Fans Flock to Book Signing for Beloved Celebrity Cat
Devoted fans of Susie, a local celebrity cat, eagerly attended a book launch event to snap up signed copies of a new illustrated book capturing her whimsical adventures.
Susie’s Journey to Fame
Although Susie has a cozy home with her owners in Dorchester, she has earned quite the reputation in the area. Her curiosity and wanderlust inspired the release of a book about her escapades. Written by three members of a local charity who have learning disabilities, the book shares Susie’s story, with all proceeds going to support their organization.
From Upwey to Dorchester: Susie’s Move
When Susie moved from Upwey to Dorchester with her owners, Linda and Michael Crow, who relocated to live with their daughter Jenny Graves in 2023, local residents initially thought she was lost. After receiving numerous calls, her family changed her name tag to read, “Susie – Not lost, just adventurous.”
A Community’s Feline Friend
Businesses and residents alike describe Susie as a charming tabby who “makes herself at home” and even has a “favorite spot” in each place she visits. Laura Kerr from People First Dorset, a charity supporting people with learning disabilities, first met Susie when the cat appeared at her fourth-floor apartment. After contacting a local vet, she learned of Susie’s local celebrity status, sparking the idea for a book.
Bringing Susie’s Story to Life
Kerry Martin, William Parmiter, and Emily Burr—members of People First Dorset and contributors to the Dorset Echo—teamed up with local artist Catherine Owen to bring Susie’s story to life. “We wanted the book to be a beautiful, high-quality tribute to Susie and to our charity’s achievements,” Owen said.
People First Dorset, known for organizing friendship groups, encourages people with learning disabilities to connect and engage in everyday activities. For the authors, sharing Susie’s story was especially meaningful. “It took about nine months from the initial idea to holding the finished book, just in time for Christmas,” they shared.
Upcoming Launch Event in Weymouth
Following the success of the initial event in Dorchester, another book signing will take place on November 1 at the Dry Dock on St. Thomas Street in Weymouth, starting at 5:00 p.m.