SUSAN LOESCH

CATS IN THE STACKS

Once again Alex had to come back to school to REST!  He spent another weekend being sociable and cute and representing the Arkansas School for the Blind and FuRR (Feline Rescue and Rehome).

Little Rock Animal Village celebrated the 2^nd anniversary of their new facility and had a ribbon-cutting for the opening of their education room and clinic. Several rescue groups set up displays outside, including FuRR, and Alex and I went inside for the ceremony.

The head of the Animal Services Board gave Alex a shout-out when she thanked “Alex, the Library Cat at the School for the Blind” for attending! Alex took it all in stride…even wearing his costume all day and coming face-to-face with dogs.

There was a “showdown” at high noon – a costume contest for animals! Alex got cheers from the crowd as he appeared, and he won third place.  He lost to “Two Peas in a Pod” and a zebra, all of which were D-O-G-S. We quickly reminded him that he was the very best cat there. (We didn’t mention that he was the ONLY cat there.)

After the contest he visited with more dogs and more people and was filmed by one of the local TV channels and appeared on the news. He got kisses from a little brother and sister who, you could tell, have a kitty at home and know what they like.

Back at school, on the job, he is enjoying a few days with no costume and even no bandana.  He is basking in the admiration of his fans, our student body, and he is getting many comments about his picture appearing in the newspaper on Halloween.

The two students in the picture with him were excited.  Brianna told me that, “It was awesome,” and Dominique thought, “It was SO cool!”  They both have laminated copies of the picture, which they say they will keep forever.