all meetings in the Round Room as official library ambassador.
Providing comic relief for staff and visitors whenever possible.
Climbing in book bags and briefcases while patrons are studying or trying to retrieve needed papers underneath him.
Generating free national and world-wide publicity for Spencer Public Library. (This entails sitting still for photographs, smiling for the camera, and generally being cute.)
Working toward status as world's most finicky cat by refusing all but the most expensive, delectable foods---and even turning up his nose at those most of the time.
*RECENTLY UPDATED!*
Dewey is an official member of the Library Cat Society and has been a contributing author on several occasions using Vicki Myron, the library director, as his scribe. Vicki has written an adult book about her life with Dewey at Spencer Public Library, published September 24th, 2008. Vicki has retired from the library, but you can contact her at:
Vicki Myron
P.O. Box 1155
Spencer, IA 51301

For a description of the book, click here and to read an excerpt from this best-seller, click here. Dewey is also available on audiobook. For more information, click here.

BASIC RULES FOR CATS WHO HAVE A LIBRARY TO RUN
(according to Dewey Readmore Books)

STAFF:
If you are feeling particularly lonely and wanting more attention from the staff, sit on whatever papers, project, or computer they happen to be working on at the time---but sit with your back to the person and act aloof, so as not to appear too needy. Also, be sure to continually rub against the leg of the staff person who is wearing dark brown, blue, or black for maximum effect.
PATRONS: No matter how long the patron plans on staying at the library, climb into their briefcase or book bag for a long comfortable sleep until they must dump you out on the table in order to leave.
LADDERS: Never miss an opportunity to climb on ladders. It does not matter which human is on the ladder. It only matters that you get to the top and stay there.
CLOSING TIME: Wait until 10 minutes before closing time to get up from your nap. Just as the staff is getting ready to turn out the lights and lock the door, do all your cutest tricks in an effort to get them to stay and play with you. (Although this doesn't work very often, sometimes they can't resist giving in to one short game of hide & go seek.)
BOXES: Your humans must realize that all boxes which enter the library are yours. It doesn't matter how large, how small, or how full the box should be, it is yours! If you cannot fit your entire body into the box, then use whatever part of your body fits to assume ownership for naptime. (I have used one or two paws, my head, or even just my tail to gain entry and each works equally well for a truly restful sleep.)
MEETINGS: No matter the group, timing, or subject matter, if there is a meeting scheduled in the meeting room---you have an obligation to attend. If they have shut you out by closing the door, cry pitifully until they let you in or until someone opens the door to use the restroom or get a drink of water. After you gain entry, be sure to go around the room and greet each attendee. If there is a film shown or slide show, climb on any table close to the screen, settle in and watch the film to conclusion. As the credits roll, feign extreme boredom and leave the meeting before it concludes.
And the library cat's golden rule for all time....

"Never forget, nor let humans forget, that you own the joint!"


Be sure to "see" Dewey by ordering some of his postcard pictures. The Friends of the Library are raising funds for the library by selling four different poses of our famous feline which we will mail to you.

Visit Dewey on the net: Dewey's Facebook page

3 comments:

  1. What a cool cat Dewey was!
    The sale for my Capital Crafters is from August 25-31. That is why the sale isn't on people's stores yet :)
    Give Kenzie a kiss from us :)

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  2. I just love that story!! I have left you an award on my blog hon!! Hugs, Sarah

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  3. Dewey sounds like he was a very special cat! I plan to read that book some day although anything pet related usually makes me cry. I'm hoping this one is a happy story.

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