Nevada Northern Railway Once Sheltered A Special Cat Named Dirt And This Is His Story

In the quiet town of Ely, Nevada, a special cat once called the Nevada Northern Railway his home.

His name was Dirt, and today, we’re sharing his heartwarming story with you.

How Dirt Came To Be The Boss Shop Cat

Dirt’s journey began at the Nevada Northern Railway, where he was born to a stray mom under one of the historic rotary snowplows. His siblings and mom eventually left, but Dirt chose to stay.

At first, he was shy and cautious, staying hidden in the corners of the workshop. However, the caring train crew noticed him and decided to help. They left out cans of tuna to lure him out, and slowly, Dirt warmed up to them.

Credit: Nevada Northern Railway

After gaining his trust, the crew took Dirt to a vet, where he received a clean bill of health. Dirt became part of the team, always exploring the area, rolling around on the dusty floors, and investigating the workers’ projects.

His fur was white and orange, but after countless adventures in the dirt, he became known as “Dirt.”

Credit: Nevada Northern Railway

He had an innate talent for supervising the train crew. Whether he was curling up to give comfort or making sure everyone stayed on track, Dirt took his job as the “Boss Shop Cat” seriously.

As the years went on, Dirt became an irreplaceable member of the crew. His presence was so powerful that if you didn’t hear someone call him by name, you’d likely hear “That darn cat!” from the workers.

Dirt wasn’t just a cat; he was an old soul. According to Dale and Karyn Angell, the duo behind Toy Man Television:

“That cat just had an old soul in there. I swear he was an old locomotive engineer in another life. He just knew those trains.”

Dirt wasn’t just loved by the staff, but also by the many visitors to the Nevada Northern Railway Museum. He would greet everyone with a rub against their legs and steal a pet or two.

Dirt’s Legacy Lives On

Credit: Nevada Northern Railway

Dirt’s fame spread, and he helped bring in countless visitors to the railway. Eric Mencis, the former guest services manager, recalled:

“He saved the railroad in a way none of us knew it needed saving…and I think he did that for the entire industry.”

Dirt’s ability to connect with people went beyond his job as the “Boss Shop Cat”, he became an unofficial ambassador for the railway.

Credit: Nevada Northern Railway

Sadly, after 15 years of loyal service, Dirt crossed the rainbow bridge. To honor him, the crew held a private ceremony to bid farewell to their beloved friend. They shared on Facebook:

“His burial site is opposite where all our excursion trains’ locomotives sit prior to departure, and it gives a view of the yard, that in addition to the shop, was Dirt’s domain.”

A Memorial For Dirt

Credit: Nevada Northern Railway

Months later, the crew held a memorial for Dirt, complete with a train whistle salute, a traditional farewell for railway workers. They also unveiled a life-size bronze statue of Dirt, immortalizing him as the “Boss Shop Cat.”

Dirt’s legacy will live on, and his memorial was streamed on Facebook for his many fans to celebrate.

The Next Generation: DJ

Credit: Nevada Northern Railway

Before Dirt passed away, a new kitten named DJ (short for Dirt Junior) appeared at the railway. The crew welcomed him into the fold and started training him to be the new Boss Shop Cat, sharing:

“We knew that someday Dirt would leave us for the big engine house in the sky so we got Dirt an understudy. It was another orange and white rescue kitten that we named Dirt Junior but call him DJ. (…) Dirt was teaching his protégé DJ, Dirt Junior, the ins and outs of being the Boss Shop Cat. We knew this day was coming, DJ now has big paws to fill.”

Credit: Nevada Northern Railway

DJ quickly filled Dirt’s paws, becoming the new supervisor of the crew and carrying on Dirt’s legacy with pride.

As the crew continued their work, they announced their plans to keep rescuing cats. Dirt’s impact will be felt for years to come, and DJ will keep his mentor’s spirit alive.

One thing is for sure: Dirt will always be remembered and loved by the crew and all who knew him.