Missing cat back home after 5-year, 800km adventure
Shayna Duperouzel thought she had seen the last of her beloved five-month-old cat Lakyn when he disappeared from her Geraldton home in 2012.
For years she was left wondering what happened to the tabby — until a phone call last week, on Friday the 13th, informed her of his discovery.
In what appears to be a modern day Red Dog tale, Lakyn was discovered beneath a house in Exmouth, more than 800km from home.
“I couldn’t believe it,” Ms Duperouzel said.
“What are the chances of being reunited after five years?
“I was devastated when he went missing but now I am overjoyed to have him home.”
A kind resident in Exmouth took Lakyn to the vet where he was scanned for a microchip.
Ms Duperouzel, a vet nurse, had ensured the cat was sterilised and microchipped in the weeks before his disappearance.
“I just happened to be travelling to Coral Bay last weekend so it was perfect timing,” she said.
“I arranged for a courier to bring him down to meet me and we arrived back in Geraldton on Monday evening.
“My friends and family are in shock — you often hear about amazing stories like this but I never expected it to happen to me.”
Ms Duperouzel took Lakyn to work today where he underwent a series of checks to confirm he was in good health.
“He is in great shape and I can’t believe how much he has grown,” she said.
“I was happy enough for him to stay in Exmouth if there was someone in town who loved him but nobody came forward.
“I really encourage anyone who finds an animal to please get it checked by the local ranger or vet.
“It could be just like Lakyn – someone’s beloved pet who has been lost and has a good chance of being reunited.”
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