Lisa Powers-Severson last saw her cat Wylie a year-and-a-half ago. At the time, a scarcely recognizable black and white cat had been found run over, at the side of the road, confirming that Wylie had met his unfortunate end. Her 17-year-old son Sean was more optimistic, always hopeful that Wylie was still alive, trying to find his way home.

This week, a cat found 200 miles away was identified as Wylie through his microchip. Powers-Severson has no idea how Wylie ended up so far away. He’d never demonstrated Toonces-like driving ability, and had never received an allowance with which to buy a bus ticket out of town.

After Wylie was found by a lake in Galesburg, Illinois, he was taken to an animal hospital where the microchip was found. Although his fur was matted, he was infested with fleas, and he was bone-thin, he hadn’t suffered any major injuries.

I cant believe hes been found, Powers-Severson said.

This isn’t Wylies first disappearance.

Hes had quite an adventurous past, Powers-Severson said.

A few years ago Wylie went missing and was discovered by one of Powers-Seversons friends at an adopt-a-pet event at PetSmart in Glen Carbon. Powers-Severson said a neighbor had been angry with Wylie for killing birds in the area, so she drove the cat out to a field by a golf course, where he was later found and then put up for adoption. Powers-Seversons friend was at PetSmart by coincidence and recognized the cat. Thats when the microchip was embedded that led to his latest identification and eventual return to his owners.

Im just absolutely astonished, Powers-Severson said. Im so excited I have goosebumps.

[LINK: Galesburg.com]