Achi news desk-
Kobe the cat has been reunited with his family in Calgary after a harrowing journey that included about 30 kilometers speeding down the Stony Trail, clinging to the hood of a car.
On Wednesday morning, Kobe’s owners, Lena Staple and Daniel Owesu, were taking him to the vet to be neutered. But Kobe jumped out of his cat carrier outside the Barlow Trail Animal Hospital and ran away.
“He was scared,” Owesu said. “He jumped the fence. He went under the car and disappeared…. I ran after him…. We couldn’t find him.”
The cat scurried into the parking lot at Global Calgary. Surveillance cameras later caught Kobe hiding under a car belonging to Global News editing supervisor Leslie Wells.
After work on Wednesday, Wells unknowingly drove home to Auburn Bay – more than 30 kilometers away – with Kobe under her hood.
“I drive 100, 105 km/h on Stoney Trail, give or take 40 kilometers from work,” Wells said. “That’s a survival story if I’ve ever heard one.
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“How does that even happen?” she asked. “It was amazing.”
The cat hid in Wells’ garage for three days until he was lured out, caught and taken to the vet.
Kobe had a collar and tags and Wells was able to contact his owners.
His story of survival still amazes.
“It’s really great. The world could always use a magical story.”
Kobe’s owners are also shocked and impressed by everything that happened.
“That’s crazy,” Staple said. “I also thought that was funny because it’s not the first time he’s done that. That’s how we ended up with him as a kitten. What a resourceful cat.
“It’s crazy that they have this instinct.”
Staple, who had returned to the area every day to look for Kobe, was stunned to find him safe and sound.
“I was crying… I was so happy to see him.”
He said they were thankful Kobe ended up where he did.
“Thank you very much. I’m very glad there are good people out there.”
Kobe, who is microchipped and registered with the city, is being kept inside for now – to prevent any flight risk and because he is recovering from his surgery. He was castrated.
& copy 2024 Global News, a division of Corus Entertainment Inc.
