Particle.news
Download on the App Store
13 ARTICLES
·
2d ago

Francine, Lowe’s Store Cat, Gets Blue-Carpet Welcome Back to Richmond

Surveillance plus humane traps at a North Carolina distribution center led to her capture.

Lowe's employees pose with Francine the cat.
Image
Francine the cat in her Lowe's location, left, and a picture of some of the flyers organized by the @WheresFrancine team, right.
Image

Overview

  • After a Saturday night camera sighting near Lowe’s Garysburg, N.C., distribution center, Francine was contained overnight and brought back to Richmond early Monday by associate Wayne Schneider and manager Mike Sida.
  • Lowe’s deployed thermal drones and added cameras during the search and publicly thanked partners including Northampton County Animal Shelter, Thermal Bird, Richmond SPCA, Richmond Animal Care and Control, SOS Cats RVA and Best Friends.
  • A viral grassroots effort, led by the @WheresFrancine account and a $2,000 reward, coordinated volunteers and updates that drew tens of thousands of followers.
  • Lowe’s staged a formal homecoming Tuesday with a blue carpet, and the company said Francine now wears an AirTag with additional identifying measures planned.
  • The Richmond SPCA marked the return by waiving cat and kitten adoption fees on Monday and Tuesday, while supporters organized a “Francine Fest” celebration at a local brewery.