Beloved Lowe’s Cat ‘Francine’ Found Safe in North Carolina, Heading Home to Virginia
RICHMOND, Va. — After several weeks of worry and cross-state searching, Francine, the beloved cat who made a Richmond Lowe’s store her home for eight years, has been found safe in North Carolina — and she’s finally heading home.
Francine Found Near North Carolina Distribution Center
According to Lowe’s corporate officials, Francine was found near the company’s Garysburg distribution center after a weeks-long search effort that spanned from Virginia to North Carolina.
The feline had accidentally hitched a ride on a semi-truck in September, traveling hundreds of miles away from her home at the Lowe’s store on West Broad Street in Richmond.
After several sightings and coordinated search efforts, Francine was successfully trapped just before midnight on Saturday, October 4, officials confirmed. She reunited with a Lowe’s associate the following day.
Search Effort United Community and Animal Rescue Teams
The search for Francine drew widespread attention from Richmond residents, animal rescue groups, and Lowe’s employees. The company coordinated an extensive effort to locate her, deploying thermal drones, professional trackers, and video surveillance to comb through the area where she was last seen.
“Francine has been a part of our Lowe’s family for years,” the company shared in a statement. “We’re so grateful to everyone who helped bring her back home.”
A Heartwarming Return to Richmond
Francine is now safely on her way back to the Richmond Lowe’s, where she has long been considered a local celebrity and store mascot. Her return has brought relief and celebration to employees and customers who followed her story online.
Many in the Richmond community shared messages of joy and gratitude on social media, calling Francine’s safe return “the happy ending everyone was hoping for.”
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