'An Amazing Miracle': Kitten Stolen From Rescue In NorCal Returns

REDWOOD CITY, CA — A month-old kitten, named Olaf, who was stolen from his cage at Whis-Purr Rescue in Redwood City has returned to the shelter. An unnamed person who helped get the kitten home was awarded $2,000 by the rescue organization.

Lucy Brock, co-founder and director of Whis-Purr — a 501c3 not-for-profit cat rescue— has been searching for Olaf tirelessly since he was stolen May 14. The small kitten wasn't quite weaned off his mother when he was taken from her side, Brock said, and she was concerned about his development.

After Olaf went missing, Brock said she received a huge response from the community, with more than 2,000 people sharing her Facebook call for help. Also, Brock began receiving messages and "possible leads" as to who could have taken the young cat.

"It was just amazing," Brock said. "Everywhere in Redwood City, a lot of people knew about it and the community just showed us how much they were concerned. It just made you feel good."

An unnamed person told Brock that she saw Olaf on a Snapchat post. Between that post and additional information, Brock was able to locate a person of interest, who told her that Olaf had been dropped off at Peninsula Humane Society & SPCA.

Olaf was finally reunited with his mother and siblings last week.

"He came back with a really messed up tummy and so we're working through that," Brock told Patch. "He's almost back to normal...He just wasn't developed as well as his siblings and he had been eating things that he wasn't ready to eat."

In Olaf's absence, Brock said his sister was barely eating — that is, until he returned.

"She was so happy that he was back and it was a really good reunion for them, Brock said. "Now he's playing with all his siblings and hanging out close to his mom. It's going well and I'm so relieved that it's over."

Earlier this month, the rescue shelter offered a "no questions asked" $2,000 reward to reunite the kitten with his mother and siblings. The reward was given, Brock confirmed, but their identity will be kept confidential.

"It was a really sweet thing," Brock said. "When I went and gave the person the reward it was very special."

This week, Brock said the rescue will put up a banner to announce Olaf's return.

"It's an amazing miracle," Brock said.

READ MORE: $2,000 Reward Offered For Stolen NorCal Kitten