A distinctive citizen of Ponsonby’s vibrant urban canvas – a cat whose curiosity led it to frequent bars, cafes, pharmacies and law firms – has breathed its last. As if echoing the loss of a local legend, businesses in the area are grieving the defunct, feisty feline.
Celebrated as Lasagne, Ed Sheeran, Oscar, or Buddy among locals, this ginger cat had to be euthanized, marking the end of an era. “Rest in peace, mighty little one. You were the epitome of cool, a fiery little creature, nonetheless cool,” read a heartwarming tribute by the staff of Prego, a famed restaurant in Ponsonby, where the cat was known to curl into customers’ laps and sip generously from their wine glasses.
The creature’s nocturnal visits to Ponsonby Road were legendary. Laywers, pharmacists and eatery employees, who had been catering to its needs over six years, often found it surprising and delighting the alcohol-sated patrons who spilled out of the bars and restaurants late into the night.
Buddy’s origin story remains fuzzy, a mystery shrouded in the hustle and bustle of Ponsonby streets. A glimpse into his past was uncovered through a fleeting microchip scan shortly before his death, revealing that he was originally christened Reco, and might have had his roots in a home located at Bucklands Beach, a good 23km away.
“In my heart, I know that no feline was as loved as our Buddy was,” fondly remembers Lawyer Chris Gill, the man who gave the cat its popular moniker. “Our sociable feline friend busied himself by greeting every passerby, no matter how tipsy, at the midnight hour.”
Buddy was a fixture in the Ponsonby social scene, often spotted lounging across the computer keyboard in the next-door pharmacy, monopolizing the outdoor shade sail of Prego as his personalized hammock, or sipping from customers’ glasses in a display of utmost nonchalance.
However, these quirks did not shield Buddy from controversy. From biting a customer to the point of requiring medical attention to inviting a former resident to share his meals, his impish antics earned him quite a reputation. Serving as the unofficial mascot of Gill, Coutts and Co, a legal firm, he spent his nights beneath the floorboards of Prego.
Buddy’s sudden absence sparked unease among Ponsonby businesses, particularly the staff of Unichem 218 Pharmacy who used to feed him daily, often special treats rather than regular cat food. Broken hearts, fond memories and heartfelt tributes poured in on social media, painting the ginger tomcat as an unrivalled character and the king of Ponsonby.
The cat, however, wasn’t immune to the challenges of life. On a fateful Sunday, Buddy was found severely ill. He was taken in by Zoe, a Prego staff member and a veterinarian nursing student, and transported to an after-hours vet clinic.
Despite their efforts, Buddy was visibly in pain, drawing shallow breaths. The decision was made to ease his journey to the rainbow bridge. As Ponsonby reverberates with the loss, local businesses contemplate a fitting tribute, closely considering a brass memorial plaque to commemorate the inimitable spirit of their resident feline superstar.
