Longtime Westport resident Dodie Pettit writes:
While most residents celebrated Mother’s Day, neighbors in the Bayberry area visited 24 Meeker Road to say goodbye to a very special cat.
Though a common Tuxedo, nothing was common about him, as I learned in the 3-plus years he graced our home before passing away at age 15.
During that time, he gained such popularity that he was called “Dallas the Dazzling Ambassador.”
Dallas … (Photo/Larry Silver)
Dallas lived on Bayberry Lane most of his life. One day he showed up at our house, and made himself at home.
His owner Lisa tracked him here with an AirTag. Because he seemed to like here it so much, she asked if we’d like to adopt him.
I’d already fallen in love with him. I said, “Absolutely, yes!,” promising she could visit anytime.
We soon discovered the amazing life and world of Dallas. I’ve had dozens of cats in my life, but Dallas was unique. He made it his life’s work to visit our neighbors, and get to know them all.
… on Florian Court …
This kind of cat rarely happens anymore. People keep their pets at home, fearing loss, injury or worse.
Since I’d adopted him fully grown into his ways, I didn’t think it fair to keep him inside. Taking a leap of faith, I let him out every morning trusting he’d come back. He always did.
Dallas was too smart and savvy to get hurt by an animal or car. He was the most intelligent cat I’ve ever known. He learned the neighborhood completely. He made his rounds every day to visit, and get treats on his trail.
I also followed him on his AirTag. Often, he’d visit his former owner a mile down Bayberry. Lisa would text, “Dallas is here…want me to keep him for the night?” I’d say “Sure, send him home in the morning.”
And he’d come, visiting his many friends along the way. Over time I gathered more and more neighbor’s texts.
Last Christmas I made marmalade for Dallas’s friends. We left them in mailboxes — 21 neighbors, one as far as 1.8 miles away.
Their texts read: “Hi, Dallas is here on our lawn … in my garage … at our front door … I fed him tuna … My daughter loves your cat … Dallas slept in my living room all day, should I tell him to go home? … here’s a pic of Dallas on my front steps with the grand kids … his favorite food is lox with milk.”
… and in a home on Berkeley Road …
Everyone felt like he was their cat. One man expected him every morning on his back porch at coffee time. Others saw him at the bus stop on Meeker Road by the stonewall, watching parents collect their kids.
This spring I noticed that Dallas’s behavior was “off.” Sadly, the vet found tumors. “There’s nothing we can do,” I texted everyone.
I was not prepared for the outpouring of love and prayers. In his last days — even on Mother’s Day — families came to visit. They shared stories, and gave comfort.
How could one common cat touch so many people?
Dallas did, touching the hearts of an entire neighborhood. I have gained friendships because of him.
That’s the gift this amazing cat with a big heart brought to us. He lived larger than life, and we were the lucky beneficiaries.
Rest in peace dear Dallas. We’ll never forget you.
… and in a typical pose.
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Gary: “His spirit will dance in the gardens of Westport.”
Larry: “He was more than a great cat — more like a person than a cat, very sweet and lovable. We will all miss him.”
Christine: “We would like to bring our cat Spotty to visit Dallas this afternoon”
Jane and Brian: “We were so glad to meet Dallas in our yard… such a special cat”
Stephanie: “Thank you for letting us spend time with him… he is loved by many.”
Lourdes: “So sorry to hear about our friend Dallas!”
Pam, Ainsley: “thank you for sharing him with all of us.”
Monica: “ He can truly say he accomplished his life mission!”
Lisa: “What a legacy he leaves, a free spirit in the truest sense. No cat lived a better life. Chipmunks may rest easier, but the rest of us will miss him always. Cheers to a life well lived!”
8 Bayberry Ridge: “What a wonderful cat. We’ll miss him discovering the gardens.”
Nikki: “Everybody loved him. It was easy to do.”
Namhee: “Black-whiskered, eating where he wished, napping where he pleased, providing that a free life is simply one lived on your own terms.”
Darlene: “Sleep beneath the stars, little wanderer.”