Owner and cat reunited after more than a year apart

By Breanna Speth

MAPS Lost/Found Coordinator

MARSHFIELD — The last time John Drachenberg saw his beloved cat Blaine was on March 13, 2014. He contacted Marshfield Area Pet Shelter (MAPS) a few days later to ask for help. A listing on MAPS’ website and Facebook page, posters hung around the neighborhood, and the efforts of volunteers did not lead to a happy reunion until last week.

On April 15 a MAPS volunteer was biking around the city (and wearing her bright yellow MAPS T-shirt) when a beautiful but tattered cat approached her. With the help of the Marshfield Police Department, the sweet and chatty cat was taken to Marshfield impound.

While at impound, another MAPS volunteer recognized the cat as the missing cat from March of 2014. The owner was notified, and owner and feline were reunited after more than a year apart.

A veterinary checkup revealed no serious illnesses or injuries for Blaine, and aside from a tapeworm, she was healthy and very happy to be home again. With her long fur in mats, Blaine also had to be shaved, but overall she is a lucky cat. Since her return, she has fallen back into old habits, and she will be microchipped very soon. She is not saying where she spent her year away from home, but Drachenberg is ecstatic to have his best friend back.

“I am just overjoyed,” he said. “I’ve been her best friend for seven years. I watched her being born. I am at a loss for words.”

The story exploded on social media and has given hope to others who have lost pets.

“Remember, never give up and please microchip!” wrote MAPS President Karen Rau on the organization’s Facebook page. “Many thanks to our incredible volunteers for this happy ending!”

MAPS will host its next microchip clinic on Saturday, April 25, from 11 a.m. – 2 p.m. at Marshfield Mall.