Microchip Reunites Cat with Family after Two Years

Thursday, September 27, 2012 - 9:30am
Dempsey the Cat Reunites with Family after Two Years

Ever wondered if microchips are worth it? If you ask Amanda L., they sure are! Here’s her story:

We adopted our cat Dempsey in January 2007 from the Houston SPCA. Dempsey is the smartest cat we’ve ever met. He plays fetch, drinks water from the faucet and follows you everywhere.

So we were heartbroken when, shortly after a moving to Ann Arbor, Michigan, in 2010, we lost Dempsey. We put up fliers, stayed up at night listening for him and searched the neighborhood for weeks, but with no luck.

We moved to New York City the following year but never stopped thinking about Dempsey and wondering where he could be and whether he was even alive.

Then, one Saturday while we were sitting in the park reading, we received an email from a vet in Ann Arbor—they found Dempsey!

An amazing woman had noticed him around her yard all summer and had been feeding him and looking out for him. They had warmed to each other, and so she decided to take him to a vet to see if he belonged to anyone. The first thing the vet did was scan him and they found our information. It was almost exactly two years to the day since we had lost Dempsey. We still cannot believe it!

Dempsey is currently recuperating with his grandparents in Michigan, and we are going to see him soon. We owe our reunion with Dempsey entirely to the kindness of a stranger and his microchip. We are so thankful that we have him back in our lives!

For more info on why microchips are awesome, check out this video.

Tags: 
Cat
Pet Care

Comments

Thu, 09/27/2012 - 20:53 — Annette O. Bigler (Visitor)
Chips are also good if one has cats like I have who keep loosing their collars. Why can't pets be tax deductions like children? Maybe that would cut down on the abandonment? If corporations have been declared persons why not pets?

Fri, 09/28/2012 - 10:17 — esther (Visitor)
Annette I couldn't agree more, I have cats & my oldest is always looking to sneak out of the house. There so many pets being given up that it's so heart breaking to hear about it.

Fri, 09/28/2012 - 12:40 — Debbie (Visitor)
I'm sure cats, dogs or any pet would make a better citizen than corporations do.

Fri, 09/28/2012 - 22:36 — Kathryn (Visitor)
I wish that there was a "like" button for all of these comments. Our cats definitely are better at being people that corporations... or politians... do! I know that my cats are way more human (humane) that corporations...

Fri, 09/28/2012 - 22:38 — Kathr (Visitor)
Wow... please ignore the misspellings and grammatical errors in my post, lol... I just got off of a 15 hour charge nurse shift and I'm TIRED!!!

Sun, 09/30/2012 - 05:35 — DIANE E ASHLEY (Visitor)
I have been saying for years, that non-human children should be considered a dependent. I only have non-human children & take just as good, if not better than some, care of my non-human children as parents that have human children. Since we do take such great care of our "children" as other parents, we should be able to receive a tax deduction for them.

Tue, 10/23/2012 - 20:46 — vaginal tightne... (Visitor)
Try Practicing These Great Personal Development Tips Today. Mostly the particular bacterial vaginosis or even the vaginal infections include several symptoms which can be difficult to spot what type of infection they have. Drinking liquids: drink plenty of water and healthy drinks such as Cranberry juice.

Fri, 09/28/2012 - 09:49 — Heather (Visitor)
I'm so glad Dempsey was okay! I love stories with happy endings.

Fri, 09/28/2012 - 10:06 — Susan (Visitor)
Hopefully the handsome fellow won't get outdoors again and face all of the many dangers out there, including getting lost another time or getting hit by a car. He was so lucky this time. Glad he finally made it home safe and sound.

Fri, 09/28/2012 - 12:40 — taylor rosenberg (Visitor)
We have 6 cats-2 of them are ferals-and as difficult as it is to keep 7 litter boxes clean, we've chosen to keep them all in. We built a "cat-tio" (an enclosed space) for them for when the urge to go outside gets the better of them. This way we don't have to worry about the coyotes, owls and other predators that like to eat small domesticated animals. That's not to say that they don't try to sneak out if given half a chance!

Fri, 09/28/2012 - 13:19 — Vicky Loeffler (Visitor)
I have a similiar problem. My cat marks and is banned from the house. But with All my sadness about this my husband built a condo with 4 stories and heated in the winter. But i still have problems with racoons and strays that will bite him ocassionally and that leads to a vet visit. I would be curious to know how you made yours and possibly see a picture of it. Could this be possible? Thank you for any help you can give.

Fri, 09/28/2012 - 13:49 — Dunja (Visitor)
Here are some resources for you: Cat Enclosures: http://habitathaven.com/index.php?main_page=index&cPath=1 Cat Fencing: http://www.deerbusters.com/cat-fencing/ Hope this helps. :)

Fri, 09/28/2012 - 22:23 — Elaine (Visitor)
Another option is this amazing cat fencing called Purrfect Fence. http://www.purrfectfence.com/ I'ts not a catio, but it's fencing you can use with existing fencing in your yard or do it just free standing. I plan to Purrfect Fence my yard before I get my next cat. Keeps kitty inside it and other cats and critters out.

Fri, 09/28/2012 - 13:53 — Mary (Visitor)
Hi, I read your post about keeping your litter boxes clean. We have 6 kitties as well. We invested in 2 Cat Genies, (from Amazon) you can hook them up to a drain and it clean itself and flushes down , in our cas a shower drain. If you have a laundry room or even a large enough bathroom you can also just have it flush down your toilet. Check it out. Good luck with your kitties

Fri, 09/28/2012 - 21:43 — Marilyn (Visitor)
That sounds wonderful, unless you live in an area near the ocean: kitty poop carries diseases (toxoplasmosis) to which marine species are not immune. The sea otter population has really suffered from exposure to such diseases from dumped kitty poop. Here's a link to more info: http://answers.yahoo.com/question/index?qid=20080218124343AAlYIFM

Fri, 09/28/2012 - 10:12 — Tierra (Visitor)
It's a dangerous myth that our cats need to roam outdoors. An INDOOR CAT is a SAFE CAT - not a lost, missing, starving, ravaged by predators/creepy neighbor kid, or a run-over cat! As much love as they give us, do we not owe our feline friends this level of preventive care and protection in return?

Fri, 09/28/2012 - 10:37 — Cara (Visitor)
I 100% agree with this post. :3

Fri, 09/28/2012 - 11:15 — Anastasia Alston (Visitor)
All my kitties are indoors ONLY. There are so many dangers outside, there's no way I'd be able to stay sane with my cats running the neighborhood. People generally don't think it's okay to allow dogs to roam free anymore, so why persist in thinking cats are any different? The same dangers lurk outdoors for cats as for dogs & then some.

Sat, 09/29/2012 - 14:07 — D. (Visitor)
I couldn't have said it better myself! And my three safe, healthy, and HAPPY indoor cats agree!!

Mon, 10/01/2012 - 23:29 — Karin B (Visitor)
I agree 100%, cats belong indoors. However I still urge people to microchip their cats. Our precious little girl managed to escape while we were taking our dogs out & we never found her, despite humane food traps, flyers on EVERY mailbox, etc. I miss her daily & hope we get as lucky as these parents.

Fri, 09/28/2012 - 10:25 — Michelle Coleman (Visitor)
I had to give my cats to my friend (a cat lady of her own with about 9 cats) while I moved into an apartment on a temporary basis. Broke my heart but I knew they would be spoiled and loved. Through a combination of tragic circumstances, all of the cats escaped and my two still have not been found. They are micro-chipped but have been indoor cats since day one. I hope that someone finds and takes them to a local shelter or vet...it's been 6 months, but I still pray every day that they will get to come home.

Fri, 09/28/2012 - 10:26 — Linda Snellings... (Visitor)
Although I agree totally that we must do all we can to keep cats safe, I draw the line at keeping them indoors as "house cats" In no way can they display their natural behaviour. Cats are born to hunt, sleep in sun spots outside and wander as they please. I know this is always a risk but I can only liken keeping them cooped up indoors as being in prison!

Fri, 09/28/2012 - 11:20 — Barbara (Visitor)
Two years ago I got my 6th cat. I know, I know, but she is a character. My 17 year old has since died so it is 5 cats. At the humanae society her bio card said she had been an only cat and indoors only and was 6 years old. Well today she grudeingly shares and loves the out doors. She uses the cat door more than the others. Ahzsa demands to be let out in the morning. She is in better shape physically, does not throw up every third day, running has toned her muscles and she loves the dog. She eats cat food and not tuna fish. I had to teach her to eat canned cat food? ! ? She gets to chase mice, run to her hearts content, sit in the sun and all the other cat things. Non of the cats go into the street, with an acre of land they have run of the property. At dusk we bring the cats in for the night. They each have their favorite sleep spot.

Sat, 09/29/2012 - 14:02 — D. (Visitor)
I completely and 100% disagree. I would never do something so cruel as to subject my cats to the horrors of our outside modern world. The land has changed, nature has changed, and society has changed so it is no longer safe for them anymore; so the way we take care of them needs to change. I know that you will completely disagree with my opinion, as I completely disagree with you. However, the important thing is that we are taking care of, loving, and giving healthy and happy lives to our pets. We have made our pets part of our families, and are both doing what we strongly feel is the best decision for our animals. And that is what is important!

Sun, 09/30/2012 - 09:00 — Sylvia (Visitor)
A couple years ago a grey kitten was dumped on my porch much to my husband dismay. I kept it vaccinated her spayed her. But I like my other rescued strays she managed to always get out of the house. Until Smokey found out the tragic way why I would keep her inside. A group of boys got a hold of her tied her to a tree and stoned her to death in front of st marys church by the time my neighbors kids realized what went down the street to stop them she took her last few breaths. The boys ran away so they are still out there i was only able to give Smokey a proper burial and spread the word in the neighborhood.  Subscribe to our Blog Monthly archive September 2012 (23) August 2012 (33) July 2012 (26) June 2012 (28) May 2012 (29) April 2012 (25) March 2012 (21) February 2012 (15) Blog Roll Paw Print Post, USA Today Unleashed, Baltimore Sun L.A. Unleashed, Los Angeles Times Animal Crazy, Orlando Sentinel Crazy for Critters, Miami Herald The Happy Wag, The Roanoke Times Thoughts Fur Paws Snoopy’s Dogblog Champion of My Heart Teddy Hilton 

Sun, 09/30/2012 - 09:02 — Sylvia (Visitor)
A couple years ago a grey kitten was dumped on my porch much to my husband dismay. I kept it vaccinated her spayed her. But I like my other rescued strays she managed to always get out of the house. Until Smokey found out the tragic way why I would keep her inside. A group of boys got a hold of her tied her to a tree and stoned her to death in front of st marys church by the time my neighbors kids realized what went down the street to stop them she took her last few breaths. The boys ran away so they are still out there i was only able to give Smokey a proper burial and spread the word in the neighborhood.  Subscribe to our Blog Monthly archive September 2012 (23) August 2012 (33) July 2012 (26) June 2012 (28) May 2012 (29) April 2012 (25) March 2012 (21) February 2012 (15) Blog Roll Paw Print Post, USA Today Unleashed, Baltimore Sun L.A. Unleashed, Los Angeles Times Animal Crazy, Orlando Sentinel Crazy for Critters, Miami Herald The Happy Wag, The Roanoke Times Thoughts Fur Paws Snoopy’s Dogblog Champion of My Heart Teddy Hilton 

Fri, 09/28/2012 - 10:39 — Erika seybert (Visitor)
All the cats I have owned have lived long happy lives. The last one was 21 yrs old when she passed and was inside all the time unless we were outside with her. The one we have now had been abandoned and came to our door in February this year. She stays in almost all the time and definately at night. But we do allow her out if we are going to be home to let her back in. We don't live near busy roads but are constantly on the watch for hawks, coyotes, and other predators. I guess I'm remiss in taking her to a shelter to see if she has been microchipped, but I rather imagine that whoever had her didn't care enough to take her along with them when they moved.

Fri, 09/28/2012 - 11:34 — Heather (Visitor)
You don't know that. You should check.

Fri, 09/28/2012 - 11:41 — lisa (Visitor)
how can you know she was left behind? if nothing else, Dempsey's story illustrates that cats can get lost. As a responsible pet parent, you haven't done your due diligence if you haven't made attempts to find your "stray" cat's really a stray. My friend's dog has been missing since May 22, 2011 when their home in Joplin, MO was destroyed by a tornado. We continue to search for him knowing he could have been taken in by a well-meaning samaritan (like yourself) and he could have been moved anywhere across the US by now.

Sat, 09/29/2012 - 08:46 — Deborah Unck (Visitor)
My beloved cat has been missing for two months. He had access to outdoors, a fenced yard which he could climb, but always came when called. He is collared, with phone number and microchipped. He may have gotten into someones camp trailer and be far from home. I go out nearly nightly, climbing the hills and mountains in my area, posted signs, everything I should do. There are predators, I hear coyotes nightly. I hope he is safe in someones house, but desperately want him home. PLEASE take the cat you found to have it scanned for a chip, more likey it is loved and lost than abandoned. You could make someone very happy!

Sat, 09/29/2012 - 14:05 — D. (Visitor)
Didn't you read the story that you are commenting on? Please have a heart, be a responsible human being and take that cat to be checked!!!!

Fri, 09/28/2012 - 10:49 — Cat Momma, myself (Visitor)
It's wonderful that the lady cared for Dempsey all summer and didn't try to chase him off. I know it was a financial obligation for her but she still took it on. I love it that she tried to even find out if he had an owner! What a wonderful woman!!! God Bless her forever! In fact, God Bless ALL animal lovers everywhere! Animal rescuers make a huge contribution to life on this planet! They are truly unsung heroes! Just ask any animal who was ever rescued ...... :-)

Fri, 09/28/2012 - 10:49 — Dunja (Visitor)
I also believe that the outdoor environment offers a lot of natural stimulation for the cats, that I believe are essential for a balanced and happy cat. Therefore, I offer my cats a SAFE outdoor cat yard with cat fencing, so they can have their own outdoor territory where they can hunt, sit in the sun, roam, climb trees, chase bugs and eat grass. There ARE solutions so that the outdoor does not mean a death sentence for a cat. Every owner should look into these alternatives to provide the best environment for their pets. My cats also walk on leashes.

Fri, 09/28/2012 - 10:58 — zoe (Visitor)
Here's the dilema: you kep cats indoors and they don't get to "display natural behaviors" -- but those natural behaviors are destructive (millions of precious birds are killed for sport each year, along with rabbits, and other small animals at alarming rate). Yes, cats get to have fun outdoors, but at the expense of other species who NEED to display their nariral behaviors to SURVIVE. Domesticated cats have no natural predetors. Also, cats do well indoors. They do not suffer if they do not hunt. For those concerned about their pet cats' fulfillment and enjoyment of life (which is wonderful!!), invest in a cat enclosure in your yard or give them access to a sun porch, toys, playmates, playtime and a lot of interaction with you. They will live a wonderful life -- and wildlife will have a better chance of surviving. Its all about finding the best BALANCE for all living things on this tiny planet we all call home.

Fri, 09/28/2012 - 11:33 — Dunja (Visitor)
I'm sorry, but to think that cats are destructive by displaying their NATURAL hunting behavior is just not true. You are right, it is all about BALANCE in the circle of life, and cats also belong to this circle of life.... so when they hunt, they also keep a natural balance of life. AND by the way, research supports that cats do NOT prefer birds as their first choice of prey, as birds are quite hard to catch and usually are not around at night, when cats prefer to hunt. Cats are night hunters, and their preference has and still is to hunt the very small prey, like mice, voles, etc. It is extremely rare that they go for something bigger than a chipmunk, never mind a rabbit, although they might go for a baby rabbit. Cats are invaluable hunters of rodents, which keep the rodent population down, and with it, diseases that might even effect you, the human. So they certainly have a valuable place in the BALANCE of life, and I am glad that not all cats are merely indoors. Just look at all the barn cats that keep 'working' every day, they certainly have a huge value. And as far as them having natural predators, OF COURSE they do.... fox, coyotes, wolves, bear, fishercats.... it's all a BALANCE in the circle of nature. ALL are valuable in what they do.

Mon, 10/01/2012 - 23:52 — Karin B (Visitor)
I would agree with you completely if I hadn't been alarmed by the most awful, horrendous animal sound a few years back. I ran in the room & found my two cats torturing (aka playing) with a baby mouse/possum. I rescued him & placed him safely outside as I saw no blood. But when he hadn't moved in a half hour I knew. I bundled him in a soft towel & took him to the emergency vet. They immediately diagnosed a crushed rib cage & thanked me for bringing him in & not letting him suffer a lingering death. Look, I know mice & possums are an annoyance & had he lived he probably would die a nasty death later. I get the circle of life, I do, but it brought me to tears to have to have a tiny baby anything put to sleep after suffering a crush injury so my cat could 'play.' Outdoor animals hunt for food; but I won't let my well fed indoor cats torture animals for sport.

Fri, 09/28/2012 - 10:59 — Cat Momma, myself (Visitor)
I've had my 3 cats for many years. Two of them go outside during the day, but only on my days off and they must come in an hour or two before dusk begins. I am constantly checking on them and they never stay out long. We live in the country and they mostly stay on the porch and sleep in the sun. Sometimes they will wander the yard and chase a few grasshoppers and butterflies. They are old kids and don't roam anymore. The one that stays indoors all of the time was 12 yrs old when I got her and she has never been out in her life. (She is 18 now). She has no idea of danger, so she has to stay in. I give her extra time/cuddles/treats while the other 2 are outside.

Fri, 09/28/2012 - 11:27 — Kat (Visitor)
My dogs have chips but my cats don't, although I've certainly thought about it. The cats do not go outdoors but they are smart enough to follow the dogs out the electronic dog door if they really wanted to. We have a screened in patio that we built for the cats and they can go out there (no dogs allowed!). We made sure to include some grass, some logs for some good scratching and they get to watch birds and get some fresh air. They can capture bugs that come in through the screen and any mice daring to scamper through. They love it; it's the best thing we ever did for them. The dogs have their yard and so do the cats. We also built a small half-height shed within the patio and we put the cat boxes out there, so the boxes are not inside the house but protected from weather. I recommend something like this for everyone with cats.

Fri, 09/28/2012 - 11:32 — Courtney (Visitor)
yay:)

Fri, 09/28/2012 - 13:49 — Michelle (Visitor)
THANK YOU FOR SHARING SUCH A TOUCHING STORY.

Fri, 09/28/2012 - 14:44 — Allison (Visitor)
My daughter found a dog that had a chip, so we were able to get her back to her owners!

Fri, 09/28/2012 - 17:06 — Tucker (Visitor)
I AM SOOO HAPPY DEMPSEY IS HOME!! SAFE AND SOUND!! IT IS HAPPY DANCE TIME IN HONOR OF DEMPSY CAT!! I AM GOING THROUGH THIS NOW WITH ONE OF MY CATS MADDIE!! SHE HAS BEEN GONE FOR 3WEEKS NOW AND I AM VERY,VERY SAD!! ))))))-; I AM HOPING AND PRAYING FOR A MIRACLE FOR MADDIE TO COME HOME TO ME VEEERRRRRRY SOOON!! I MISS HER SO!! I KEEP THINKING SHE IS GOING TO COME AROUND THE CORNER RIGHT BACK TO ME!!

Mon, 10/01/2012 - 12:10 — ashley (Visitor)
this is why it's a better idea to not let your cat be an outdoor cat. They can get lost, stolen, and worst, hit by a car. If you have to have the cat outdoors, chip and collar are great. Otherwise, I think it's best to keep them inside.

Tue, 10/02/2012 - 20:14 — Steve (Visitor)
Annette, Debbie, Kathryn, A little off topic aren't we? Cats and corporations? Seriously? Just couldn't keep your liberal worldview out of the pet forum, could you. But since you brought it up, I want to be sure I understand you. Are you talking about those evil groups of humans that provide jobs for thousands and millions of other human beings, who produce goods and services needed by countless others, who drive innovation and advancement? THOSE corporations? Ladies, did you ever consider where those implantable pet recovery microchips were designed, developed and manufactured? That's right, a corporation. Now, can we just agree to talk about animals and animal welfare here and leave the liberal talking points at home?

Sat, 10/06/2012 - 12:23 — jacquie Ponsford (Visitor)
I have 3 cats ranging from 3 years to 12 years old. They are indoor cats and they are all rescues. I take very good care of my cats as they are like my children. They are all microchipped. I also have tags on their collars ( break a ways) with all the information about where they live and how to get in touch with me. If one of my babies were lost I would hope someone would be kind enough to help reunite with them with me!

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