Copyright 2025
If you visit the Old Pen in Boise, Idaho, you'll learn about the people who were sentenced to live in the cells through harsh Idaho winters and hot summers. The history is heavy. It's difficult to imagine something warm and soft within the sandstone walls and metal bars, but in 1952, a kitten was smuggled into the prison.
The men living there named the little creature Dennis and cared for him for sixteen years. Dennis charmed the guards, interrupted chess games, snuggled on laps, and sunbathed on the grass.
This book is the story of Dennis, in the words of Ed Eline, written as an obituary in the prison's newspaper in 1968. Illustrated by Susan Lasater and Veiko Valencia.
Order your copy of Dennis the Cat was Here.... HERE!
Copyright 2025
Every year in May, the prison, now a museum, celebrates Dennis the Cat Day to honor the compassion and friendship offered by Dennis and money is raised for local shelters.
Stay tuned for information about Dennis the Cat Day 2026!