In a heartwarming tale that sounds straight out of a feel-good movie, a couple from South Devon experienced the joy of an unexpected reunion with their beloved one-eyed cat, Tigger, thanks to a chance sighting on TV!
Mike and Marilyn Chard, the proud pet parents from Bovisand, had their world turned upside down when Tigger, their adventurous feline friend, went missing last October. Tigger, a charming stray who had sauntered into their lives 12 years ago, making himself at home through their cat flap, had become an irreplaceable part of their family. With his one eye and distinctively bent tail, he was more than just a pet; he was a character, a survivor, and a beloved companion.
The Chards’ home felt emptier without Tigger’s presence. “He never goes for more than an hour,” Mr. Chard reminisced, recalling the day Tigger didn’t return. The couple had begun to fear the worst, thinking perhaps their old friend had wandered off to a quiet corner of the world.
Little did they know, Tigger’s adventure had taken a dramatic turn. After what was believed to be an epileptic fit, Tigger was found and taken to Gables Dogs and Cats Home in Plymouth. Without a microchip, the connection to his home was lost, and Tigger’s identity became a mystery at the rescue center.
In an extraordinary twist of fate, while watching BBC Spotlight, the Chards spotted a familiar one-eyed figure being cradled by the general manager of the rescue center. Their hearts skipped a beat – could it be Tigger?
Indeed, it was! During his stay at Gables, Tigger had been affectionately nicknamed ‘Bovi-Mort’ – ‘Bovi’ for Bovisand, his hometown, and ‘Mort’ because, sadly, they had considered putting him to sleep. But, as fate would have it, Tigger was not ready to say his final goodbye.
The couple wasted no time. “We were there when Gables opened because we couldn’t wait,” Mr. Chard shared, his voice tinged with the excitement of that emotional reunion. The joy at Gables was palpable as they realized Tigger was going back to his true home.
Mrs. Chard described the heartwarming homecoming: “He’s purring all the time.” It took a few hours, but soon Tigger was back to his old self, navigating familiar corners of the home he had left behind months ago.
The story of Tigger’s adventure doesn’t end here. The Chards have made sure of it by getting him microchipped. Now, should he ever decide to embark on another unexpected journey, Tigger can be swiftly reunited with his loving family.
Tigger’s tale is more than just a lost-and-found story; it’s a testament to the unbreakable bond between pets and their families, and a reminder of the mysterious ways in which fate works to bring loved ones back together. So here’s to Tigger – the brave, one-eyed explorer of Bovisand – and his incredible journey back home!
