When a new Morrisons supermarket opened in Saltney, United Kingdom in 2010, Claire and Adam Owens’ cat, Brutus became a regular customer.
He trekked down to the store just about every day to visit with customers, nose through their carts, and peruse the pet aisle. Sadly, Brutus recently passed away, but his many friends at Morrisons have no intention of allowing him to be forgotten.
For 6 years the “handsome but cheeky” cat delighted all who met him. He even became something of an internet star with his Facebook page, Brutus “The Morrisons Cat”. The 8-year-old Tabby had more than 12,000 followers at the time of his death from Polycystic Kidney Disease on January 16.
He had been battling the chronic illness for 3 years, but still managed to take his regular trips to Morrisons to see his pals. Although the Owenses were devastated by Brutus’ loss, they have been overwhelmed with the amount of sympathy and support they have received from the local and online communities.
A few well-wishers even suggested a memorial to remember the shop cat by. In response, veterinary technician, Claire Owens started a JustGiving campaign to raise money for just such a project. She wrote:
“We thought that a memorial to honour Brutus is only fitting, so that people can still say hello to him and have something to remember him by.”
Less than 24 hours after launching the campaign, more than £1,000 (about $1,250 USD) of the £5,000 goal was raised. The plan is to have a statue of Brutus commissioned and placed inside of the Saltney Morrisons. A spokesperson for the supermarket confirmed that they are working with Owens on the project, telling the Chester Chronicle:
“Brutus was much loved by our customers and colleagues and he will be greatly missed. We’ll be meeting with Claire to plan a permanent memorial at the store so everyone can remember him.”
Just checking in on Brutus before 60 miles of training today!
Posted by Brutus “The Morrisons Cat” on Saturday, June 8, 2013
Click here to make a donation to the Brutus statue fund. Any additional money raised will be donated to an animal charity.
H/T to the Chester Chronicle
Featured Image via Facebook/Brutus “The Morrisons Cat”