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| (AP Photo/Charlie Neibergall) Author Vicki Myron holds her new cat Page, Tuesday, Dec. 30, 2008, in her Spencer, Iowa, home. The cat was given to Myron, who wrote the best-selling book "Dewey, The Small-Town Library Cat Who Touched the World", earlier this month by a friend who found the cat on a snow-covered road. |
DES MOINES, Iowa (AP) -- Vicki Myron intended to wait a year or two before getting another cat.
Her best-selling book, "Dewey, The Small-Town Library Cat Who Touched the World," was keeping her on the road most of the time and she didn't have time for a pet.
An orange and white kitten found on a snow-covered road changed her mind.
"I fell in love instantly," Myron says.
The little tabby was found Dec. 16 by Sue Selzer, who works for the school district in Myron's northwest Iowa hometown of Spencer.
"I was out and about and met a truck that swerved in the road," Selzer says. "I saw something and thought it was some garbage or something but when I got close I saw it was a kitten."
Selzer pulled into a parking lot, then walked into the street to pick up the cat.
"It was snowing quite heavily and she was covered in snow. She had ice chunks hanging from her. She had twigs and leaves tangled in her fur," Selzer says. "I took her back to my office and dried her off, put some warm water on her and cleaned her up."
Two days later, she took the cat to the Spencer Public Library, where Myron was meeting with a Japanese television crew working on a show about Myron and Dewey.
Myron's book (written with Bret Witter) chronicles the life of Dewey and the Iowa farm town of about 11,000, where Dewey had served as house cat in the library ever since Myron plucked him from a book deposit ban on a frigid January morning in 1988.
Dewey Readmore Books, named after the Dewey Decimal System used by libraries to catalog books, quickly became famous in Spencer and attracted attention worldwide. He died on Nov. 29, 2006. A granite marker sits outside the library, where his ashes were buried beneath the lawn.
Myron named the new kitten Page.
"That was from a fan whose son suggested that name because I'm turning over a new page in my life," says Myron.
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| (AP Photo/Charlie Neibergall)A picture of Dewey Readmore Books the cat hangs on a wall in the Spencer library, Tuesday, Dec. 30, 2008, in Spencer, Iowa. The cat inspired author Vicki Myron to write the best -selling book "Dewey, The Small-Town Library Cat Who Touched the World." |
The library, where Myron served as director for about 20 years before retiring last year, has decided not to adopt Page as its new boarder. Kay Larson, the library's current director, says the board will discuss getting a new cat at its Jan. 8 meeting.
Myron said that since she took Page in, the kitten has thrived.
"She's a sweet, loving cat, very affectionate, very easy going," she says. "She's definitely a girl but eats like a pig, probably because she was a street cat that probably had to fend for herself."
Although her book, which reached No. 1 on The New York Times list of nonfiction best sellers earlier this year and remains at No. 2, has kept Myron on the road promoting her work, she didn't hesitate taking the kitten.
"I knew if the right one came along at the right time I'd get one, but I was hoping it would be a couple of years down the road because I'm not around much," she says. "But here she is. We kind of found each other."
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Vicki,
I think it is wonderful that you finally got a new cat. Although you can never ever replace Dewey, I am sure Page will fill your heart with love and fun, just as Dewey did. Your book was absolutely wonderful, it is the best book I have read in years.
Take Care,
Terri from Cincinnati, Ohio
My wife and I bought the Dewey book (and the CDs) after reading about Dewey on the 'Net.
It's a heart warming story (a must buy, and a must read for any cat lover) and we have introduced quite a few people to the story over the past month or so. People here now know about Spencer - and they certainly know about Dewey!
It's good to see another little cat (a fortunate little cat!) entering Vicki's life, and we look forward to hearing more in due course. Naturally Dewey is irreplaceable, but Page has already made her mark it seems!
Thanks for telling us about this development, which makes us feel closer to Spencer (although Western Australia is indeed a very long way away!)
Cheers and best regards
Roger Andrew
Mt Nasura
Western Australia
Hi Vicki!
I adored Dewey and your book. I was born and grew up in Iowa (Rockwell City) and am so sorry news of Dewey didn't reach me in time to drive to meet him in person on one of my annual trips to see my mom in Iowa.
Page cannot replace Dewey, but your new feline looks precious. My abby is her colouring. I have now four cats. Vive les chats!
Evelyn in Ontario, Canada
Hi Vicki!
I adored Dewey and your book. I was born and grew up in Iowa (Rockwell City) and am so sorry news of Dewey didn't reach me in time to drive to meet him in person on one of my annual trips to see my mom in Iowa.
Page cannot replace Dewey, but your new feline looks precious. My abby is her colouring. I have now four cats. Vive les chats!
Evelyn in Ontario, Canada
Welcome to Page! I am so glad she has found a wonderful, loving home with you, Vicki. I loved your book and bought it because of the front cover photo - Dewey looks rather like a Norwegian Forest Cat, which is what I breed. I have 16 of them, and my favourite colour is 'red tabby (ginger)and white'!
Loraine Smith
Borealis Norwegian Forest Cats
www.borealiscats.com
Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
Dearest Vicki and your newest Page Turner...
I loved your book and the story of Dewey will love longer in my heart than all the tomorrows. I enjoyed your story as well and felt your sincere pain and frustrations through the years. A testimonial that we all have struggles and if we just believe in our moral compass everything always turns out to a beautiful chapter into the next season of our lives....
May Page bring you as much comfort as Dewey had and still does I reckon.
Blessings always Lady Samm
Dearest Vicki and your newest Page Turner...
I loved your book and the story of Dewey will love longer in my heart than all the tomorrows. I enjoyed your story as well and felt your sincere pain and frustrations through the years. A testimonial that we all have struggles and if we just believe in our moral compass everything always turns out to a beautiful chapter into the next season of our lives....
May Page bring you as much comfort as Dewey had and still does I reckon.
So nice to see that you've got a new friend. :o) I was in the same situation as you; I had to have my cat, Boxer put down in 2007 because of chronic renal failure and I wasn't sure that I would get another cat.
But time heals wounds, and I found myself, especially after reading your book longing for that companionship again. Mid-December I brought home my new kitten, who I named after your Dewey. Not because he looked like him or anything, but partially as a tribute to the special cat that your Dewey was and partially because when I looked at him, his face just read the name. I love the name you've picked for your new cat and I wish you both much love and good health. Thanks so much for your book and your continued connection with your readers. Hopefully sometime you will do a book signing in Nova Scotia! :o)
This story was my favorite Christmas present -- a beautiful fluffy orange and cream little girl to join the Spencer Public Library in the tradition of her predecessor. It was meant to happen as it did; I have no doubt the Spirit of Dewey orchestrated the events from The Rainbow Bridge to bring her to you. Congratulations to all those involved and to this sweet little jewel, Page, now in your lives for a long, long time.
I saw a review of your book and was drawn to it because I too was born and raised in Iowa (Rockwell City) and love cats of all shapes and sizes. Thank you so much for sharing your and Dewey's stories. This book will stay with me for a long time.
Congratulations on your new Page. Fate has funny ways of bringing us just what we need and may she bring you many years of joy.
Michelle
How wonderful for you both!
I didn't cry when I read Dewey...I wept. I think it was because he reminded me of my dear, sweet Willie who recently passed away. I know I could never replace him, but the house seemed so empty without him. I stopped at a house advertizing "Kittens". There were three - but I couldn't decide which one to take. All three now share our home!
I am sure Page is one lucky little girl! She looks so much like Dewey!
I too wept when I read Dewey. It reminded me of My Smokey who I had to put down at age 7 for a rare condition known as Cushings Disease. I couldn't bring myself to get another cat, so I could spare myself the pain of losing another cat. However I wanted that companionship back so, I saw an ad for kittens. She had 3, I couldn't make up my mind, and now I have three. They are all brothers. They turn 7 in June. Solo, Sammy, and Thomas. White and Orange DSH. Solo follows me everywhere. He has to be with me. Sammy sleeps all the time, then runs around. Thomas is MaMa's boy and can't leave her side.
I wish I could have met Dewey before he passed, I feel that I know him. I get all choked up when I think of that face of his. I'm sure that Dewey had something to do with your finding Page. Page looks a little to similiar to Dewey for him not to have something to do with it.Although Dewey is irreplacable may she bring you as much love as Dewey did, and still does, for years to come.
Scott Dellavechia
Ramsey, NJ
The kitten is absolutely adorable.
It looks a little like Dewey. Since Dewey was
a street cat and this one was as well, maybe
they are related. Dewey's little niece may
be coming to live with you.
Hi. I bought the book Dewey for my 12 year old daughter for Christmas. She is part way through, and I know that I will be reading it when she has finished. We are a cat loving family and have two of our own. Both were bought through the Animal Welfare League here in Adelaide.
Thanks for the love you gave to Dewey. If it would have been in Adelaide I know we would have been members of the library just to see him. Although we do love reading too!!!
I know that Page will be loved as much as Dewey as we love each cat that we get, however different their personalities.
Take care, Sandra
Vicki,
I am a younger reader but still enjoyed this heart warming tale about Dewey. I got a new kitten in November that reminds me of Dewey with the way that she acts. I am very happy to hear that you got your own new kitten (finally). I hope that you have as great a relationship with Page as you did with Dewey even though she could never replace him.
my best wishes go to you,
Sophia
I first spotted the "Dewey" audio CD as I was walking up and down aisles in a book store near where I work. I glanced up and froze - since my last name is Dewey, I said to myself, "I don't know what this is about, but I HAVE to get it!" I loved it as I am also a cat owner.
I'm so pleased that you have a new kitten. The resemblance to Dewey is amazing.
Congratulations!
B. Dewey from Connecticut
CONGRATULATIONS! You're doubly blessed as most organge tabby's are male! "Dewey" touched me in a way that cannot be described.
Much love and happiness to both you and Page!
I think it's nice that Vicki Myron now has Page to keep her company. I also think it's great that Dewey's book is bringing publicity to Spencer. I hope that publicity can be used to show all of the wonderful arts and literature opportunities Spencer has to offer. In the future, should someone need a ghostwriter for their bestselling book, I'd hope they would look to one of the many good writers here in Spencer rather than thinking they need some Hollywood writer to tell a Spencer, Iowa story.
Hi Vicki-
Thank You. You are my hero.
When I lost my best friend of 15 years, Kalamazoo "Kal-B" in 2005 I felt as though I couldn't go on...much less live to tell a brilliant story about my life with her. But, fortunately, time does aid in healing.
You, Dewey, and your outstanding writing ability (along with Bret) made this book my all-time favorite because you were able to capture in print what I as a grieving pet lover could not do.
Vicki, I thank you for your strength, courage, perseverance, and most of all, I thank you for sharing your love for Dewey and the story of his home-town Library.
I wish you and Page all the best life has to offer--you deserve it!
LaReina L. Waldorf-Schmitt
Dear Vicki,
I tried to return your email... it didn't go, so I mailed it to you c/o Grand Central Publishing.
What a blessing that Page found you. Another miracle in your life. I believe Dewey had something to do with it. Page looks like Dewey's twin. You must read "The Daisy Sutra" by Helen Weaver. Her book is about her spirit muse Daisy, her beloved dog, who she still communicates with via animal communicators. www.DaisySutra.com.
My husband Neal and I gave each other a book for Christmas, we had both picked out the same book and were suprised when we opened them on Christmas morning. It was DEWEY. We love the book and we love Dewey.
Thank you for sharing your wonderful story of your life with Dewey. Even though we live far away in Southern California, you have made us feel that we've been to Spencer and are part of Dewey's magical life. He has now sent you his spirt twin Page. We are very happy for you.
Blessings,
Susan & Neal Jardine
Sherman Oaks, CA
Dear Vicki,
I just finished reading Dewey Readmore Books and loved it so much I am reading it again! I have spent the past ten years with my wonderful boy Milton, who is a gray and white Dewey. He has made me laugh every day for the past ten years and has been with me through thick and thin. I hope your wonderful book will make more people aware of how special cats are - and how much love they have to give if only given the chance.
I am so glad you and Page found each other. She will never take Dewey's place, but each kitty is special and brings their love with them.
Congratulations to you both.
Rhonda
Oceanside, California
Vicki,
I just finished your wonderful book last night about Dewey and cried and cried. It was as if I had just lost one of my own cats, of which I have four. My Angus even looks a lot like your beloved Dewey and he too is very intuitive about when I need an extra bit of love. Although a lost love can't be replaced I think that your heart grows a bit each time to make room for the new love. Thank you and Dewey for all you have given this world. I know that your new Page will bring lots of new adventures and love into your life.
Lisa J Van Den Berg Bayfield Colorado
Amazing, and very touching story about DEWEY, It took me about 4 1/2 hours to read the book.
I COULD NOT PUT THE BOOK DOWN, LOVE MY CATS HAVE 3, Ruby tuesday Bengal cat(Female), then Aqua the apple head seal point siameese(male), and finally Cool J the cornish rex(male.
Vicki Myron is totally amazing women, what she went through personally how she survived with her daughter Jodi, Dewey brought more people together then anyone could ever imagine DEWEY WAS AN ANGEL IN DISGUISE, his disposition and everything put together in this beautiful orange tabby is TOTALLY FLABERGASTING, I AM IN TOTAL SHOCK.
CONGRATULATIONS, HE DESERVED TO BE RECOGNIZED AND HE WAS FROM EVERYBODY AROUND THE WORLD, THE LOVE HE SPREAD DEWEY HIS FULL AURA WAS MESMERIZING
LOVE HIM TO PIECES,
I AM SOOO--HAPPY THAT PAGE FOUND VICKI IT IS DEWEY THE CAT FROM IOWA AT THE SPENCER LIBRARY IN DISGUISE, THE LOOK AND DISPOSITION
Again I wish you both very HAPPY HEALTHY LONG LIFE TOGETHER, FROM MARIANNE GUINT FROM OTTAWA ONTARIO CANADA JANUARY 20TH 2009.
Garfield is funny because Jim Davis can make up stuff the cat might be thinking. Dewey is hilarious, because Vicki Myron has the knack of knowing what's going on inside his head. The dialogues in her book are hysterical. It's a rare book that has you crying for the sad parts, but crying even harder while you're laughing. Good luck with Page, Vicki.
Dear Vicki,
I have finished your book just now. I cried with you...THANK YOU for give me emotions and inspirations with your story, your life and most of all your love for Dewey...wonderful, I don't forget! I read some pages of your book to my son Simone, who is 7, he was very curious and keep on asking me about Dewey.....We have also a cat, Tobia, he is 13, he is black and white, we found him on the street when he was a kitten....
Hope my english is clear!
A big hug! Take care
Anna from Lecco - Italy
I just finished your wonderful book about Dewey, and I am so very glad you have found a buddy to warm your heart once more. More importantly, this little girl has a new loving mommy. Good health and happiness to the both of you, and thank you so much for this wonderful book.
I just finished reading "Dewey" last night and shed my tears at the end. What a wonderful kitty! We humans have so much to learn from him.
Thank you, "Mom" for sharing his story.
With all my love to Dewey and his memory,
Jane in Houston
Lots of love from thousands of miles away to all Dewey fans, Mrs. Myron and Spencer/Iowa. I' m Sanem from Turkey who has fallen under the spell of cutie Dewey just like millions of people. The book has been released in Turkey as well by the beginning of 2009.
Apart from being a fan of Dewey; as a cat lover, I bought the book as soon as I saw it at the bookstore shelf; because Dewey made me feel like " A cat looking right into a photo like this can' t have a prosaic story". As it was a felicitous guess, I couldn't keep my tears from falling.
I am vey happy that Dewey became like a shooting star for Spencer and I' m fascinated by how he became such an ultimate, lovely, naive way to market Spencer/Iowa.; apart from his being an attachment for people.
Glad that Mrs. Myron got a new cat as well and I thank her for being such a caring and wonderful mother for Dewey.
May Dewey rest in peace, my kitten Wicca sends her love to Dewey too.
Best Wishes from Sanem
Thank you for sharing Dewey's story with the world, Vicki! As a book lover, library lover, cat lover and long-time library board member, I appreciated it so much and understood so well. Your wonderful book was a gift from my dear friend. I will send copies to many good people on my gift list this year.
Page won't take Dewey's place but I'm sure he's glad you have her as your cat companion now. They find us when they need us and when WE need them :)
Vicki, I am so happy that, after many difficult years, you have been blessed beyond words. I cried shamelessly when I read your wonderful book.
I thank God for giving us the gift of these beautiful creatures, and I look forward to meeting Dewey one day in heaven (once I read of a believer who had a near death experience in which she saw her dad, in heaven, with a beloved pet).
Love, and hugs, and more of God's blessings,
Sincerely,
Terri
TerriHamel@gmail.com
I fell in love with Dewey's photo on the cover of the book and love him more and more with each page I read. I too am saddened to know I missed his lifetime. His features are so typical for Maine Coone cats...the head shape, eyes and his tank like stocky body--I had one too, only he was all white with blue eyes. Meryl Streep is a fine actress, but the real star of this story is Dewey... how will they bring him to life on screen? I also read the Marley book when it came out some years ago and was hugely disappointed by that movie--they did not 'get' Marley at all. I am hoping for a much better result for Dewey's movie. Regardless, thanks to Vicki's book, we all got to know him as he really was. Thank you Vicki and congratulations to Page for finding you! By the way, female orange tabbies are exceedingly rare...first the Dew and now a female orange tabby (?)...you are truly blessed and I suspect this little girl will provide you with an amazing story all her own.
Dewey was one of the best books i've read in many years.What a wonderful real story of love,trust and compassion.Dewey was a rare example of the level of love cats posess,i dont know how anyone could not fall in love with this kitty.we can't wait for the movie,thank you Vicky!
Have just finished reading "Dewey", I picked the book up at my local library never having heard a word about Dewey and what a famous cat he was! What a compassionate and heart warming story. Although the end was inevitable it was still so very sad and I cried. Having lost cats both through road accidents and not coming home and having to have a dog put to sleep I could feel for all concerned. I wish Vicki well with Page.
hi, vicki.
I love dewey, im a cat lover toO. When i 1st saw this book on the book shelves, the eyes of dewey makes me sence that he is great cat, i boought this book and reed it, its about the whole economics, the farm, the tradision and also, religions, but all i can come throught is this cat gives life and open a wonderful a door of life in iowa spencer and around the world, ur book, ur stories & most of all DEWEY READMORE BOOKS has attracted alot of ppl around the world and including me. But it was sad that dewey is now in heaven, ill visit Iowa Spencer someday. Thanks for sharing ur stories all around the world about ur cat dewey, he is an amazing special cat. it touch my heart when i reed ur book about the handsome cat DEWEY. and vicki, u r a strong women as a single mother to take k of jodi. i hope both mother & daughter is always bond and may all memories of DEWEY READMORE BOOKS.
from: Melanie(23) MIRI,SARAWAK,MALAYSIA.
I've just finished to read the book.
It was like drinking a warm cup of milk aromatized with rum and sweetened with honey.
It was a long time that I hadn't an experience like this!
Thankyou Viki for having shared your life and the life of precious Dewey with me... with us
I think that you do well to get another cat and I'm sure that the spirit of Dewey, that watch your library from heaven, will teach to the new cat everything he have to do in order to be a perfect Library cat!
My husband and I had an experience that confirm us this convintion.
We had a cat, a beautiful white, wild cat.
We loved very very much and we were reciprocated.
When, after 14 years together, he died (like Dewey), in the veterinary clinic there was a famele cat of three years old , homeless since four months before. We left Carlo and took her.
That evening, in our home, she did everything like Carlo was used to do, but slowly she brought us to their way of life and, I can assure you, she is very different from Carlo! She was able to mediate the pain of our loss and then to give us freely her joy!
I belive that Cats are semiangelic creature, the only which can compete with the humankind, but with the right spirt of children!
Good luck Viki for the new entry!
Paola from Florence
Dear Ms. Myron
Thankyou so much for sharing Dewey with the world, the book was a wonderful read, I lost several pints of tears reading it I can assure you. Whenever I was so moved by the story, one of my two cats would be in my lap, purring while I try to read on.
I have two fur children - Benny and Beatrix, and I love them unconditionally. Because of them I shared your joys, suffering, loss, and your love for Dewey, even though I am on the other side of the Globe and read about Dewey 3 years after he had passed.
It makes my soul smile when I hear you have adopted Page Turner into your life, I wish the two of you many years of happiness together, and I hope more people continue to read Dewey's story. Oh and finally I cannot wait to see the film, it seems only appropriate that the finest living actress will take the main (supporting) role, but good luck finding a cat to fill Dewey's shoes!
Sincerely
Shaun Adamson
Geelong, Australia.