Dirt the Cat

As many of you know, Dirt is the shop cat at the Nevada Northern Railway National Historic Landmark in Ely Nevada. Dirt was born in the adjourning engine house under the rotary snowplow about 11 years ago. His entire world has revolved around the railroad’s engine house and machine shop. He does go outside every once in a while but he always comes back. He still is semi-feral. Spook him and he will disappear for a while. So how did he get his name? Hanging around a steam era engine house and steam locomotives you tend to get dirty. When the steam locomotives are hot, you’ll find Dirt up in the cab, nice and cozy. The blacksmith shop has a dirt floor and he loves to roll around in the dirt. Dirt is well taken care of and beloved by the staff, volunteers and visitors. He makes regular trips to the vet. In the machine shop he recently received a heated cat house from one of his admirers. He gets treats and food from admirers on a regular basis. The museum is currently closed to the public, but the staff is still working and taking care of Dirt. I can tell you this, Dirt is anxious to see his friends and admirers. He wants this Coronavirus to go away as much as all of do.