Hero veteran police officer's emotional reunion with lost cat

Victor is a cat with an incredible story that began more than two months ago. How he became lost for 69 days, and how he found his way back home to his family is a tale that made national news and brought people to tears.

Victor is an indoor cat who likes to escape occasionally. Typically, he would run to the backyard, look around, and then run back to the door to be let in. He didn’t like the outdoors and was very content to watch the outside world from the window. But one day just before Christmas 2018, Victor made a quick dash for an open door and found himself outside. He ran and hid and seems to have quickly become confused. He didn’t return, even when his family called him. Unfortunately for Victor, a cold, Canadian winter was about to strike and his next 69 days would be very difficult.

Dennis and Lori, his owners, were distraught. This cat was like a child to them and they worried constantly. They looked for him, called him, put out notices about him and asked friends and neighbours for help. But when Victor didn’t return home, they began to fear the worst. Temperatures near their Peterborough, Ontario home were well below zero and survival was not likely for an animal who was unprepared. They almost gave up hope that they would see him, but they were about to receive an incredible phone call.

One of the most amazing parts of this story is the family that owns Victor. They are a wonderful couple, loved by their community. Dennis is a recently retired police officer who was shot in the face while arresting a dangerous criminal several years ago. He lost the sight in both eyes but continued to work and to serve his community well. A true hero, Dennis is highly respected by everyone. So it was more than fitting that Victor found his way back to them, with a little help from a woman named Krystina. She noticed Victor hanging around her house. She fed him until she could catch him. Then she took him to the Sherbrooke Heights Animal Hospital where he was examined by Dr. Hiltz. Stacey, a Registered Veterinary Technician at the clinic scanned him for a microchip and this was what connected them all to Dennis and Lori.

Krystina called ahead and then delivered Victor. She was met by an overjoyed Dennis, as well as a very surprised Lori. Dennis had kept the surprise from her until she actually saw him and was able to hold him again. The three were all in tears in what was a very emotional reunion.

Victor continues to recover from his adventure and he is receiving great vet care in the meantime.