Purrs In Our Hearts - Cat Forum UK

Lost & Found Cats => Lost & Found General => Sorted Lost and Found cats => Topic started by: lex20874 on September 30, 2011, 00:34:13 AM

Title: Please help me find Grapelli - his owner is 3 and 1/2 with special needs and heartbroken- FOUND!!!!
Post by: lex20874 on September 30, 2011, 00:34:13 AM
Desperately looking for Grapelli, a 7 year old Maine Coon, neutered and Microchipped.

Escaped from Travelodge in Ashford, Kent whilst in transit with his owners on their way to France, in the night of Monday to Tuesday 26th/27th September

I am the owner's sister and live miles away but I am travelling to Kent tomorrow and would welcome any help in putting up the posters I have made.

My nephew is partially paralysed on his left side and Grapelli has been an asset whilst learning how to walk and reach out with his non working hand. They have a strong bond and our little boy is absolutely unconsolable.

Not being from the area we are worried that Grapelli will have nowhere to return to.

Any suggestions very welcome.

Thanks in advance

Alexia
(07771)697308
Title: Re: Please help me find Grapelli - his owner is 3 and 1/2 with special needs and heartbroken - KENT
Post by: Tiggy's Mum on September 30, 2011, 00:44:35 AM
Sorry to have to welcome you to Purrs under such worrying circumstances  :hug:

There's a list of hints/tips for lost cats here: http://www.purrsinourhearts.co.uk/index.php/topic,305.0.html Not all of them may apply as Grapelli obviously won't know the area he has found himself in but worth looking through them in case there's something you haven't thought of.

A few things that come to mind:

Have the hotel offered any assistance in putting up posters on site?

Have you looked at the area on google satellite to see what is nearby and where he is likely to go (think like a cat!)?

In light of the connection that your nephew has with his cat, and his special needs, then maybe the local paper would run a little 'human interest' type article which would help spread the word?

Have you notified rescues local to the area in case he is found?

This thread below may have some useful tips in and also give you some hope - very similar circumstances, a cat escaped from her owners car at the Motorway services when the owner was on route to Germany. She was eventually found, nearby to where she had escaped, with the help of Purrs members who were local to where she had escaped. http://www.purrsinourhearts.co.uk/index.php/topic,34187.msg607650.html#msg607650

Really hope he is found safe and sound very soon  :hug:
Title: Re: Please help me find Grapelli - his owner is 3 and 1/2 with special needs and heartbroken - KENT
Post by: Stuart on September 30, 2011, 01:09:24 AM
awww this is so sad to read, Grapeli is Beautiful, and I hope he is found soon  :hug: :hug: :hug:
Title: Re: Please help me find Grapelli - his owner is 3 and 1/2 with special needs and heartbroken - KENT
Post by: lex20874 on September 30, 2011, 01:21:39 AM
Thank you both. I have done everything you have mentioned already so now I guess all I can hope for is some members who live in Kent/Ashford to keep an eye out for me as I don't live in the area although I am travelling down tomorrow so put leaflets up.
The hotel have been very helpful and I am staying in the same room in case Grapelli visits. The local newspaper are running a story too and I have notified just about every vet and organisation in that area.

If anyone knows where I can get a trap it would be great. I am going to stay overnight and leave the door open (it's on the ground floor) but I am worried that because I am not his 'mum' he might come, eat and go again!!!

Fingers crossed someone will spot him somewhere!!
Thanks again
Title: Re: Please help me find Grapelli - his owner is 3 and 1/2 with special needs and heartbroken - KENT
Post by: Tiggy's Mum on September 30, 2011, 01:57:34 AM
Have you joined any 'local' facebbok groups and tried to spread the word that way? I'm not on FB myself but it's massive nowadays so try and use it to your advantage. Good luck with the hotel stay, really hope he is still close by  :hug:
Title: Re: Please help me find Grapelli - his owner is 3 and 1/2 with special needs and heartbroken - KENT
Post by: Dawn F on September 30, 2011, 09:02:08 AM
you local cats protection might be able to lend you a trap
Title: Re: Please help me find Grapelli - his owner is 3 and 1/2 with special needs and heartbroken - KENT
Post by: Mark on September 30, 2011, 11:07:23 AM
Grapelli has already been reported to CP. Folkestone branch are putting feelers out and he is on our (Canterbury) website. Tenterden is the nearest branch.

http://www.canterbury.cats.org.uk/transport.aspx?404;http://www.canterbury.cats.org.uk:80/canterbury/lost-and-found1

Have you spoken to anyone at the Little Chef? (I assume there is one onsite?) - I don't know Ashford very well.

We have taken in 2 strays over the last couple of years that were hanging around a Travelodge/Little Chef in Dunkirk (Kent) I think cats are attracted to the smell of food and chance of scraps - so I would imagine if he escaped there, her probably hasn't gone far.

In fact I just saw that there is another 'found' cat (a black one) on our found cats list - it just shows that they are attracted to them.

I remember a couple of years ago someone lost their cat at one en-route to Germany - She was found after several weeks.

The problem with traps is they need to be regularly monitored. A trapped cat is very vulnerable.
Title: Re: Please help me find Grapelli - his owner is 3 and 1/2 with special needs and heartbroken - KENT
Post by: Tiggy's Mum on September 30, 2011, 12:33:54 PM
As there is nobody local to keep a regular eye out for him (although you as his 'Auntie' are obviously doing everything you can from a distance  :hug:) I have added his details to the newsflash which is on the front page of Purrs in the hope that anyone living near the area may be able to help.

Such a nightmare situation, really hope he is found ASAP  :hug:
Title: Re: Please help me find Grapelli - his owner is 3 and 1/2 with special needs and heartbroken - KENT
Post by: Mark on September 30, 2011, 12:50:29 PM
Just wondering if the local paper will run something?

Being 25 miles from me, there isn't a lot we can do. I think there is an RSPCA centre is Ashford? - I think Jen on here volunteers for them?
Title: Re: Please help me find Grapelli - his owner is 3 and 1/2 with special needs and heartbroken - KENT
Post by: Tiggy's Mum on September 30, 2011, 14:37:42 PM
Quote from: Mark on September 30, 2011, 12:50:29 PM
Just wondering if the local paper will run something?

Being 25 miles from me, there isn't a lot we can do. I think there is an RSPCA centre is Ashford? - I think Jen on here volunteers for them?

Looks like they already have - here's the article http://www.kentonline.co.uk/kentish_express/news/2011/september/29/urgent_missing_cat_appeal.aspx

According to the article the owners sister (which is the original poster - Alexia) is heading down to Kent today to look for him and put posters up.

In the article it says that he disappeared from the room overnight, I'm wondering - if no doors or windows were opened, whether he has somehow burrowed himself in the middle of the divan beds they tend to have in travellodges. Alexia mentioned she is staying in the same room so worth double checking.

Title: Re: Please help me find Grapelli - his owner is 3 and 1/2 with special needs and heartbroken - KENT
Post by: lex20874 on September 30, 2011, 15:52:25 PM
Hi everyone,

Firstly thank you so much for your support.

I am now at the travelodge for the night, meeting photographer for newspaper then off to all the places on retail park to put posters up and ask around.
I have a feeling I'm going to be walking around a lot hoping and praying I spot him somewhere!
Then tomorrow widening the search with my map!

Will keep u updated.
Alexia
Title: Re: Please help me find Grapelli - his owner is 3 and 1/2 with special needs and heartbroken - KENT
Post by: Mark on September 30, 2011, 15:53:03 PM
Fingers crossed they find him today. I would be surprised if a Maine Coon could squeeze between beds but lets hope.

Title: Re: Please help me find Grapelli - his owner is 3 and 1/2 with special needs and heartbroken - KENT
Post by: Stuart on September 30, 2011, 17:19:24 PM
Keeping Fingers crossed that Grapelli will soon be found  :hug: :hug:
Title: Re: Please help me find Grapelli - his owner is 3 and 1/2 with special needs and heartbroken - KENT
Post by: Gill (sneakiefeline) on September 30, 2011, 19:10:41 PM
I do hope you can find Grapelli, pity the picture in the paper isnt as good as the one on Purrs.......unless its not showing properly for me.

You need to think like a cat, food, water, dry safe place to hide and do wonder if he is within the Travelodge somewhere.

Loads of good vibes, show yourself Grapelli   :hug: :hug:
Title: Re: Please help me find Grapelli - his owner is 3 and 1/2 with special needs and heartbroken - KENT
Post by: cazzer on September 30, 2011, 19:34:51 PM
do hope you find him.      You all must be devastated  :hug: x
Title: Re: Please help me find Grapelli - his owner is 3 and 1/2 with special needs and heartbroken - KENT
Post by: JenGeorgieBob on September 30, 2011, 20:05:27 PM
Will keep an eye out for him, I live in Ashford, near to where he has escaped, have you contacted the local RSPCA with details? maybe e-mail the details to them so they can keep an eye out? (they are a very good branch)
Hope Grapelli is found very soon!
Jen
Title: Re: Please help me find Grapelli - his owner is 3 and 1/2 with special needs and heartbroken - KENT
Post by: lex20874 on September 30, 2011, 20:29:05 PM
Hi Jen


Thank you very much for your help. My sister emailed the RSPCA but I'm going to go and see the local branch tomorrow before I leave to make sure they have his details.  I have still got lots of posters where do you think might be good to put them up as you know the area?

I'm a bit downhearted and sad tonight but I think it's being where he disappeared  :(
Title: Re: Please help me find Grapelli - his owner is 3 and 1/2 with special needs and heartbroken - KENT
Post by: JenGeorgieBob on October 01, 2011, 09:22:22 AM
Wherever there is space I think, put up a poster, maybe think of trying the big supermarkets as well? (The big Sainsburys is a good idea, I can't remember where the adds are placed now, as they are doing the store up but ask at customer services) They have small places where you can post adds, so that will reach a few people, Pets At Home also have an area like this. There is woodland further round from the travelodge (go down past the cinema and gym, keep going down a little pathway, past the childrens nursery? and it leads out towards woodland) so maybe check around there. That road that you meet up with going towards the woods leads on to a residential area so definetly poster around there. If you follow that roads down, on the right is a large garden centre called Bybrook Barn and they have a place to put adverts too, so you could put a little add there. Next door to that is the doctors and they may let you post an add there, I am not sure.
If he has gone the other way out of the travelodge then there is a road to cross, then into woodland and fields which soon turn into a golf course, I am not sure where the reception of that is situated but if you google map it, they may let you place a poster in their reception?
There is a public footpath that leads all around the golf course so it is possible to walk through, although it would be a long walk and would depend on Grapelli's attitude towards roads (would he go away from or towards?)
There are a few vets in ashford, they will let you place posters in a 'lost' folder, Barrow Hill is the closest vets to where he went walkabouts, but theres also Kingsnorth vets, Peter Edgar vets and the companion care vets in Pets at Home, is he microchipped?
Oh and opposite the travelodge is a garden centre, Dobbies, have you placed an add in there or wandered around in there? the plant area outside is massive and they have chickens, so might be worth a wander?
I really hope you find him soon! I will keep an eye out, sorry I can't be much more help, but I am at work all this weekend
Title: Re: Please help me find Grapelli - his owner is 3 and 1/2 with special needs and heartbroken - KENT
Post by: JenGeorgieBob on October 01, 2011, 09:34:37 AM
Quote from: Mark on September 30, 2011, 12:50:29 PM
Just wondering if the local paper will run something?

Being 25 miles from me, there isn't a lot we can do. I think there is an RSPCA centre is Ashford? - I think Jen on here volunteers for them?

Oops, just seen this bit, yeah I volunteer there now and again (work gets in the way a lot of the time now), sorry i didn't see this thread sooner!
(and is good to see you back on here)

again, fingers crossed he is found safe and well, have you told any of the food places nearby about him? Mark(?) said about them looking for scraps, and there is a KFC, Frankie and Bennies and all sorts in the leisure park.
Title: Re: Please help me find Grapelli - his owner is 3 and 1/2 with special needs and heartbroken - KENT
Post by: JenGeorgieBob on October 01, 2011, 09:38:44 AM
ooo, if you could drop off some posters to me somewhere, I am happy to post them up for you? I could do this on Monday morning as I have some time off then? How long are you staying in Ashford? I will PM you my details and then it is up to you, I have got to go to work now, sadly so won't be able to check on here.
Title: Re: Please help me find Grapelli - his owner is 3 and 1/2 with special needs and heartbroken - KENT
Post by: Mark on October 01, 2011, 10:30:52 AM
Hopefully there is good news this morning. I think Alexia was only in Ashford for one night Jen.

I'm sure you have been told already but Rolvenden rescue also cover Ashford http://rolvenden.org.uk/cats/

I wonder if it is worth speaking to security at the Travelodge to see if they can do a quick run-through. I have to say it sounds very odd. A cat would have to pass through several doors to get out of a hotel, surely? - someone MUST have seen him - cats are clever but they can't open fire doors!
Title: Re: Please help me find Grapelli - his owner is 3 and 1/2 with special needs and heartbroken - KENT
Post by: JenGeorgieBob on October 01, 2011, 19:35:23 PM
Have got the posters and fliers today, will be going out Monday and probably Tuesday morning and will keep an eye out on Wednesday when we go out for a walk, fingers crossed we get some good news soon!
Title: Re: Please help me find Grapelli - his owner is 3 and 1/2 with special needs and heartbroken - KENT
Post by: Tiggy's Mum on October 01, 2011, 23:04:24 PM
That's great that you're local and can keep an eye out for him and help with posters Jen :hug: :luck:
Title: Re: Please help me find Grapelli - his owner is 3 and 1/2 with special needs and heartbroken - KENT
Post by: lex20874 on October 02, 2011, 01:08:52 AM
Jen I cannot thank you enough for your help. I hope a can do the same for someone else one day.

Unfortunately I've started getting prank calls and one pretented to have Grapelli which really upset me I don't understand how people can be so mean. I hope a real call.will come soon.
Title: Re: Please help me find Grapelli - his owner is 3 and 1/2 with special needs and heartbroken - KENT
Post by: Rosella moggy on October 02, 2011, 08:34:50 AM
Sending lots of  :hug: :hug: :hug: to you Alexia. 

Please try not to let such wicked people get you down.  The world has a number of weirdos in it but far far more decent people who send your family and especially Grapelli and your little nephew best ever wishes that Grapelli is found safe and well very soon. 

I strongly believe that he will turn up.  It's just not possible for such a beautiful cat to disappear into thin air. 

Good on you Jen  :) :) :)  :gold stars:
Title: Re: Please help me find Grapelli - his owner is 3 and 1/2 with special needs and heartbroken - KENT
Post by: JenGeorgieBob on October 02, 2011, 20:06:03 PM
So sorry to hear that you have had prank calls! that is disgusting behaviour!
I am happy to help, he looks very much like my Rankin who went missing a few years ago and was never found.
Have put some leaflets around the staff room at work and pinned them up on the notice boards in the womens locker room and the mens (well, I got a man to do it for me).
Will be out tomorrow morning with the posters and my ipod having a look round and putting more posters up and leaflets round houses.
We are keeping fingers and paws crossed that he turns up safe and sound!
 :hug: :hug: :hug:
Title: Re: Please help me find Grapelli - his owner is 3 and 1/2 with special needs and heartbroken - KENT
Post by: Janeyk on October 03, 2011, 20:26:50 PM
 :hug: :hug: I do hope Grapelli is found very soon.



Title: Re: Please help me find Grapelli - his owner is 3 and 1/2 with special needs and heartbroken - KENT
Post by: Tiggy's Mum on October 03, 2011, 23:25:35 PM
Have you had any more calls Alexia (of the non-horrid variety  :hug:) have there been any sightings at all?
Title: Re: Please help me find Grapelli - his owner is 3 and 1/2 with special needs and heartbroken - KENT
Post by: lex20874 on October 03, 2011, 23:41:40 PM
No absolutely nothing. :(

It seems nobody has seen him since he disappeared. He is so used to being indoors I wonder whether perhaps he has been hiding. I hope hunger makes him wonder out though so someone spots him.

No horrible prank call which is a relief.

The newspaper comes out Thursday so I will try and stay positive until then. It has been a week today and I just feel more and more sad by the day.
Title: Re: Please help me find Grapelli - his owner is 3 and 1/2 with special needs and heartbroken - KENT
Post by: Tiggy's Mum on October 03, 2011, 23:43:51 PM
Have you considered using Animal Search UK's services? Not sure how much it is, was Grapelli insured? If so it may well be covered by his insurance. Really hope there is at the very least a sighting soon  :hug:

http://www.animalsearchuk.co.uk/
Title: Re: Please help me find Grapelli - his owner is 3 and 1/2 with special needs and heartbroken - KENT
Post by: lex20874 on October 03, 2011, 23:50:01 PM
I have called them and the price starts at £300 without the mileage from the Midlands to whereever the cat disappeared and back (which a fair few). I also would have to be on site with them (not sure why....) but I haven't ruled them out yet!!! I can't find any feedback on their success rate or what people who have used them think of their service.
I am not sure if he is insured or not, I shall check as I hadn;t thought the insurance might cover the cost!

Considering I am a dog trainer I think I might look into using dogs to track missing cats! I have trained dogs to do much harder work (like tracking turtles in the jungle) so it must be possible! :sneaky:
Title: Re: Please help me find Grapelli - his owner is 3 and 1/2 with special needs and heartbroken - KENT
Post by: Tan on October 04, 2011, 00:03:21 AM
Hi Lex

I am so hoping Grapelli is found. He is a darlin  :hug:
If there is anything you can think of we can do to help, just holla hun.  :hug: :hug:
Title: Re: Please help me find Grapelli - his owner is 3 and 1/2 with special needs and heartbroken - KENT
Post by: lex20874 on October 04, 2011, 00:12:52 AM
Thank you!!! :thanks:
The support I have had on this forum so far has been so amazing it has helped me tremedously. I would feel so alone without this fabulous network.
I hope I can help others too.
Title: Re: Please help me find Grapelli - his owner is 3 and 1/2 with special needs and heartbroken - KENT
Post by: Sam (Fussy_Furball) on October 04, 2011, 22:20:27 PM
Hi Lex,

I'm so pleased the purrs team is able to help in a small way.  I wish I was closer  :hug:
Title: Re: Please help me find Grapelli - his owner is 3 and 1/2 with special needs and heartbroken - KENT
Post by: JenGeorgieBob on October 06, 2011, 08:52:01 AM
Have you heard anything at all? did you try those numbers I gave you?
have a few leaflets and posters left and will go out Monday to put out the rest of them, to jog peoples memory a bit, hope he is found soon!
Title: Please help me find Grapelli - his owner is 3 and 1/2 with special needs and heartbroken - KENT
Post by: Tiggy's Mum on October 06, 2011, 23:55:59 PM
There's a nearly full page article on Grapelli in another local paper - too small for me to read on my iPod as it doesn't let you zoom in but it's a great size so will hopefully help spread the word. Will have a proper look tomorrow on the laptop. Fingers still crossed for some good new :hug:
Title: Re: Please help me find Grapelli - his owner is 3 and 1/2 with special needs and heartbroken - KENT
Post by: lex20874 on October 07, 2011, 00:21:55 AM
Hello

The newspaper guy was really nice (he rings me regularly to find out if there has been any news) so I'm really pleased it's a decent size article, I am just hoping someone will ring after reading it (although I am expecting more prank calls I suppose) but fingers crossed there's got to be a few hundred of people reading the paper so you never know. I pray a million times a day and I don't let my phone out of sight hoping it might ring!

Jen - The council were really nice, they said no animal has come in matching his description but they scan all pets so she will ring me if he turns up, it was a relief I have to say!
The police number wasn't as successful, she said cats aren't 'a reportable incident' i.e. no-one records anything when it involves a cat, only a dog (!).
I have emailed the cemetary which is right behind the leisure park for the ground maintenance team to keep an eye out as it seems a nice quiet place for a pussy cat to stay.
I have also emailed the police and asked if their pcso's would keep an eye out (you can but ask!!!!).
I am hoping this bad weather will make him come out of hiding if he has taken refuge in a wood and stayed there all this time because it was nice and warm.
A lady of Facebook went to Dobbies the garden centre and had a good look around and suggested putting posters on bus stops and in the shop nearby (not sure which shop she meant). She said she didn't see any posters but then again Dobies wouldn't let me put one up. :(

Once again thank you Jen for helping me, you are my lifeline as I feel so far away.

Thanks everyone else for the much needed support as I get more and more worried.
Title: Re: Please help me find Grapelli - his owner is 3 and 1/2 with special needs and heartbroken - KENT
Post by: Tiggy's Mum on October 07, 2011, 20:54:09 PM
Fingers crossed the latest article will at the very least generate some sightings of him  :hug:

Jen - Do you get the Kentish Express Ashford & District paper? For some reaon it doesn't let me view it online. If you do get it the article is on pg 9.
Title: Re: Please help me find Grapelli - his owner is 3 and 1/2 with special needs and heartbroken - KENT
Post by: lex20874 on October 08, 2011, 00:26:36 AM
Had a call from a lovely lady this morning but she said the cat was very small and very friendly rubbing his legs on passers by and miaowing so it wouldn't have been our Grapelli. Was hoping for more calls but at least now if someone sees him they might remember the paper article. I can't get hold of the newspaper here but I understand it is quite a big article so that's good.
The road she saw this cat in was Albert Road which seems quite far away from the travelodge.
I've put more posts in forums (incl the reptile forum you suggested Jen) and I am now looking at contacting every business within a 5 mile radius of the travelodge, large or small.

So still praying and fingers and toes crossed. :(
Title: Re: Please help me find Grapelli - his owner is 3 and 1/2 with special needs and heartbroken - KENT
Post by: Tiggy's Mum on October 08, 2011, 21:11:21 PM
Here's the article...
Title: Re: Please help me find Grapelli - his owner is 3 and 1/2 with special needs and heartbroken - KENT
Post by: lex20874 on October 09, 2011, 01:49:28 AM
Thank you for the article :thanks
I can't complain as it is a large article but I wish they left out my photo and added one of Grapelli, and mentioned that he is chipped and any vet will scan cats free of charge.   Never mind I cant complain at least people get to find out about him .. 

 
Title: Re: Please help me find Grapelli - his owner is 3 and 1/2 with special needs and heartbroken - KENT
Post by: Gill (sneakiefeline) on October 09, 2011, 14:41:02 PM
On what I see there is a big picture of Grappeli at the top, the same one as on Purrs.

I think they are trying to make this a real human interest story to get people to read and look for Grapelli  :hug: :hug:
Title: Re: Please help me find Grapelli - his owner is 3 and 1/2 with special needs and heartbroken - KENT
Post by: JenGeorgieBob on October 09, 2011, 19:27:50 PM
Sorry, have not been online, have been away for a couple of days visiting family.
The bus stop idea is a good one, am in town tomorrow so will pop a couple of posters up in those if I can and then more people will see them.
Sorry to hear that you haven't had any good news yet.
I am happy to help, just sorry he hasn't turned up yet! Having been through it all before I know how much or a worry it all is, sadly I never found out what happened to Rankin...
Still keeping paws crossed for good news!
Title: Re: Please help me find Grapelli - his owner is 3 and 1/2 with special needs and heartbroken - KENT
Post by: lex20874 on October 10, 2011, 01:34:57 AM
Hi Jen,

I've only been on my mobile email myself this week end and not my laptop so the work has slowed down a bit. I shall get back on track tomorrow as cannot give up looking so soon. Thank you fir carrying on helping me. if you want me to send you more posters or do anything that can help st your end let me know.

I had a call from a lovely lady this morning (who checked I was in UK before starting the conversation) but sadly the cat was wearing a collar so not our little Grapelli. She said she would keep an eye out so that's nice. It's a shame I didn't think to ask the newdpaper chap to make sure he mentioned that Grapelli is microchipped and any vet will scan him for free.

But the call was still encouraging as it shows a few people might be keeping an eye out.
I'm sorry to hear you never found Rankin (what made you call him Rankin btw?), I do worry we are never going to find him sometimes but I try and stay positive and I pray everyday!
Title: Re: Please help me find Grapelli - his owner is 3 and 1/2 with special needs and heartbroken - KENT
Post by: lex20874 on October 10, 2011, 01:42:10 AM
Sorry hi Gill :-)
I know what you mean they had to focus on Tarlan to get people's compassion, I just got disappointed when a lady said she saw him and,when she described him I realised it couldn't be him :-(
I can't believe no-one has seen him :-( 
Title: Re: Please help me find Grapelli - his owner is 3 and 1/2 with special needs and heartbroken - KENT
Post by: Gill (sneakiefeline) on October 10, 2011, 02:11:26 AM
Do not give up hope, this is very important  :hug: :hug:
Title: Re: Please help me find Grapelli - his owner is 3 and 1/2 with special needs and heartbroken - KENT
Post by: pappilon on October 10, 2011, 23:06:34 PM
Really hope that he is found soon. :hug:
It may be that he is trying to find his way back home, Is his original home far from Travel lodge?
Sorry is just an idea as cats do try to go back to their old home, may be you could ask neighbours to keep an eye incase he find his way back. :hug: :hug:
Title: Re: Please help me find Grapelli - his owner is 3 and 1/2 with special needs and heartbroken - KENT
Post by: Tiggy's Mum on October 11, 2011, 00:40:15 AM
Sounds like he may well have gone to ground in the nearby fields/bushes if there have been no sightings at all  :hug: Cats are incredibly resourceful - look at Lia who was lost in similar circumstances, and if I recall correctly, in the middle of some very harsh weather conditions - it took months for her to be found and captured. Hopefully Grapelli can be found much sooner but don't ever give up on him  :hug:
Title: Re: Please help me find Grapelli - his owner is 3 and 1/2 with special needs and heartbroken - KENT
Post by: lex20874 on October 11, 2011, 00:53:45 AM
oh thank you very much, I see so many cats missing online I think it has put me off getting a cat of our own!!!

But you have given me hope again that he will be found!!! I am trying to convince my sister to fly back for a few days and we go hunting for him together!! He's all we think about, every day! everytime the phone rings I pray it's someone who's found him.

This forum is my emotional crutch!! and hearing of happy endings is very nice.

If he travels back to Yorkshire I will be amazed!!!! But we have told the neighbours, just on the off chance.
Title: Re: Please help me find Grapelli - his owner is 3 and 1/2 with special needs and heartbroken - KENT
Post by: Mark on October 11, 2011, 10:26:21 AM
Just another idea.

It is true that a lot of cats when they are lost in areas they don't know, go to ground very close. Even if your sister can't make it over, maybe she could send a t-shirt that has been worn by your nephew and place it close to the Travelodge - a cat will always pick up on the scent of its owner.

Only this week there is an article in our local paper about a cat that escaped at an animal blessing (or rather was let out of the carrier, but that is another story) she managed to find her way back to her owners house 3 miles away. It took 5 weeks but she made it. There can't be much of an explanation other than her picking up on scents. A large part of the journey was along a disused railway line that is now a cycle route. Someone suggested that the cat may have picked up on her owner's scent because she uses the cycle route a lot.
Title: Re: Please help me find Grapelli - his owner is 3 and 1/2 with special needs and heartbroken - KENT
Post by: Michelle (furbabystar) on October 11, 2011, 13:28:30 PM
Quote from: lex20874 on October 11, 2011, 00:53:45 AM

But you have given me hope again that he will be found!!! I am trying to convince my sister to fly back for a few days and we go hunting for him together!!

That was be the best idea.
As Mark has correctly said, most cats go to ground so chances are he is very near to where he went from......and hearing his owners voice is probably all that is needed
Title: Re: Please help me find Grapelli - his owner is 3 and 1/2 with special needs and heartbroken - KENT
Post by: JenGeorgieBob on October 11, 2011, 21:36:21 PM
Hi,
I am ok for posters, have photocopied a few so I still have some.
Put a couple of posters out yesterday but not much today I am afraid, have come down with a horrid bug so not left the house, when I am better I will go out again.
keeping paws crossed
Title: Re: Please help me find Grapelli - his owner is 3 and 1/2 with special needs and heartbroken - KENT
Post by: Tiggy's Mum on October 15, 2011, 01:00:31 AM
Just wondering if there have been any sightings?  :hug:
Title: Re: Please help me find Grapelli - his owner is 3 and 1/2 with special needs and heartbroken - KENT
Post by: lex20874 on October 15, 2011, 01:05:39 AM
Hi

Sorry have been quiet. I also have had a horrible bug (hope yours is also getting better Jen) so worked has slowed down a bit and I feel like I am running out of ideas. :'(

Still discussing my sister coming over, hopefully next week but same as when I went, budget prevents staying too long so will do everything we can whilst we are there.

I am considering using a local leafleting service to cover the whole of ashford, any recommendation or companies I should steer clear of?  I have emailed 2 for a quote but neither has got back to me  :(

I think someone needs to invent microchips with GPS it would prevent a lot of heartache!!
Title: Re: Please help me find Grapelli - his owner is 3 and 1/2 with special needs and heartbroken - KENT
Post by: lex20874 on October 15, 2011, 01:10:17 AM
No sighting :'(

I was hoping for more calls after the newspaper article but only got one from a lovely lady who told me of a cat who looked like him but then she said he has a collar so I realised it couldn't be him....

I did wonder what I would do if someone said they had seen him as by the time I get there it'll probably be too late but I'll cross that bridge when I get there!!

So far no more prank calls so that's a positive I guess as it really upset me last time.
Title: Re: Please help me find Grapelli - his owner is 3 and 1/2 with special needs and heartbroken - KENT
Post by: Tiggy's Mum on October 15, 2011, 01:12:27 AM
 :hug: :hug: :hug:

You could try asking local pizza places who delivers their leaflets for them, I don't live in Ashford but around here the leaflets are either delivered inside the local free paper or it tends to be pizza ones put through on their own.

Title: Re: Please help me find Grapelli - his owner is 3 and 1/2 with special needs and heartbroken - KENT
Post by: lex20874 on October 15, 2011, 01:15:58 AM
good idea. I'll ask our postman as well as he'll probably know if there is a department within Royal Mail who deals with leafleting perhaps.
Thank you!
Title: Re: Please help me find Grapelli - his owner is 3 and 1/2 with special needs and heartbroken - KENT
Post by: JenGeorgieBob on October 17, 2011, 12:41:00 PM
Any news? Afraid I haven't been able to get out recently, but hopefully will be able to go out with leaflets on Friday, still thinking of poor Grapelli and hoping he is found soon!
We do get a lot of leaflets through the post but am not sure who pays for it to be done? Get regular supermarket ones (as well as about 3 different take-aways a day), speaking to the Royal Mail is a good idea 'accidently' left a couple of leaflets in the big post office in town on Last week, as that sees quite a bit of traffic, left them by the pens.
fingers crossed
Title: Re: Please help me find Grapelli - his owner is 3 and 1/2 with special needs and heartbroken - KENT
Post by: lex20874 on October 18, 2011, 00:01:33 AM
No news :-(

hopefully no news is good news but with the temperature now slowly dropping and not one sighting since he disappeared I am getting more and more worried. I can't believe that nobody has seen him. I just hope an old lady has him and feeds him and keeps him warm but it doesn't help the constant worry. I think about the poor little lad all the time, especially as he is not a real outdoor cat.

I am waiting for the Royal Mail to get back to me on leaflet drops. I am trying to convince my sister to fly back and come back to Ashford but budget is tight so looking for best options.

A lady sent me some alternative posters, I can send you a load if you think it is worth doing?

I wish it was in my town so I could look for him everyday :-( All I have left is to pray I get some news, any news.

Thanks Jen for your continued effort, you are helping me more than you know and giving me the strenght to keep going.

Title: Re: Please help me find Grapelli - his owner is 3 and 1/2 with special needs and heartbroken - KENT
Post by: JenGeorgieBob on October 19, 2011, 12:25:26 PM
Thats ok, just wish you would get some good news! and that I could do more, haven't done anything all week due to horrid bug and am waiting in today for the man to fix the fence, hopefully you can all come back to Ashford and have a look for him at some point
paws crossed
Title: Re: Please help me find Grapelli - his owner is 3 and 1/2 with special needs and heartbroken - KENT
Post by: lex20874 on October 20, 2011, 00:44:08 AM
Hi Jen

Don't worry about having had to take a break from helping (I'm just getting over a bug myself) Everything you do and have done is more than I had hoped for and more than I can do from here.

I haven't given up hope yet, although I am puzzled by the fact that nobody has seen him

The Royal Mail isn't very good at replying nor is the local leafleting company so if you happen to be near a printing/leafleting company would you enquire for us? I am going to look in the yellow pages to see if I can find different companies in the hope that they will reply! (you'd think they would want the business...)

I am also concerned that a lot of people whom I have spoken to here about cats said that they wouldn't think to check if they are chipped and if they saw no collar they might assume they are strays and would feed them!!! This seemed true of the older generation particularly! Maybe he is keeping an old lady warm somewhere????

Thanks again for everything! will let you know when I have news about returning to Ashford.
Title: Re: Please help me find Grapelli - his owner is 3 and 1/2 with special needs and heartbroken - KENT
Post by: Liz on October 20, 2011, 10:39:07 AM
Just a thought but have you asked the local CP about setting traps at the travel lodge am sure staff would check them as the last cat missing in this situation was found very close to where she went missing

Offer of a donation for the time and trap borrowing may be a way forward

I had to trap 30 of mine the day after we moved my then feral Alpha male broke a window and took the clan on a reccy of their new home. I got the last 2 girls home after 6 long months and a lot of trapping my neighbours cats bless they reset the traps goping out at 5am in the morning and let theirs out

It is heartbreaking but the majority of my then mob were indoor only and they surviced being outside with some of the very wily ferals keeping them close to home and us establishing feeding stations which 5 years on are still there for me band of outside ferals
Title: Re: Please help me find Grapelli - his owner is 3 and 1/2 with special needs and heartbroken - KENT
Post by: lex20874 on October 20, 2011, 23:43:53 PM
Hi Liz,

I love the idea and it is definately worth a try. I keep thinking he must have gone back a few times but nobody saw him and so he went again. I am going to contact both the local CP and the hotel manager.
When I was there I saw a black cat who is apparently THE cat on that patch so we may end up catching him a few times but he'll get wise to it hopefully. I also saw a fox that night but I doubt he would have been a threat to Grapelli. What do you put in the traps? how long would you put the trap(s) out for?

Thank you for the suggestion, I hope I can get it organised. :thanks:
Title: Re: Please help me find Grapelli - his owner is 3 and 1/2 with special needs and heartbroken - KENT
Post by: Liz on October 21, 2011, 00:33:55 AM
I set my traps at night when it is quieter and have them covered with an old blanket and have news paper lining hte trap to the kick plate, on the paper I have a trail of some sort of chopped meat and in a ramakin dish at the back of the trap something in the smelly cat food fish range, can also use sardines, tuna

Most cats will not keep going back in a trap after a couple of times in fact I have big Red here who after 5 years will only sit on the trap :-[
Title: Re: Please help me find Grapelli - his owner is 3 and 1/2 with special needs and heartbroken - KENT
Post by: Michelle (furbabystar) on October 31, 2011, 13:19:29 PM
Sad there is still no news on Grapelli  :'(
Have his own not been over yet ?
Title: Re: Please help me find Grapelli - his owner is 3 and 1/2 with special needs and heartbroken - KENT
Post by: lex20874 on November 01, 2011, 00:50:35 AM
Not one phone call!! I have since put an ad on gumtree and various Ashford businesses have been approached but still nothing. There seems to be a divide in opinions about traps, someone who would lend one said it was only worth it if they had been sightings which there hasn't, and that someone would have to sit there all night watching the trap so it dones't get stolen..... I was thinking of going to check it every 2 to 3 hours in the night but I can't watch more than one trap at a time!

My sister (the owner, well the owner's mum technically!) is hoping to come next week or the one after but budget is restricting us from doing everything we would want to do. Between planes, driving down from Hertfordshire and hotel for a few nights it isn't cheap so taking a while to save the money.

It is so disheartnening to have had no news whatsoever since he disappeared :-(

I have read in the paper that a cat was found after 9 years so it has given me hope but I don't think I can keep up the search for 9 years!!
Title: Re: Please help me find Grapelli - his owner is 3 and 1/2 with special needs and heartbroken - KENT
Post by: Gill (sneakiefeline) on November 01, 2011, 02:00:50 AM
Very strange how he has vanished into thin air and have to suspect he is with a new owner! He will have had to scavange for food or be fed.

If he is chipped that maybe the finding of him.

I do hope he turns up  :hug:
Title: Re: Please help me find Grapelli - his owner is 3 and 1/2 with special needs and heartbroken - KENT
Post by: Tiggy's Mum on November 01, 2011, 23:59:12 PM
It does seem very strange to have had zero sightings  :hug: That said, as you have read yourself, cats are found after weeks, months and years away so don't give up hope on finding him  :hug:
Title: Re: Please help me find Grapelli - his owner is 3 and 1/2 with special needs and heartbroken - KENT
Post by: lex20874 on November 14, 2011, 00:27:56 AM
Off to Ashford I go again. This time my sister, the owner is joibing me. I don't really have a plan this time other than putting loads of posters up again and speaking to businesses nearby, hopefully getting a trap as well..... fingers crossed. It is going to break my heart leaving without him again.....
Title: Re: Please help me find Grapelli - his owner is 3 and 1/2 with special needs and heartbroken - KENT
Post by: Gill (sneakiefeline) on November 14, 2011, 01:12:41 AM
Sending loads of good vibes  :hug: :hug:
Title: Re: Please help me find Grapelli - his owner is 3 and 1/2 with special needs and heartbroken - KENT
Post by: JenGeorgieBob on November 14, 2011, 11:50:15 AM
I hope you have some good luck and he is found. sending positive thoughts your way!
Jen
Title: Re: Please help me find Grapelli - his owner is 3 and 1/2 with special needs and heartbroken - KENT
Post by: Tiggy's Mum on November 14, 2011, 14:23:49 PM
Have everything crossed you at least get some info about sightings  :hug:
Title: Re: Please help me find Grapelli - his owner is 3 and 1/2 with special needs and heartbroken - KENT
Post by: lex20874 on November 14, 2011, 17:07:54 PM
I've just had a call from the garden centre, they think they have seen him go past their window! I am tryng not to get too excited! We are leaving in the morning and I'm hoping if it is him, hearing my sister's voice is all he will need to come out of hiding! I'm still looking to borrow st trap if anyone can help?
Title: Re: Please help me find Grapelli - his owner is 3 and 1/2 with special needs and heartbroken - KENT
Post by: Rosella moggy on November 14, 2011, 17:10:04 PM
OMG!  Did they really understand what a large cat he is? 
Title: Re: Please help me find Grapelli - his owner is 3 and 1/2 with special needs and heartbroken - KENT
Post by: JenGeorgieBob on November 14, 2011, 17:18:17 PM
wow, my fingers are crossed. Have you phoned the local RSPCA and asked to borrow one? If you need any help then I am off work tomorrow, although do not have transport but could lend you a hand?
Title: Re: Please help me find Grapelli - his owner is 3 and 1/2 with special needs and heartbroken - KENT
Post by: Sam (Fussy_Furball) on November 14, 2011, 18:44:03 PM
OMG .... fingers, toes, legs and eyes crossed  :evillaugh:  I will be hoping and praying it was Grapelli.  It would be the most wonderful early xmas pressie for your nephew if it is him.
Title: Re: Please help me find Grapelli - his owner is 3 and 1/2 with special needs and heartbroken - KENT
Post by: cazzer on November 14, 2011, 19:29:54 PM
oh I do so hope it is Grapelli.      It would be Christmas come early  :evillaugh:
Title: Re: Please help me find Grapelli - his owner is 3 and 1/2 with special needs and heartbroken - KENT
Post by: Gill (sneakiefeline) on November 14, 2011, 19:40:41 PM
Come on Grapelli show you face again  ;D ;D
Title: Re: Please help me find Grapelli - his owner is 3 and 1/2 with special needs and heartbroken - KENT
Post by: Liz on November 14, 2011, 23:02:51 PM
I so do hope it is him, CP should be able to lend a trap, problem is if he is a big cat he may not go in the trap unless he likes nice hidey holes - I have been trapping all sizes for nearly 15 years and had an incident with Star in the last 24 hours when he got out passed me yesterday - found up a tree but no damamge but he could get in the normal size trap = he weighs in just shy of 8kgs and is an NFC
Title: Re: Please help me find Grapelli - his owner is 3 and 1/2 with special needs and heartbroken - KENT
Post by: Tiggy's Mum on November 14, 2011, 23:53:56 PM
I have absolutely everything crossed that it's him :wish: Talk about timing, no sightings for weeks and then the just before you are due to return to the town there's a potential sighting  :wow:

:crossed:
Title: Re: Please help me find Grapelli - his owner is 3 and 1/2 with special needs and heartbroken - KENT
Post by: lex20874 on November 15, 2011, 00:20:28 AM
Thank you all for the good wishes. Will keep you posted.
Jen - could you pm me your number just in case I desperately need a hand (I am driving down so could pick u up if necessary). I'll try and not bother you though, you have done so much as it is!
Liz - I hadn't thought of that!! My sister's previous cat was a NFC and he was even bigger than Grapelli (I find he is mainly fur!!!). I think it is worth a try though..... I have left a message for them I hope they ring me back tomorrow.
I shall get some sleep now as will need it to hunt the little chap down tomorrow! everything is crossed ;)
Title: Re: Please help me find Grapelli - his owner is 3 and 1/2 with special needs and heartbroken - KENT
Post by: JenGeorgieBob on November 15, 2011, 11:41:48 AM
Hi,
I have pm'd you, but not sure if it is too late now,  :censored: internet went down and only just working again. Am keeping fingers crossed for you all and really hope you find him! I am within walking distance so getting there is not a problem
Title: Re: Please help me find Grapelli - his owner is 3 and 1/2 with special needs and heartbroken - KENT
Post by: lex20874 on November 16, 2011, 09:50:46 AM
Call off the search......we HAVE him! At 6am this morning after calling him the previous night for hours on end, we took a break and went to bed. ny sister went back out before sunrise hoping in the quiet of the morning he would hear her, and he did!
Thank you so much to all of you for all your help and comforting words, you gave me faith and strength to keep searching! Thank you a million times and I hope other cats lovers get fortunate too and their furry friend return for Christmas!
 :thanks: :thanks: :thanks:
Title: Re: Please help me find Grapelli - his owner is 3 and 1/2 with special needs and heartbroken - KENT
Post by: Dawn F on November 16, 2011, 10:09:58 AM
OMG that is wonderful!!!!!!!  where and how!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Title: Re: Please help me find Grapelli - his owner is 3 and 1/2 with special needs and heartbroken - KENT
Post by: Liz on November 16, 2011, 10:42:42 AM
Fantastic news now we need the full story and piccies of you all together  ;D
Title: Re: Please help me find Grapelli - his owner is 3 and 1/2 with special needs and heartbroken- FOUND!
Post by: Sam (Fussy_Furball) on November 16, 2011, 12:30:30 PM
OMG ..... that is the best news ever.  I'm so pleased for you all.  I guess you have alrady spoken to the "nice man" at the paper to tell him the good news (fell free to mention the Purrs site if they want to do a follow-up story :)


Title: Re: Please help me find Grapelli - his owner is 3 and 1/2 with special needs and heartbroken- FOUND!
Post by: Gill (sneakiefeline) on November 16, 2011, 12:42:49 PM
OMG just saw the change to the title, absolutely brilliant and need pics and the story and and ,..........gosh my fingers all in a dither  ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D
Title: Re: Please help me find Grapelli - his owner is 3 and 1/2 with special needs and heartbroken- FOUND!
Post by: CatGirl on November 16, 2011, 12:52:47 PM
Great news,so pleased for you all.
Title: Re: Please help me find Grapelli - his owner is 3 and 1/2 with special needs and heartbroken- FOUND!
Post by: Gill (sneakiefeline) on November 16, 2011, 13:58:02 PM
he was missing for 2 1/2 months and just another cat who shows that you should never give up hope.

what condition is he in and just so pleased you kept on searching and am amazed that nobody else saw him.
Title: Re: Please help me find Grapelli - his owner is 3 and 1/2 with special needs and heartbroken- FOUND!
Post by: sheilarose on November 16, 2011, 16:24:16 PM
What wonderful news, so happy for you, your sister, your nephew but especially for Grapelli  ;D ;D ;D

Can we have the name of the garden centre staff who sighted him, so we can express our gratitude for their help?  :thanks: :thanks: :thanks:
Title: Re: Please help me find Grapelli - his owner is 3 and 1/2 with special needs and heartbroken- FOUND!
Post by: Mymblesdaughter on November 16, 2011, 16:49:19 PM
Just been taking to my friend shes in the last few weeks had both of her cats diagnosed with cancer. so as you can imagine it's pretty depressing. Thought I quickly log on to see what was going on on purrs and this has really made my day, what wonderful news. Really cheered me up.  ;D   
Title: Re: Please help me find Grapelli - his owner is 3 and 1/2 with special needs and heartbroken- FOUND!
Post by: Tiggy's Mum on November 16, 2011, 17:04:54 PM
Amazing - that has absolutely made my day, actually make that week  :wow:

How close to the hotel was he found, is he OK healthwise? I bet your sister is over the moon, can only imagine how your nephew will react  :)

This calls for a dancing banana chicken combo  :wooooo: :yayyy: :chicken: :narna dance:

Sorry to hear about your friends' cats Mymblesdaughter  :hug:
Title: Re: Please help me find Grapelli - his owner is 3 and 1/2 with special needs and heartbroken- FOUND!
Post by: Liz on November 16, 2011, 18:19:20 PM
Its not unusal not to see a missing cat as they become nocturnal and you do get odd looks in built up area's walking the streets in the wee small hours

I know trapping our own after the great escape led by Tiger feral and a broken window we never saw Clio or Dova ferals and both were found in traps about half a mile down our track
Title: Re: Please help me find Grapelli - his owner is 3 and 1/2 with special needs and heartbroken- FOUND!
Post by: thekittensmittens on November 16, 2011, 18:33:06 PM
WOW :wow:  Just read this! so glad he was found at long last..i bet hes going to be spoilt tons now :Luv2:
Title: Re: Please help me find Grapelli - his owner is 3 and 1/2 with special needs and heartbroken- FOUND!
Post by: Janeyk on November 16, 2011, 18:43:30 PM
 ;D  Brilliant news!  (was confused at first as the link goes to the 1st page  :doh:)
Title: Re: Please help me find Grapelli - his owner is 3 and 1/2 with special needs and heartbroken- FOUND!
Post by: nickynoo93 on November 16, 2011, 20:19:42 PM
Fantastic news, well done to you for caring so much about your sisters cat.

Nicky
Title: Re: Please help me find Grapelli - his owner is 3 and 1/2 with special needs and heartbroken- FOUND!
Post by: cazzer on November 16, 2011, 20:47:11 PM
wonderful news!     So pleased for you all  :wow:
Title: Re: Please help me find Grapelli - his owner is 3 and 1/2 with special needs and heartbroken- FOUND!
Post by: snarf on November 16, 2011, 21:07:09 PM
Quote from: Janeyk on November 16, 2011, 18:43:30 PM
;D  Brilliant news!  (was confused at first as the link goes to the 1st page  :doh:)
me too  :shy:
this is amazing news! Fantastic, well done to you and all involved for not giving up
Title: Re: Please help me find Grapelli - his owner is 3 and 1/2 with special needs and heartbroken- FOUND!
Post by: Zenith (Liz) on November 16, 2011, 22:31:05 PM
What amazing news! :D

Thank you for cheering me up
Title: Re: Please help me find Grapelli - his owner is 3 and 1/2 with special needs and heartbroken- FOUND!
Post by: maryas on November 16, 2011, 23:02:23 PM
OMG I can't believe my eyes - the headline on Purrs says Grapelli has been found.

I am so happy for everyone and can't wait to hear the story.

Mary  :hug:
Title: Re: Please help me find Grapelli - his owner is 3 and 1/2 with special needs and heartbroken - KENT
Post by: Rosella moggy on November 16, 2011, 23:45:19 PM
Quote from: lex20874 on November 16, 2011, 09:50:46 AM
Call off the search......we HAVE him! At 6am this morning after calling him the previous night for hours on end, we took a break and went to bed. ny sister went back out before sunrise hoping in the quiet of the morning he would hear her, and he did!
Thank you so much to all of you for all your help and comforting words, you gave me faith and strength to keep searching! Thank you a million times and I hope other cats lovers get fortunate too and their furry friend return for Christmas!
 :thanks: :thanks: :thanks: 

Am requoting this to save others searching below to make sure it's true.  Brought tears to my eyes  :) :) :)

Just the most completely fabulous news  :yayyy: :dance: :yayyy:

Hope he is OK  :hug: :hug: :hug: :hug:
Title: Re: Please help me find Grapelli - his owner is 3 and 1/2 with special needs and heartbroken- FOUND!
Post by: Elle CatRescueUK on November 17, 2011, 08:14:19 AM
Very happy to hear about Grapelli  :Luv: Truely wonderful news. xxx
Title: Re: Please help me find Grapelli - his owner is 3 and 1/2 with special needs and heartbroken- FOUND!
Post by: Sue P (Paddysmum) on November 17, 2011, 08:32:45 AM
Oh Wow, I'm so delighted to read that Grapelli has been found.  This is brilliant news.  Thoroughly made my day.   :wow: :wow: 
Title: Re: Please help me find Grapelli - his owner is 3 and 1/2 with special needs and heartbroken- FOUND!
Post by: souffle on November 17, 2011, 13:10:31 PM
I'm absolutely thrilled for you :)
You never gave up and you should be proud of yourself.
What a wonderful ending to this story and I can't wait to see pics of the puss x
Title: Re: Please help me find Grapelli - his owner is 3 and 1/2 with special needs and heartbroken- FOUND!
Post by: Stuart on November 17, 2011, 15:01:44 PM
:cheer: :dance: :cheer:    :cheer: :dance: :cheer:    :cheer: :dance: :cheer:

 :yayyy: :narna dance: :yayyy:    :yayyy: :narna dance: :yayyy:    :yayyy: :narna dance: :yayyy:    :yayyy: :narna dance: :yayyy:

 :chicken: :chicken: :chicken: :chicken: :chicken: :chicken: :chicken: :chicken:  :chicken: :chicken: :chicken: :chicken: :chicken:

 :happy dance: :happy dance: :happy dance: :happy dance: :happy dance: :happy dance: :happy dance: :happy dance: :happy dance: :happy dance: :happy dance: :happy dance: :happy dance:

erm..........Do I need to say Anything ??  :evil larf 2:
Title: Re: Please help me find Grapelli - his owner is 3 and 1/2 with special needs and heartbroken- FOUND!
Post by: maryas on November 18, 2011, 00:00:09 AM
And so say all of us Stuart.  No need for words with all those dancing chaps.  :rofl:

Mary
Title: Re: Please help me find Grapelli - his owner is 3 and 1/2 with special needs and heartbroken- FOUND!
Post by: lex20874 on November 19, 2011, 00:02:03 AM
Hi sorry I am finally back home (had trouble with rats so only just returned to my own house tonight) so I can give you the full story.

My sister booked her flight last weekend to arrive on Tuesday. I was packing my bags on Monday afternoon in preparation for the trip to Ashford when I got a call from Dobbies the Garden centre to say they thought they had just seen him go past a window whilst in a staff meeting. I was so excited but I didn't want to believe it was him just in case... the lady at Dobbies told me to come and see Oliver the Manager when we arrived on tuesday. I picked my sister up from Gatwick on tuesday and got to Ashford in the afternoon. We dropped off our things at the hotel and went to  Dobbies. The manager was a really nice chap who took us round to the side of the store to show us where they saw him and then told us he believe he saw him again that morning! he was 90% sure it was him, my sister was in tears but we still didn't want to get carried away.
We formulated a plan and I went to a local RSPCA fileld officer to pick up a trap. We set the trap on the 'route' where he was seen and waited and waited and waited. We spotted the local black cat and made sure he didn't go in the trap but by 10.30pm there was still too much traffic and it was getting so cold with a 7 months old human baby in tow, we thought it would be better to go to bed and start again before sunrise when it is so quiet he would hear her better.
My sister went out just before 6am and at 6.35am came back in tears with Grapelli in her arms!! She saws his paws under a fence and called him again and laid flat on the ground not to spook him, and he came to see her so she grabbed him but he was so happy to see her he wasn;t going to go anywhere.
 
He is now back with his children in France after an overnight stay in Paris, a train and a ferry! He is very thin but overall in good condition, we took him to be checked by a vet before transporting him back to France. It is amazing how quickly he reverted back to his lazy nature and laid back self!! Purring and sleeping on the hotel bed. He has definately been scanvenging as he was looking in everybag we had for food and tearing plastic carrier bags to get to a lemon cake!!

The only person's name I have at Dobbies is Oliver, the Manager. I think it was a few of the staff who spotted Grapelli in the meeting but really Oliver was great and talked to us for ages and said they would put chicken out that night to keep him in the area and asked if he could do anything to help us so we are very grateful to him. We did go back to see him and hugged him....twice!

To answer the question about distance, Grapelli did stay very close to where he escaped as the Garden centre was no more than 200 yards from the Travelodge where he escaped. I think we were lucky ( and so was Grapelli) that he escaped in a place surrounded by fast food outlets and kitchens!!

It is now going to take me 2 weeks to inform everyone I emailed and update all the websites!! But the hard work and determination was worth it!

THANK YOU SO MUCH FOR YOUR HELP, A SPECIAL THANKS TO JEN FOR ALL SHE HAS DONE FOR US!!! I hope one day I can repay the favour and help a fellow animal lover.
 
So that's it the search is over, it is now going to take me 2 weeks to get in touch with everyone I emailed and all the websites I registered him with and all the businesses I put posters in !!!!
Title: Re: Please help me find Grapelli - his owner is 3 and 1/2 with special needs and heartbroken- FOUND!
Post by: maryas on November 19, 2011, 00:24:22 AM
Thanks for the full story on his 'capture'  ;) :Luv2:

So many helpful , kind people.

Amazing how he is just acting like normal and so glad he wasn't stressed or injured.

Would be lovely to see a pic of him when he is settled with the children.

Mary

 :congrats:
Title: Re: Please help me find Grapelli - his owner is 3 and 1/2 with special needs and heartbroken- FOUND!
Post by: Gill (sneakiefeline) on November 19, 2011, 00:34:39 AM
What a great story and so pleased that Grapelli managed to scavenge just enough, and the weather did not go like last year.

Just makes me so happy he is home  ;D ;D ;D ;D
Title: Please help me find Grapelli - his owner is 3 and 1/2 with special needs and heartbroken- FOUND!!!!
Post by: Tiggy's Mum on November 19, 2011, 00:48:12 AM
Can't help but re-read that, such a wonderful ending :) Thanks for updating us :)

What amazing timing to find him in the short time you both were in Ashford and what dedication to go searching with a 7 month old baby in tow!
Title: Re: Please help me find Grapelli - his owner is 3 and 1/2 with special needs and heartbroken- FOUND!
Post by: Janeyk on November 19, 2011, 07:44:00 AM
So pleased there was such a happy ending to all this, you must be absolutely thrilled !  :hug:
Title: Re: Please help me find Grapelli - his owner is 3 and 1/2 with special needs and heartbroken- FOUND!
Post by: Sue P (Paddysmum) on November 19, 2011, 08:01:05 AM
Well done to the lovely people at Dobbies, and to you both for not giving up hope.   :wow:
Title: Re: Please help me find Grapelli - his owner is 3 and 1/2 with special needs and heartbroken- FOUND!
Post by: sheilarose on November 19, 2011, 11:19:55 AM
Have sent a thank-you e-mail to Dobbies, Ashford.  :thanks: :thanks: :thanks:

This sort of thing restores my faith in human nature, and with all the troubles in the world just now, a little bit of thoughtfulness makes a huge difference.

For our lovely Jen  :cuddle:
Title: Re: Please help me find Grapelli - his owner is 3 and 1/2 with special needs and heartbroken- FOUND!
Post by: Rosella moggy on November 19, 2011, 11:36:07 AM
Thanks a million for the update.  Am in tears again.  Sniff sniff.  Just wonderful   :) :) :) :) :)
Title: Re: Please help me find Grapelli - his owner is 3 and 1/2 with special needs and heartbroken- FOUND!
Post by: Stuart on November 19, 2011, 13:43:43 PM
Thank You So Much For the Update  :) and a HUGE Thank you to the Folk at Dobbies, cause if it weren't for them Grapelli would
Still be  :scared:

And it just goes to show, Never give up Hope for the AWOL's  ;)

I so Love Happy endings  :briggin:
Title: Re: Please help me find Grapelli - his owner is 3 and 1/2 with special needs and heartbroken- FOUND!
Post by: fluffybunny on November 19, 2011, 14:23:51 PM
Oh that's just so wonderful, I'm thrilled to hear this  :wow:  I think with both this one and Lia, the valuable lesson is that if they're somewhere completely unfamiliar, they're likely to stick around nearby and raising awareness locally and persistance can definitely pay off.  Fantastic news  :wow: :wow:
Title: Re: Please help me find Grapelli - his owner is 3 and 1/2 with special needs and heartbroken- FOUND!
Post by: AliCat on November 19, 2011, 14:50:22 PM
Congratulations! That is wonderful, wonderful news!!!
Title: Re: Please help me find Grapelli - his owner is 3 and 1/2 with special needs and heartbroken- FOUND!
Post by: Tan on November 19, 2011, 18:33:17 PM
 :Party 3: :clap: :clap:  Oh that's so fantastic  ;D ;D ;D ;D
Title: Re: Please help me find Grapelli - his owner is 3 and 1/2 with special needs and heartbroken- FOUND!
Post by: Sam (Fussy_Furball) on November 19, 2011, 22:32:46 PM
Would loveto see a pic of Grapelli with your nephew ... I bet he is over joyed to have his best mate back.
Title: Re: Please help me find Grapelli - his owner is 3 and 1/2 with special needs and heartbroken- FOUND!
Post by: funkiechicken on November 19, 2011, 23:22:45 PM
 :Flowers:

Amazing!! I'm so pleased Grapelli is re-united with his family xx
 :cuddle:

xx
Title: Re: Please help me find Grapelli - his owner is 3 and 1/2 with special needs and heartbroken- FOUND!
Post by: lex20874 on December 07, 2011, 01:20:59 AM
and finally a picture of Grappelli and his children.....and guess who's been spoilt rotten since his return...

I also have 2 kittens now (local rescue centre) and I had forgotten just how lively and monkey like they can be!! They climb curtains, jump over the sleeping labrador, and try and play with my baby's toys.... photos coming up soon.

Thanks again everyone!!!!
Title: Re: Please help me find Grapelli - his owner is 3 and 1/2 with special needs and heartbroken- FOUND!
Post by: Gill (sneakiefeline) on December 07, 2011, 01:36:40 AM
Grapelli looks fantastic  ;D
Title: Re: Please help me find Grapelli - his owner is 3 and 1/2 with special needs and heartbroken- FOUND!
Post by: Stuart on December 07, 2011, 07:08:11 AM
 :Luv: :Luv: :Luv:
Title: Please help me find Grapelli - his owner is 3 and 1/2 with special needs and heartbroken- FOUND!!!!
Post by: Tiggy's Mum on December 07, 2011, 07:09:10 AM
Just wonderful :)
Title: Re: Please help me find Grapelli - his owner is 3 and 1/2 with special needs and heartbroken- FOUND!
Post by: Dawn F on December 07, 2011, 08:14:26 AM
great to see, and doesn't he look huge!!!
Title: Re: Please help me find Grapelli - his owner is 3 and 1/2 with special needs and heartbroken- FOUND!
Post by: Sue P (Paddysmum) on December 07, 2011, 08:31:47 AM
Doesn't knowing the outcome of this story make you feel absolutely glowing inside?   ;D  The look on their faces. 
Title: Re: Please help me find Grapelli - his owner is 3 and 1/2 with special needs and heartbroken- FOUND!
Post by: Rosella moggy on December 07, 2011, 09:30:46 AM
What a spectacular photo  :wow:  Just beautiful; all three of them  :) :) :) :) :) :)

Congrats on the new kitties as well. Pics?   :shy:

Life can be just so wonderful at times  :hug:
Title: Re: Please help me find Grapelli - his owner is 3 and 1/2 with special needs and heartbroken- FOUND!
Post by: Sam (Fussy_Furball) on December 07, 2011, 12:24:56 PM
 :Luv2: :Luv2: :Luv2: :Luv2: :Luv2: :Luv2:  thanks for sharing such a lovely photo.
Title: Re: Please help me find Grapelli - his owner is 3 and 1/2 with special needs and heartbroken- FOUND!
Post by: JenGeorgieBob on December 07, 2011, 12:42:44 PM
so glad to see he has settled back in at home and is doing well!  :Luv2:
some pics of the new kittens are needed though! and yes their antics can be amusing and hair raising. I am still waiting for my 2 to calm down a bit, but with the christmas tree up and Gingers new found habit of curtain climbing (at 1 and a half now, a late learner) I can't see them calming down all that soon...
Title: Re: Please help me find Grapelli - his owner is 3 and 1/2 with special needs and heartbroken- FOUND!
Post by: funkiechicken on December 07, 2011, 20:54:03 PM
What a wonderful photo of them all !!  :Luv2:  :Luv2:

Great to see such a happy outcome!! ;D ;D
Proves that hope and most of all time & public knowledge really works  :)  :) :)
 :hug:  :hug:

P.S ermm...we also need to "coo & Aww" over your new kittens  :shify: its like a drug  :shify:
 :rofl:

x
Title: Re: Please help me find Grapelli - his owner is 3 and 1/2 with special needs and heartbroken- FOUND!
Post by: maryas on December 07, 2011, 21:20:56 PM
The photo of all 3 of them re-united is fantastic.  :hug: :Luv2:

Mary