Stray cat an instant hit with lodge’s staff, guests

LAKE QUINAULT, Wash. – The big black cat on Leslie Blain’s lap has been purring non-stop in the lobby at the Lake Quinault Lodge.

Blain, a night-time server at the Lodge, takes her breaks to hang out with Roosevelt, who was adopted by the staff earlier this year and named in honor of the lodge’s most famous visitor, President Franklin D. Roosevelt.

The cat has become such a star attraction that he gets loads of attention from guests and staff alike.

“He just showed up on the deck one day last spring and we all took him in, neutered him and made sure he had all of his shots,” Blain said.

“And he just loves it here. He’s like a concierge. He goes on the deck and greets people. Everyone loves him.”

Some guests sent him a Christmas card with a cigar filled with catnip. “Thank you for being a gentleman,” it says inside.

Sad to say, “Many animals are not as lucky as Roosevelt,” said Roger Blain, the activities director at the lodge and Leslie’s husband.

The employees have joined forces with a group that hopes to set up a no-kill animal shelter in Aberdeen. They set up a pet-oriented giving tree in the lodge lobby to boost the cause.

The “Roosevelt Giving Tree,” set up in time for Christmas, featured a little picture of the cat on top, like a Christmas Star.

The tree, donated by Marshall’s Garden & Pet in Aberdeen, was set up next to a larger one, a giving tree for kids from needy families.

Pet food, dog bones and cat treats mounded up around the pet version. The treats and food were destined for orphaned animals. The cash donations will help establish the no-kill shelter.

“Every dollar helps,” said Karla Kloempken, president of the Coastal Animal Rescue & Adoption Center.

Kloempken said the group is looking at property for their center. So far they have $7,000, but hope to raise even more next year.

They’ve scheduled a major fundraising event Jan. 12 at Marshall’s. Starting at 10 a.m., microchipping and vaccines will be offered to the owners of household pets until the early afternoon.

Microchipping will cost $20, which includes national registration, while vaccines will vary from $8 for rabies to $14 for feline leukemia/distemper combo. Drs. Sonnya Crawford and David Westby have volunteered for the clinic.

Roger and Leslie Blain didn’t realize how many people loved cats until Roosevelt showed up.

“He even goes for long hikes through the rainforest with many of our guests, but he always returns to a sofa near the fireplace,” Roger said.