Search for cat was heartwarming event

My indoor cat, Monkey, ran out of our house Sept. 7. I believe that she was severely stressed by the commotion of the storm as well as power company trucks, generators, tree sawing and removal, etc.

When she did not return by Sept. 8 (she had never been out of house in her eight years) we became fearful and launched a campaign to alert neighbors. We posted about 20 signs, notified village Animal Control, Golf-Rose, and put a free ad in the Palatine Herald Lost Pet section.

Our family walked the streets morning and even very late at night to find her. We never did find her, but we sure did see a lot of skunks, rabbits, and other wildlife. We also met a lot of very nice neighbors who we did not know previously!

We were ready to give up hope when a lady who had seen one of our signs called Oct. 12 to tell us that she thought our cat was in her backyard about six blocks away. And it was our cat! We are so happy to have her back.

I wanted to share my story about the outpouring of response, empathy and kindness that I experienced in this community. Amazing and very heartwarming. I received calls from over 35 people (including children) reporting cat sightings etc. It was truly remarkable how kind and caring these strangers were. In fact, I was actually contacted by four different persons who consider themselves amateur "pet detectives" who were on a mission to help find her.

I am also thankful to local businesses who allowed me to post signs in their stores and restaurants.

It was truly an amazing and extraordinary experience to have met so many kind souls who love animals.

Jacquie Morrow

Palatine