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Beloved cat mayor is mauled by dog

Robby Soave Reporter
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Stubbs the cat, the adored, long-reigning mayor of Talkeetna, Alaska, is clinging to life after surviving a vicious mauling by a mad dog.

The mayor, who was elected to office 16 years ago, was attacked during his nightly stroll. He suffered a punctured lung and fractured sternum. Doctors said Stubbs is now breathing on his own, but in great pain.

As a kitten, Stubbs won on a write-in ballot for mayor some 16 years ago. Since Talkeetna is an historic district, the mayor has little real power. Fewer than 1,000 people live in Talkeetna.

Still, Locals praised the cat’s record and hoped for a full recovery.

It’s a shame,” said Ashley Kearns, a resident of Talkeetna, in a statement to CNN. “He’s the mayor, it’s not a joke. I know it’s ridiculous, but the town is run really well.”

Given the cat’s popularity, Stubbs is often mentioned by political pundits as a contender for higher office.

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Tags : alaska
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