Leo, one-time greeter and all-around amazing shop cat formerly of Zarks Gallery, passed away on Nov. 29. He was surrounded by his family, Rick and Sara Armellini, and caregivers, Dr. Kameron and Anita at the Berryville Vet Clinic.
Leo joined the staff at Zarks on August 1, 2003, and was a hard-working kitty who not only helped close sales, but gained many friends during his tenure. He arrived at the gallery when he was about two years old and already weighing 15 pounds, but at one time, tipped our scale at around 17+ despite our efforts to keep him more svelte. We were told that he was part Maine Coon Cat and, we suspect, may also have some Persian and/or Ragdoll blood in his veins.
Leo took his job very seriously. He knew when visitors were away from their pets a “fur fix” was sometimes needed; he was glad to oblige. He was happy to pose for photos but we couldn’t always guarantee that his eyes would be open.
Besides the jewelry cases countertops, his favorite spot was on the windowsill in the gallery’s pottery room. It was there he could lounge away most of the day, much to the delight and amusement of passersby. At night he entertained window shoppers and had several regulars (two and four-legged types) who came by in the evening to visit him.
His picture has appeared on the pages of our state newspaper, the Arkansas Democrat-Gazette, and other regional publications. He sold tote bags and jewelry decorated with his image, along with framed prints. Leo made frequent trips to his personal groomer, Diana, to make sure that he was always “camera ready.”
He loved paper sacks, empty boxes, playing tag, doing yoga, sleeping in our recycling bin, and bird watching.
As a result of being diagnosed with Feline Diabetes in 2008 and needing insulin injections twice a day, Leo was forced to take an early retirement. Like his predecessor, Cajun, Leo developed a loyal following while at Zarks and did all he could to encourage support of our local animal shelter. Memorial donations can be made to the Good Shepherd Shelter in his honor. Mail directly to The Good Shepherd Humane Society, Attention: Treasurer, P.O. Box 527, Berryville, AR 72616