Next to the entrance of the Sweet Pea gift shop in Dingle, Ireland, you'll find a mural of a chunky black-and-white cat. Chances are the model for that painting will be sitting right next to it.
The cat's name is Angel, and her mural has become one of the most "instagrammable" spots of the otherwise already picturesque little port town.
"Angel came to my shop when she was still tiny, about ten weeks old," says shop owner Helen O'Grady. "There were four or five kittens, but Angel was the only one who came in and sat just inside the door of my shop. The kittens were all taken to the vet and re-homed but Angel stayed."
Dingle is much loved for its rugged scenery and colorful houses, and many tourists noticed her sitting in front of the shop. They used to say to her, 'Oh, what a little angel.' That's how she got her name.
Helen has had a mural painted of Angel under the sunny window where she often sits, waiting to be petted. "She sat patiently for it too," Helen explains.
Did you notice how much fatter Angel is compared to her mural?
That's not a mistake. The customers of the Sweet Pea shop love to give her treats, so now there's a sign on the window that says not to feed the cat.
"Angel never bothered anyone or broke anything in six years, even though the Sweet Pea shop is full of pottery and glass," Helen says. "One day, a Jack Russell chased her upstairs to the gallery and back down again. Since then, she wont let a dog near the door. In fact, now the local dogs cross the street."
Angel is well loved in Dingle, and the children know her name and come looking for her during their holidays.
She has become such a well-known presence in town that the Sweet Pea shop even started selling Angel the cat mugs (you can also find them in Sweet Pea's online store if you're interested).
Sweet Pea is located on Green Street in Dingle, Kerry Ireland, and is open every day from 11am to 5pm (Sunday and Monday only to 3pm).
Too late?
Don't worry. You can probably still spot Angel as she will most probably be sitting behind the window, just above her mural.
I was in Dingle many (many, many) years ago, long before Angel was around. It was a charming town, but clearly it's even more charming now.
ReplyDeleteOh Angel looks so sweet but I bet she must have been getting a little chubby with all the treats she was getting. I am glad she makes sure the doggies stay away. I would love to visit this shop and town one day.
ReplyDeleteAww what a lovely story and how wonderful that Angel is such a part of your shop. I love the mural, and it looks like Angel loves it too.
ReplyDeleteAngel is beautiful. It's interesting how some animals appear to choose their homes and their humans. It's like Angel said, "Yes. This is the place for me. I'm gonna stay here."
ReplyDeleteCarol
www.scribblingboomer.com
Love the photos of her next to the mural. So sweet
ReplyDeleteLove the mural and the cat alongside it - a mate, but one that doesn't misbehave! Thanks for sharing with #PoCoLo
ReplyDeletewhat a lovely cat, looks so well cared for and love the first photo of her with her portrait.
ReplyDeleteThanks for linking with #pocolo, hope you had a Happy Easter and that you'll be back with us on the 29th April
I don’t agree with the body shaming of poor Angel. She is not chubby, the reason that she should not be fed by strangers is because it upsets her stomach not because it’s making her fat.
ReplyDelete