Francine the Beloved Lowe’s Cat Returns After Community’s Persistent Search Efforts
After a dedicated community effort, Francine, the beloved cat of Lowe’s in Richmond, Virginia, has been safely returned home. The tale began in 2017 when Francine chose to reside at the Broad Street Lowe’s location, winning the hearts of both staff and customers as the shop’s unofficial mascot.
The Disappearance of Francine
In September 2025, Lowe’s employees observed that Francine was missing, prompting immediate concern. Store Manager Mike Sida emphasized the importance of Francine to the store’s identity, stating, “From the start, we knew we’d do whatever it took to bring Francine home.”
The local community quickly mobilized, creating an Instagram account named @wheresfrancine to track her whereabouts and gather support. Initial updates indicated the last known sighting of Francine was on September 18, 2025. Despite several inquiries, details about her disappearance remained elusive.
Community Involvement
On September 27, in an effort to locate her, the store’s management verified security footage. It was revealed that Francine had left the immediate area. In a surprising twist, she had jumped into a truck, traveling over 80 miles to the Lowe’s distribution center in North Carolina.
As concern grew, community members requested assistance from the Lowe’s corporate office. By October 2, more than 70 concerned citizens had signed a petition urging the company to deploy resources and provide updates on the search for Francine.
The Search Intensifies
On October 4, company officials confirmed they were actively participating in the search. They employed heat-seeking drones for aerial surveillance and collaborated with animal control and local advocacy groups. Moments of excitement arose when Francine was spotted on the distribution center’s security cameras.
Bringing Francine Home
The following days involved considerable preparation to entice Francine. A small team, including Sida, traveled to the distribution center equipped with her favorite food and familiar dishes. Seven humane traps were strategically placed around the area to ensure her safe capture.
On the night of the setup, Francine was spotted outside one of the traps but initially hesitated to enter. However, a trap successfully triggered, leading to her safe capture just before midnight.
A Joyful Reunion
At 4 a.m. on October 5, Sid and fellow employee Schneider embarked on a 90-minute journey to collect Francine. Their excitement was palpable: “We were so excited the whole ride,” Schneider recalled. “We were going to bring her home.”
Community Support and Gratitude
The successful rescue of Francine is attributed to the tireless efforts of Lowe’s team, local animal control, and numerous community partners. Store Manager Sida expressed gratitude for everyone involved, highlighting Francine’s significance: “She’s more than our store cat – she’s part of our family.”
The collaboration of organizations such as the Northampton County Animal Shelter, Richmond SPCA, and Best Friends Animal Society played a crucial role in ensuring Francine’s safe return.
The story of Francine serves as a testament to the compassion and dedication of a community united for a beloved pet.
