Скачать или смотреть Cat reunited with family after 14 years

DES MOINES, Iowa (KCCI) -- An Iowa cat lost 14 years ago has been reunited with his family, Animal Rescue League workers report. The cat was recently picked up as a stray by an animal control officer and brought to the ARL. The cat's microchip was scanned and workers tried to contact the family. ARL said the cat was adopted as a kitten from the ARL in 1998 when the microchip was added, like they do with all animals. Workers tried to contact the owner listed on the microchip, but it was a bad phone number so they sent a letter to the address on file. A person at the business that received the letter was able to get in touch with the cat's former owner and let them know the ARL was looking for them. "It was never a possibility that I was ever going to see my cat again," said Jill Petticord. "I had a German Shepard and a cat, but none of them were Ralph." "She carried him around. She did absolutely everything with Ralph," said Rita Korn. The family contacted the ARL, but explained they had not had a cat in 14 years. They went to ARL to check anyway and found it was Ralph, their cat lost 14 years ago. When the family walked in, Ralph looked at them, kind of turned his head sideways and his eyes perked up, they said. ARL officials said Ralph was a gift from Santa for 8 year-old Jill who is now 22-years-old. Ralph was now 17-years-old. The family took Ralph home and is nursing him back to health. "I am just glad that he gets to finish out his life with me and not somewhere out on the streets and I can make sure that he has a good ending to his life," said Petticord. ARL officials said Ralph was apparently picked up by someone who kept him as their own. ARL said the story shows just how important it is to have your pet microchipped. Follow us on Twitter @Local12 and LIKE us on Facebook for updates!