Dirt, the Nevada Northern Engine House Cat
No photo album documenting operations at the Nevada Northern Railway Museum would be complete without photos of this most famous member of the museum crew. This guy first turned up in the East Ely engine house as a kitten in 2008. Whether an orphan or a stray, the crew noticed him around and eventually took pity on the little guy. They fed him and eventually adopted him, taking him to the vets for shots and getting him neutered. He was initially named "Dirtball or Dirtbag", simply because of his obviously filthy appearance. Later, his name was shortened to simply "Dirt."
For years, he quietly existed as the crew's private pet until one day, someone got the idea to show him off on social media, and a star was born. There was a point in time when people, who really didn't care about railroads, would tune into Facebook and other social media outlets to see the many cool photos of him. He even became a sort of spokeskitty for safety topics.
I first encountered him during a 2015 winter photo shoot. Although not the world's friendliest cat, he was kind enough to pose for pictures. I wasn't about to drag him around and pose him with steam engines as some apparently did. I guess I just felt sorry for the little guy as cats are habitual groomers and licking all of that grime off his fur could not have been good for him. That said, despite the dangerous environment, he lived for an amazing 15 years, passing in 2023. Other cats have since taken on his role. He certainly had mastered the look of an engine house cat.
Dirt, the Nevada Northern Engine House Cat
No photo album documenting operations at the Nevada Northern Railway Museum would be complete without photos of this most famous member of the museum crew. This guy first turned up in the East Ely engine house as a kitten in 2008. Whether an orphan or a stray, the crew noticed him around and eventually took pity on the little guy. They fed him and eventually adopted him, taking him to the vets for shots and getting him neutered. He was initially named "Dirtball or Dirtbag", simply because of his obviously filthy appearance. Later, his name was shortened to simply "Dirt."
For years, he quietly existed as the crew's private pet until one day, someone got the idea to show him off on social media, and a star was born. There was a point in time when people, who really didn't care about railroads, would tune into Facebook and other social media outlets to see the many cool photos of him. He even became a sort of spokeskitty for safety topics.
I first encountered him during a 2015 winter photo shoot. Although not the world's friendliest cat, he was kind enough to pose for pictures. I wasn't about to drag him around and pose him with steam engines as some apparently did. I guess I just felt sorry for the little guy as cats are habitual groomers and licking all of that grime off his fur could not have been good for him. That said, despite the dangerous environment, he lived for an amazing 15 years, passing in 2023. Other cats have since taken on his role. He certainly had mastered the look of an engine house cat.