Book Barn event combines author reading and cat rescue
East Lyme -- Most of the crowd gathered in the parking lot of the Book Barn Store Four location in Niantic on a lovely Sunday afternoon were paying close attention as local author Nick Checker read from his latest novel, “Scratch.”
Several females in the back, though, seemed completely disinterested.
Of course, since they’re cats, perhaps the lack of focus can be forgiven.
Indeed, the animals were available felines from the Compassion for Cats of New London County rescue group, one of three adoption/pet advocacy outfits participating in the event. Also represented were Forgotten Angels Sanctuary and the Animal Welfare League.
The idea to combine animal awareness with the “Scratch” reading came from Book Barn co-owner Randi White, who suggested the concept to Checker since the writer is a animal rights supporter and, over the years, a multiple cat owner. In fact, “Scratch” is a story about cats and the message, as Checker said in his remarks Sunday, is that “animals are not disposable items ... think kindly of rescue animals.”
“I just thought it made sense to tie in the adoption folks with Nick’s reading,” said White, standing at the buying counter of the main Book Barn property — a landscaped outdoor area with plenty of roaming cats, dogs and goats. And on-leash dogs are always welcome at all four Book Barn locations. White said, “We’re all about animals here.”
Carrie Nylen and Joanne Witken of Compassion for Cats arrived well before the event — the better to make sure their adoptable animals were cool in shaded cages, and to set up a table with Witken-crafted pet toys and merchandise, all sales of which go directly to the organization.
“Because of what we do — we’re trying to find super, forever-loving homes for these animals — we’re at a lot of events,” Nylen said. “But this is a really good and different idea and we’re glad to be here on a beautiful day.”
Niantic’s Nancy Russell bought a Compassion toy for her cat, Rudee, and said she wouldn’t have missed the occasion. “I’m always very grateful when people support animals,” she said, “and since I’m also a supporter of Nick and the Book Barn, this is ideal.”
While Forgotten Angels didn’t have any animals on-site, president Cathy Ordiway had brochures and adoption information and giveaways. The group is active in providing homeless and/or older cats with medical care while they try to place them. “It’s wonderful to see everyone here,” Ordiway said. “All of these organizations work together for the same goal. We’re not at all in competition.”
Before he started reading from “Scratch,” Checker spoke earnestly about pet adoption.
“A lot of people know I’m a big advocate. But they’ll say, ‘Nick, I tried to adopt a dog or cat and they want so much information it’s like passing an Act of Congress.’ And I say, ‘Good. That means the animal’s going to get the right loving home it deserves,'” he said.
r.koster@theday.com
Twitter: @rickkoster
Comment threads are monitored for 48 hours after publication and then closed.