"I have no idea how you found me"

An 18-year-old cat was 'found stray' and ACO took him to Joliet Township Animal Control (JTAC). The microchip was unregistered and went back to a rescue that was no longer in the business, so JTAC couldn't find any owner information.

JTAC sent this to Microchip Hunters for help reaching the rescue.

I (Lost Dogs Illinois, Microchip Hunters volunteer) was able to research this rescue and found a working phone number for the founder. Priscilla was amazing, and she spent her evening and next morning searching through her paper records from 2005 for a cat matching this description and microchip number. They hadn't been in business since 2008 and she wasn't having any luck.

Priscilla told me that there weren't that many 'Siamese' cats from that year that were adopted out. She asked if she could send me the ones that could possibly be a match, and I agreed that would be a good idea. This rescue was in Southern Illinois, 6 hours away from Joliet.

I began researching current numbers for some of the cats that she sent. One of her records was to a male and female cat adopted from December of 2005; they were Lynx Point/Siamese Mixes. The owner was in Missouri, and the number was no longer current. She checked a Facebook page that had a profile of a Lynx Point cat. It looked like a match!!! So, I began researching this one next.

Jim's addresses still looked to all be in Missouri or California, so I wasn't sure I would reach him. I did Facebook message him too just in case. After much internet research, I sent some emails, left voicemails, and sent texts with the cat's photo.

I received this text message. "I have no idea how you found me, but that looks like my cat! He wandered off on Saturday. Can I come retrieve him now?" I was shocked, and of course so happy!!!

I gave Jim the information for Joliet Township Animal Control, and Jim said he was 'on his way!'

We are really thankful that Joliet Township Animal Control shares dead-end microchips with us for help! We are also thankful for rescues like Priscilla's that go the extra mile to help us get information to reunite these animals to their families! Sometimes we shock ourselves when we find good information and hear back from these families!!!

Welcome home little cutie!!! You are loved!!!
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Lost Dogs Illinois
Microchip Hunters
www.microchiphelp.com