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Spokane, Washington  Est. May 19, 1883

Huckleberries Online

High Noon: NY Boots Algonquin Cat

Eighty years ago, a sorry looking cat sauntered into the (Algonquin) hotel lobby from West 44th Street and stayed as stray cats who are fed and find a warm place to sleep are wont to do. Ever since the Algonquin lobby has had a cat – always named Matilda (photo here) -- who has pretty much had the run of the place – until last week. The New York City Health Department says Matilda is in violation of the portion of the city’s health regulations that require animals be kept away from places where food is served. No, seriously. This is not news of the weird. It is the end, potentially, of a sweet and old tradition. This is also in the category of a solution in search of a problem/Marc Johnson, The Johnson Report. More here.

Question: Occasionally, I've discovered a dog or a cat in a store, usually a small locally owned one, and haven't been too crazy about the idea. It's a cleanliness issue. What do you think? Do you mind seeing a pet dog or cat in a store?



D.F. Oliveria
D.F. (Dave) Oliveria joined The Spokesman-Review in 1984. He currently is a columnist and compiles the Huckleberries Online blog and writes about North Idaho in his Huckleberries column.

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