A black-and-white cat has gone missing from his regular perch in Chinatown's Guan-Gong Temple, causing great distress to monks, congregants and everyone else accustomed to gazing at the feline known for sitting peaceably in the temple's Broome Street doorway.
"Do Do" the cat has been a fixture at Guan-Gong for eight years now, and his disappearance last week has caused quite a stir in the otherwise tranquil Buddhist community. Signs have been placed around the neighborhood, and Tanzin Zangpo, the temple's monk, said he and Guan-Gong nuns have dipped into their personal funds to scrape together a $200 reward for the kindly soul who delivers Do Do home safe.
"We reached into our own pockets for the friend who finds Do Do," Zangpo told us, adding that he'd likely also add some gifts to sweeten the deal.
Neighbors reported seeing a black-and-white cat gallivanting in a nearby park late last night, but Zangpo said he's unsure whether it was the beloved temple kitty or not. He said Do Do has never left before, and he has no idea what might have prompted the feline to flee.
"He never left," Zangpo said. "He usually just stayed next to the door."
