Every now and then, a patient comes through our doors with a story unlike any other. Pierre was one of those patients.
When he arrived at Southwater Vets, we had no idea where he’d come from or how far he’d travelled. What we did know was that he had been discovered hiding in the back of a haulage lorry that had made its way from Italy, through France and into the UK before eventually arriving in Telford.
It soon became clear that this wasn’t an ordinary stray cat.
Fortunately, Pierre was microchipped, and after scanning him we discovered he was registered on a French database. With a little detective work – and some help from Google Translate – we managed to trace his owner, Nicole, who told us the incredible news that her beloved cat, whose real name is Ushuaia, had been missing from his home near Calais for more than 12 months.
Somewhere during his adventures, Ushuaia had found his way into the back of the lorry, unknowingly embarking on an extraordinary journey across Europe before ending up in Shropshire. By the time he arrived with us, he had travelled through three countries and seven English counties, covering an estimated 1,200-mile round trip.
While arrangements were made for him to return home, Ushuaia stayed with us in quarantine. During his time at the practice, we treated an abscess under his chin and an ulcer, and he quickly settled into his daily routine of wound cleaning, medication and, of course, plenty of cuddles from the team. It’s fair to say he became a firm favourite with everyone!
After spending just under two weeks with us, Ushuaia continued his journey home via quarantine facilities in Dover before finally being reunited with Nicole in France.
We couldn’t have hoped for a happier ending. Seeing him safely back where he belongs after such an incredible adventure was a wonderful moment for everyone involved.
His story is also a fantastic reminder of just how important microchipping is. Without an up-to-date microchip, it would have been almost impossible to trace his owner after such an extraordinary journey. Thanks to his microchip, a cat who had been missing for over a year was able to find his way home.
While we were sad to say goodbye to Pierre – or rather Ushuaia – we couldn’t be happier that he’s back where he belongs, no worse for his travels and undoubtedly with quite a tale to tell.
