Molly of Orange

February 27, 2010

Neal says: When I met Molly she was living in a backpack, traveling the downtown Chicago area with her human, Chris, in search of food and a place to stay. This was a step up for her -- she'd been left to die in a cardboard box in an alley in the Chicago winter. Chris found her, got her a nice backpack with a cushy blanket, and he had a small bag of kitten food someone had given him.

I met them on my way to the volunteer staff at the Alexi Giannoulias for Senate campaign headquarters. I wrote a story about Molly and her human, and I promised a $1,000 campaign contribution if the young people of the campaign found Molly and made her the office mascot, and they canvassed the neighborhood. The story appeared on DailyKos, made the 'rec list', and was seen by tens of thousands of people. I've been back a few times since (I always have a six- to eight-hour layover in Chicago when I'm traveling by train) and I've never seen either of them again.

All Photos Courtesy of and ©: Neal Rauhauser

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Comments and LOLs:

Kayli - 14 years, 2 months ago

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307 points

Such an adorable little girl! I hope she and Chris are doing okay now.

Kephara - 14 years, 2 months ago

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289 points

Molly's a wonder-kitty! What a sweet little orangie. I hope she's safe and happy now.

Leonie - 14 years, 2 months ago

She's so sweet and playful. He must really love her. Hearing their story brings a tear to my eye, and I wish them all the best and hope both Molly and Chris are alright.

docsquid - 14 years, 2 months ago

642 points

What a heart-rending story. How wonderful that this man who had nothing nevertheless looked after this little kitten. I hope they are both happy now.

Kephara - 14 years, 2 months ago

289 points

I just had to stop by to watch the videos again. What a little love bundle she is!

mma - 14 years, 2 months ago

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1405 points

these are what I call 'loving hands'! Such a dear kitty; hope you're both housed in warm places

Natthecat - 14 years, 2 months ago

∞ points

I don't know what to say, but in NYC we often have homeless people who call attention to their plight by using animals. It seems we have more sympathy for animals than people and are more willing to donate alms when there is a little dog or kitty involved. Too upsetting.

boodie - 14 years, 2 months ago

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111 points

awww, she's such a cutey, I love orangey babies.

Holy Cuteness - 14 years, 2 months ago

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See ya!

Valksy - 14 years, 2 months ago

24 points

Sweet little elfin-faced kitteh.

vicgag - 14 years, 2 months ago

171 points

In my dream of dreams, the both found a place to live and Chris got a job to support both of them.

thinkbliss - 14 years, 2 months ago

20 points

I also live in NYC and have sympathy for all homeless beings. I consider Molly another homeless mouth to feed like her human. I pray they both found forever homes.

kittycatluvr - 14 years, 2 months ago

125 points

It sounds like Chris was taking as good care of Molly as he could...I hope someone is taking care of Chris. Beautiful Molly!

Lora - 14 years, 2 months ago

Humans can go to shelters and ask for assistance, animals cannot. Perhaps the homeless people aren't so much using the animals for sympathy as they are for love ... having something love you unconditionally has got to feel wonderful when you are at the worst point in your life ...

Christopher - 14 years, 2 months ago

Is there any way we can help these two?

nili - 14 years, 2 months ago

48 points

I pray that Molly and Chris are safe. She is so beautiful and hopefully found a forever home.

Vel - 14 years, 2 months ago

Such a heartwarming waif! I'm certain Molly and her champion will have a sanctuary soon, if not already.

BirmanMama - 14 years, 2 months ago

951 points

A heartwarming story indeed. Humanity's most helpless taking care of an even more helpless kitten. Godspeed to both of them.

catiam - 14 years, 2 months ago

220 points

Oh sweet Molly, I hope you're okay and thriving. You are very cute. Good luck to you and Chris.

ShadowTigress77 - 14 years, 2 months ago

56 points

What a cutie!!! She seems like such a sweet baby! Thanks to the man for taking care of her til she finds a home!!! ^-^

Mee - 14 years, 2 months ago

God loves you, Chris and Molly!

Smooch - 14 years, 2 months ago

736 points

I hope they are both in safe places now. What a wonderful story and how great that Chris cared enough to help Molly. That should make us all feel a little guilty, that someone with so little still wanted to make a difference.

wolfgirl66 - 14 years, 2 months ago

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386 points

Orange IS SOOOOOOOOOO sweet & adorable. 2 OF OUR CAR ARE NICKNAMED BIG ORANGE % LITTLE ORANGE! I am sad to say Big Orange went to Rainbow Bridge last fall...

wolfgirl66 - 14 years, 2 months ago

386 points

Oppps I meant cats not car...LOL!

LindaSue007 - 14 years, 2 months ago

3 points

Wish there was some way to follow up and check on these two. Sad but sweet story. Precious little orange baby.

Tracee - 14 years, 2 months ago

115 points

I hope that Molly and her human found forever homes together. What a cutie!

LoriRP - 14 years, 2 months ago

2 points

Please let us know where they are and how they are doing!!!!

BooksandCats - 14 years, 2 months ago

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502 points

Molly looks happy and healthy, especially in the video where she's playing. What a little personality!
Hope she and Chris are safe and well, and having lots of wonderful adventures!

BooksandCats - 14 years, 2 months ago