Ernest Hemingway once said, "What greater gift than the love of a cat?"
Anyone
who ever entered the Cathedral's greenhouse and library has experienced
such love. A memorable, American Short-hair named Katherine of Tarragon
has graced the lives of visitors and staff on the close for over 15
years, and at this time, announces her retirement.
Ms.
Tarragon was only a kitten when she began her work as an entry-level
mouse catcher in the Cathedral Greenhouse 15 years ago. It is there,
where she spent most of her career until the closing of the Greenhouse
in 2008. During which time, Ms. Tarragon inspired a retail product line
at the Cathedral's Museum Shop where Katherine cards can be found. She spent the remainder of her professional career in the
Cathedral Library, helping CCS and Cathedral records staff with daily
office activities such as chasing strings across the floor, sleeping on
the outgoing mail, and basking on the warm floor in front of the copy
machine. Ms. Tarragon spent most mornings outside the front door of the
library greeting everyone from staff and bike messengers, to visiting
dignitaries.
As her primary care taker, Tom Wright describes,
"Katherine is a robust 15.5 years old." She has developed some
non-threatening, age-related health issues, and following the advice of
her primary feline care provider has decided to retire. Ms. Tarragon
will live out her days in a posh townhome in Georgetown, with daily and
loving attention - and a new feline friend!
Katherine is, and will continue to be, a part of many lives. She
is a reminder that even amidst the most trying of times, we can all
find a common thread in the happiness - of that which occurs in nature - can bring.
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