[Vision2020] Caturday (September 3, 2011)

[Tom Hansen]

Courtesy of the Waukee Patch (Waukee, Iowa) at:

http://waukee.patch.com/articles/waukee-hardwares-longest-tenured-employee-i
s-a-cat#photo-7580367

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Waukee Hardware's Longest Tenured Employee is a Cat 

 

In 1996, when Geoff Warmouth first adopted Wesley, he had no idea that he'd
still be keeping watch over the hardware store 15 years later

 

Who: Wesley the Cat

 

Age: 19

 

How long has Waukee been his home: Wesley's been living and working in
Waukee ever since 1996, when Geoff Warmouth, the owner of Waukee Hardware
decided the store could use a pet.

 

"We just thought that it would be nice to have a store cat to keep us
company on slow days," Warmouth said. "And to help us with any mice problems
we might have."

 

What makes him notable: At 19, Wesley, a hefty orange tabby, is older than
most cats, a feat that Warmouth credits to his good health, steady diet, and
lots of love. Wesley even has a heated bed for the cold winter months.

 

Warmouth, who has several cats at home, said he's never considered taking
Wesley home at night, mostly because he and his wife are always at the
hardware store.

 

"We're here longer than we're at home," Warmouth said.

 

Why should you get to know him: Wesley, who spends most of his days sleeping
in the store's front window, has attracted a fan base over the years. Plenty
of folks walking by will do a double-take when they spot him. Warmouth says
it's a common sight to see residents, with their noses pressed to the glass,
checking up on the cat.

 

"I have people who come in just to see him, and on the way out they end up
buying something," Warmouth said.

 

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Wesley the cat keeps an eye on the hardware store from his perch in the
front window.

 

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Seeya round town, Moscow.

 

Tom Hansen

Moscow, Idaho

 

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