Corolla, North Carolina, September 9, 2025
News Summary
A Florida family has joyfully reunited with their cat, Xena, after she went missing for over a month during their vacation in Corolla, North Carolina. Xena disappeared on July 4 when she escaped her harness. She was found injured and skinny on August 27, just half a mile from where she vanished. Thanks to her microchip, the Currituck Animal Shelter was able to contact her owners, leading to an emotional reunion full of joy and gratitude, underscoring the importance of microchipping pets.
Corolla, North Carolina – A Florida family has been joyously reunited with their cat, Xena, after she went missing for over a month. Xena vanished on the Fourth of July weekend when she escaped from her harness during a walk while the family was vacationing in Corolla.
After realizing Xena was missing, the family returned to their home in Boynton Beach, Florida, approximately 60 miles north of Miami, without their beloved pet. Over a month later, on August 27, an injured cat matching Xena’s description was discovered just half a mile from where she was last seen in Corolla. This cat was found skinny and had an abscess on one of her feet, prompting concerns for her health.
The Currituck Animal Shelter took in the cat, where her lively and affectionate nature soon made her a favorite among staff and volunteers. Thanks to Xena’s microchip, shelter personnel were able to identify her and contact her owners, who were overwhelmed with joy at the news. The owner’s previous despair about never seeing Xena again transformed into hope and gratitude upon learning about the cat’s safety.
The shelter also ensured that Xena received the veterinary care she needed before the family made their journey back to North Carolina to reclaim her. Their dedication to bringing her home was evident when they traveled all the way from Florida. A heartwarming reunion photo showing Xena and her owner was shared widely on social media, capturing the emotional moment of their heartfelt reunion.
The director of animal services at the Currituck Animal Shelter highlighted the critical role of microchipping pets and keeping contact information up-to-date. This case reaffirmed the shelter’s belief in the significant impact that such measures can have in reuniting lost pets with their families. The staff expressed that assisting the family in reuniting with Xena “made their day.”
Key Facts
- Xena went missing: July 4, during a family vacation in Corolla, North Carolina.
- Distance to home: The family returned to Boynton Beach, Florida, without Xena, approximately 900 miles away.
- Discovery: A cat similar to Xena was found injured in Corolla on August 27, less than one mile from her last known whereabouts.
- Condition upon recovery: The cat was found in poor shape, being skinny and having an abscess on her foot.
- Microchip: The microchip helped identify Xena and allowed the shelter to contact her family.
- Veterinary Care: Xena received necessary medical attention before being reunited with her family.
Importance of Microchipping
This incident underscores the importance of microchipping pets. Microchips provide a permanent form of identification for pets, making it significantly easier to reunite lost animals with their owners. Updated contact information linked to microchips can aid shelters and rescue organizations in reaching out to the rightful owners quickly.
Reunion Impact
The emotional reunion not only brought joy to the family but also highlighted the dedication of animal shelters in caring for lost pets. The impactful story of Xena serves as a reminder for pet owners everywhere to take preventive measures for their furry companions, ensuring they can find their way back home in case of unexpected situations.
FAQs
FAQ
Why is microchipping important for pets?
Microchipping provides permanent identification for pets, making it easier for shelters and organizations to reunite lost animals with their families.
How did the family find out Xena was located?
The Currituck Animal Shelter identified Xena through her microchip, which contained her owner’s contact information.
What condition was Xena in when found?
Xena was found skinny and had an abscess on one of her feet, indicating she had been struggling while lost.
What did the shelter staff think about Xena’s reunion with her family?
Shelter staff expressed joy in assisting with the reunion, emphasizing the family’s dedication in traveling from Florida to retrieve Xena.
Key Features of the Story
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Incident Date | July 4 |
| Distance of Missing Pet | 900 miles to home in Boynton Beach, Florida |
| Recovery Date | August 27 |
| Condition at Rescue | Skinny, injured with abscess |
| Significance of Microchipping | Facilitated reunion of Xena with family |
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
The Sanderling Resort’s Renovation in Duck, North Carolina
Additional Resources
- Miami Herald: Florida Family Reunites with Missing Cat
- Wikipedia: Microchipping
- Newsweek: Stray Cat Found in Florida
- Google Search: Animal Microchipping
- Fox10: Beloved Wild Cat Found Dead
- Google Scholar: Animal Rehabilitation
- News Journal: Rabies Alert Issued in Holly Hill
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Animal Care
- Science Daily: Animal Research
- Google News: Lost Pets
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The OBX STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREOBX.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in the Outer Banks, Dare County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the Outer Banks Seafood Festival, NC VIP Fishing Tournament, and NCBBA Red Drum Tournament. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Outer Banks Chamber of Commerce and Outer Banks Community Foundation, plus leading businesses in tourism, retail, and hospitality that power the local economy such as Kitty Hawk Kites, Outer Banks Mall, and Avon Fishing Pier. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREAsheville.com, HERECharlotte.com, HEREGreensboro.com, and HERERaleigh.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into North Carolina's dynamic landscape.
