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Union City Today
By the People, for the People
Miracle cat survives 2 days trapped in tornado rubble
Doobie the cat was found injured but alive after a deadly tornado struck Union City, Michigan.
Apr. 2, 2026 at 9:48am
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A brown and white cat named Doobie was found trapped in the rubble of a home destroyed by an EF3 tornado in Union City, Michigan, two days after the storm. Doobie suffered multiple injuries but was rescued and is now recovering at a local veterinary clinic. The cat's owners, Scott and Keri Johnson, were hosting friends when the tornado struck, killing Keri and two others.
Why it matters
Pets often go missing during natural disasters when owners don't have time to find them, and the noises and disruption after a storm can cause them to hide. Doobie's survival story highlights the challenges of reuniting pets with their owners after a devastating event like a tornado.
The details
Doobie was one of three cats owned by the Johnson family. When the tornado hit, the Johnsons were hosting friends William 'Bill' Akers and Penni Joe Guthrie. Keri Johnson, Akers, and Guthrie were killed, while Scott Johnson survived. Doobie was found trapped under piles of debris, unable to walk at first. He suffered multiple pelvic fractures, a broken humerus, and a nearly severed tail. Veterinarian Joanna Bronson treated Doobie, who went into shock and was dehydrated when he arrived. Bronson performed surgery on Doobie's humerus and amputated his tail, and within a week, the cat began eating regularly and regained his personality.
- The tornado struck Union City on the afternoon of April 2, 2026.
- Doobie was found trapped in the rubble two days after the tornado, on April 4, 2026.
The players
Doobie
A brown and white cat owned by the Johnson family, who survived being trapped in the rubble of their home for two days after a tornado struck.
Scott Johnson
The owner of Doobie, who survived the tornado that killed his wife Keri and two of their friends.
Joanna Bronson
A veterinarian at Bronson Veterinary Services who treated Doobie after he was rescued from the tornado rubble.
What they’re saying
“'Doobie couldn't walk at first, and the rescuers were concerned that he had broken his back or had some severe spinal injuries.'”
— Joanna Bronson, Veterinarian
“'When I saw him, he was kind of sitting up looking at me. He just kind of sat there and could move all of his legs. Right away, I knew that was a good sign.'”
— Joanna Bronson, Veterinarian
What’s next
Doobie will remain under veterinary care until he is ready to be reunited with his owner, Scott Johnson.
The takeaway
Doobie's survival story highlights the challenges pet owners face in finding and reuniting with their animals after a natural disaster strikes, and the importance of veterinary care in helping injured pets recover.
