On the embankment of Plyos, in September 2008, a touching monument to a cat named Mukha was erected. This small concrete sculpture depicts a thoughtful cat gazing at the smooth surface of the Volga River. Her story is filled with love, tragedy, and a deep attachment to pets.
The cat Mukha lived with the local artist Vitaly Panchenko and his family, near the pier where her monument now stands. Mukha was not just a pet but a full-fledged family member, and her tragic death left a deep mark on the hearts of her owners. Mukha died protecting her kittens in a fight with a stray dog. This act demonstrates not only maternal love but also the courage inherent even in the smallest creatures.
After Mukha's death, the artist's wife, Galina Panchenko, proposed the idea of immortalizing the memory of their beloved cat in the form of a monument. This idea was supported and brought to life by a family friend, sculptor Oleg Illarionov. Inspired by their love for Mukha, they worked together on creating the sketch, and it was Oleg Illarionov who carved the sculpture.
This monument has become a symbol not only for the residents of Plyos but for all who have lost their beloved pets. People come to Mukha's sculpture to remember their pets and pay tribute to their memory. There is a belief that if you run your hand over the cat sculpture and make a wish, it will surely come true. This makes Mukha's monument not only a symbol of loss but also a place of hope and wish fulfillment.
