Looking for Alpine: Beloved Habitat For Humanity store cat goes missing

WARNER ROBINS — Houston County Habitat for Humanity ReStore is asking the community to help look for their store cat Alpine, who went missing on Wednesday, Jan. 7. 

Those who have visited the store were most likely greeted by the friendly black and white cat.

Store staff said Alpine is missing his left eye, medium sized and has white feet. He is approximately two years old and is nearsighted. 

There is currently a $100 reward to anyone who finds him.

ReStore Manager Jamie Carr and Community Outreach Manager Billie Cook describe Alpine as friendly and heavily involved in daily chores.

He lives at the store and does the same routine with staff every morning, which includes greeting everyone at the door, Carr said.

She said Alpine also likes to work where they process items in the back room and enjoys watching the trucks come during deliveries. 

“All the way down to counting money, he wants to lay there. He does all aspects of the ReStore so it’s important that we get him back,” she said. 

Carr shared that customers like to bring him treats. Alpine enjoys getting into people’s shopping carts, being held like a baby and riding on customers’ shoulders. 

Overall, he gives staff and shoppers much-needed emotional support, Carr said.

Alpine’s daily routine often involves venturing outside to the horse farm located behind the store. However, he always comes back to check in with employees. 

Carr also shared that Alpine loves to eat in the store and has a scheduled dinner time. She said he knows he has to be inside before 6 p.m.

In their search, employees have gone to the wood lines since that is where he normally plays. Carr said they have taken treats outside and rescue groups have helped search for him. 

Even when the store is closed, staff and the store director come in to play with Alpine. 

Carr believes he may have accidentally jumped into someone’s vehicle and may have left before they could see him. She said he may be disoriented and he is unable to find his way back to the store. 

“He is family. It’s really sad that he’s not here. This is very out of character for him,” she said. 

Staff members have been heavily relying on social media to get the word out and also let their customers know about Alpine’s disappearance. Customers have come in daily and everyone usually expects to see him. 

Carr said they have been outside multiple times calling his name, but there has been no luck. Individuals have also been using their time to help with the search. 

Cook also shared they have reached out to the Houston County Animal Control and checked with local veterinarian offices for sightings. 

Carr shared morale in the store has been down since Alpine went missing and some staff members have even cried. 

The store approximately has 20 employees, and Alpine has played a role in each of their lives, she shared. 

Cook added his presence has been greatly missed, not just among staff but with their customers. 

“People come in just to see him,” she said. “There has been so much concern from the community about him, looking for him and volunteering to help to try and find him. It’s not just us at the store, he’s greatly part of the community.”

The community has shown unwavering support. 

Carr shared volunteers printed land maps to search the local area. On Facebook, the store received an offer to have a GPS collar purchased for Alpine, to prevent him from getting lost again. 

Cook added there have been hundreds of shares on their Facebook post. 

“There seems to be lots of people upset and concerned,” she said. 

Carr said their regular customers have also come in to see how they can help, and encourages everyone to spread the message.

“The big thing is getting the word out,” she said. To stay updated on Alpine and the Habitat for Humanity ReStore, visit their Facebook page.