Something of a local legend, Elwood has been bringing joy to Epworth Richmond patients, staff, doctors and visitors since 2018 when he started spending his days patrolling the Erin Street entrance – greeting passers-by and basking in the sunny gardens.
So, when he went missing earlier this month, news of his disappearance quickly gained momentum. 3AW Drive radio host Jacqui Felgate launched a campaign for his return and his many fans on social media helped spread the word.
After being missing for around a week, it was discovered that 14-year-old Elwood had been sold online as a three-year-old female cat!
The "would-be" new owners had 'her' checked at a local vet in Pakenham, and a quick microchip scan saw Elwood returned to his rightful owners, Richmond residents, Juliette and Andrew.
"We were blown away by the messages of support coming through when he was missing and when he was found," Juliette said.
"Elwood was a bit rattled when he got home and was very happy to curl up and sleep, but the next day he was fine."
A viral sensation
Fast forward to 2020, and Elwood drew worldwide attention when he was issued his first ID badge as an unofficial member of the Epworth security team.
Juliette said Elwood came home one day in 2020, during the pandemic lockdown, wearing the Epworth 'Head of Security' badge.
Soon after, 'Elwood the hospital cat' was trending globally.
His story was covered in the USA, Germany, UK, India, Malaysia and many other countries during the pandemic – a time when people were gravitating to good news stories.
"We would Google his name and find stories from all over the world," she laughed.
"It has been so funny and lovely."
'He's just a normal cat'
Juliette and Andrew adopted Elwood and his brother Jake (named after the iconic Blues Brothers) 14 years ago – the last two kittens left at the RSPCA – much to the delight of their then-primary school aged daughters.
It might surprise many that Elwood isn't affectionate at home – and Juliette wonders if he saves it for his day shifts across the road at Epworth.
"His brother Jake is friendlier, but he likes to stay at home," she said.
"I think Elwood likes it outside Epworth because he can hide away in the garden if he wants to, but he can also come out when he wants a pat.
"He's really struck a chord with staff and patients. Sometimes, we'll come to call him in for dinner and patients will mention how much they enjoy seeing him."
Elwood is back to his usual routine with a fresh ID badge and new accessory: a location tracker.
