It seems even the highest-ranking airlines aren’t immune to trouble when it comes to transporting pets. Lufthansa, a German-based airline, was recently ranked one of Europe’s best airlines. But enhanced leg room didn’t help a cat named Milo. His plans to make a safe journey from Germany to Washington D.C. haven’t turned out how they expected. The cute tabby cat is currently missing, after escaping in the airport. Now, social media is spreading the word to help bring the missing cat home. (UPDATE at end of article.)
https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=10156489099352124&set=a.10150583440932124&type=3&theater
A woman identified on Facebook as Molly Jean posted her plight. It was after a long flight into Dulles Airport that she learned that her cat was missing. The woman wrote that she was returning home after being “stationed” in Germany for four years. She (of course) brought her beloved cat with her. But now she’s worried about Milo’s safety.
That was on October 4, and Milo still hasn’t been found.
The missing cat was reportedly lost somewhere during transport between the airport gate and baggage claim.
He was likely scared and somehow exited his carrier to run for cover. Both Lufthansa and airport staff have been looking for the sly escapee. But so far, Milo is still missing.
@lufthansa @Dulles_Airport this little guy is still missing after his flight from Munich to D.C. last night. Please help my sister find Milo! #miloismissing pic.twitter.com/FaS8K1UAKS
— Anna McFadden (@AnnaBanana416) October 4, 2019
Molly Jean is unable to search the airport herself. So she is working closely with airport officials to ensure his safety. It’s likely the missing cat is still hiding somewhere near the tarmac. The Lufthansa management team has reportedly been working hard to reunite Milo with his family. And everyone wants to make sure he isn’t forgotten.
But what if Milo is outside the airport near the tarmac? He could eventually make his way off airport grounds. Milo’s mom created the hashtag, #MiloIsMissing. She is encouraging everyone on Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram to share information about Milo.
The more people who know he’s missing, the better his chances are of coming home!
As of a few hours ago, Molly shared this update on her Facebook post.
Hey all- update. We were able to get a tracking dog from Puregold Pet Trackers at the airport last night to narrow down some possible locations he might be and, Dulles employees will set up some humane traps with food and water in those areas.
Hopefully he’s getting hungrier and we can lure him out of hiding – it doesn’t seem like he traveled far from when he escaped. Thanks so much to everyone for the thoughts, prayers, advice, and contacts. I’ll keep you all updated, I’m really really hoping to get him back soon.
Share Milo’s story to help bring this missing cat home!
~UPDATE DECEMBER 2019~
MILO’S BEEN FOUND!!! Yes, the sweet boy who brought together masses of people for his rescue mission is back home.
Molly’s Facebook page “Milo Is Missing”, grew to over 3,500 people who were all praying for any update on Milo. But after two months of holding out hope that’s he’d be in her arms again, she was losing hope.
And it was only 2 days later, on Friday, December 6th, when his mom finally got to write the post she’d been hoping to! Her boy was right where he was supposed to be. Wrapped safely in her loving embrace.
Even though he is home now, Molly is happy to share updates with the others that were there supporting her. Congratulations to Molly, Milo and their entire family!! We’re thrilled that his story has a happy ending <3
REMEMBER: ADOPT, DON’T SHOP; FOSTERING SAVES LIVES & SPAY AND NEUTER!
Related Story: Microchip Leads Cat Missing For Over 5 YEARS Back To One Happy & Shocked Family!Related Story: Missing Cat Returned To Owner 10 YEARS Later After Being Surrendered To Shelter
We (Where Is Jack?) are working with Milo’s FurMom to secure him. Last night’s K9 track by Pure Gold Pet Trackers has greatly narrowed the search area to a remote part of the cargo management area. We have had excellent help from airport operations and the USDA employees who deal with wildlife on airport property. Now it is a matter of trapping Milo safely. Prayers and all paws crossed!!!
Lots of purrayers that he’s found soon!
I am so glad the owner is working with you Bonnie! I suggested they contact you, but perhaps they already had.
Isn’t there any kind of security camera set up in the area he escaped? Was it a broken carrier situation or was he removed for some reason?
How terrible…hope he’s found soon!
Hope you find him in good health after few days of no food prayers to you I’m also cat lover of 15 cats
My prayers are with you and your family hopefully he’ll be back asap please god help him be found safe and happy I have 6 cats if this was me I be dieng please keep iu posted there are no words to say I can’t even imagine what you are going through ??
I’m so sorry this happened! Beat of luck finding him! Won’t they let you in these areas? If you called him he might respond or come out!
in our clinic, we always recommended that the cat be in the cabin with the owner. If that was impossible we recommended that you find a way to lock the cage. It’s a bit of a risk if your pet is diverted to another airport by mistake, but it stops workers from opening the cage to pet the cat, and having the cat rocket past them to who knows where…..In fact, we recommend that you NEVER put a pet in cargo…it’s freezing, and some pets have suffocated when the cages air holes were blocked by other baggage…unusual, but it happens! Worth it to drive cross country/take a ship…
If you’re not allowed to go into the secure areas to call out to Milo, try recording your voice calling for him and perhaps a USDA employee can play the recording from their cell so he can hear your voice. Seems like they could allow you to go there under escort though especially since they’ve narrowed down the area with Pet Trackers.
If the airport staff is setting up cages to catch Milo, it might help to have a towel with your scent on it. He will smell it and will want to lay on it for comfort.
??????? for you!!! ?
“stationed” means she was assigned to a military base, in this case, a US base in Germany. No need for the quotes. Poor sweet kitty
On Facebook, it says that Milo was found today! (12/6/19): “I have been waiting so long to make this post and couldn’t be more excited about it – guess who’s home for the holidays!!! I am so thankful to the Dulles Airport USDA and all the team that helped look for him. A special thanks also to Sam Connelly from Pure Gold Pet Trackers and Bonnie Westbrook (aka Team Milo) for helping me stay hopeful and for putting so much work into tracking him down.m. And thanks to everyone who followed for their support and well wishes. The little guy is so lucky to be loved by so many people ♥️” I’d love to see an update with an interview with Milo’s mom!
so happy to hear he is safe and home. inquiring minds want to know the details. where was he found? who found him? did he walk up to some one or was he live trapped?
Be sure to follow the page for their details =)
I’m Thai live in ChiangMai, Thailand read your story about missing Milo. Hopefully you find Milo soon.