Remembering Meowster
The Buy-a-Book program at BAPL has been bringing smiles to faces and fostering a love of reading for nearly four decades. This year, amidst the outpouring of donations in memory or honor of loved ones, an intriguing dedication caught our attention. Join us as we delve into the story behind Meowster, the cat who was human.
It is not unusual to receive a donation in the name of a pet, but we found ourselves filled with curiosity with one in particular this year. It was a gift made in memory of “Meowster: The Cat Who Was Human.” We wondered about the story behind it and were amused that it sounded like a children’s book come to life. (So amused that we made imaginary book covers inspired by it.) We reached out to the donor, Ellen Bench, the library patron who generously made the gift in Meowster’s honor.
“I have done this often for pets and people who have passed away,” Ellen said. “Friends have told me they come into the library and take a picture of the book and the nameplate–it becomes a special part of their memory. I donated this gift to commemorate Meowster’s life, a cat who was very special to my friend Gloria.”
Like many who give to the Buy-a-Book program, Ellen likes to support the library while also making a meaningful gesture to a friend. She explains: “When friends lose a pet, it is an excellent way to let people know how much someone’s pet meant to them. The nameplate inside the book tells the pet’s name and has a short comment about them. For years, the donated book will be on the library shelf and many people will see just how much Meowster was loved. What could be better than sending sympathy to a friend who loved their pet and memorializing the pet who filled their lives with love?”
We reached out to Gloria as well, and she shared the heartwarming story about this lovable feline. “One day, while sitting on the front porch with my other cat Symba, a tiny black cat came bounding in from the outside,” she says. “It was as if she knew that she belonged there.”
Gloria often took care of outdoor cats on her porch, ensuring they received proper veterinary care before joining her and Symba inside. And thus, Meowster made her grand entrance, meowing loudly and captivating Gloria’s heart.
Meowster’s vibrant personality shone through her constant chattiness and unwavering affection for Gloria. She became Gloria’s source of comfort and companionship during challenging times. When Gloria battled COVID, Meowster stood by her side. Throughout her recovery, Meowster’s endearing presence brought joy and support. Meowster had an uncanny ability to communicate with Gloria, as if they were engaged in deep conversations. The cat was quite sure the glass of water on the nightstand was hers and not Gloria’s, and she drank out of it happily. She did this so often that eventually Gloria set out two glasses — one for herself and one for the cat who was human. “She was the best thing that happened to me,” Gloria said. “She saved me (mentally) when I had COVID before going into the hospital, and then when I came out she was always at my side.”
When Meowster’s journey came to an end, Gloria’s heart understandably shattered. But amidst the grief, she found some solace in the fact that her beloved companion had left an indelible mark on her life. And Ellen’s Buy-a-Book donation in Meowster’s memory touched Gloria, as it served as a testament to the joy and love Meowster brought to those around her.
Meowster, the Cat Who Was Human, embodied the magic and companionship that both animals and books often inspire, making her memory all the more special. We extend our deepest gratitude to Ellen for her generous donation, which pays tribute to a feline friend who will be forever remembered in the hearts of those she touched. If you have someone special (animal or human or human-animal) in your life, consider giving in their honor. Or if you’d like to give to the Meowster fund to help us buy even more books in her name, please do so here!
