Sisters loses a beloved mascot

Miss Jenni, beloved mascot of Habitat for Humanity ReStore for the past seven years, passed away quietly in the arms of store manager Robin Tawney at Sisters Veterinary Clinic with long-time Habitat volunteer Russell Williams at her side. She was about 17 years old.

Miss Jenni was adopted at a Bend Spray & Neuter clinic that was held at the old ReStore location. She happened to be in a cage sitting next to Tawney's desk and kept whispering, "Pick me! Pick me!" And Robin did. Miss Jenni adapted well, and pretty much took over from day one. Even moving into the new building didn't faze her; she just adjusted her daily route around town.

Miss Jenni became a favorite not just of customers, but townsfolk and customers from all over Oregon and beyond. People would come in and ask for Miss Jenni before they started shopping.

"People would come in and tell me about their Miss Jenni sightings all over town," Tawney said.

One customer told the story about how traffic was backed up on Adams Avenue with cars stopped in both directions while Miss Jenni sat in the middle of the road, completely unconcerned. Nobody honked horns, nobody got upset. Some people got out of the cars and encouraged her to make up her mind which way she was going, but she only moved when she was ready to go.

Miss Jenni has been a favorite of many Sisters children she has grown up with, who are now adults; they will miss seeing her in places she visited while making her rounds. She was the official tester of all things soft in the ReStore, and wrangled the customers with her feline finesse. She knew her special customers and volunteers, greeting them as they drove into the parking lot and following them into the store, usually heading for her treat jar. A loud meow told them who was boss.

Miss Jenni has been interred in Tawney's backyard and a celebration of her life will be held at the ReStore on Thursday, June 12 between 4 and 6 p.m. The public is welcome to come by and share Miss Jenni stories in the guest book and a toast with Robin and her volunteers to say thanks for the memories.