Beloved Lowe's cat Francine returns safely after two-week search

In Richmond, Virginia, Francine, the cherished cat of the Broad Street Lowe's store, went missing on September 18, sparking a massive search effort. Her disappearance garnered significant attention, with many local residents and cat enthusiasts joining in the effort to locate her. An Instagram campaign titled 'WheresFrancine' was launched by Elise Gilmore and her friend Chas, attracting over 30,000 followers in hopes of spreading awareness about the search. The campaign aimed to rally community support and help track Francine's whereabouts. After extensive searching, which included posting flyers, using thermal drones, and reviewing footage from 246 distribution center cameras, the community discovered that Francine had accidentally wandered into a delivery vehicle heading to a distribution center located approximately 85 miles away in Garysburg, North Carolina. This revelation came as a shock and a relief to many, especially to the staff at the Lowe's store who had treated Francine as part of their family. On October 6, Elise Gilmore announced the heartwarming news that Francine had been found safe and well. The community rejoiced, with plans for a celebration called 'Francine Fest' to honor her return. However, supporters were kindly asked to give Francine some space to recover from her ordeal. Francine's disappearance highlighted the strong bond between her and the Richmond community, which came together during her absence to ensure her safe return. Lowe's employees have always cared for Francine, covering her food and veterinary expenses. For the past nine years, she had become a familiar face and an unofficial mascot at the store. Her story serves as a powerful reminder of the lengths to which a community will go to protect one of its own, as well as the love and affection people can have for their pets. The joy expressed online by community members reflected the deep connections formed between them and the beloved feline.