By Las Vegas PRIDE Magazine Staff // Photography courtesy of Ken Call Murdock

Falcor’s journey into the spotlight began, fittingly, at a community celebration: Pirate Fest LV at Craig Ranch Park. Initially, security wasn’t sure about letting a cat into the event, but Falcor had other plans. Once his majestic head peeked out of the backpack, it was clear he belonged in the limelight. Guests instantly fell in love with him, and kids delighted in meeting the real-life namesake of The NeverEnding Story’s beloved flying creature. The festival even offered Falcor a private area for lunch, solidifying his star status.

Since then, Falcor has become a fixture at Las Vegas events; from rocking out at a Metal Show at Voodoo Brewery during First Friday, to attending a performance of Hamilton at The Smith Center, where staff went out of their way to make sure he and Ken were comfortable. At PRIDE, Falcor was right at home, basking in music, sequins, and the loving attention of the Sin Sity Sisters. “With a Queer dad, Falcor fits right in,” Ken Call Murdock laughs. “He’s a part of this family.”

Falcor at The Fremont Street Experience

Falcor even ventured into the final frontier at STLV, the Star Trek Las Vegas convention. There, he served as both emotional support and a friendly face to attendees missing their pets. “Cats have always had a place in Star Trek lore,” Ken says. “Falcor was the Captain that week; no question.”

Changing Perceptions, One Purr at a Time

Beyond his fluffy charm and gentle demeanor, Falcor’s mission runs deeper. As a certified service cat, he’s helping redefine how the public views service animals, and who they can be. His work includes raising awareness for disability inclusion, advocating for specialized Maine Coons in service animal legislation, and supporting fundraising efforts for accessibility initiatives.

“Not all disabilities are visible, and not all service animals are dogs,” Ken explains. “Falcor is living proof that love, loyalty, and instinct can take many forms.”

The duo’s next big project is Falcor’s Nest, a breeding and training program for Deaf Maine Coon service cats. The goal: to match specially bred kittens with families and individuals who could benefit from their intuitive companionship, particularly those with disabilities or seizure disorders. “We want to show that there are alternatives that better fit certain needs,” Ken says. “And that disability doesn’t define anyone; it just changes how we navigate the world.”

From Music to Ministry: Ken’s Journey

Ken’s own story is one of resilience and reinvention. A former singer turned podcaster, he once hosted Down the Road Show, an early video podcast featuring celebrities and creators from across the country. “Before influencers were even a thing, we were doing hour-long interviews on YouTube,” he recalls.

But in 2017, severe spinal injuries and chronic pain forced Ken to step away from performing. What followed was a long battle with mobility issues, convulsions, and loss of voice, compounded by personal tragedy when he discovered his sister after an overdose. Healing came slowly, through therapy, Havening techniques, and eventually, through Falcor.

“Falcor literally saved my life,” Ken shares. “He senses when something is wrong. Once, I blacked out during a seizure, and when I came to, he was meowing and pressing against me until I moved. He hasn’t left my side since.”

The Bond Between Human and Animal

Though Falcor is deaf, communication between him and Ken is seamless. “He feels my voice through vibration,” Ken explains. “Sometimes it feels like we’re having a real conversation.”

Ken sees animals as “little angels” who volunteer to help humans in their most challenging times. “Call me the Cat Guy of Las Vegas; I wear it proudly,” he laughs. “People think I’m crazy until they see how deep this bond runs.”

Together, Ken and Falcor embody compassion, humor, and the spirit of community that defines Las Vegas. Whether they’re posing for photos, raising awareness, or just enjoying a quiet night at home, their partnership is a testament to the healing power of unconditional love.

Looking Ahead

As Falcor celebrates his first birthday on November 8th, Ken is planning new adventures: from developing Falcor-themed merchandise to fundraising for their breeding program and continuing to advocate for disability access. Most of all, they’re focused on staying healthy, happy, and grounded.

“We’ve been through a lot,” Ken reflects. “But Falcor reminds me every day to keep showing up to bring light, humor, and heart into the world. And that’s what Las Vegas is all about.”

For event bookings or appearances, Falcor is available to spread joy at local community gatherings, proving time and again that heroes don’t always wear capes; sometimes, they wear fur.

Find Falcor online at:
@FalcorBlueEyes

This article was originally published in the 2025 Holiday Issue of Las Vegas PRIDE Magazine, and can be read in its original format here.