If you were wondering whether you should microchip your pet, here is a story that might help you to decide. A few weeks ago, back at the beginning of December 2007, a handsome, black and white, log haired cat was brought to our Purton surgery as a new patient. He was brought in as he had gone missing for a couple of days and, when he turned up he appeared to be very lame on one of his front legs.
As we were not sure how the cat had hurt his leg and to ensure that his leg was not broken, he was admitted to our small animal hospital for xrays and further examination.
On speaking to the owner whilst admitting the cat to the hospital, Jo, our trainee veterinary nurse, discovered that the gentleman that had brought the cat in had been feeding and looking after the cat for the last six months as he appeared to be a stray. At the time they lived in Aldershot in Hampshire. The gentleman had made enquiries around the estate where they lived if to see if anyone owned the cat, but no-one came forward, so he took the cat in himself, feeling sorry for it during the cold winter months. Therefore the cat, using its charms had found itself a new home. Shortly after this, they moved house to Wootton Bassett.
On hearing this story, Jo suggested that we should scan the cat to see if there was a chance that it had a microchip. Much to our surprise the microchip scanner beeped and a microchip number was found! Jo then contacted the national microchip database to see if the number was still registered and got the original owners contact details. On speaking to the owner Jo found that 'Oskar' had been missing for over a year from Farnborough. His owners were delighted to hear that he had been found and had only been saying recently that it would be nice if Oskar came home for Christmas! Well, their wish came true as they travelled from Farnborough in Hampshire to Purton, that afternoon, for a tearful reunion with their long lost cat - Oskar. If Oskar had not been up to mischief and hurt his leg, we may never have known his story. But, more importantly, if Oskar had not been microchipped he would never have been reunited with his worried owners.
We have a special offer on microchips until then 29th February 2008. Print off our separate voucher and bring it to the surgery.
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