Strohler
The Alice Fund has established the Strohler Society, named in honor of a beloved “shop cat.” Strohler was a well-known “kitty in residence” famous with customers and passersby alike at Flowers by Gil and Curt, located on Tremont Street. When Strohler passed away suddenly in late July 2019, the Alice Fund honored Board Member Curt Hodge with a fund that helps memorialize and comfort loved ones – whether human or feline – as well as to provide support for the mission of the Alice Fund.
The Alice Fund raises money to provide medical care and supplies to cats in need and their owners with limited financial resources.
The appearance of Strohler 12 years ago was somewhat of surprise for Mr. Hodge and his business partner Gil Cartwright. He was mysteriously left at the shop by a couple of friends. The friends, Dr. Dennis and Connie Stohler, thought the little guy would be a nice replacement for “Morris,” another cat Mr. Cartwright and Mr. Hodge had recently lost.
They took him in, but as though to have the last laugh, they named the feline “Strohler” - a play on the friends’ last name and a jab at Mrs. Stohler who often had her several children in tow by way of stroller.
And so Strohler meowed, pawed stretched and purred his way into the hearts of the store owners, as well as the many customers coming through the doors and those passing by the windows.
“The North Shore lost its best mascot when Strohler left us,” explained store attendant Anne Hannah. “From him, we were witness to hospitality, empathy and love in its purest forms. His legacy is well worth preserving.”
And as with its namesake, the Strohler Society hopes to provide a way to preserve the legacy and memories of other beloved cats – and to help comfort their owners.
To make a memorial donation visit www.thealicefund.org/strohler-society.
For additional information, contact Kathy Allison, Alice Fund Board president, at kathy@thealicefund.org.