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Several weeks of desperate searching. Thermal drones. Professional trackers. Video surveillance.
The teams at Lowe’s West Broad Street store in Richmond, Virginia, Lowe’s regional distribution center in Garysburg, North Carolina and leaders across Lowe’s corporate office did everything they possibly could to locate their missing cat, Francine, in partnership with the Richmond community.
And on Sunday, Oct. 5, when she jumped into the waiting arms of associate Wayne Schneider, that initial reunion said it all.
“She looked at us,” Schneider said, “and gave this big meow like, ‘What took you so long?’ ”
Oh, Francine.
Let’s just say the story only adds to her growing legend as the unofficial mascot for her city and star of the Lowe’s store she calls home.
It all began when Francine, a stray cat who began living at the Lowe’s in Richmond eight years ago, went missing in the middle of September. In the process of trying to locate her, it became clear she hopped onto a truck that was headed to the Lowe’s distribution center in Garysburg, roughly 85 miles south of her home in Richmond.
North Hampton County Animal Control set humane traps at the distribution center and signs and flyers with Francine’s picture were posted throughout every corner of the facility. Everyone was on high alert.
“From the start, we knew we’d do whatever it took to bring Francine home,” said Store Manager Mike Sida. “She’s part of who we are here.”
Francine has been described as “a beacon of the community,” and customers often visit the West Broad Street store to simply pay her a visit.
So this search quickly grew into a community-wide effort.
In addition to the 246 cameras already monitoring the distribution center, Lowe’s brought in thermal drones to scan the area. Lowe’s asset protection team monitored every lead, while operations continued safely and smoothly.
Days passed, and reports of possible sightings trickled in, but nothing could be confirmed. The community took notice, and Lowe’s reached out to experts to support its efforts.
Then, on the evening of Oct. 4, a familiar face appeared on camera near the distribution center.
It was Francine.
“I can’t describe the feeling when we realized it was her,” said Sida, Lowe’s store manager. “We all just lit up.”
Sida and Schneider immediately gathered a small team and traveled to the distribution center. They brought along Francine’s favorite food and her dish, knowing the familiar rattle might draw her out.
Meanwhile, additional cameras and seven additional humane traps were installed, with Lowe’s maintenance associate Robert Keeter volunteered to check each trap through the night.
A little before midnight, their feline friend emerged. Francine was outside one of the traps, but didn’t go in.
Moments later, a trap triggered.
Francine was safe and sound, meowing to let everyone know she was ready to put an end to this adventure and go home to Richmond.
“When I received the text that we got her and she was safe, I just couldn’t stop smiling,” said Schneider.
At 4 a.m. on Monday, Schneider and Sida got in their car and made the 90-minute drive to Garysburg to pick up Francine.
“We were so excited the whole ride – it didn’t matter how early it was. We were going to bring her home,” Schneider said.
For the store team at West Broad Street and the passionate community members who pitched in, that was always going to be the outcome.
And in the end, it’s more than a feel-good moment – it’s an example of what community and love look like in action.
Soon, Francine will be back to her routine: greeting customers, exploring the aisles and soaking up more affection than ever.
“We care for Francine so much, and we’re so thankful for everyone who helped, from our associates to animal control and our neighbors,” Sida said. “She’s more than our store cat – she’s part of our family.”
Lowe’s would like to express sincere thanks to the following community partners who helped find Francine: Northampton County Animal Shelter, Thermal Bird, Carmen Brothers Professional Pet Trappers, Richmond SPCA, Richmond Animal Care and Control (RACC), SOS Cats RVA and Best Friends.