Beloved missing cat is reunited with Lowe’s workers & 4 other shelter stories
The summaries below were drafted with the help of AI tools and edited by journalists in our News division. All linked stories were reported, written and edited by McClatchy journalists.
From a “warrior” dog who got a second chance in Texas to a cat’s heartwarming reunion in North Carolina, here are the latest animal shelter stories from across the United States.
Abandoned dogs found tied to bike in middle of AZ desert are saved just in time
Two dogs were found abandoned and tied to a bike with a bone-dry water bowl in the Arizona desert, about 100 miles north of Phoenix. Yavapai County animal control officers rescued the pups, bringing them to safety before it was too late. | Published Oct. 6 | Read More |
Beloved cat living at Lowe’s for 8 years vanished. Then a touching reunion in NC
Francine, a beloved cat who spent eight years living at a Lowe’s store in Richmond, Virginia, vanished after getting onto a truck and ended up at a distribution center in Garysburg, North Carolina. After weeks of searching with the help of cameras, drones, and animal shelters, Francine was finally found and joyfully reunited with store workers. She will soon return to her routine of greeting customers and “exploring the aisles” at Lowe’s. | Published Oct. 6 | Read More |
‘Warrior’ dog had a tight rope around his neck. So Texas shelter acted — fast
Martin, lovingly called “Martin the Warrior,” was brought to a South Texas animal shelter with a “rope knotted so tightly around his neck, it left behind a deep wound and rotting tissue.” After being rushed to a veterinary clinic and then taken in by Austin Pets Alive!, Martin began his journey to recovery. The shelter is now searching for a foster home to help Martin heal both physically and emotionally. | Published Oct. 6 | Read More |
Pregnant dog found ‘tied to a tree’ was rescued from GA woods. She needs a home
Lottie, a 4-year-old mixed-breed dog, was found “pregnant and tied to a tree” in the woods by a partner shelter in Georgia and brought to the Atlanta Humane Society. While all of Lottie’s puppies have been adopted, she is still waiting for her own home and is known for her sweet, affectionate nature and love of adventures. | Published Oct. 6 | Read More |
Owner surrendered sweet dog to shelter — so an NFL wide receiver saved the day
Zeus, a cane corso, was surrendered to the Maryland Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (SPCA) in Baltimore, but his luck changed when NFL wide receiver Zay Flowers of the Baltimore Ravens adopted him. Initially shy, Zeus quickly bonded with his new family during a meet-and-greet, and the adoption was made official. Now, Zeus is starting a new life with a football star as his dad. | Published Oct. 7 | Read More |
McClatchy News continues to follow animals across the country, from their rescue to their new homes. Check back for more stories.
This story was originally published October 10, 2025 at 3:51 PM with the headline "Beloved missing cat is reunited with Lowe’s workers & 4 other shelter stories."