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Runaway kitty: Kindness of locals reunites cat and owner just before holiday

LOCK HAVEN -- Recently graduated from college and moving across the country for a new job, Julia Etkin and her mother weren't prepared for the shock of a lifetime during a short break on their journey.

Etkin and her mother, Christie Rodgers, were driving from Denver, Colo., to New Haven, Conn., -- around a 28 hour drive straight through -- to start her new job as a Postgraduate-Predoctoral Associate Fellow at Yale School of Medicine.

Etkin's beloved cat, Remi, had been well behaved for the trip. Remi had sat on the dashboard of the moving truck and had been relatively calm the whole time.

When Etkin and her mom decided they needed to stretch their legs towards the tail end of their trip, Remi darting out of the truck had been the last thing on their minds.

"It's always really stressful to move, let alone move with animals. But she was doing such a good job. She napped on the dashboard, and she would curl up on a little blanket right under my feet. I opened my door... She kind of looked out... I did not think she was going to run out. All of a sudden she darts out of the moving truck and disappears into the forest," said Etkin.

Remi was lost in Lamar Township, right off of Interstate 80 around South Heckman's Gap Road.

The pair spent an extra 24 hours -- adding even more time to this already long journey -- looking for her and walking around the area Remi had disappeared to, but had been unsuccessful in finding the cat amongst all the brush.

She went door to door at nearby houses, talking to everyone she could and giving out pictures of Remi and her contact information.

"We had an awesome experience, it was unbelievable. I've never met such wonderful people, it's amazing how many people helped my daughter. It was so amazing," said Rodgers, who was overwhelmed with the support for her daughter.

"Almost instantly, people were so receptive and so helpful. Everyone was so nice and every single person said they'd put it out on their social media and try to spread the word. This was so important largely because I wasn't planning to stay in Pennsylvania at all," said Etkin.

Etkin and her mom stayed overnight in the truck and called for Remi. Eventually, they had to abandon the search for Remi and get back on the road. Etkin had an apartment to move into and a new job to start.

"It was really heartbreaking the next morning. I was expecting her to have returned when the sun set and when it got cold. When she didn't, I was so heartbroken," said Etkin.

Though she had to leave, Etkin tried everything she could to get Remi back. She walked through the neighborhood and knocked on doors, called local shelters and veterinary clinics -- anything she could think of that might help her search.

Remi's last known location and information about her were posted to the Pet Recovery of Centre County Facebook page, receiving 315 shares and numerous comments of well-wishes and hope of finding her.

While leaving the state and starting her new life, Etkin kept in contact with a few individuals from the Lock Haven area who were tirelessly searching for her lost companion.

One of these locals was Joy Russell. Russell has assisted with pet recovery in Clinton County for years, and is typically the person people reach out to when a pet is lost. She also owns Bark Around Town Pet Sitting in Clinton County.

"She really made it her mission to find Remi. We talked every day until Remi was found. I was trying really hard to not give up hope. She especially was so dedicated. I've never seen someone dedicate their time that much to helping someone else," said Etkin.

Another individual who really helped with the initial search and getting the word out was Donna Smith.

Smith lived in the neighborhood, and did everything she could to help spread the word about Remi being lost.

Etkin returned to Lock Haven a couple of days later to search for Remi with her mom and Russell, bringing with her worn clothing, her favorite toys, treats and even a scrunchie to try and lure the cat out of hiding. The search was unsuccessful, and Etkin had to go home empty handed once again.

"(Joy) was so knowledgeable and so helpful. This was on a weekend, too. She dedicated her time to searching for (Remi)… taking that time and helping to look for her was incredible," said Etkin.

It was around eight days later that Etkin got the news that she'd been hoping for.

Russell had worked tirelessly to find Remi in the days she was missing, putting up cameras and hoping to find her.

"My cameras never did capture her. Thankfully in the end, Remi did all the work by going to a home," said Russell.

"We helped them look the day (Remi) ran. It was hard to see her, she looked just like the leaves. I was so worried… I knew stories that didn't end so well. I am glad it had a happy ending," said Smith.

Remi had gone to the home of Tom and Marla Grugan, who set out a trap to catch the lost pet.

"(She) called me pretty early in the morning and said, 'I think I have your Remi' and my heart totally dropped. I just knew in my heart that she would come home. It was amazing. I called Joy immediately and let her know because she had been out there that morning calling for her," said Etkin.

Russell picked Remi up from the Grugan's and took her home for the night, with plans to take her to the vet.

"It's always about the animal for me," said Russell about her dedication. "If I am contacted to help (I always go above and beyond.) Animals mean so much to me. (They) are so forgiving and loyal beyond any human."

Russell took Remi to the vet, noting, "It was truly a happy ending when I took Remi to the vet (and) the only thing she got out of the ordeal was one tick."

Despite being alone in the woods for around eight days, assumingly with little access to food or water, Remi was in perfect health.

Russell not only ensured the cat was healthy and happy, but also made sure that it was safe for her to return home.

Etkin, who is immunocompromised from treatment of a chronic autoimmune condition, was blown away by the kindness of the locals. Not only had so many banded together to find her lost cat, but once Remi was found, Russell took the time to ensure Etkin's safety as well.

"I couldn't believe how much dedication and time Joy especially put into this in caring for Remi like she was her own cat," said Etkin.

The original Facebook post was eventually updated with the following message, "Against all odds, Remington has been found safe. With SO much thanks to Joy Russell who coordinated this rescue, put in endless hours of work, and held the owner's hand through seven heartbreaking days. Thanks also to Tom and Marla Grugan who actually trapped her at their home and to the other neighbors who were all so willing to help!"

"I felt so lucky that if this had to happen it happened in that area. Everyone really banned together and looked for her. I felt so guilty that she wasn't in a carrier when I opened the door and that I let her out and didn't get her. I was emotionally torn up and so heartbroken. It couldn't have taken place in a more caring and angelic area," said Etkin.

The whole time Remi was with Russell, Etkin got picture after picture of Remi to reassure her that the cat was alright.

Remi is now safe at home with Etkin in New Haven, and has no plans to return to the forest.

"Remi is so thankful and gracious to be home. She is not much of a snuggler -- she's kind of wild and likes to play a lot. But that night she snuggled right up against my arm and was so sweet. I could tell she was so thankful for not giving up on her and bringing her home. It was a really angelic experience to have all of these people helping. They didn't know me, I wasn't from there, I was just passing through," said Etkin.

According to Russell, there is a lesson to be learned here, "When traveling with a pet, always have them secured in a vehicle."