This is one of those stories with a happy ending, bringing much needed joy to the world. Back in 2017, a sweet stray cat decided to make her home in the Broad Street Lowe’s location in Richmond, VA. The staff and customers fell in love with the unofficial greeter and named her Francine. For years, she dozed on boxes and wandered through the garden centers breezeways. But then in September of 2025, the staff noticed that she wasn’t showing up for meals.
“From the start, we knew we’d do whatever it took to bring Francine home,” said Store Manager Mike Sida. “She’s part of who we are here.”
Photo: IG @wheresfrancine
Photo: IG @wheresfrancine
Francine was missing.
Soon Francine had her own Instagram page started @wheresfrancine. The local community wanted answers as to what the corporate office was doing to assist in finding her. One of their first posts had updates from the employees.
Photo: IG @wheresfrancine
Report from Lowe’s employees regarding Francine as of 9/27 at 4:30pm
•The last Francine sighting was Thursday, 9/18
•Cameras were checked to see if anyone came in with a carrier to take her away, no such sightings were found
•Customer service refused to answer Francine questions, claiming “that’s confidential”
•Over 9 employees were questioned, no one had leads on where she could be. It was confirmed management has NOT reported she has left this plane of existence.
•She is microchipped with Lowe’s informationPhoto: IG @wheresfrancine
Photo: IG @wheresfrancine
What they did finally learn, is that the store cameras were checked and Francine had “disappeared” herself. The feline had jumped into a truck and made her way to the the Lowe’s distribution center over 80 miles away in North Carolina! But no one could get an update on her. By October 2nd, Best Friends Animal Society had even petitioned the Lowes corporate office for assistance.
Photo: IG @wheresfrancine; Lowe’s distribution center and the massive grounds
“We, the undersigned, are concerned citizens, pet lovers, community members, customers, and advocates for Francine. We respectfully submit this petition to request transparency, cooperation, and deployment of advanced resources to aid in the search and safe recovery of Francine, our beloved Lowe’s cat.”
Photo: IG @wheresfrancine
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And then she was spotted on their cameras.
The corporate office had officially confirmed they had joined the search for the missing cat. They even brought in heat seeking drones to see if they could spot sneaky Francine. They quickly teamed up with animal control and other “advoCAT” groups to determine the best course of action. And on the night of “Caturday”, October 4th, there she was seen on their cameras. On the corporate website, they happily shared the updates on Francine.
“I can’t describe the feeling when we realized it was her,” said Sida, Lowe’s store manager. “We all just lit up.” Sida and Schneider immediately gathered a small team and traveled to the distribution center. They brought along Francine’s favorite food and her dish, knowing the familiar rattle might draw her out. Meanwhile, additional cameras and seven additional humane traps were installed, with Lowe’s maintenance associate Robert Keeter volunteered to check each trap through the night.”
Photo property of corporate.lowes.com
“A little before midnight, their feline friend emerged. Francine was outside one of the traps, but didn’t go in. Moments later, a trap triggered.
Photo property of corporate.lowes.com
Photo property of corporate.lowes.com
Francine was safe and sound, meowing to let everyone know she was ready to put an end to this adventure and go home to Richmond.”
“At 4 a.m. on Monday, Schneider and Sida got in their car and made the 90-minute drive to Garysburg to pick up Francine. “We were so excited the whole ride – it didn’t matter how early it was. We were going to bring her home,” Schneider said. For the store team at West Broad Street and the passionate community members who pitched in, that was always going to be the outcome.”
Photo: IG @wheresfrancine
Photo property of corporate.lowes.com
“We care for Francine so much, and we’re so thankful for everyone who helped, from our associates to animal control and our neighbors,” Sida said. “She’s more than our store cat – she’s part of our family.” Lowe’s would like to express sincere thanks to the following community partners who helped find Francine: Northampton County Animal Shelter, Thermal Bird, Carmen Brothers Professional Pet Trappers, Richmond SPCA, Richmond Animal Care and Control (RACC), SOS Cats RVA and Best Friends.”
Photo: IG @wheresfrancine
Photo: IG @wheresfrancine
We’d like to thank the @wheresfrancine Instagram Page for their dedication to animal welfare and keeping us all updated on Francine. Faith in humanity restored!
Photo: IG @wheresfrancine
Photo: IG @wheresfrancine
