Dewey's story

I just finished reading a fabulous book - "Dewey: The Small-Town Library Cat Who Touched the World." This heartwarming story begins on a frigid January morning in 1988 when Vicki Myron, director of the public library in Spencer, Iowa, finds a trembling, half-frozen orange kitten inside the library's overnight drop box. Myron (and the library) adopt the cat and named him Dewey - after the decimal system - and he ended up impacting the lives of staff, patrons, the community of Spencer, and eventually - people around the globe. 

Not only does Myron tell a beautiful story about how Dewey helped transform the small-town library through his affection, silly habits (and daily hobby of snuggling into laps) - she also weaves in touching details about how Dewey helped her through personal struggles and essentially became a source of pride for Spencer as it reeled from hard economic times during the farming crisis in the late 1980s. 

Dewey's fame spread beyond northwest Iowa - his story appeared in newspapers and magazines around the country and visitors would drive several hours out of their way to meet the lovable tabby. For 19 years, Dewey charmed (almost) everyone who entered the Spencer Public Library, even those who weren't originally cat people. When he died in 2006, his obituary ran in more than 200 newspapers around the world. 

One of the greatest things about "Dewey" is the detail in which Myron describes his "sixth sense" of knowing when people needed him most. When he was first rescued, he wobbled on his frostbitten paws and nudged the staff members as a way of thanking them for saving his life. He constantly curled up with Vicki when her personal life was unraveling and warmed her heart every morning when he waited at the library's glass doors and lifted his paw when she arrived. He also formed a special connection with patrons - especially children.

But perhaps my favorite aspect of the book is the way Myron demonstrates the strength of the bond between humans and companion animals. Often, people don't give cats enough credit. Sure, they tend to be a bit more independent and like to do things on their own terms, but they show their love in the most amazing of ways and I couldn't be happier that a book about a cat is a #1 New York Times bestseller. :) I highly recommend it, of course.