[Note: undated footage]

After an astonishing 12-year disappearance, Butters the cat has finally come home. Butters, who went missing in 2011 in San Diego, California, embarked on an incredible 200-mile journey along the California-Mexico border.

The heartwarming reunion occurred when animal rescue worker Dalton Churchwell discovered Butters in his Blythe garden and scanned him for a microchip, revealing his long-lost family. Overjoyed, owners Angelo and Shelley Castellino, who had since moved to Stanwood, Washington, arranged for a reunion at Seattle Airport.

The heartwarming video shows Butters' return to his elated owners, and Shelley even shares a loving moment with him before taking him home to reunite with his brother, Barnacles.

Riverside County Animal Services praised Officer Dalton Churchwell's dedication to reuniting lost pets with their families, a task that sometimes follows him home. In this case, the heartfelt reunion was made possible through his efforts.

County Animal Services on 11th October saying: "It’s not uncommon for work to follow our animal control officers home. And that is precisely what happened when Riverside County Animal Control Officer Dalton Churchwell noticed a cat roaming around his backyard on Oct. 1 in Blythe."