Our animals never forget us. No matter what happens or how much time passes, our pets will always hold us close to their hearts. One family discovered the depths of their cat’s love when they finally found him after he had been missing for two years.
Jimmy is a 15-year-old cat who lives with his owners, Sue Zelitsky and her husband. He is a daring fellow who likes to wander around outside. He can be found in the driveway, with the neighbor’s dog, or even in parked cars.
“He used to go in and out every day but always came back,” Sue explained to The Dodo. “Except that one night…”
One afternoon Sue’s husband let Jimmy out to play. When night fell, they assumed he would come back like he always did. But they called and called his name, and the cat never came home.
Jimmy’s owners put out a search for him, posting flyers and asking online if anyone had seen their poor cat. After two years, it seemed all hope was lost.
Then – suddenly – Sue found Jimmy. Well, sort of. She saw a picture of a cat that looked like him on a post from the West Milford Animal Shelter. Sue quickly commented, and before she knew it she was in contact with the shelter.
Sue could not believe she had found her missing kitty. She still had her doubts, but she wanted to get him back. “He was found approximately 10 miles from our home after the big March blizzard and brought into the West Milford Animal Shelter,” Sue stated. “After some sharing of pictures and other physical attributes I went to see him.”
Sue was nervous about being reunited with Jimmy after so long. She brought a few things she might recognize with her, then she and her neighbor made their way to the shelter. This was the moment of truth.
Sue recognized Jimmy the minute she saw him. “As soon as we opened the cage I asked him, ‘Jim, is that you bud?’ And he walked over and head-butted me and I just started crying.”
The cat made the same sweet gesture to Sue’s neighbor. He remembered them vividly after all this time.
Sue was able to take Jimmy home, where he received a warm welcome from the whole family – including some kittens his owners had adopted while he was away. This cat was certainly glad to be home, and his family couldn’t be happier to have him.
“We are over the moon,” Sue shared. “It’s the greatest story ever and almost too good to be true…but it is!”
It is amazing how animals remember us no matter how much time passes. The bonds we form with our pets are friendships that will last a lifetime.
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