Latest news with #PioneerMemorialLibrary
Daily Mail
01-05-2025
- General
- Daily Mail
Adorable cross-eyed cat called Pepper is EVICTED from Texas library where she lived after local complained
An adorable eight-month-old stray kitten was evicted from the Texas library that sheltered her after a fuming local complained. The tiny feline named Pepper was kicked out of the Pioneer Memorial Library in Fredericksburg on April 15, reported KENS 5. Pepper had been residing at the library for an undisclosed amount of time when she was discovered by furious locals who did not want her there. Community members in a private local Facebook group questioned why a publicly funded library would keep an animal that could trigger patrons' allergies, according to the San Antonio Express-News. The decision to evict the colorful and seemingly cross-eyed kitty out sparked fierce backlash from animal lovers and thousands signed a petition to get her to stay. 'Pepper, a beloved rescue cat, has brought joy and comfort to Pioneer Memorial Library goers,' one petition with over 9,000 signatures said. 'Pepper is not just a cat; she's become an essential part of our community. She provides companionship to library goers, fosters a welcoming environment, and encourages younger visitors to engage with the library.' Despite her supporters' objections, Pepper was officially evicted from the library in a closed door meeting by the Gillespie County Commissioners Court. Gillespie County Judge Daniel Jones told the local news station that library personnel should have sought 'consent' from county leaders before bringing in an animal. 'Regrettably, the presence of the cat in the County Library has now become a divisive issue, pitting members of our community against one another,' Jones said. 'This situation is also now taking away focus and resources from the other important work of conducting the business of the people of Gillespie County.' The Hill Country SPCA was able to take in Pepper and put the young domestic shorthair up for adoption. 'Once in a quiet corner of the Fredericksburg Public Library, nestled between novels and non-fiction, a small, calico shadow was once stealing hearts one purr at a time,' the shelter said. 'Pepper has become a familiar (and furry) face to local patrons, often found curled up in sunny reading nooks or gently nuzzling visitors for affection. 'Described by library staff as 'docile, affectionate, and truly stunning', she's the kind of companion who doesn't need to meow loudly to make her presence known—her charm speaks for itself.' Not long after, Pepper was adopted by Kristen Nelson, her husband, their two daughters and two cats. 'She's super special and precious,' Nelson said. 'I anticipated she would hide and be skittish but she came in ready to play and explore.' Pepper's new owners said they plan on making a social media account to document her new life. 'While I know many of us wish that Pepper would have been allowed to stay at the library, please know we will take the best care of her and are hopeful to have her remain a fixture in our community,' Nelson said.
Miami Herald
23-04-2025
- General
- Miami Herald
Cat famous for life at Texas public library will soon need new home. Meet Pepper
An affectionate cat became famous in the town of Fredericksburg, Texas, after local officials decided to banish her from her home at a public library. Now, she's looking for a new home. Despite a circulating petition of over 9,000 signatures, the Gillespie County Commissioners Court decided the feline had to go, Kens 5 reported. The young cat named Pepper, who was rescued by the Pioneer Memorial Library, acted as both a beloved unofficial member of the staff and pest catcher. 'Once in a quiet corner of the Fredericksburg Public Library, nestled between novels and non-fiction, a small, calico shadow was once stealing hearts one purr at a time. Her name is Pepper, and she now resides at the HCSPCA—she's a 5-month-old kitten with a soft soul, a sweet disposition, and is on a new mission: finding her forever home,' the Hill County Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (SPCA) said in an April 21 Facebook post. The community fought hard to keep Pepper in her original home and the petition to keep her in the library had 9,338 signatures as of April 23. 'Pepper is not just a cat; she's become an essential part of our community. She provides companionship to library goers, fosters a welcoming environment, and encourages younger visitors to engage with the library,' the petition says. Many people not only signed, but left pleading comments as well on Pepper's behalf. 'Having a cat in our local library will not only bring more tranquility to the space but also encouragement of reading,' one person said. Gillespie County Judge Daniel Jones spoke to Kens 5 about the decision to remove Pepper. 'Regrettably, the presence of the cat in the County Library has now become a divisive issue, pitting members of our community against one another,' Jones said to the news outlet. 'This situation is also now taking away focus and resources from the other important work of conducting the business of the people of Gillespie County.' For now, the shelter is looking for a permanent — and loving — place for Pepper to officially land when she's ready. According to Pepper's pet profile, she's not ready for adoption 'just yet.' 'While she's adored by all at the library, Pepper's story is still waiting for its happy ending,' the shelter said. 'Rescued as a stray and taken in temporarily by the kind-hearted staff, she's now ready for a permanent place to call home—somewhere with cozy laps, gentle hands, and all the love she so readily returns.' For more information, visit the shelter's website. Fredericksburg is about a 70-mile drive north from San Antonio.
