Key Takeaways
- Lola, a beloved cat, was a local celebrity in Wellington’s Aro Park, known for her friendly demeanor and distinctive three-legged appearance.
- She was a source of comfort and joy for many people in the community, who would visit her and give her treats and attention.
- Lola’s death sparked an outpouring of emotion on social media, with many people sharing their memories and tributes to the cat.
- She had a significant impact on the community, providing a sense of connection and comfort to those who interacted with her.
- Lola’s story highlights the importance of community and the role that animals can play in bringing people together.
Introduction to Lola
Lola, a real deal celebrity in central Wellington, was a cat who captured the hearts of many in the community. For years, she was the undisputed Queen of Aro Park, with a mural even painted in her honor. News of her death sparked an outpouring of emotion from fans on social media, with many people sharing their memories and tributes to the beloved cat. According to Josephine Brien, who looked after Lola for several years, the cat’s adventures began in 2008 when she and another kitten, Mickey, were bought from Animates. Brien’s partner lived on one side of Aro Park, and she on the other, and Lola would often follow the kids as they walked through the park.
Lola’s Early Years
Brien recalls that even back then, Lola would visit her house, and she knew many people in the community. Lola wasn’t always the three-legged cat she was remembered as in later years. She was attacked by dogs twice, once around 2017 and again around 2019, which resulted in the loss of one of her legs. Despite this, Lola continued to visit the park, albeit with a limp, and remained a beloved fixture in the community. Brien said that Lola’s public persona was important to her, and she would often make an effort to visit the park, even if it was just to sit in her favorite spot. As Brien noted, "She knew so many people, and, you know, for a small cat, she brought a lot of love out of everybody."
Lola’s Impact on the Community
Lola’s impact on the community was significant, and she became a source of comfort and joy for many people. Brien received many messages and tributes after Lola’s death, including a beautiful oil painting and a drawing. The community’s love for Lola was evident in the many stories and memories shared about her. For example, Koda, who used to visit Lola regularly, remembered the cat’s distinctive three-legged gait and her love of attention. Liz, another fan of Lola’s, would often visit the cat with her friend and daughter, and the three would spend time playing and admiring Lola’s little house. As Liz noted, "I knew that there was a whole lot of like cats of like inner city Wellington that you had to know when you moved to Wellington and she was one of them."
Tributes to Lola
The news of Lola’s death inspired hundreds of tributes online, with many people sharing their memories and stories about the cat. People who had left Aro Valley, Wellington, and even New Zealand, also remembered their years with Lola fondly. Lola Stoodley, who shared her name with the cat, said that Lola helped her through a difficult time in her life, providing comfort and companionship. Sarah Fa’avale, who lived in Aro Valley during her last year of university, remembered Lola as a constant presence in the park, always happy to greet her and her friends with big meows. Simon Dartford, who met Lola during a breakup, credited the cat with brightening up his day and providing a sense of comfort. As Simon noted, "My first morning I was walking to the office, I walked through Aro Park and I couldn’t believe my luck. This cat just wandered up to have a bit of a chat, and a cuddle, and it really, it was the highlight of my day actually."
Lola’s Legacy
Lola’s legacy continues to live on in the hearts of those who knew her. Her story highlights the importance of community and the role that animals can play in bringing people together. As Alex Paterson, who moved to Aro Valley and was immediately drawn to Lola’s celebrity status, noted, "She’d always be there and I’d stop and say hi, maybe give her a cheeky little treat sometimes." Lola’s impact on the community was not limited to those who lived in Aro Valley, but extended to people from all over Wellington and beyond. Her memory will continue to be cherished by those who knew her, and her story will serve as a reminder of the power of community and connection. As Courtney Hutchinson, who would often visit Lola on her morning walk to work, noted, "Cuddling her just felt so welcoming. It was a beautiful way to start my day." Lola’s story is a testament to the enduring power of love and connection, and the impact that one small cat can have on a community.
