WESTAMPTON, NJ – Reuniting a lost pet with its owners is always a happy occasion at the Burlington County Animal Shelter.
But especially when reunification lasts almost two years.
One such happy return came on Friday when a young orange and white tabby named Alexander was reunited with his owners, Lila Wynne and their daughter Hunter.
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Alexander disappeared almost two years ago after walking through a screen door. His family searched for months but could never find him.
The cat was moved to the County Animal Shelter on March 9 after it was found in Mount Laurel, just a few miles from Wynne’s home. He had no label and was initially so scared of people that staff and volunteers couldn’t examine him.
Eventually the staff were able to gain his trust and make him comfortable enough to be treated. During his investigation, a microchip was found and traced back to the animal welfare association. The Voorhees-based nonprofit had a record that the cat belonged to Wynne.
Wynne received a call Wednesday that her lost cat had been found and was being cared for at the Burlington County animal shelter.
“I was so happy that he was alive and we are very happy to get him back,” said Lila on Friday of the surprising call. “He’s been gone too long.”
She said her family have many goodies and blankets for Alexander to enjoy at home.
“We plan to give him a lot of goodness,” added Hunter.
Dan O’Connell, Associate Director of the Burlington County Board of Commissioners and Board Liaison to the County Health Department and the Burlington County Animal Shelter, also attended for a happy reunion on Friday afternoon.
“There are few stories more heartbreaking than the one about a lost pet and few more heartwarming than the one about happy reunions,” said O’Connell. “I’m proud of the role our shelter played in this happy ending. On behalf of all of our Board of Directors, I would like to wish Alexander a “welcome home” and thank all of the shelter’s dedicated staff and volunteers for the work they do every day to ensure that all orphaned or stray animals receive the love and care they offer to earn. I would also like to encourage pet owners to consider microchipping their companions. Stories like Alexander’s show how it can make a real difference. “
The Burlington County Animal Shelter at 35 Academy Drive in Westampton looked after more than 2,800 lost or stray animals in 2020, including 384 that were eventually returned to their owners and more than 1,700 that were taken into new homes.
Those interested in adopting an animal can contact the shelter at 609-265-5073 or online at www.co.burlington.nj.us/168/Animal-Shelter.
“Today we had a really good story with a happy ending, but we want to make sure that every animal in our shelter has a loving home,” said O’Connell. “So if you are interested in a four-legged friend for your family, think of our shelter first.”
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