Photo source: @ns_mma/Twitter
A seasoned rodent control officer in Halifax, Nova Scotia received a special retirement party on his final day of work. A celebration to not only thank him for his hard work as a crew member, but for community members to say goodbye to a lovable companion.
A cat named Erik the Red has been patrolling the local harbor ever since he was rescued in 1999, according to Halifax local news outlet Herald News. It didn’t take him long to assume the position of rodent control officer aboard the CSS Acadia—a Canadian Scientific Ship turned into a permanent floating museum in the Halifax Harbor—and dramatically reduce the mouse population onboard.
“No pest-control company could ever do the kind of job Erik does,” Stephen Read, CSS Acadia’s ship keeper, told Herald News. “There are too many nooks and crannies on this ship. He would eat [the mice] most of the time.”
Dozens arrived to celebrate this feline’s career. In addition to cake, sidewalk art and a book reading, there was a hotline for people to call in and tell their favorite stories about the mighty mouse catcher.
Fearing Erik would do poorly during the cold months in Acadia because of his health and old age, the ship’s crew decided retirement would be best. From now on, Erik will be spending his days with a friend toward the north end of Halifax.
Judging by the turnout for his retirement party, the crew of the Acadia and the community will miss Erik dearly. Check out the festivities below.
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