Just this week I came across a news story in the Newbern, NC “Sun Journal” about a man who was reunited (because of a microchip!) with his cat, Hemi, after being apart for 4 years. The cat apparently ran away soon after the owner, a Marine, was deployed in 2011. At that time, the family lived in Havelock, NC. After being discharged, the owner moved his family to Bismarck, North Dakota. Surprisingly, the cat turned up as a stray on the base just this year. Thankfully Hemi has a microchip, so animal control was able to find the owners even though they now live in North Dakota.
Truly the story could end there and stand as an excellent example of the importance of microchipping our pets. Sometimes owners feel that microchipping is unnecessary because they always plan to have their dogs on leashes, or they plan to keep their cats indoors at all times. But this story is an illustration of the realities of life – animals can run away when we don’t mean for it to happen. If the pet has a microchip, the chances the pet will be returned go up dramatically.
But the story didn’t end there. Hemi’s owner had been laid off and did not have a way to get Hemi back. A Go Fund Me page was established to raise money to help reunite the owner with his long lost pet. An old babysitter for the family stepped up and offered to fly the cat home since she worked for an airline. However those plans were foiled when Winter Storm Jonas came through. So the owner made the decision to drive down and get Hemi himself.
The heartwarming video of the owner and Hemi being reunited was a reminder of the amazing bond we form with our pets. This bond not only makes our lives more special, but I would argue it also serves to fulfill our companion’s lives in a very meaningful way. At Lawndale, we appreciate this bond, and we want to do all we can to keep your pets as a healthy part of your family for as long as possible. This is why we do our best to help you understand all the ways you can prevent many problems before they happen. Be sure to talk with us about what preventive practices are best for your pet!
Author: Dr. C. Noureddine, DVM, MS
References:
1. “North Dakota man returns to area to retrieve missing cat“. Newborn, NC “Sun Journal”. January 25, 2016.