CAPS: The tale of Google Maps’ most famous fat cat

Dear Reader, I usually ignore Google’s travel tips, but when I read that the top draw was Gacek the cat I was intrigued. Apparently, the city of Szczecin, Poland, is gaining fame not for the castles, the National Museum, or nature parks but for Gacek.

Gacek is a portly black-and-white tuxedo cat who became the city’s number one rated tourist attraction on Google Maps. He received five out of five stars in more than 4,000 reviews. Gacek had lived independently on Kaszubska Street for about seven years until a local news station posted a video featuring the friendly feline.

A naturally friendly guy, Gacek became the favorite of the local shop owners, and it wasn’t long before they built a cat house for his grace. Of course, he ingratiated himself to everyone and life was easy. He has food, shelter, and attention.

After a YouTube video posted over 800,000 views, Gacek became a rock star. Amazingly, people began showing up to pet, feed, and photograph him. It did not stop there, because fans launched an Instagram account with thousands of followers and recently created a Facebook page. He is also on YouTube.

Although Gacek has had many offers to become a homebody, he will not let anyone adopt him. He loves his spot on the street in the middle of the city, and he is the gracious ambassador of his street.

Unfortunately, fame has affected his waistline, so shopkeepers put a sign over his home instructing visitors to leave packaged treats with nearby shop owners who fill his bowl morning and night.

One comment I read from an admirer made me laugh, “I traveled three hours to be ignored and, I would do it all over again.” Chow to Gacek!

LOOKING FOR A HOME

We have three adorable puppies, one four-month female, two males, six- and eight-month old.

All our babies need foster homes, and we need volunteers to become fosters.

IN NEED OF

• Garage sale items for our spring sale. We need gently-used appliances, furniture, treadmills, and miscellaneous items. We do not need clothing. Call 775-423-7500 to have your items picked up.
• Volunteers to foster animals. Call 775-423-7500 for details.
• Aluminum cans. We will pick up your cans; give us a call at 775-423-7500. You can also drop them off at CAPS.

SHOUT OUT TO

The wonderful folks who gave Mikey and Sadie both senior dogs a home. Pooch smooches to you!

COME SEE US

CAPS is open to the public on Tuesday, Wednesday, Friday, and Saturday from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. We suggest appointments for adoptions and food pantry.

April 28-29 at The Oasis Church for the spring garage sale.

Coming soon! Bark in the Park is June 3. Mark your calendars.

DON’T FORGET

• March holiday: National Animal Poison Prevention Week.
• You can sponsor an adoption by paying part or full adoption fees.
• Due to rising costs in shelter and veterinary care, we have adjusted our adoption fees. Dog adoptions are $150 for female $125 for male. Cat adoptions are $100 for female $80 for male. All adoptees are healthy, spayed/neutered, chipped, and have all necessary shots.
• If you would like a newsletter, call 775-423-7500 or email caps@cccom.net.
• CAPS’ mailing address is P.O. Box 5128, Fallon, NV 89407. CAPS’ phone number is 775-423-7500. CAPS’ email address is caps@cccomm.net. Please visit the CAPS website (www.capsnevada.com) and Facebook page (Churchill Animal Protection Society). Be sure to “Like” CAPS on Facebook because we are likeable.
• Over the Rainbow: If you would like your pet remembered send his/her name and a short description to jkwmil@outlook.com.

Kathleen Williams-Miller, a CAPS volunteer, is at jkwmil@outlook.com.