Beloved Habitat for Humanity Restore cat Alpine is back after going missing

WARNER ROBINS — After a month of searching and waiting for a sign, the Houston County Habitat for Humanity Restore cat, Alpine, has returned.

Staff and customers are overjoyed to hear that the beloved cat is back. He is currently healing from his adventure to eventually welcome back customers this week, Community Outreach Manager Billie Cook shared.

“We’re just so thrilled that he’s back with us,” she said.

After the store found him, they immediately took him to the veterinarian. Cook said he had an upper respiratory infection and lost three pounds.

Alpine was found in a neighborhood three miles away from the store. The family saw him on their security camera, eating out of the bird feeders. He then went into their garage.

The daughter recognized him from a flyer at Tap and Pour. Later that day, the family called the store and brought Alpine back home.

“We’re very grateful for everybody in the community for looking out for him and bringing him back home where he is greatly loved,” she said.

Cook shared that he is now eating and building up his strength so he can see customers again.

Alpine went missing on Jan. 7 and was gone for almost a month. The cat went through the snow and freezing weather over the last few weeks. Cook shared that they do not know what happened during his adventure, but assumed either that people were taking care of him or that he was wandering around.

The store is currently posting updates on its Facebook page showing Alpine’s recovery process. Cook said he missed having attention and is back to being a happy distraction for employees.

Since the organization is a nonprofit, it relies heavily on donations. The store has set up an “Alpine the cat” fund to help cover his expenses. Cook explained that the money goes towards his vet care and food. Also, thanks to donations, they were able to purchase a GPS collar for him so he won’t get lost again.

Cook also shared that Alpine was a rescue cat and hopes local animal shelters will visit their store to spread the word about how people can adopt.

“We’d love for you to come in the store and see him adopt other cats in the community,” she said.

Cook said they are grateful to the people who went out and spent time looking for Alpine in the surrounding areas. She is also thankful for the people who reported sightings and showed their support.

“Showing how much he was appreciated; I think that’s been a big part of it. Not only so many people were happy to have him returned and were so concerned too when he was away. He’s just become such a huge part of not just the restore, but our Warner Robins community,” she said.

Alpine also shared a statement on the store’s Facebook:

“Good morning, I’m thrilled to be back with my Restore family, mostly because I get to boss people around again. Today, I’m stuck at the Human Resources office doing paperwork, sounds like a blast. Love, Alpine.”

To keep up with Alpine, visit Houston County Habitat for Humanity Restore’s Facebook.

To donate, click here.