Francine, a beloved calico cat, has reunited with her Virginia Lowe’s store following a remarkable journey. The store notified employees about her absence in September, suspecting she had left while items for the holiday season were being brought in. In October, she was discovered at Lowe’s distribution center in Garysburg, North Carolina, approximately 85 miles (137 kilometers) from her home.
Journey from North Carolina to Virginia
The disappearance of Francine prompted employees to review surveillance footage. They spotted her in various store sections before seeing her dart into a truck. This truck subsequently departed for the Garysburg facility. After realizing Francine was missing, an animal control team set humane traps at the distribution center, which had extensive camera coverage.
Community Involvement and Efforts
The quest to locate Francine garnered considerable attention. An unofficial Instagram account dedicated to finding her amassed over 34,000 followers. Volunteers worked diligently to monitor the traps set up around the distribution center. On one occasion, Francine was spotted on camera, leading to heightened efforts to escort her home.
- Last seen at Lowe’s Richmond store: September 2025
- Discovered at: Garysburg, North Carolina distribution center
- Instagram followers of dedicated account: 34,000+
- Distance from Virginia store to North Carolina facility: 85 miles (137 kilometers)
Homecoming and Celebration
On October 7, 2025, Francine returned home. Two employees from the Richmond Lowe’s made the drive to pick her up after her recovery efforts drew to a close. Upon her return, she resumed her role as the store cat, greeting customers and basking in their affection.
Store supervisor Wayne Schneider expressed how integral Francine is to the community. “She’s just amazing. What she means here to the store and the employees, you really can’t imagine,” Schneider stated. General manager Mike Sida highlighted the strong bond that formed between Francine and the store team since she first arrived over eight years ago.
Plans for Francine’s Safety
Despite her adventurous spirit, plans are underway to enhance Francine’s safety. A harness will be fitted with her identification details, addressing past concerns of her escaping collars. The local community is also rallying support, with a “Francine Fest” planned at a nearby brewery. The store is organizing a celebratory event as well.
Francine’s unexpected escapade highlights the special relationship between pets and their communities. Her return not only marks the end of a worrying chapter but also reinforces her status as a cherished member of the Lowe’s family in Richmond, Virginia.
