Stepping into Cat’s Meow Boutique, one can sense the peace and friendship that owner Ronnie Dove offers everyone with his unfailing kind smile. These days, the ambiance is touched with grief, as Ronnie recently experienced the sudden loss of a daughter of fifty years, Dawna Dove. Ronnie wishes to offer sincere thanks to everyone who helped during that time, especially Broadway Rescue Squad. “Dawna was with Broadway Rescue Squad for probably 30 years, and an honorary member for the rest of her life. The squad did everything they could to help me in regards to her funeral.”
Through raw emotion, Ronnie recalls Dawna’s best qualities, “It was her love. She started and owned the organization called For the Love of Paws.” Breaking into a grin, “She would trap cats, have them fixed, then bring them back where they were and [let them go]. When it got to the point where she couldn’t do it anymore, she would loan a trap out to somebody or help set up the Styrofoam boxes that cats could get in to be warm.” Ronnie now has two simple requests. There are eight inside cats needing homes since Dawna passed. Legally blind, Ronnie needs rides to and from the shop at 136 N Main St. Broadway and his home at 1534 Concord Church Road in Timberville, which is over towards 11 in the Mash.
“I’m trying to find rides – not every day – just every once in a while, a ride in anywhere from 7 to 9, or 10 if necessary, or a ride out in the evening, anywhere from 4 to 6, or whatever, if it suits somebody that’s passing by. I’ll be glad to pay for rides.” If you or someone you know can help in this way, the need is usually Tuesdays through Saturdays; call Ronnie at (540) 560-7047. Ronnie Dove is a man who has blessed the community for many years.
Dawna had the same love for cats that her mother Connie did. One might think the name of the store is a natural result of this family’s affection for felines. However, Ronnie gave a surprising history detail. “My father was a professional carpenter, and any time somethin’ fit, he said, ‘that’s the cat’s meow!’, and my wife said, ‘I want to name the building the Cat’s Meow Boutique.’, and I said, ‘that’s fine with me!’”. He remembers his wife also faithfully caring for animals as long as she was able. “Her mom had a love of animals – and she loved all kind of animals. When Connie was dying in 2011, she took in two chihuahua puppies that had never had their mother’s milk – they’re still alive today!”
Broadway knows that Ronnie Dove’s shop is an extension of love and community, and he is in his element giving in this way. “My fun is to come in here and be with people every day. I enjoy doing this – it’s my retirement.” Out front where a row of cats are painted on the window, there’s a floating lavender colored shelf with food items to be given away, called the Blessings Table. Ronnie goes on, “People bring all kinds of stuff for the Blessings Table. What started that was, several years ago, I got awake in the middle of the night, and it just seemed like the Lord was saying, ‘Broadway needs a table that people can put their extra stuff on…if they got too much corn, if they got too much tomatoes, and they want to get rid of the stuff, and other people can enjoy it.’ People bring food and other people take it; that’s what it’s all about. It’s blessings to bless other people – it’s not me, it’s other people [providing the items].”
How can we reciprocate the generosity of Ronnie in his time of loss and honor Dawna’s love for animals? Share the word that eight indoor cats are needing homes. Tell neighbors and friends toward the Mash who might be able to help Ronnie get back and forth from the store. Stop in and meet this remarkable small business owner for the first time or catch up with him as a friend – for the love of paws and people.
