Anytime we were out on a route and filled the pickup bed with cardboard or curbside bags during my first years at Keep Alliance it was “time to head back to the barn”. Our boss then, G.O., as well as Deb, myself and others at the recycling center had grown up or still lived in the country so the saying fit. Much of the “hay” hauled daily left in bales – no tractor required. Resident mice calling the former Pepsi warehouse home added to the metaphor unimpeded by barn cats . . . until now.
A few weeks ago a female calico cat began hanging out around the front of the recycling center. Catching a glimpse of feral felines in the early morning or late afternoon in the adjoining alleys is nothing new. These cats are among a population that has been targeted over the years to trap, then spay/neuter and release with small shelters strategically located throughout the community. Our crew took an interest and hoped this visitor would stay.
At work Mary is our resident expert on cats and dogs. She has spent years rehoming the pets, connecting often unwanted animals with loving owners. In the case of the calico, she said it was without a home though not wild. So, with reused kitchen containers dropped off the week before we offered food and water next to the front door. Within less than a month the cat has become friendly and made brief forays into the unloading bay and office. A veterinarian visit is in the works. Then perhaps she can meet Mickey and Minnie.
Acquiring a cat has been a topic of conversation at staff meetings and around the center on and off for months. There was a potential candidate by our downtown office though that cat, it turns out, had already been snapped up to live at the Carnegie Arts Center. Like many of our dogs growing up, we did not have to go searching – the calico just showed up.
Depending on who calls for recycling, we meet a variety of cats and dogs. I never pass up an opportunity to pet somebody’s furry ambassador to the public. I already think of the calico as KAB’s unofficial mascot though that may be jumping the gun. She has added something extra to our shop as we cooperate to offer sustenance and shelter. I, for one, love having a cat again. Allergies have left cats off the list at my house.
Now the KAB kitty needs a name. We are inviting the public to submit suggestions via email at keepalliancebeautiful@gmail.com