Microchip reunites Bend cat, family after 7 years

A 10-year-old cat was brought to the Humane Society of Central Oregon by a Good Samaritan on Friday — and was soon reunited with its owners, seven years after he disappeared, thanks to a microchip.

The cat named Brave arrived in poor condition with a microchip that went to the family that lost him seven years ago in Bend.

But it was a bittersweet reunion.

During the shelter health exam, a large mass was felt in his thin body. An abdominal ultrasound, performed by one of the shelter veterinarians, Dr Liz Gray, revealed the mass to be most likely a cancerous tumor.

When Mark Reinecke answered his cell phone, he was shocked to hear that the cat, which has been missing for seven years, was at the Bend shelter.

He was informed of the cat’s condition and immediately came to reclaim the family’s long-lost cat.

The cat was taken to Bush Animal Clinic after being reclaimed at the shelter, and again over the weekend. The family will provide palliative care to keep the cat comfortable and happy for his final days with the family.

Brave made it full circle, back to his family.

Reinecke and his wife, Melissa Lande, recall that the children were in elementary school when the cat disappeared. They lived in the home for several years, but have since moved twice.

Reinecke commented that the ability to maintain a cell phone number with different carriers ensured the old microchip information was still valid. The cat was found across town from the home where he last lived.

Brave is fitting right into his home, and even Beaux, the 2-year-old family dog, is keeping an eye on him and giving him gentle licks.

Reinecke says that “he’s really happy to be held, and when they make old, familiar sounds, he comes to them.” He appears to be happy and comfortable with his new, yet familiar, life.

There was a moment of panic when Brave couldn’t be found in the home over the weekend. He was found snuggled in an open cabinet.

Microchip identification helps reunite people with their pets every day. The Humane Society of Central Oregon encourages all pet owners to properly identify their pets with a collar and ID, and a microchip identification implant. Reuniting Brave after seven years is a reminder to keep contact information current.

One never knows when a beloved pet may be found. Consult your veterinarian about microchipping your pet. For more information visit the Humane Society of Central Oregon at hsco.org or call 541.382.3537.