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4h ago

'Team Francine' Fundraiser Launches as Lowe's Store Cat Returns Home

Local rescuers channel the attention from her cross‑state search into support for trap‑neuter‑return efforts.

Francine the cat with Lowe's employees.
Lowe's used thermal drones, professional trackers and video surveillance to look for the missing cat.
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Overview

  • Francine, the longtime West Broad Street Lowe's cat, was located at the Garysburg, N.C., distribution center after stowing away on a truck about 85 miles from Richmond.
  • Security footage captured her on Oct. 4, humane traps secured her just before midnight soon after, and she was reunited with the Richmond team on Oct. 6.
  • The search combined Lowe’s corporate resources with North Hampton County Animal Control and volunteers using thermal drones, extensive video surveillance, professional trackers, and humane trapping.
  • Richmond Animal Care and Control is selling “Forever Team Francine” apparel through Oct. 21 to benefit SOS Cats RVA, the donation‑funded TNR group that assisted in the effort.
  • Store employees asked admirers to give Francine a brief recovery period before visiting, with plans for her to resume greeting customers.