317 Project: Violet's daily walks bring joy to her neighbors
The 317 Project tells stories of life in all of Indianapolis’ vibrant neighborhoods – 317 words at a time.
Violet Bayne anxiously eyed the door of her house, desperate to get out for her morning walk.
She hates to be late.
Violet keeps a strict schedule. Every day at 10 a.m., she’ll meander to her neighbor’s house, where she’ll eat a meal and spend the day napping — on the sunny porch or inside the cozy home.
Then, around 5 p.m., it’s time to leave.
Most people would agree that habits organize life.
Unlike, well, all people, Violet is a cat.
The 10-year-old feline walked with humble authority along the streets of her Millersville neighborhood in northeast Indianapolis. She stopped every few feet to examine her surroundings.
This is her domain. Violet knows it well, and she's a bit of a celebrity.
"Everybody in the neighborhood knows Violet,” Karen Bayne said.
Though Bayne and Violet occasionally take the long way, their usual route is less than a quarter of a mile — just one block over.
Alice Roettger, who lives along Violet's route, said her passing is “like an alarm clock.”
If she’s home in the mornings, Roettger will think, “it’s about Violet time.” She’ll watch Violet's jaunt from her front window as she reads the paper on the couch.
When Violet arrived at her destination — her neighbor’s house — she waited patiently on the doorstep. He’s out of the house at the moment, but Violet’s visiting anyway.
Bayne joked her commitment is a full-time job. Rain or shine, weekend or weekday, holiday or workday — Violet will be there.
“She does not care if it's like 5 degrees out,” Bayne said.
As Bayne began the short journey home around the block, Violet followed to the edge of the driveway. Then she returned to her second home, signaling she's OK on her own.
“She enjoys going on her walks — you know, seeing other people and avoiding dogs,” Bayne said.
All in a day’s work.
Have a tip for a story in one of Indianapolis’ neighborhoods? Let us know at 317project@indystar.com.
Contact IndyStar trending reporter Claire Rafford at crafford@gannett.com or on Twitter @clairerafford.
This article originally appeared on Indianapolis Star: 317 Project: Violet's daily walks allow her solitude, independence
