Gabby the cat is home at last—443 days after disappearing during the chaos of Hurricane Helene.
In a heartwarming twist worthy of a holiday movie, the Avery Humane Society in North Carolina confirmed that the beloved family pet was miraculously reunited with her owners over the weekend. She had vanished in September 2024 when the deadly storm slammed the Southeast, claiming over 250 lives—most in North Carolina—and destroying homes and communities across six states.
Gabby was found wandering as a stray and turned over to the shelter on December 13. That’s when staff discovered her microchip and learned she had been reported missing more than a year ago.
“Yesterday, a sweet cat was brought to us as a stray,” the shelter wrote on Facebook. “With a little digging, we learned she had gone missing after Hurricane Helene — 443 days ago. Today… she is finally back where she belongs — reunited with her family.”
Social media quickly exploded with joy over the emotional reunion. “This makes my heart happy,” one user posted. Another gushed, “I’m not crying, you’re crying. Happy tears at least.”
Hurricane Helene, which made landfall in Florida as a Category 4 storm on September 26, 2024, was the deadliest U.S. hurricane since Katrina. It left a trail of devastation, but Gabby’s survival and safe return became a symbol of hope for many.
The shelter used the story to encourage pet owners to microchip their animals and keep records updated. “That small step can make the difference between heartbreak and a happy reunion,” they noted.
For Gabby and her family, that microchip meant the world—and delivered a true Christmas miracle.
