Alki Tavern’s neighbor Magoo the cat needs ‘nice quiet place to retire and write memoirs’

While WSB has a special page to help reunite lost/found pets and people, we usually point the occasional the “pet in need of a home” notice toward the WSB Forums. This one, though, just screamed – meowed – front-page news … or perhaps mews:

Greetings …I am Magoo.

I am the current resident of 1311 Alki Ave SW as well as the neighbor to the Notorious Alki Tavern.

The land my home is on has been sold to developers and will be torn down along with the tavern.

So years living next to the Best Biker bar in West Seattle has brought me years of joy and excitement.

Watching everyone come and go on sunny summer days and hearing all of their tall-tales…

watching the Blue Angels scream across the water…they always make me hide under my box… seeing only the locals bundle up on cold winter days to go for a walk on the beach… enjoying curling up and watching the reflection of the sun off the buildings downtown… and hearing the sound of the seals out on the buoy barking all night long.

I loved watching the world pass me by from my tiny 1911 baby blue beach hut on Alki Ave SW.

With the selling of the land I now need to think about my next move in life. I have decided I am looking for a nice quiet place to retire and write my memoirs of my life next to the tavern.

I came to the beach in West Seattle as a kitten so I have…well…it’s is rude to talk about age so let’s just say I have lots of stories.

I am like a classic Mercedes…as long as you maintain the engine…the car will run forever.

My engine is strong, but I need a little extra tlc…just like a high-mileage car.

The man that lived here with me was a great mechanic and he took great care of me.

After learning the land was sold, he passed away … it truly broke his heart to know he had to leave his familiar home.

Now I am left without someone to type for me; my nails get caught in the keys… So… if you would be interested in helping me write my memoirs as well as take care of me…

the usual… feed me pet me love me… clean up after me… but most of all love me…

Please contact my assistant at: 206-388-8828
She will get you on my calendar for an appointment.

Magoo’s assistant, Kelly, says those who knew and loved Magoo’s dearly departed human also are “contacting artists to paint the side of the house in nothing but pink flamingos … if anyone knew JD and would like to show their appreciation and celebrate his life, they are welcome to place a pink flamingo anywhere around his little beach house.”

35 Replies to "Alki Tavern's neighbor Magoo the cat needs 'nice quiet place to retire and write memoirs'"

  • boy February 14, 2013 (4:28 pm)

    Noooo Say it’s not so. There goes another icon of old westseattle.

  • nemobeansmom February 14, 2013 (4:54 pm)

    I’m so sad for the kitty, they “pets” miss their people too when they pass as much as people miss their pets when they pass away. :(

  • ~~HockeyWitch~~ February 14, 2013 (5:08 pm)

    Oh Magoo…. I’m sorry to hear about your human. That is so sad. I wish you could come live with me, but I already have 2 little furry monsters and my landlord would not be happy with me having 3. I HOPE you are able to find a loving, quiet, relaxing FURever home with someone that will love you greatly for the rest of your years. Please keep us updated on your journey. >^..^<

  • rick February 14, 2013 (5:56 pm)

    Used to bartend at the Embers next door in the 70’s. Bit by bit, we’re fadin’ away.

  • Kip February 14, 2013 (6:17 pm)

    Magoo looks like a beautifully sweet soul. Wish we could take him…
    Good-luck

  • Faith4 February 14, 2013 (7:28 pm)

    West Seattle is quickly changing from what it used to be. For those of us that grew up here, just so many changes. Going to the museum on Alki to see & recall what West Seattle was is extraordinary. I somehow hope that all of the building will somehow slow down as it seems we are losing the feeling of somewhere special – West Seattle. As buildings get higher, and our historical West Seattle disappears & more concrete appears. It is kind of sad. I know it is called progress but at what cost.

    Magoo, I hope you find a very special home & someone to give you all the special attention you want.

  • SudsyMaggie February 14, 2013 (7:53 pm)

    Oh kitty…

  • B February 14, 2013 (9:02 pm)

    I agree with Faith. I didn’t grow up here but have been here 10 years now. It has changed so much in 10 years. West Seattle is no longer a place that I love to call home.

  • raincity February 14, 2013 (9:51 pm)

    The buildings around us might be changing, but it’s the people who would care enough about Magoo and his person that makes us West Seattle. That’s still as great as ever.

  • miws February 15, 2013 (7:21 am)

    Magoo, Duse! Check this out!

    https://westseattleblog.com/2013/02/west-seattle-valentines-day-scenes-love-the-kenney#comments

    .

    Maybe you could retire to the Kenney! Can you imagine having all of those sweet Senior ladies fussing over you?

    .

    I’m serious about this. It was suggested in the comment thread of that article, and I think it’s a great idea!

    .

    Mike

  • ca February 15, 2013 (7:32 am)

    I was thinking the kenney also Mike!! So sad none of the workers, who he is familiar with cant take him…hes gorgeous….i hope this has a happy ending.

  • Sassy February 15, 2013 (8:39 am)

    Magoo – you are such a love :0)
    Mike – I think your idea of The Kenney is brilliant!

    I am so sorry that Magoo’s dad has passed – that makes me so sad, for both of them.

    Let’s help Magoo find the retirement locale he deserves.

  • stace February 15, 2013 (10:03 am)

    Magoo buddy,

    Let me introduce myself, I’m Joeus Kitteus Maximus (aka:Fat Joe) but you can just call me Joe. I am another “experienced feline” in West Seattle.

    Although im what the youngsters call “a Noob” to the area. But i do know where Alki is. Just moved here 3 months ago from So Cal. I have a Human Relations Assistant, I’ve been with him for 17 years (arent they handy?) and ive never regretted it. Even though he moved me up here. I never thought it’d be so wet, so often- i thought he was kidding when he told me.

    We made the move in November to come to W. Seattle so he could be closer to his aging grandparents. Id say to come on over, but my assistant (a 12 year Harley Mechanic) is looking for work right now- if he gets something soon I’ll let you know.

    Hang in there brother!

  • miws February 15, 2013 (1:27 pm)

    I can’t take credit for the idea of the Kenney. :-)

    .

    Someone posting as “Shannon”, on comment thread of the Kenney Valentine celebration suggested it.

    .

    I just thought it was a swell idea. ;-)

    .

    Mike

  • Magoo February 15, 2013 (5:03 pm)

    Let me just say that my calendar is getting quite full with everyone who wants to meet me. And thanks for all the ‘paw’sitve thoughts and prayers as I move on to interviewing another human. It is going to be hard to replace the old man… but I know there is a suitable human out there for me that will provide the purrfect environment for me to relax and ponder.

    Thanks West Seattle Blog

  • nemobeansmom February 15, 2013 (5:22 pm)

    What do we have to do to see if THE KENNEY will take Magoo in?
    Let me know and I’ll do the footwork, pick up…transport… Magoo over there.
    I’ll check back here for reply.

  • miws February 15, 2013 (7:24 pm)

    Hi nemobeansmom.

    .

    I sent an e-mail to a person of contact, that I found on the Kenney’s website, and received an Auto-Reply that she was out until Tuesday.

    .

    I’ll post any reply I get back from her.

    .

    Mike

  • KD February 15, 2013 (10:00 pm)

    I’ve done cat rescue & adoptions in the past, and about 10 yrs. ago when someone left an 18 yr. old cat with me to find a home, I had checked with the Kenny and the activities director at the time(she’s not there anymore),had me bring her over when they had a sing-along in the main room to see how kitty did with loud noise and wheelchairs. She did great! The residents loved her and all wanted her on their laps. I swear some of those folks only perked up when the cat was around. She got to up and down the halls. Magoo would just have to know to not escape out the front doors to Fauntleroy(that’s what happened to the prior resident cat, he went out the front and got hit by a car. Might also want to check with Mt. St. Vincent on 35th. They have a number of resident cats there and that place is so huge that the cats don’t even run into each other. Senior cats are great for this environment because they also have slowed down, less likely to trip someone, they LOVE warm laps and beds, and do WONDERS for the spirits of the folks there!(p.s; I also have a cat named Magoo.. wonder if this Alki one is just as goofy!)

  • Delilah February 16, 2013 (8:57 am)

    Dear Margo
    Your notes moves me so. I live by another Seattle Biker bar (well, motor cycle enthusiasts) landmark ; the old Buckaroo on Fremont. We lost it too over a landlord lease despute after 75 years. My kitties are very old and when they pass I will be looking for a more mature cat like your self. Timing is not right but I bet you are already in a new home by today.
    Meow the best.

    Delilah

  • nemobeansmom February 16, 2013 (9:31 am)

    Hi Mike,
    Thank you for the update, and as I said please let me know if you need me to take Magoo over to the Kenney or any other kind of help that may be needed.
    To KD’s comment yes a pet does lift those Seniors/Elderly’s spirits as I know from taking care of my Father and his Kitty for the last few years of his life, “KitCat” brought him lots of love and company before he moved in and while he was here.

  • furiouskitty February 16, 2013 (10:44 am)

    Magoo,
    Please be sure to let us know where you will be taking your naps and such. I have some organic catnip toys I want to send you.
    Meowy Love.
    Furiouskitty and pals <3

  • Carolyn February 16, 2013 (1:01 pm)

    As second ‘assistant’ to this lovely kitty, I know that Ms. Magoo would be delighted to spend her remaining years in the adoration of the lovely folks at either the Kenney or St. Vinnies! I also know that she will not be going outside, as she has become an indoor kitty in her later years, and that streets are not an issue for her. She also is somewhat deaf (or perhaps it’s selective hearing!) and has vision troubles as she is cross-eyed. She is a lovely senior lady and deserves only the best!

  • miws February 16, 2013 (5:56 pm)

    Thanks, nemobeansmom! Will do!

    .

    Mike

  • Linda February 16, 2013 (9:12 pm)

    I hope Magoo finds a good home, he is adorable.

  • Magoo February 18, 2013 (10:43 am)

    Hey Everyone!

    Over the weekend I had my human create a facebook page for me. This is a way everyone can get to know me as well as check me out.

    http://www.facebook.com/magoo.cat.79

    It will also be a great way to communicate to the human. She works 8-6 and cannot take calls during that time.

    She will return your calls…usually the next day because by the time she commutes back home after feeding me it is quite later in the evening.

    Feel free to leave messages, just know I keep her pretty busy.

    I am very excited about moving and having new adventures with another human.

    Thanks West Seattle Blog

    • WSB February 18, 2013 (11:17 am)

      Thanks. That’s a personal Facebook account so we can’t follow it with the WSB page http://facebook.com/westseattleblog but please have Magoo “like” our page in case any updates need to be shared there. Anxious to hear who winds up getting chosen as Magoo’s assistant :) – TR

  • JoanE February 18, 2013 (11:28 am)

    Dear Sweet Magoo – I will absolutely check your FB page for new developments but would greatly appreciate it if you could have one of your minions post your eventual whereabouts to the WSB. And of course we’d like to know when your memoirs are complete and if you’ll be doing a book signing. xoxo

  • Magoo February 19, 2013 (10:22 am)

    So… My human just spoke with someone at the Kenney.

    They will not allow me to move in. Bummer.

  • nemobeansmom February 19, 2013 (4:08 pm)

    OH NO, no Kenney’s. Now what? I’d take you in but my blog namesake’s (Nemo& Bean)wouldn’t like it vey much…spoiled rotten kitty’s.

  • Magoo February 21, 2013 (8:28 am)

    Good Morning West Seattle Blog and Bloggers!!!!

    I am pleased to announce I have accepted an offer to work at Sweet Anthem perfume shop near the Morgan Junction on California as their grounds keeper and head of security. After rubbing my head on Meredith’s feet and rolling around a bit… I just could not pass up the offer.

    I am very excited to be a part of their team.
    I hear I have a partner over on their security team… a turtle. This is going to be awesome.

    Thank you West Seattle Blog and all the humans out there that took some time out of their day to help me find network on my relocation issue.

    From the bottom of my kitty heart ~ Thank You.

  • Marianne February 21, 2013 (8:56 pm)

    Congratulations to Magoo and Meredith. Thank you Kelly for seeing Magoo through to her new home. You are a true friend.

    • WSB February 21, 2013 (9:06 pm)

      I followed up with Meredith and am waiting for a photo of Magoo in her new home and then we’ll publish something separate for folks who haven’t checked back here or seen it on FB :) – TR

  • John Doe February 23, 2013 (10:05 pm)

    I am 3rd generation Alki and I have more Alkil in me the 95 percent of the people down hereand I would like to thank all you people that moved up herewith your money and attitudesand greed and took what was a nice beach and destroyed it.you turned it into Disneyland.you come over here and trash it and you have no respect for the people that live here.

  • nemobeansmom March 2, 2013 (3:36 pm)

    WSB,
    Any pics yet of Magoo at he new home? And what wonderful people to take Magoo in!!!

    • WSB March 2, 2013 (3:38 pm)

      Been waiting. Will have to ping Meredith.

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