Galena, a 6-year-old house cat from Utah, is renowned for her fondness for hiding and playing with cardboard. However, earlier this month, her playful antics took an unexpected turn when she found herself unwittingly embarking on a cross-country journey in an Amazon package, leading to a tale of a feverish search, a California rescue, and a tearful reunion.
Owner Carrie Clark recounted the ordeal, expressing the family’s stress as they grappled with Galena’s disappearance on April 10. Despite exhaustive efforts, including neighborhood searches and social media alerts in Lehi, Utah, Galena remained elusive. “Not knowing what had happened to her was pretty excruciating,” Clark shared, revealing her week-long anguish.
Hope rekindled when Clark received a life-altering text on April 17, confirming Galena’s whereabouts in Riverside, California. The revelation unfolded: Galena had hitched a ride in an Amazon box containing returned steel-toed boots ordered by Clark’s husband. “Our sweet kitty must have jumped into that box without us knowing,” Clark reflected.
Fortunately, Amazon employees, recognizing the feline passenger, reached out to co-worker Brandy Hunter, known for rescuing cats. Hunter promptly ensured Galena’s well-being, taking her home and arranging a veterinary visit to scan for a microchip. Clark, overwhelmed with relief, flew to California the next day to reunite with her beloved pet.
Reflecting on the emotional rollercoaster, Clark oscillated between laughter and tears. “I went from hysterically laughing that she was stuck like that — we mailed our cat — you know … just the humor part of that, to hysterically crying all within like five seconds,” she confessed.
Clark attributes Galena’s safe return to several factors, including mild weather, a torn box seam providing air, and Hunter’s swift actions. Encouraged by Galena’s resilience, Clark advocates for pet microchipping and urges vigilance when handling Amazon packages.
As Galena readjusts to home comforts, Clark shares her story, emphasizing the importance of pet identification and caution when dealing with shipping containers. Galena’s quiet demeanor during her unexpected journey remains a testament to her remarkable resilience and the enduring bond between pet and owner.
Paraluman P. Funtanilla
Paraluman P. Funtanilla is Tutubi News Magazine's Marketing Specialist and is a Contributing Editor. She finished her degree in Communication Arts in De La Salle Lipa. She has worked as a Digital Marketer for start-up businesses and small business spaces for the past two years. She has earned certificates from Coursera on Brand Management: Aligning Business Brand and Behavior and Viral Marketing and How to Craft Contagious Content. She also worked with Asia Express Romania TV Show.
