The modern day blended family includes animals, also known as pet family members. It is a bond that will last a lifetime. When you are asked to think of a word or phrase to describe the loving relationship between pet parents and companion pets, you might think wonderful, fun, strong, rewarding, a good forever learning experience. How would you describe your and your pet’s connection?

Adopting from a local animal shelter or rescue, or giving a stray a place to call home is a first step to making such a relationship possible. Sometimes, a single family will adopt more than once, perhaps because they have so much love to give. So there’s no question that it’s every pet parent’s worst nightmare for a pet to go missing.

Suika the cat was rescued as a stray 15 years ago by the son of an Ofunato City couple, now in their 60s, quickly becoming the pur-fect loving companion to them. Unfortunately, Suika the cat went missing over three years ago during the 2011 tsunami disaster in Japan.

If the distraught of a missing beloved pet was not painful enough, Suika’s parents were also having to deal with the devastation left in the wake of the deadly tsunami. Then, more than three years after the Japan tsunami, Suika was found about nine miles from their home in a forest in Rikuzentaka City. Upon an animal shelter taking “found” photos to place in the newspaper, an awesome discovery was made…scroll down to find out what it was and see the heartwarming reunion between Suika and his human mom and dad!

After Suika the cat was found, he was taken by rescuers to an animal shelter in Ofunato City on April 10, 2014 to help find his family. Then great news! Though very faded, the family’s handwritten name and contact info was on the back of his collar!

Even though it had been three years, mom and cat appeared to reestablish their bond immediately.

The emotional family reunion included many kisses…

..and a cute family photo!

Lead image source: Wataru Sekita/The Asahi Shimbun