Re: Library Cats Website

[Michael Schuyler <michael@linknet.kitsap.lib.wa.us>]

On Fri, 24 Jan 1997, Mary Hammond wrote:

> Being allergic to cats, and having a daughter who is severely allergic to 
> them, I'm naturally curious to know how librarians can justify having 
> their cats in a public building.  I love cats -- on greeting cards and on 
> TV --  but can't survive sharing indoor space with them!  Don't some of 
> you have allergic staff members, not to mention patrons?

Our cat is in the staff area only, which is about 18,000 square feet. 
Curiously, some people who were formerly allergic do not find that Dui
bothers them at all. In some cases, he sits on their laps. I used to be
allergic to cats myself. I guess I grew out of it. Dui's job description
includes counseling, which he does purrfectly well. He is bipartisan and
does not discriminate. He won't bother you or go near you if you don't
solicit him. He doesn't nose in on other people's business. If you had
ever seen a stressed-out staff member seek out Dui for a moment of
consolation you would understand that justification for his existence is
not necessary. In my opinion, he has saved more sick days than he has
caused; and so far, he has not caused any. Dui is supported by private
funds and is not a drain on taxpayer dollars. In any case, there is
nothing we can do that will not be criticized by someone somewhere. Since
Dui is unwilling to give up one of his nine lives, I guess we will just
have to cut him some slack, or some fish, or maybe a bowl of warm milk. 



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Michael Schuyler:     Voice:(360) 405-9139 michael@linknet.kitsap.lib.wa.us