Three years ago, Jeni Owens' cat, Sarin, vanished from her Topeka home, and her kids "cried a lot of tears."
The 6-year-old daughter of Owens lamented, "Mom, why can't we find her."
Sarin was never discovered, and another cat named Amelia finally took her place.
The news that Sarin had been located and was in good health came as a huge shock to the family.
It was an even bigger shock to learn that the cat was found close to Kline, a little rural settlement 793 miles west of Durango, Colorado.
Thursday, despite the fact that the family is unlikely to ever learn the specifics of their pet's improbable adventure.
Thanks to American Airlines and the efforts of volunteer Cathy Roberts for the La Plata County Humane Society.