When a story about the life and death of Silas the Bookstore Cat appeared in the paper last month, the owners of A Novel Idea heard from Silas lovers near and far.

They knew people had loved the white and black cat who slept in their 14th and P streets window,  meeped at customers and cozied up in readers’ laps.

But they were amazed at just how far his reach went. Condolences came from Florida, Texas, California, Japan, Korea, the Czech Republic.

Silas fans sent flowers and sympathy cards.

Then people asked: Are you going to get another cat?

Yes,  said store owners Cinnamon Dokken and Katherine Bergstrom. And you can help.

They’d rescued Silas from the alley out back nearly 14 years ago.

Why not rescue their next bookstore cat, too, and help  animal shelters at the same time?

“Silas seemed to mean so much to so many people,” Dokken said. “We thought we’d turn this into a community thing.”

So they put two jars near the front counter, labeled one Capital Humane Society and the other Cat House.

They drew tiny money thermometers that show the ever-increasing amounts in each jar.

Help us, they asked customers.  Donate to one of the two shelters. We’ll adopt our new cat from the one that gets the most cash.

By Sunday the Cat House had $51; the Humane Society $41.

Out-of-towners can contribute directly to either organization by  sending a check with “A Novel Idea” in the subject line.

All funds will go to the shelters.

They put a blurb on the store’s Web site letting people know they have until April 15 to make their monetary vote count.

It’s a nice way to pay tribute to Silas, said Dokken, and a good way to support local animal rescue.

Friday, the counter was piled high with books. Customers searched paperback titles on sale tables outside.

There was a small spot in the front window, perfect for a cat.

Reach Cindy Lange-Kubick at 473-7218 or clangekubick@journalstar.com.