A Day in the Life
Adopted from the Humane Society, Eli has lived here at the store for over 12 years. His adoption story is included in more detail after these photos. Many customers with cat allergies are not affected by his presence, and we are happy to have him stay in the back workshop area if you do have allergy concerns).
Eli also has his own Facebook page, under Eli Shopcat.
Greeting the staff every morning, hoping they feed me before they make coffee, (or that they make me a coffee with extra cream, hold the coffee)...
Here I am checking out my facebook page and answering emails.
Sunbathing while waiting to greet my fans at the door.
There's some great jewelry in those cases that you should try on.
I LOVE DOGS! Feel free to bring yours in the next time you visit! There are special treats on the shelf next to mine just for my dog friends.
I was mentioned in Madison Magazine recently, along with some other 4-legged friends with important jobs working with the public.
I know there's a lot to choose from here; feel free to take a break and focus on me.
Sometimes it’s good to look at life from a new perspective!
Being a salescat is tough work!
Do want us to wrap your purchase?
Rosie the Riveter, our shop laser welder. For some reason, they won't let me use it to fix my cat toys.
My friends David and Kelly sent me this great card for my birthday, April 15. Hanna usually bakes a cake to share with everyone, it's a fun day!
The cases get warmer and my naps get longer as the day goes on.
Zzzzzzzz.........
Thanks for stopping by to see me!
----------------
We'd like to add a note we wrote to the Dane County Humane Society, who have a "Happy Tails" page on their website, (which reminds us of our "Happy Customers" page). The following is Eli's happy tale:
We here at Studio Jewelers want to share Eli's success story. Our gregarious feline companion has been with us for over 12 years now, working and living here at the store. He's got many fans, and is a wonderful shop cat. We all love him very much.
Back in 1998, Studio Jewelers owner Hanna Cook-Wallace was a member of the "Claw Committee" (chaired by then-Wisconsin first lady Sue Ann Thompson), helping raise funds for the new shelter on Voges Road. While touring the old Pennsylvania Ave. facility, she met Eli, who was confined to sickbay with a deeply entrenched sinus infection and other stray-cat maladies. It was love at first sight. Previous potential adopters had been put off by his prodigious production of ropey green snot, but Hanna was undeterred. Adam Bauchnecht, who was staffing the front counter on the day of the adoption, told her she was getting the best cat in the place, and she knew it.
Veterinarian Kristin Nelson was instrumental in getting Eli through his initial health issues. She also became first in a long line of those who would love to take this particular handsome brown tabby home with them, given the chance.
Eli lives full time here at Studio Jewelers, and he works as our official greeter. He will not leave the store; though many of our customers are concerned he'll run out when they open the door, he spent enough time on the street that he has no interest in running outside (though he does like to sniff the air). He will often stand by the front door and meow loudly at passing pedestrians, trying to entice them to come in for a chat (so to speak). He likes dogs and children, both of whom are welcome to visit him at the store.
Adam Bauknecht, who filled out Eli's adoption papers at the shelter twelve years ago, is now a veterinarian himself. Dr. Bauchnecht stops by every once in awhile to check in on Eli, and still thinks we got the best cat in the place. Eli gets regular massage treatments from staff member Lisa Roman to help with his aches from his life as a stray. Eli, who is the quintessential sensualist, thinks this is the best part of his day.