Tuesday, October 01, 2019

Every October, the Fond du Lac Public Library encourages the community to read one book and hosts programs that foster discussion and understanding of the themes in that title. This year, the Fond du Lac Reads selection is the heartwarming tale, A Street Cat Named Bob: And How He Saved My Life by James Bowen.

The book tells the true story of how recovering addict Bowen was living hand-to-mouth on the streets of London when he encountered a similarly down and out – yet strikingly intelligent – street cat, whom he named Bob. Hardly able to take care of himself, Bowen nursed Bob back to health. The pair became inseparable, and their connection and adventures transformed both their lives.

Read and print the A Street Cat Name Bob readers' guide here.

The lineup of Fond du Lac Reads events at the downtown Main Library includes:

  • All October long: Pet supplies drive. Help the animals of the Fond du Lac area by donating supplies to three local animal-support organizations: Fond du Lac Humane Society, Sandi Paws (abused/abandoned dog rescue) and Critter Junction (small-animal rescue). Printable wish lists available here. Wish lists and donation bins will be located in the library lobby.
  • Noon-4 p.m. every Saturday in October: DIY No-sew Cat Toy. Using scrap fabric and a few odds and ends, make a cat toy to take home in the library’s Idea Studio. Supplies provided. For adults and teens 13 and older; younger children must be accompanied by a caregiver. Free. No registration.
  • 12:10 p.m. October 8 at Salem United Methodist Church: Books Between Bites. Veterinarian Dr. Dan Griffiths leads a discussion of A Street Cat Named Bob. Bring a sack lunch. Drinks available. Free. No registration.
  • 6 p.m. October 10: Pet Fostering – How it Works. Beth Rogan of the Fond du Lac Humane Society and Gaby Petersen of Lucky Dog Small Breed Rescue discuss how pet fostering works in their organizations and answer questions. With a good possibility that some of their furry friends will attend, too. Free. No registration.
  • 10 a.m.-2 p.m. October 19: Save a Homeless Dog. Meet the adoptable furry friends from Saving Sully Dog Rescue, and learn how you can save a homeless dog’s life through fostering or adoption. Saving Sully rescues and rehabilitates at-risk dogs from high-kill shelters. It relies on fosters to welcome dogs into their homes until the dogs can be placed in forever homes. Volunteers will be on hand to answer questions. Free. No registration.
  •  6 p.m. October 24: Purrfectly Gentle Cat Yoga. All ages, all abilities. Feline friends will roam free while instructor Wendy Petak will lead participants through gentle stretching on the floor and standing postures with movement. With time at the end to play with the cats and kittens visiting from the Fond du Lac Humane Society. Participants need to bring a towel or yoga mat from home and should wear comfortable clothes.  Free. Registration is required and begins at 9:30 a.m. October 10 at the Calendar.