After an endlessly stretching divide of five years, an unexpected familial reunion has occurred, minting a story of undying hope.
A neighbourhood cat from Saint John, N.B., named “Peter” went missing in 2018 and has now been returned safely to his rightful home. The tomcat’s disappearance took place in Milledgeville, shattering the heart of his human, Morgan Daye, who persistently searched for him in every conceivable corner together with her family and friends.
Daye confesses that Peter was quite the wanderer, stroking ventures through indoor and outdoor domains alike. “Peter was practically a mini-celebrity in the neighbourhood, choosing to saunter around his familiar grounds all day,” she explains.
When Peter disappeared, Daye and her close ones clung to hope, refusing to believe that he might have faced an ill-fated event. Nonetheless, none could have foreseen the revelation that he would be detected five long years later on Winslow Street, situated on the city’s west side.
The connection between the missing cat and his previous domicile was made by the Facebook group, Redhead Strays, who work in aid of Stray Cats Strut. Upon picking up Peter, they escorted him to Fundy Animal Hospital for vital care.
Peter’s condition was lamentable when found, infested with a horde of fleas and sporting a terribly matted coat. The diligent workers at Redhead Strays toiled to restore him to health, spending hours delicately bathing and shearing the worn-down feline before he was sedated to safely finish the job the following day.
Since its foundation in 2015, Redhead Strays has provided critical medical aid to over 2,000 stray cats, including spaying and neutering services, across southern New Brunswick. Many of the rescued felines found permanent respite in loving homes post-treatment.
A post about Peter was circulated within the group, in hopes of recognising the elderly 14-year-old pet. It didn’t take long for the news to relay to Daye.
Daye acknowledges the thrill of instant recognition when she saw the post online. “I visited the vet immediately and as soon as he rubbed his head against my hand, I could tell,” she reminisces. Her instant familiarity was secured when she found an old familiar scar behind his ear and a kink at the end of his tail.
With Peter’s identification confirmed, they had to spend a few days at the vet whilst Daye rushed to prepare her home with the necessary pet supplies for his comfortable return. By Saturday, Peter was back in his rightful place, at home with Daye.
Daye appreciates the overwhelmingly positive response to this story. “After such a long time, it’s heart-warming to know just how many people are overjoyed for Peter and me,” she reflects.
Dianne Fox, the executive director of Redhead Strays, beams proudly at the story’s happy resolution. “I was delighted for both Peter and Morgan. It’s truly astonishing how she was able to identify her cat, despite his distressed state,” she remarks.
Redhead Strays, operating predominantly due to community donations, was in debt of $4,000 when Peter was brought in, but the ardent community rallied to ensure that all cats receive their essential care. In a humbling testament to the community’s generosity, they managed to raise $10,000 by the end of the day, thus ensuring Peter’s survival and well-being.
Daye is immensely grateful to the community and Redhead Strays. “They saved his life and provided him with the blissful ending he deserves,” she says appreciatively.
As for Peter’s upcoming adventures, Daye jests that his days as an outdoor cat may be over, considering the cat seems to have used up his nine lives during his five-year-long odyssey. From this point forward, it seems like cozy, indoor living may be Peter’s new, prefered modus operandi.
