California Cat Lost for Seven Years Reunited with Family in Florida

The Davidson family's beloved pet Dodger went missing before they moved across the country, but was found years later thanks to a microchip.

Apr. 13, 2026 at 5:56pm

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An extremely abstracted, out-of-focus photograph of a cat's paw reaching out from a soft, warm-toned background, conveying the emotional reunion between a lost pet and his family.After seven years apart, a beloved family cat is finally home with his owners, a heartwarming reunion made possible by a microchip and a kindhearted rescuer.Fresno Today

A family cat named Dodger that went missing in California in 2018 while the Davidson family was preparing to move to Florida has been reunited with his owners after seven years, thanks to a kindhearted rescuer and the cat's microchip.

Why it matters

This heartwarming story highlights the importance of microchipping pets and the resilience of the human-animal bond, even after years of separation. It also showcases the dedication of animal rescuers in reuniting lost pets with their families.

The details

In 2016, the Davidson family adopted Dodger as a kitten from Miss Winkles Pet Adoption Center in Clovis, California. Two years later, when the family was preparing to move to Florida after the passing of their father, Dodger went missing before they could make the journey. Someone the family knew was supposed to transport Dodger with their belongings, but he disappeared. Sydney Sherman of Fresno Trap and Release later found Dodger in Madera, California, and when veterinarians scanned his microchip, they realized he belonged to the Davidsons, who had since moved to Georgia.

  • In 2016, the Davidson family adopted Dodger as a kitten.
  • In 2018, the Davidson family was preparing to move to Florida when Dodger went missing.
  • In 2026, after seven years, Dodger was found by Sydney Sherman of Fresno Trap and Release.

The players

Davidson family

The family that adopted Dodger the cat in 2016 and later moved to Florida, unaware that Dodger had gone missing before they could make the journey.

Sydney Sherman

A rescuer from Fresno Trap and Release who found Dodger in Madera, California, and reunited him with the Davidson family.

Dodger

The family cat that went missing in 2018 while the Davidson family was preparing to move to Florida, and was later found and reunited with his owners seven years later.

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What they’re saying

“That moment, of 'He's finally home, he gets to be with his people again,' Sorry – it's very special.”

— Sydney Sherman, Fresno Trap and Release rescuer

The takeaway

This heartwarming story serves as a reminder of the importance of microchipping pets and the resilience of the human-animal bond, even after years of separation. It also highlights the dedication of animal rescuers in reuniting lost pets with their families.