Meet Sunshine Larry: The Cat Who’s Captured the Hearts of Bath
As someone who grew up in Bath, I always take a special interest in what’s happening in my hometown. Over the past few years, I’ve especially enjoyed following the adventures of what may very well be Bath’s most famous resident: an orange cat named Sunshine Larry.
If the City of Bath ever decided to elect a mayor, many residents would likely cast their vote for this grumpy-looking ray of sunshine.
Known simply as Sunny to his family, the friendly feline has become a local celebrity thanks to his daily adventures through downtown Bath. On any given day, he might be found relaxing inside a local business, visiting the police or fire station, wandering through Library Park, or greeting shoppers along Front Street.
His owner, Gillian Roy, says Sunny has become something of a social butterfly.
“He likes to follow people home, so if they’re leaving a restaurant or a bar, he will follow them,” Roy said.
Sunny’s popularity has grown so much that Roy created a Facebook page, Sunshine Larry, where residents regularly share photos of their encounters with the adventurous cat.
The page also serves another important purpose.
“The Facebook page really was started so I can keep tabs on him,” Roy said.
That’s because Sunny has a habit of wandering farther than expected. In one memorable adventure, he disappeared for three days before Roy learned he had been taken to Waterville by well-meaning Colby College students who believed he was a stray cat. After seeing posts online that Sunny was missing, they quickly returned him home.
To help prevent future long-distance excursions, Sunny now wears a GPS tracking collar so Roy can monitor his whereabouts.
From Rescue Cat to Local Celebrity
Sunny’s story began long before he became one of Bath’s most recognizable residents.
According to A Paw in the Door, the Bath-based cat recovery and rehabilitation organization that rescued him, Sunny was found living in the woods and struggling to survive near a barn in Dresden. Malnourished, exhausted, and suffering from severe infections in his tail, veterinarians determined the damage was too extensive and amputated his tail to save his life.
After recovering at the rescue, Sunny’s outgoing personality quickly became apparent. Although his adoptive family initially tried to keep him indoors, it soon became clear that he preferred exploring the outdoors and meeting new people.
His adventures gradually expanded throughout Bath, earning him fans across the community. Residents frequently welcome him into businesses, keep an eye on him during his travels, and help ensure he always finds his way home.
Today, Sunshine Larry is far more than a neighborhood cat. He’s become a beloved community mascot whose daily adventures bring smiles to residents and visitors alike, and if local opinion counts for anything, Bath’s unofficial mayor.
Keep up with Sunny’s adventures at his official Facebook page HERE.
♥ JamieG
Photos used with permission of Gillian Roy.
