A surprising journey across the waters of British Columbia has ended with the safe return of a stowaway cat to her Sechelt home after an unexpected adventure aboard a gravel barge bound for Victoria.
The story began when Victoria Animal Control Services received a call on January 24th reporting the discovery of a cat on a barge in the Rock Bay area of Victoria. The barge, which had originated in Surrey, made a stop in Sechelt before continuing its journey to Vancouver Island, unknowingly carrying an additional passenger – a feline stowaway.
Upon arrival at the pound, efforts were made to identify the cat, including scanning for a microchip and checking for an ID tattoo or collar, but to no avail. Despite her unkempt appearance, staff remarked on the cat’s good looks.
With no immediate identification, the organization turned to social media in the hopes that someone would recognize the tabby cat with green eyes.
Senior Animal Control Officer Ian Fraser noted the unusual circumstances, stating that such occurrences are not unheard of.
It wasn’t until Kate-Lynn Dixon, who does not use Facebook, received a message from a friend identifying the cat as Duchess, belonging to her son Elias Joe.
Describing Duchess as an independent indoor-outdoor cat, Dixon speculated that she may have been pursued by a coyote, leading her to jump aboard the barge during its stop in Sechelt.
Upon confirming Duchess’s identity through exchanged photos, it became clear that the stowaway cat was indeed Dixon’s beloved pet, recognizable by the small kinks at the end of her tail.
On January 26th, Duchess began her journey home with the assistance of Dixon’s relative residing in Victoria. However, delays in traffic and ferry crossings prolonged her return, culminating in a heartwarming reunion with her family later that evening.
Dixon recounted the joyous reunion, with her youngest son overjoyed to see Duchess again. The affection between Duchess and Elias was palpable, with the cat immediately seeking comfort in her owner’s lap upon her return.
After a brief period of readjustment and close supervision at home, Duchess was granted outdoor privileges once more, only to return home on the same day, much to the relief of her family.
Duchess’s unexpected voyage serves as a testament to the resilience and adaptability of our feline companions, and her safe return home brings a heartwarming conclusion to a remarkable journey across the waters of British Columbia.
