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Working Felines: Shop & Store Cats 3
including Shops in Poland
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Dante spent most of his time in the shop, although he liked the occasional stroll outside. A favourite sleeping place was in the shop's front window. where among the books, maps and pictures a framed notice was placed saying (in Polish, of course): 'Yes, I am alive. Please, don't knock on the window. I am sleeping now!'
Dante became very popular, to the extent of being mentioned in various city guides, as well as in press articles and on the internet, where he had a blog with many more lovely images, and also a busy Facebook page. He even received e-mails from other countries with good wishes and photos tourists had taken of him. People sometimes brought him toys and even food, such as fish or chicken, but he preferred cat food. Many shop customers were more interested in seeing the cat than in the books! In late 2016 Dante became ill, and despite the best efforts of his vet he died shortly before Christmas. There were many heartfelt tributes on his Facebook page, and he was clearly mourned by many people. On that page (see link above), by scrolling down to 23 December 2016 there is a tribute to Dante in the form of a gallery of some 50 images of him. There was some mention of creating a brass likeness of him to be placed at the shop, perhaps on the window ledge outside where he liked to sit, but we haven't heard any more of that so far.
In August 2010 he went missing from the shop actually for the second time. The first was when he was still a kitten, and apparently he went to live with one of the neighbours, but returned after a few days. His second disappearance was for longer; appeals were made in the press and on TV and a search was organised by his many friends. It was 10 days before he was found in a basement not far from the shop, dirty and very hungry but otherwise unharmed. He was soon back indulging in his favourite pastime of lounging around on the books!
More recently (late 2013) the Bagatelli shop had closed, but in January 2014 Rudolf was due to resume his shop-cat duties in new premises as soon as alterations were complete. The new shop is called 'Na pieterku' ('On the First Floor'). Meanwhile, on the Baltic coast . . .
We're very grateful to our Polish friend Bartlomiej for researching and sending us details |
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Our featured feline at the head of the page is Socks, pictured in 2003 surveying his 'estate' in the early morning sunshine. Affectionately known as Soxy, he blossomed from a thin and hungry stray into a substantial and handsome cat who loved life and company, and his gentle ways endeared him to many friends. He is now no longer with us, but you can read more from his human companion here.
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Page created May 2012, with later revisions and additions