A cat owner was left “overwhelmed” with emotion after his missing feline returned home after a remarkable 16-year absence.
Sunshine, a pedigree Bengal, wandered out of Carl Pullen’s house in Welwyn Garden City, Hertfordshire, back in 2009 and never returned. Since then, much has changed in the world – the UK has seen seven prime ministers, Manchester City has claimed eight Premier League titles, and Prince Charles ascended to the throne as King.
Mr. Pullen, now residing in Essex, was taken by surprise when a veterinarian called him on Monday with the news that Sunshine had been found. The cat had landed at their clinic after being brought in as a stray.
“It was completely out of the blue,” Mr. Pullen recalled. “The vet asked if I had a cat named Sunshine, and when I confirmed, they told me she’d been handed in. I was so surprised. I was overwhelmed, really. I just didn’t expect to see her again, especially after all this time.”
Back in 2009, when Sunshine didn’t return home, Mr. Pullen put up flyers in Welwyn Garden City in an effort to locate her. Despite his efforts, he eventually moved to Takeley in 2010, resigning himself to the belief that he’d never see his furry companion again.
“We figured by then we wouldn’t see her again, but it was still sad to leave the house,” he said.
When Sunshine was returned to Mr. Pullen, she weighed only 2kg (0.3st), and he estimated that she was around 19 years old. Though he is unsure how much longer she has, he is grateful for the time they can share together.
“It’s nice to have her back, and I know she’ll have a comfortable final chapter in her life now. She might not be with us for long, but at least she’ll have a peaceful retirement,” he said.
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