How Lucky the Stray Became the Real Boss at Dave’s Small Engines
Lucky has a habit of making himself part of the customer experience at Dave’s Small Engines, sometimes in ways nobody expects. The stray-turned-shop-cat has ridden off on customers’ trailers more than once, then made his way back to the place he chose as home.
The cat who nearly came home with the mower
For some customers at Dave’s Small Engines, picking up a serviced lawnmower has come with an extra surprise. Lucky, the shop cat, has climbed aboard trailers as people hauled their equipment away, turning an ordinary errand into the sort of story that gets retold.
Craig Johnson, who owns the business, said Lucky tends to attach himself to some of the people who come through the shop. On a few occasions, that friendliness stretched all the way to an unexpected trip out of the lot. One customer, after finding the unplanned passenger, joked that the business seemed to be running a special that included a cat with the mower service.
What makes the story sweeter is that Lucky never stayed gone. Each time, Johnson said, the adventurous feline managed to return to the shop that had become his base.
From the post office to a forever spot
Lucky did not start out as a business mascot. Johnson said the cat had originally been hanging around the local post office, where people made sure he had food.
At some point, Lucky found his way to Dave’s Small Engines. Rather than moving on again, he stayed. Johnson’s account makes it sound less like a formal adoption and more like a decision Lucky made for himself. A wandering cat discovered a place that suited him and settled in.
That detail is part of what gives his story such a community feel. He was not unknown before he arrived at the shop. People had already been looking out for him. Then, when he landed at Dave’s Small Engines, he gained something more permanent: not just another stop, but a home.
A shop cat with customers of his own
Lucky may not do any of the mechanical work at Dave’s Small Engines, but he has carved out a clear role for himself. He does not repair engines, sharpen blades or handle tools. His contribution is different. He is part greeter, part companion, and part roaming ambassador for the business.
Johnson said Lucky often takes to customers, which helps explain why he has been so willing to accompany them. It also helps explain how a stray became part of the identity of the place. Some animals simply live around a business. Lucky sounds like he belongs to its daily rhythm.
That kind of belonging can change how a place feels. A shop built around engine work and mower repairs now also has a resident cat whose presence people remember. By all accounts, Lucky has become one of the characters of the business, the sort of animal whose habits turn routine visits into stories.
A collar, an AirTag and a clear answer
After Lucky’s trailer-riding episodes, Johnson decided a little extra protection was in order. Lucky now wears an Apple AirTag on his collar, giving the shop a better way to keep up with its most adventurous resident.
The tracker fits the life Lucky has built for himself. He is still the same cat who once drifted through town and accepted help near the post office. He is also the cat who found a workplace, claimed it, and kept everyone on notice that he might still head off on an outing if given the chance.
In the end, Lucky’s story is simple in the best way. A stray cat was fed by people in the community, wandered into a small engine shop, and stayed. He charmed customers, worried his people enough to earn a tracking device, and settled into a place where his position now seems unquestioned.
The sign out front may name the business, but Lucky’s place in it appears well established. Anyone who has met the shop cat already knows who the real presence is.
Why a stray may settle near a business
Cats are drawn to places that offer three things: shelter, warmth and a predictable source of food. A workshop, garage or store can provide all of them, especially if there are quiet corners, covered spaces and people coming and going on a regular schedule.
A cat that seeks out human attention, meows, rubs on legs or watches the door is often different from a truly feral cat, which usually avoids close contact. That matters, because a socialized stray may adapt well to indoor life or to becoming a cared for workplace cat. A fearful cat can still become friendly over time, but it is best to move at the cat's pace.
What to do if a cat starts showing up
First, assume the cat could belong to someone. Check for a collar, ask nearby neighbors and have a vet or shelter scan for a microchip. If the cat seems hungry, offer fresh water right away and food on a regular schedule rather than leaving large amounts out all day.
Set up a simple shelter if the cat is staying nearby. A dry, draft-free box or small covered bed placed off the ground can help. Keep notes on the cat's appearance and habits, and take a clear photo in case you need to ask around.
Book a vet visit as soon as handling is possible. Core basics usually include a health check, parasite treatment and a plan for spaying or neutering. If the cat is too wary to handle safely, ask about humane trapping and trap-neuter-return options.
How to make a workplace cat arrangement safe
A shop cat should have a defined safe zone away from engines, belts, blades, chemicals and vehicle traffic. Provide a bed, litter box, scratching surface and food station well clear of work areas. Store antifreeze, oils, fuels, solvents, rags and sharp parts securely, because even small amounts of some products can be dangerous.
Before making the arrangement permanent, think about allergies, customers, resident pets and building rules, which vary by workplace. A regular feeder, a backup caregiver and a plan for nights, weekends and holidays make the setup kinder and more stable for the cat.
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