Smudge the cat: King of Summer Hill, community in mourning
Residents of an inner west suburb have paid tribute to a beloved ‘free spirit’ who helped bring their community together. One local artist has even taken to designing a range of T-shirts and mugs.
Inner West
Don't miss out on the headlines from Inner West. Followed categories will be added to My News.
- Robert Melhem: Ex Manly Sea Eagles sponsor jailed for dealing drugs
- Jianing Huang: Opal Tower knife fight leaves man with huge injuries, avoids extra punishment
A community is in mourning for Summer Hill’s resident “free spirit” Smudge the cat.
Smudge became a firm favourite of locals with his friendly feline antics which included hiding in prams, approaching random homes looking to say hello and even sliding down playground slides.
However, last month his owner Aleta Wilson delivered the sad news Smudge had been hit by a car.
Writing on the Summer Hill People Facebook page she said she didn’t believe he had suffered.
In tribute to Smudge a local artist has even created T-shirts, mugs and bags in his honour which feature a drawing of him surrounded by the words “King of Summer Hill”.
On showcasing her work on local community groups, artist Chloe Sargeant wrote: “I did this illustration a while back of Smudge simply because I absolutely adore him and how he brought our little community together.”
“I am amazed by everyone’s love for Smudge,” owner Ms Wilson said. “When I first got him I had no idea how big a personality he was.
“Even though he was only with us for a short time, he has touched so many lives and … brought a community together.
“We are truly heartbroken losing him.”
The popular Facebook segment #smudgewatch was a way for locals to share daily interactions with Smudge.
Resident Jennifer Wong wrote alongside a picture of Smudge: “I’m finally a real Summer-Hill-ian. I have been graced by the presence of Smudge.”
Ms Wilson wrote of a certain “smudgeness” which he radiated.
“As most of you know, Smudge was given to me by my vet after several unsuccessful homing attempts.
“But he found an embracing home here in Summer Hill, where he was loved and adored for two years and made all our lives brighter with his smudgeness”.
Local Lauren Redmile wrote: “He was so gentle with my son, and such a friendly little thing.”
“I feel terrible about Smudge and it was so wonderful he brought us all together,” resident Alex Jamieson said.
Another Summer Hill resident shared a video of Smudge hitching a ride in her pram.
“Cracks me up every time,” Katie Cantlon wrote.
Another local reminisced about the time he took to the park’s slide.
“My memories of Smudge was in the early days when he was making his presence known in the hood,” Jayne Cash wrote.
“Who’d a known he’d become such a local celeb!!!! Brought lots of love to all and will be sadly missed.”