The Great Statesman And Beloved Mayor Of Alaskan Town Has Died

Stubbs, Talkeetna, Alaska’s honorary cat mayor and beloved by Alaskans and tourists alike, has died at the age of 20 according to the animal’s owners. The great statesman, who never once wrote a law or took freedom from anyone, has passed on.

After the false death report about Stubbs last year, the statesman quickly rebounded and proved he’d beaten the lies. But not for long. Stubbs’ death was announced late Saturday in a statement from the Spone family, which purchased Nagley’s General Store and the West Rib Pub and Grill in 2015. Part of the contract, the family said, was that Stubbs would stay with the store.  But Stubbs the cat went on to become the Mayor of Talkeetna.

Stubbs had survived an attack by a dog in 2013 but because of his age, was spending less time out and about at the general store where he had routinely let visitors pet him. By late 2016 he was largely staying at home, but was spending more time with the two kittens the Spones had taken in, Aurora and Denali.  “After a day or two of him giving them the eye and a little growl here and there; they became best friends,” the family wrote. “He got some spunk back playing with kittens. He would even swat at them as they passed and snuggle in his bed with them at night.”

Stubbs’ last day on earth was Thursday. That night, the loving cat went to bed curled up next to the kitten, Aurora. When the family woke up Friday, “he was already in heaven.”

Stubbs the cat, and Mayor of Talkeeten, Alaska – the great statesman.

“Stubbs lived for 20 years and 3 months. He was a trooper until the very last day of his life; meowing at us throughout the day to pet him or to come sit on the bed with him and let him snuggle and purr for hours in our lap,” the family wrote. “Thank you, Stubbs, for coming into our lives for the past 31 months; you are a remarkable cat and we will dearly miss you. We loved the time we were allowed to spend with you.”

Although Stubbs is gone, one of the Spones’ kittens might be ready to step up and take the illustrious cat’s place as mayor. “Amazingly, Denali has the exact personality as Stubbs. He loves the attention, he’s like a little puppy when he’s around people,” the family wrote. “We couldn’t have asked for a better understudy than Denali – he really has followed in Stubbs’ paw prints in just about everything.”

If you wish to send condolences to Stubbs’ family, they have asked that cards be mailed and to avoid calling them, the store, or the restaurant. But please if you wish, please send cards or letters to the store at PO Box 413, Talkeetna AK 99676.

Rest in peace, Stubbs, one of the last great statesmen.