By Laura Michell
If cats could talk, Chuck would undoubtedly have quite a story to tell his family.
The curious kitty went missing from his Mernda home in November, 2017, and was found one year and 18 days later wandering the greens at the Growling Frog Golf Course in Yan Yean.
Owner Neil Thrower put up flyers in his neighbourhood, walked the streets and posted photos and details of his beloved pet on Facebook in search of Chuck, but was unable to track him down until two weeks ago.
Whittlesea council animal collection officers were called to the Donnybrook Road golf course following reports of a cat wandering on the course.
Council ranger Matt said officers were expecting to catch a feral feline, so were surprised to find a friendly, well-behaved cat instead.
“A quick scan for a microchip found that the cat was indeed a pet,” Matt said.
“Our little four-legged friend had gone missing more than a year ago, leaving his owner heartbroken.
“Happily, the owner’s details listed on the microchip were still current and we were able to reunite these long-lost friends.”
Mr Thrower said it was “awesome” to be reunited with Chuck.
“It’s like he never left,” he said. “When I called the golf club to say thank you, they said he’d become a bit of a celebrity.”
