By Tim Garcia, Special to the Neighb News
On William Street in the heart of Fairhaven’s town center lives a cat who is more than just a cat — he’s a legend. His name is Buddy, and if you’ve ever walked through the center, there’s a good chance you’ve met him.
With a coat of glowing orange fur and a swagger in his step that can only be described as royal, Buddy has become the unofficial king of William Street. I’ve never been a lover of cats, I’m a dog person for sure, but this cat is different. I suggest we make it official.
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- Buddy, the king of William Street in Fairhaven, Mass., looks plump and happy as he makes himself comfortable on a lawn in the center of town. Photo courtesy of Tim Garcia.
Every morning, Buddy begins his rounds. Where? No one knows fully, but I’ve gathered enough information over the years to take an educated guess. While most cats prefer napping in quiet corners, Buddy enjoys being where the people are. Taking his slow stroll, he’s easily spotted with his tail held high like a flag of friendliness.
Neighbors call out, “Hey Buddy!” and he always responds with a slow blink or a soft head bump to a leg. Children squeal with delight when he saunters over, giving them the honor of scratching him behind the ears.
What makes Buddy special isn’t just his striking orange Mane or the unmistakable strut that sets him apart from any other cat. It’s his personality — easygoing, curious, and endlessly friendly.
He doesn’t just exist in Fairhaven’s center; he belongs to it. It’s rare for a cat to earn such affection from so many, but Buddy has a way of making every encounter feel personal. He’ll walk straight up to a stranger, look them in the eyes, and in that moment, it feels like you’re the most important person in world.
The townspeople often joke that Buddy should have his own office in Town Hall. After all, he probably knows more people than some officials do. Tourists have spotted him and have been known to ask about him.
Locals just smile and say, “That’s Buddy. He runs this place.”
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- Buddy, the king of William Street in Fairhaven, Mass., looks squarely at the camera as he works his charm on the photographer. Photo courtesy of Tim Garcia.
In a town that bustles with history, from cobblestone buildings to ships resting in the harbor, Buddy adds his own small but vibrant chapter. He is living proof that community doesn’t just come from people; it can come from one cat who loves everyone he meets. His days are filled with pats, greetings, and the occasional treat slipped to him by someone who knows he deserves it.
At the end of the day, when the sidewalks grow quiet and the shops close, Buddy finds his way back to William Street. In a large yard, under an Evergreen tree and the slight glow of the streetlamps, he sits tall. His orange fur glowing like fire in the night. For Fairhaven, he isn’t just a cat. He’s the heartbeat of the town center — the king of William Street, who rules not with power, but with love.
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