Village Purr-servation

At GVSHP, we’re proud and protective of many of our community’s more well-known residents.  Recently, one of them was attacked in a high traffic online forum, sparking widespread outrage… 

…we are talking about Star the Cat.  A fixture of the S.K. Deli Market on 2^nd Avenue, Star’s good name was recently besmirched in a Yelp review as a shop patron was aghast at the sight of this friendly feline.  Luckily, customers rushed to the cat’s defense and called out this naysayer on their feline-phobic musings, and the review was taken down.  Much like bodegas are fixtures in NYC neighborhoods, cats are fixtures in NYC bodegas.  The cats provide pest control to the businesses, who in turn will offer them food, shelter, and a permanent home off of the streets.  Though bodega cats are technically not allowed under law by the Department of Health, these shops are rarely if ever fined for having them in their business.  Brooklyn Animal Action (BAA) even released a flyer on everything bodega owners should know about owning and maintaining a bodega cat.

Not far from the bodega in question, a no-kill, all cat shelter operates within the confines of the East Village.  Ollie’s Place is located on 9^th Street between 1^st Avenue and Avenue A and is all-volunteer run.  They rescue and rehabilitate NYC strays, as well as help them get adopted out to good homes.  Additionally, they foster cats, as well as open their doors to visitors who want to come in and play with them.  Though we’re always quick to point out the history, the people, and the architecture of the Village and its neighborhoods, we wanted to point out that it is also a great place and welcoming place for our four-legged and furry residents.