A family who lost their beloved cat have been reunited after almost two years, thanks to rangers at the Shire of East Pilbara.
In mid-2017, Fiona Ericson was on a trip to Derby from Perth when her family’s beloved cat, Ginger Ninja, escaped from his carry cage during a rest stop in Newman.
Unable to retrieve him, she and her heartbroken family left Newman, hoping that his microchip would one day lead him home. But as weeks and months passed by, there was no sign and no news of him.
However, almost two years later, a Shire ranger performed a microchip scan on an impounded ginger cat – but the scan indicated the cat was not registered in Newman.
Refusing to give up, the ranger phoned the Australasian Animal Registry (AAR) and was informed the cat belonged to the Ericson family, who were ecstatic to hear their beloved pet had been found, almost two years after running away.
Shire President, Lynne Craigie, said, “This is a wonderful outcome for a family who were grieved at the loss of their pet. But thanks to the dedication and initiative of the rangers at the Shire of East Pilbara, this story has a happy ending.
“It also highlights the importance of making sure your pet is microchipped, sterilised and registered with the relevant local government body. We are delighted this story has ended so well.”
In a message to the Shire, Ms. Ericson thanked rangers for their commitment to reuniting a lost pet to its owner.
“I just wanted to thank you for everything you’ve done to help me get our boy home.”
“He is doing absolutely brilliantly! Within half an hour of him being here he was purring and smooching me, he’s back to being my little shadow! I’m going to bath him, flea and worm treat him today, and he should be feeling like a new little king.”
