How far would you go to fight for your cat? Think about that as you read this incredible story of a rescue cat in Mexico. Have you ever dreamed of quitting your job, selling or renting your house, packing your bags and heading off into the sunset with your significant other? Well, that’s exactly what this young British couple did two years ago, and they’re still on the road. Lee Hodges, 33, and Willow Rolfe, 29, embarked on an epic road trip across North America in August 2019. Two months into their journey in their restored VW van, the couple decided to adopt a stray cat in Washington, DC. Many of us around the world have adopted stray cats, helping cats in need is a good thing to do. Lee and Willow wanted to save an animal because they had left their two cats at home. They initially adopted a little black kitten named Molly, but sadly Molly was sick and passed away. Shortly after, the couple rescued their kitty, Aimee, and the sweet cat has been traveling with them ever since. Lee and Willow like to joke that Aimee is «more traveled than most people.» Incredibly, Aimee is trained to walk on a leash. So, despite a few odd looks, the cat is able to join his humans on many of their outdoor adventures.
The couple and Aimee headed to Mexico, where unfortunately Aimee was tied up by dogs, the hold with a broken leg. So the couple waited for the cat to get better before continuing their journey.
Due to the pandemic, Lee and Willow wanted to return home to the UK. But leaving Aimee behind was out of the question.
The couple had spent years planning this trip, buying an old VW to restore in 2015. They quit their jobs and left their lives behind as they embarked on their adventure across North America. The pandemic has been tough on Mexico, and many beaches and national parks have been closed. The trio struggled to find a place to self-isolate without going over their budget of £17.50 a day.
To make matters worse, the couple’s motorhome broke down, leaving them stranded in Mexico just as they were about to start crossing the Atlantic. Lee and Willow now face further delays as they will have to repair the van and travel to the United States to catch a ferry. As well as waiting for additional documents, the couple now face the challenge of their humanitarian visas expiring in February.
With the US borders not set to open until January 21, the couple’s time is minimal.
So the couple are eagerly waiting for their VW to be repaired before they can take their next step.
One thing is certain, Aimee is probably the most traveled cat, having now visited
two countries and 15 states in United States.
Good luck and bon voyage, Lee, Willow and Aimee!
