Boise, Idaho’s Old Idaho Penitentiary may no longer house prisoners, but it remains steeped in history and stories, with one of the most cherished tales being that of Dennis the Cat. This Memorial Day weekend, the Old Pen is commemorating Dennis’s remarkable legacy, shedding light on a feline figure who brought comfort and companionship to the prison’s residents.
According to event coordinator Alexandra Polidori, Dennis’s story is intertwined with the penitentiary’s history. “Dennis the Cat is a beloved figure here at this site,” Polidori expressed. “He lived here for 16 years, having been found in the prison chicken farm in 1952 and smuggled in a shoebox by a few residents.”
Despite initial attempts to keep Dennis hidden, the guards eventually discovered him and permitted his stay. Dennis roamed the prison grounds freely, endearing himself to both inmates and guards alike. “He was everyone’s favorite,” Polidori recalled. “He brought comfort and joy to the residents, particularly the lifers, and even partook in their chess games.”
Dennis’s presence served as a form of therapy for the prisoners, providing a source of solace amidst the harsh realities of prison life. Upon his passing on Memorial Day in 1968, the inmates held a memorial service for him, and his headstone remains the only one within the prison walls.
Despite the absence of photographs, an obituary in the prison newspaper features a sketch of Dennis, portraying him as a scraggly tomcat with a white puff on his chest. The Old Pen has been celebrating Dennis’s legacy for four years now, attracting more visitors each year eager to learn about his story and pay their respects at his grave.
“Dennis’s story showcases the humanity within Idaho’s prisons,” Polidori emphasized. “He provided comfort and companionship to those who needed it most, and it’s essential to celebrate his legacy and the impact he had on the residents here.” Through commemorations like these, Dennis the Cat’s memory lives on, reminding us of the power of companionship and compassion even in the most unlikely of places.
