Have you ever come across the Nevada Northern Railway, a unique railroad situated in the lonely Loneliest Highway in America in the charming town of Ely, Nevada? Well, within this historic railway, there once lived a very special cat known as Dirt. Today, we pay tribute to this extraordinary feline, fondly nicknamed the ‘Boss Shop Cat’, by sharing his heartwarming story with all of you.
How did Dirt come to call the Nevada Northern Railway his permanent residence, you ask? Well, it all started when he was born there! Born to his mother and littermates in the East Ely Railroad engine house, Dirt arrived in the world under the watchful eye of a rotary snowplow from 1907. While his family eventually moved on from the railroad, Dirt decided to stay put. At first, he was shy and cautious, seeking shelter in hidden spots and nervously avoiding the outside world. Luckily, the kind train crew took notice of his timid nature and began leaving cans of tuna to entice him out of hiding. With time, Dirt’s apprehension faded away, and he bravely emerged to befriend his rescuers. From that day on, Dirt found his forever home and became an important member of the railway crew.
After getting acquainted with his new buddies, Al, the skilled Master Mechanic of the railroad, took Dirt to the nearby veterinarian for a thorough check-up. He received his vaccinations and eventually underwent a neutering procedure.
Just like any typical cat, Dirt had an unquenchable thirst for exploration. He adored wandering around, inspecting the train workers’ projects, frolicking on the gritty floors, and climbing the coal mounds.
Dirt’s fur was a mix of white and orange, or so it was supposed to be. His daily excursions around the railway resulted in him being permanently grimy, hence the fitting moniker – Dirt. When inquired about him, one of the crew members remarked: “He detested getting cleaned up, but absolutely relished being part of the railroad team. It was a common sight to see him frolicking in the dust outside the workshop.”
Dirt took on the responsibility of overseeing everyone, keeping a close eye on operations to ensure they ran without a hitch. This is why he was fondly called the Boss Shop Cat by all. If he wasn’t being called by this nickname or his real name, you could probably hear someone shouting, “That troublesome cat!” from somewhere. Whether he was motivating the workers or giving comforting snuggles during breaks, Dirt was a constant presence that was adored amidst the busy railroad activities.
Dirt possessed a unique blend of warmth and mystery in his personality. To many, he embodied the essence of a rugged railroad worker – rough and tough on the outside, but with a gentle and caring nature within.
Dale and Karyn Angell, the talented minds behind Toy Man Television, affectionately referred to him as an “old soul.” In a touching tribute video dedicated to Dirt, Karyn remarked, “That cat had the wisdom of an old soul. It’s as if he was a seasoned locomotive engineer in a past life, intimately acquainted with the workings of those trains.”
From Karyn’s heartfelt words, it is evident that Dirt shared a special bond not only with the crew members but also with all visitors to the Nevada Northern Railway Museum. He would greet everyone with affection, rubbing against their legs, seeking pets, and shining brightly as the beloved star of the museum.
Dirt quickly gained popularity online, attracting visitors from all corners of the globe to the railway. Eric Mencis, the former guest services manager, fondly recalls Dirt’s impact, stating, “He single-handedly revived the railroad without us even realizing it needed saving… I believe he truly made a difference for the entire industry.” Dirt’s legacy is truly unmatched.
Regrettably, the treasured furry icon of Nevada Northern Railway, known as Dirt, has crossed over the Rainbow Bridge after 15 years of loyal service. It brings solace to know that Dirt passed away peacefully, surrounded by his human companions, in the only place he had ever called home. The crew organized a private ceremony and burial to honor their beloved feline friend, with an outpouring of support from thousands of online well-wishers. Revealing the location of Dirt’s final resting place on social media, the crew stated: “His resting spot overlooks the area where all our excursion trains’ engines gather before departing, offering a view of the yard that Dirt considered his territory, along with the workshop.”
A few months after bidding farewell to Dirt, the beloved mascot of Nevada Northern Railway, a special memorial was held in his honor. The event included a moving train whistle tribute, a customary farewell gesture in the world of railroading. Mark Bassett, the railway’s president, and another employee unveiled a life-sized bronze statue of Dirt, the cherished Boss Shop Cat. A heartfelt eulogy was delivered, led by Mark, with Dirt’s friends sharing touching anecdotes about the impact the feline had on their lives. The memorial was live-streamed on the railway’s Facebook page, and for those interested in watching, you can find it easily (hint: skip to 13:05). Could there be a successor to Dirt?
Three years prior to Dirt’s departure, a charming white and orange kitten made its way to the Nevada Northern Railway Museum. Without any hesitation, the team welcomed him with open arms and bestowed upon him the name DJ, a nod to Dirt’s influence as the original Boss Cat. DJ swiftly adapted to his role as Dirt’s apprentice, poised to uphold the Boss Cat’s esteemed legacy. In a heartfelt announcement on their social media platform, the crew revealed, “As we prepared for the inevitable passing of our beloved Dirt, we found solace in the presence of DJ, the young feline who would one day step into his mentor’s shoes. Through patient guidance, Dirt was passing down his wisdom to DJ, the faithful understudy tasked with continuing the tradition of the Boss Shop Cat. While we mourned Dirt’s departure, we couldn’t help but feel hopeful for DJ’s future as he embarks on this new chapter with his oversized paws to fill.”
DJ effortlessly stepped into the role of Dirt Junior, following in his predecessor’s footsteps as the new supervisor for everyone. The team even discussed extending their cat rescue efforts, ensuring Dirt’s legacy lives on through future feline generations. While the original Boss Shop Cat may no longer be with us, his memory will always be cherished and his love never forgotten.
