Willow waiting to be reunited with her family
Five years ago, a cat from Colorado named Willow escaped her home when a contractor accidentally left a door open. After putting up "Missing Cat" signs and postings on Craigslist, the Squires family had long since given up hope that they would ever be reunited with the calico cat, who they assumed was taken by coyotes.
Miraculously, a man 1,800 miles away in New York City found the cat last week and brought her to Animal Care and Control, where a microchip scan revealed the Squires' contact information. The family was immediately called, and after being sent a picture of the missing cat, were able to confirm her identity.
A spokesperson for the shelter told reporters that Willow is healthy and "well-mannered," so it's unlikely that she's been living on the streets for very long. It makes you wonder if she hitched a ride all those years ago to pursue her big city dreams, or perhaps she was just catnapped, and finally managed to make her escape.
The family are now making plans to reunite with the lost cat, who may be placed in temporary foster care until arrangements can be made. Ms. Squires has been quoted as saying that her children can't wait to see her, and also heartwarmingly admitted, “And we still have her little Christmas stocking.” *sob*
Microchipping is an effective way to safeguard your cat in the event that they go missing. While the chip cannot locate a lost pet, it can at least provide contact information in case the animal is found, especially in a situation like this one where many years (and miles) have gone by. The procedure is relatively inexpensive, and can be done without placing the animal under anesthesia.
While my cats are not microchipped, I strongly believe in its benefits, and urge you to talk to your vet to see if it's the right option for you. To learn more, click here to read the latest information about microchipping from the American Veterinary Medical Association.
Via The New York Times / Image Credit: CBS 2
Everyone here is chipped (except the really old mancat). I FIRMLY believe that chips are the best way to save lives and get animals back with their families. When my Tommy got out of the condo last summer, the hope I clung to was that if he got picked up, he was chipped (I found him the next day under the neighbor's a/c unit).
ReplyDeleteAwwwww!!!! I love heart warming stories like this. =^_^=
ReplyDeleteFantastic story! She's a beautiful cat. Could she have gone to New York to be a model?
ReplyDeleteSometimes you just want to know what happened and how they got there. She's a long way from home but very glad she will be returned here soon!
ReplyDeleteI should really get my Cats micro-chipped, though they're inside cats I have of fear of losing them. But I love heart warming stories like this!
ReplyDeleteWhat a great story, glad willow was found.
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