In an astounding tale of feline fortitude, Kobe, a domestic cat from Calgary, has been safely reunited with his owners after a perilous 30-kilometer journey beneath the hood of a speeding car.
On a routine trip to the vet for neutering last Wednesday, Kobe escaped from his carrier outside the Barlow Trail Animal Hospital and bolted. His owner, Daniel Owesu, recounted the initial moments of panic: “He was scared. He jumped the fence, went under a car, and just disappeared. We looked everywhere for him.”
Unbeknownst to his owners, Kobe found refuge under a vehicle belonging to Leslie Wells, a Global News edit supervisor. The cat remained undetected as Wells drove from the animal hospital to her home in Auburn Bay, traversing the busy Stoney Trail at speeds reaching 105 km/h. “That’s a survival story if I’ve ever heard one,” Wells remarked, still astonished by the cat’s journey.
Kobe’s adventure did not end in Wells’ driveway; he spent three days hiding in her garage before being coaxed out and taken to a veterinarian. Fortunately, Kobe was wearing a collar with tags, which helped Wells contact his relieved owners.
Lena Staple, Kobe’s other owner, expressed her shock and admiration for her pet’s incredible instinct and resourcefulness. “It’s crazy,” she said. “It’s not the first time he’s done something like this. That’s how we ended up with him as a kitten.”
Upon their reunion, Staple was visibly moved. “I was crying… I was so happy to see him,” she shared. She extended her gratitude toward the community and Wells for their help in bringing Kobe home safely.
Now, Kobe is recovering from his ordeal and recent surgery, with his owners keeping him indoors to ensure he stays safe. Staple reflected on the unexpected journey, “Thank you so much. I’m just really glad there are good people out there.”
Kobe’s story, a mix of danger, luck, and the quick actions of community members, highlights the resilience of pets and the importance of community support in safeguarding our beloved animals.
