If you’ve ever heard of the Nevada Northern Railway, you know it’s a remarkable railroad located on the Loneliest Highway in America, in the small town of Ely, Nevada.
But did you know that this American treasure was once home to a very special feline?
That’s right! His name was Dirt, and today we’re here to honor him in the best way we know how – by sharing his story with the world!
So, how exactly did Dirt make the Nevada Norther Railway his home?
Well, that’s an easy question: He was born there! His mother gave birth to him and his littermates East Ely Railroad engine house, under one of the rotary snowplows built in 1907.
While his mother and siblings eventually left the railroad, Dirt chose to stay.
timid and wary of his surroundings, he sought refuge in various hiding spots, afraid of the world outside.
However, the compassionate train crew noticed his plight and began leaving cans of tuna to coax him out.
Gradually, Dirt’s fear subsided, and he ventured out to befriend his rescuers, thus finding a permanent home and becoming an integral part of the railway crew.
Once he warmed up to his new friends, Al, the railroad’s Master Mechanic, took Dirt to the local vet for a checkup. He got his shots and was eventually neutered.
Like any other feline, Dirt possessed an insatiable curiosity. He loved to explore, investigate the projects of the train workers, roll around on the dusty floors, and scale the coal piles.
Dirt’s fur was a mix of white and orange. Or at least, it was supposed to be. His daily adventures around the railway left him permanently dirty, earning him the fitting name – Dirt. When asked about him, one of the crew members said:
“He hated being cleaned up, but loved being a railroader. It was not uncommon to find him rolling around in the dust outside the shop.”
Dirt assumed the role of everyone’s supervisor, diligently overseeing operations and ensuring everything ran smoothly.
That’s why he was affectionately known as the Boss Shop Cat. If he wasn’t referred to by that nickname or his actual name, then someone was probably yelling, “That darn cat!” from somewhere.
Whether providing encouragement to the workers or offering comforting cuddles during breaks, he was always there – a beloved presence amid the bustling activities of the railroad.
Dirt had both an affectionate and aloof personality. For many, he resembled a real railroad worker – tough on the outside from all that hard work, but soft on the inside.
Dale and Karyn Angell,described him as an “old soul.” In one of their videos dedicated to Dirt, Karyn said:
“That cat just had an old soul in there. I swear he was an old locomotive engineer in another life. He just knew those trains.”
From Karyn’s heartfelt description, we can say that Dirt was not only friendly with the crew members but also with anyone who visited the Nevada Northern Railway Museum.
He would rub against everyone’s legs, steal a pet or two, and be an absolute star.
Dirt soon became Internet famous, which aided in his ability to draw visitors from around the world to the railway. Remembering Dirt, Eric Mencis, the railway’s former guest services manager, said:
“He saved the railroad in a way none of us knew it needed saving…and I think he did that for the entire industry.”
Sadly, Nevada Northern Railway’s beloved furry legend, Dirt, crossed the Rainbow Bridge after 15 years of dedicated service.
It’s comforting to know that Dirt passed away in peace, surrounded by his human friends, in the one place he called home his entire life.
The crew held a private ceremony and burial for their cherished feline companion, with thousands of people paying their respects online.
“His burial site is opposite where all our excursion trains’ locomotives sit prior to departure, and it gives a view of the yard, that in addition to the shop, was Dirt’s domain.”
Several months after saying goodbye to Dirt, Nevada Northern Railway held a memorial for their favorite mascot. He was honored with a train whistle salute, a traditional farewell for railroaders.
Mark Bassett, their president, along with another worker, unveiled a life-size bronze statue of everyone’s favorite Boss Shop Cat.
They also preared a eulogy, with Mark leading it, where several of Dirt’s friends shared words about a feline who significantly impacted their lives.
Three years before Dirt passed away, a white and orange kitten appeared at the Nevada Northern Railway Museum.
Without a second thought, the crew welcomed him, naming him DJ, short for Dirt Junior. DJ quickly became Dirt’s protégé, destined to carry on the legacy of the Boss Cat.
the crew shared:
“We knew that someday Dirt would leave us for the big engine house in the sky so we got Dirt an understudy. It was another orange and white rescue kitten that we named Dirt Junior but call him DJ. (…) Dirt was teaching his protégé DJ, Dirt Junior, the ins and outs of being the Boss Shop Cat. We knew this day was coming, DJ now has big paws to fill.”
DJ proved to be an excellent Dirt Junior. He, too, assumed the role of everyone’s supervisor, carrying on Dirt’s legacy like a pro.
On one occasion, the crew mentioned their plans to continue rescuing cats in need of a home. What Dirt started will surely be carried on through the feline generations to come.
But one thing is certain: The original Boss Shop Cat will never be forgotten. He will be forever remembered—and loved!
