Kitty Literate Meets Literate Kitty

Lucy sniffs out her book picks of the week If I bought a bookstore, the first thing I'd do is hire a cat and put her in charge. Cats make perfect salespurrsons. They know when it's time to pounce, and when to leave the customer alone and take a nap. They're always up on all the latest bestsellers and play swat the mouse in the presence of dozens of famous authors. What's more, they know which customer's legs to rub up against and which intruder's ankles to bite. They can be friendly, aloof, and interested, depending on the clientele on any particular day. But, no matter what amount of sales is at stake, they're never pushy. Sunbathing is the best perk Take Lucy, for instance. She runs the place at Skylight Book Store in Los Angeles, where she welcomes customers with a smile and a purr, and leads them to books she recommends. Described as "addictively pettable," this tailless orange Tabby has been top dog at the bookstore for about a decade. Her mommy, Kerry Slattery, said she noticed an increase in store traffic after she got the cat. And these days, she says, some folks stop in just to say hello...to Lucy, that is. "She has quite a following." Lucy keeps an eye on things from the ledge Right now, though Lucy is going through some tough times. She was recently diagnosed with feline lymphoma but is on medication, and hanging in. A recent fundraiser brought all her friends out to support her, and Slattery says she's responding, and seems happy as long as she's allowed to keep managing the store. You go girl! Working in a bookstore is hard business If you're in the L.A. area, drop in and pay Lucy a visit. Tell her Kitty Literate sent you. Oh, and bookstore owners, if you have any resident or working cats and want to share photos, you know the drill. Post Script: LUCY IN THE SKY WITH DIAMONDS.... We are greatly saddened to report that on Tuesday, November 13th, Lucy, who has been the Skylight Book Store puddie for ten years, passed away. We decided to keep this blog up as a tribute to Lucy, her life, and the wonderful affection she had for her bookstore owner, the store itself, and the patrons who cherished her. She has left her mark on us all, and we're thankful she was a chapter in our lives.