A heartwarming reunion unfolded in Plymouth as a family was joyfully united with their long-lost cat, Strawberry, who had been missing for an astonishing nine years. The reunion, described by the family as a “Christmas miracle,” was made possible through the efforts of a compassionate charity volunteer and the identification provided by a microchip.
Strawberry, a beautiful long-haired cat, mysteriously vanished from her Stoke home in Plymouth in June 2014. Despite efforts to locate her, the feline remained elusive until December, when a concerned resident in the St Budeaux area of Plymouth discovered her in a distressed state.
Approximately two years ago, this Good Samaritan began offering occasional meals to Strawberry, noting her deteriorating condition. Alarmed by the cat’s health, they reached out to Cats Protection’s Plymouth branch for assistance.
Lizzie Smith, a devoted volunteer specializing in lost and found cases, recounted the condition in which Strawberry was found, mentioning that the cat was “covered in fleas.” The breakthrough came when they discovered Strawberry was microchipped, offering a glimmer of hope for a reunion.
However, the process of locating Strawberry’s owners presented challenges. The email linked to the microchip was outdated, prompting Ms. Smith to make a phone call. When no response was received, she visited the address associated with Strawberry’s record, only to discover that the owners had moved.
Determined to bring Strawberry home, Ms. Smith turned to social media. Fortuitously, the cat’s owners had a distinctive surname, allowing her to connect with them through a message that included a strawberry emoji.
Jo Harris-Joce, Strawberry’s owner, responded almost immediately, expressing shock and elation. The emotional reunion was set in motion, and the first to lay eyes on Strawberry after nine years were Mr. Harris-Joce and his 12-year-old daughter Emily.
To facilitate the reunion, Ms. Smith met the family at Exeter service station, shortening the journey for all involved. Mr. Harris-Joce expressed his astonishment, stating, “We kept Strawberry’s microchip active in the hope that one day she may be found, and we would always have that link. I was absolutely shocked when I heard the news that Strawberry had been found.”
Mrs. Harris-Joce, equally overwhelmed with emotion, shared, “My daughter was in tears when we told her, she’s so glad to have her back. Strawberry recognized us immediately and has not stopped purring since coming home… it really was a Christmas miracle.” The Harris-Joce family is now cherishing their unexpected and heartening reunion with Strawberry, making this holiday season truly special.
