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Mayor Garry Herbert and pet photographer Kristen Kidd organized a day for a celebration and proclamation for Charlie the Cat.
As the sun cast a golden glow over the pavilion and playground area of White’s Road Park on Sunday, illustrating a scene that could only be described as surreal and cinematic, a heartwarming tribute unfolded that united close to 200 residents in a celebration of friendship and fond memories.
The occasion – A celebration and proclamation of Sept. 8 as “White’s Road Park Charlie Day” in Lansdale, right by the makeshift stump-turned-colorful memorial to Charlie, the orange tabby whose playful spirit and warm presence snuggled into the endearing hearts of everyone in the neighborhood and beyond.
Charlie the Cat was euthanized Aug. 26 after suffering severe life-threatening injuries, likely from an unknown individual or animal.
Mayor Garry Herbert’s proclamation, an event organized by local businesswoman and photographer Kristen Kidd, turned a gathering of mourning of an irreplaceable local icon into a joyous commemoration and heartwarming homage of a pet who had transcended the role of mere mascot to beloved symbol of community and affection.
“Charlie the Cat was a beloved figure in White’s Road Park, becoming a fiend to many and a symbol of the Lansdale community. His presence brought joy to many, and his memory will continue to bring warmth to those who knew him,” said Herbert. “Charlie’s story is a reminder of the special connections that can form between animals and people, turning a simple park visit into something truly memorable.”
Herbert said Charlie’s presence brought joy to many people, be it summer concerts, playground fun, or walking in nature.
“Charlie’s friendliness and charm made him more than just a park mascot; he was a friend to everyone who met him,” Herbert read from the proclamation. “His impact was such that he became a symbol of the park and a cherished part of the community.”
Charlie’s legacy was more than just fond memories – he was a fur-licking, hairball-hacking, animal-loving and people-adoring testament to the unique ways pets, and animals, can become pillars of our communities, bringing stranger and neighbor alike together, in a shared love and remembrance.
The event was also a donation drive for pet supplies for Manna on Main Street, which filled an SUV of food, cat litter, toys and other items.
Furthermore, an additional $2,100 was raised toward a permanent Charlie memorial at the park.
Charlie the Cat Memorial and "Charlie's Day" Proclamation.
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Linette Kalbach, left, and Ruthann Kling at the purchase table for decals, calendars and art dedicated to Charlie the Cat.
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Avery Clemens, 11, uses chalk to draw a tribute to Charlie the Cat at his proclamation on Sept. 8, 2024.“I believe that animals have the power to change and shape our lives. As a pet photographer for over half a decade, it has been my life’s work to know and celebrate this truth with the humans that love these creatures. The truth is that it is often these family members are the witnesses to our most seminal moments in our lives - our highest highs and our lowest lows,” said Kidd, a North Wales business owner, during her introduction.
“In these moments, they ask nothing of us other than for us to be fully present as who we are. They show up unencumbered by words or language or obligation. In this way, they’re able to be there for us in ways no other human can. No wonder we grieve so deeply when they are no longer by our side,” Kidd said.
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Charlie the Cat's memorial at White's Road Park.
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Kristen Kidd, left, and Lansdale Mayor Garry Herbert in front of White's Road Park Charlie's memorial in White's Road Park in Lansdale on Sunday, Sept. 8, 2024.Kidd said many people experienced these truths with their own non-human family members and with Charlie and his brother Sonny’s presence.
“I wonder how many of you could share stories about a walk in the park on a day that felt heavy to you, when life weighed on your mind. Charlie sauntered your way only to life the burden of whatever you were going through in his own way. Or the light you saw come alive in your child’s eyes when Charlie made an appearance on the playground. Or a moment your shared with a neighbor you never met before as you both paused for a moment in your day to be present, just as Charlie taught us to do,” Kidd said. “Our pets are family and they leave an indelible mark on our lives. Charlie’s legacy is one of uniting community, accepting everyone as they are and offering kindness whenever the opportunity arises.”
Charlie the Cat's memorial at White's Road Park.
By Tony Di Domizio
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Attendees gaze at the Charlie the Cat memorial in White's Road Park in Lansdale on Sunday, Sept. 8, 2024.
By Tony Di Domizio Kidd wanted the community to carry on Charlie’s spirit of looking at the world with curiosity, not judgement. She said we need to push the edges of our borders and comfort zones, and embrace the world around us.
“Today we honor that spirit, which I believe is the spirit of Lansdale at its best,” Kidd said. ”On this day in September, which is National Cat Month, we proclaim Charlie’s Day. May we always look on this day and consider how we can carry the spirit of Charlie into the world.”
Charlie’s owner, Kristen Ortiz, was overwhelmed during the event at the turnout for her pet that meant so much to so many.
“Thank you to everyone who came out today. I didn’t even know what to do with myself; I was spinning in circles, people approaching me all the time to offer condolences, tell funny stories, emotional stories, etc. Every time I looked toward the park entrance, there were more and more people coming up the hill to join us,” wrote Ortiz on the White’s Road Park Charlie and Sonny Facebook group on Sunday. “What an astonishing outpouring from the community. Charlie had so many friends, it was like a dream. People telling me their names and realizing they were some of Charlie’s biggest fans and on the Facebook group from the very beginning, putting faces to the names of these strangers who have become friends, just amazing. Thanks everyone for coming together over one special orange cat.”
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Charlie the Cat proclamation day, Sunday, Sept. 8, 2024.
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