Key Takeaways
- Lola, a beloved cat in Aro Park, Wellington, has passed away, leaving behind a community of well-wishers and fans.
- Lola was a regular fixture in the park for many years and was known for her resilience and affectionate nature.
- She survived two dog attacks and a subsequent surgery, and spent her last year at home, where she received many visitors and treats.
- Lola’s Facebook page has attracted over 100 comments and tributes from people who knew and loved her.
- Her owner, Josephine Brien, has received many well-wishes and gifts, including artwork and cards, since Lola’s passing.
Introduction to Lola
Lola, a cat considered to be Aro Park royalty, has passed away, leaving behind a community of well-wishers and fans. She was a regular fixture in the park for many years, and her death was announced on her Facebook page, which has attracted over 100 comments and tributes from people who knew and loved her. According to the post, "Lola lived one of the fullest lives a little cat could," and her life was marked by many big and small moments that shaped her personality and relationships with those around her.
Lola’s Life and Legacy
Lola’s life was not without its challenges, including surviving a greyhound attack that resulted in the loss of her front leg, and a second dog attack that required surgery with only a 10 percent chance of survival. Despite these setbacks, Lola continued to thrive, and her affectionate and resilient nature earned her a special place in the hearts of those who knew her. As the Facebook post noted, "it was in these moments that you all came to love Lola, and it feels only right to thank you as we say goodbye." Lola’s owner, Josephine Brien, took care of her from 2014, and her daughter Zeni runs the Facebook page, which has become a tribute to Lola’s life and legacy.
Tributes and Well-Wishes
The outpouring of tributes and well-wishes for Lola has been overwhelming, with people sharing their favorite memories and stories of their interactions with her. Claire Naughton, who met Lola while studying abroad in Wellington in 2016, said, "May we all live lives as full as this sweet and sassy gal! Lola was my first local friend when I studied abroad in Wellington in 2016." Courtney Hutchinson, who used to live in Aro Valley, said, "I’m sitting on my couch crying now. Lola was so special, I loved seeing her on my walk to work and back home when I lived in Aro Valley years ago." Simon Dartford, who briefly lived in Aro Valley 14 years ago, said, "Very sad, but what an amazing life Lola has had. I briefly lived up Aro Valley approx 14 years ago and the highlight of each day was sharing some cuddles and rubs with Lola."
Lola’s Impact on the Community
Lola’s impact on the community was significant, and her presence in Aro Park was a source of comfort and joy for many people. Josephine Brien said that people used to spend ages at her fence talking to Lola, and that she and her family often thought about putting up a sign that said "psychiatric help 5 cents" because people would talk to Lola for so long. Brien has received many well-wishes and gifts since Lola’s passing, including artwork and cards, which is a testament to the special place that Lola held in the hearts of those who knew her. As Brien noted, "for a little cat, Lola had left behind an enormous hole," and her legacy will continue to be felt in the community for a long time to come.
Conclusion
Lola’s passing has left a void in the lives of those who knew and loved her, but her legacy will live on through the memories and stories that people share about her. Her Facebook page will continue to be a tribute to her life and legacy, and a reminder of the impact that one small cat can have on a community. As the Facebook post said, "thank you to everyone who cuddled her, fed her, and treated her to Wellington’s best fish and chips," and to all those who loved and cared for her, Lola will always be remembered as a beloved and special member of the Aro Park community.