We Said Goodbye to One of Our Williston Radio Mascots
As many of you know we've had two cats living at the radio station for the past 13 years; Mama Alley and her daughter, CC.
CC remains at the office, but I regret to inform you that Alley passed away on Sunday, October 1st at 9:30am, after a brief illness. She was not alone, as I was with her and holding her in the final moments.
Let me tell you a little bit about our radio icon and station mascot, Alley.
It was a cold day on February, 4th 2010 when we rescued Alley from the parking lot behind the radio station. Shortly after taking her in, we discovered that she was pregnant. 5 kittens were born at the radio station on March 2, 2010. There were 4 girls and one boy. We kept Alley and one of the girls (CC). The rest were adopted out to those in our radio family; including Jeff Nelson (Poppy), his daughter Courtney (Shady & Ray Ban), and my brother Luke's family (Remer).
Alley was the absolute sweetest cat. She adored being held, let us carry her around and would purr and drool on your shirt or pants. Everyone from radio guests to the veterinarians would say she was the sweetest cat they'd every met.
Alley loved to go outside. She was notorious for sneaking out multiple times a day! We had to put a sign on the front door saying, "Do Not Let the Cats Outside." Her favorite place to hang out was a set of bushes in the vacant lot next door. I would take her out daily and lift the fence so she could lay in the shade.
Alley was also well known to sleep on a radio board/console and accidentally push buttons to take said radio station off the air. The console's are warm so who could blame her? CC also has a habit of sleeping on the consoles.
She also enjoyed laying in front of an open window, soaking up the sun and feeling the breeze. We placed two chairs in front of a window so she and CC could do this.
Alley was active and played with cat toys. Our hallways are littered with cat toys. She was very vocal when she would "catch" her toy prey. I have never heard another cat do this. She was also the first cat that I ever heard snore!
Alley, how you brightened up our days. With playful antics and endearing, charming ways. From sunlit patches to your cozy, secret nooks, you brought laughter and love to all who met you.
It is said that cats have a way of leaving pawprints on our hearts, and Alley was no exception. Though she may no longer be physically present, her spirit lingers in the gentle rustle of leaves, the soft rays of sunlight filtering through the window, and the echoes of her playful meows. Her memory lives on in the countless snapshots we captured in our hearts and in the stories we will fondly recount for years to come.
Rest in peace, sweet Alley. Thank you for the immeasurable joy and comfort to those who were fortunate enough to know you.. Alley, you were not just a pet; you were a cherished member of our radio family. You will forever be missed but never forgotten. Until we meet again at the Rainbow Bridge, may your spirit roam free, and may your heart find eternal peace.
Alley
Gallery Credit: Mad Max