Togus the Cat, RIP: Beloved Maine TV Mascot Dies

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By Karen Harrison Binette

Togus, a beautiful orange Maine Coon Cat with a compelling personality who was known throughout the state of Maine, passed away unexpectedly from heart failure last week.

Petdad Don Carrigan wrote at the website of WCSH TV:

“He found us by chance, totally by chance. A huge, somewhat scroungy Maine coon cat, rescued with more than two dozen others from a place that could no longer care for them.  Now, a decade later, it almost seems we were pre-destined to have Togus the Cat be part of our lives. How else do you explain the total bond between Togus and my wife, Donna (Togus’ Mom)? The story in his children’s book is true: two days after being brought to our house, Togus finally came out of his crate, jumped onto Donna’s lap, snuggled into her shoulder, and began a ten-year love affair.”

Most Maine residents, and many who summer or vacation in Maine, were well acquainted with Togus the Storm Center Cat from WCSH6 and WLBZ2. Togus lived in South Bristol, on the peninsula below Damariscotta, with  Midcoast reporter Don Carrigan, who frequently makes his broadcasts from home, especially during winter storms. Togus often appeared with Don and became well known to the audience, eventually becoming a mascot to the NBC sister stations and a celebrity in his own right. Naturally, Togus got his own Facebook fan page.

The photos below show just a few highlights from Togus’ public life. People were drawn to him and he was perfectly suited to public life. He was a beloved figure who is will be missed.

You can read the full text of  Don Carrigan’s touching tribute to Togus HERE.

 

At the news desk, with anchors Lee Nelson and Sharon Rose

 

 

Visiting Governor Baldacci at the statehouse

 

With petdad Don Carrigan at an animal shelter ribbon cutting

 

 

Togus in one of his photoshopped adventures, with Patriots QB Tom Brady

 

With Don at a book signing for ‘Togus a Coon Cat Finds a Home’

 

 

WCSH 6 and WLBZ 2 have set up a Togus Memorial Fund for anyone who wants to make a donation in his memory. The money will be distributed to animal welfare groups and shelters around the state. Donations can be sent to:

TD Bank
Togus Memorial Fund
One Portland Square
PO Box 9540
Portland, Maine 04112

In the studio talking about the release of Togus a Coon Cat Finds a Home.

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