CHELSEA JACKSON Richmond Times-Dispatch
Last month, Francine the Lowe's cat's disappearance rocked Richmond -- but it was her search and rescue mission that made the calico feline more than just a local story.
After hitching a ride on a truck from the West Broad Street Lowe's, the beloved store cat turned up in Garysburg, North Carolina.
The hunt to find her drew volunteers, animal control, the local SCPA and Lowe's employees, who used drones, traps and a social media takeover to track her down.
By the time Francine was safely back home, her story had gone viral.
The Washington Post, the Associated Press, USA Today and Good Morning America all covered her journey and highlighted just how united a community can become over a single cat.
Newsweek, Axios and MSN also picked up the story.
Francine Fest at Mainline Brewery drew a packed crowd with live local performances, merch and more to raise money for Richmond animal rescues and celebrate Francine's return. Custom T-shirts, flash tattoos and plenty of Reddit memes all paid tribute to the cat who briefly disappeared and somehow brought a whole community together.
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"It was such an inspiring moment seeing how much the community cares," Richmond SPCA communications director Tabitha Treloar said.
"I think, throughout the whole thing, what's been so uniting is that at a time where we feel like our differences are all that's talked about, the welfare and safety of Francine brought people together, not only across Richmond, but well, well beyond."
Treloar says that Elise Gilmore and Chas Nabi, creators of the @wheresfrancine Instagram page, are to thank for keeping the momentum going even after Francine's safe return home.
The page sprung into action almost immediately, posting flyers, resources and updates as often as it could.
Now back greeting shoppers at Lowe's -- this time equipped with an AirTag -- Francine's fame shows no sign of slowing down.
Already a big name in her city, her journey makes her a true Richmond legend.
Chelsea Jackson
(804) 649-6965
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