It started like any other morning at the helpdesk, with a steady stream of typical IT requests: password resets, software updates, and the occasional bewildered complaint about the printer mysteriously refusing to print. Then, a new ticket popped up that caught everyone’s attention immediately. The subject line read simply: “Mouse lost in couch cushions.”
Curiosity piqued, the technician assigned to the ticket opened it. The description went as follows: “Hello, I’m working from home and during a conference call, my cat decided to leap onto the couch next to me, causing me to accidentally drop my wireless mouse. I’m pretty sure it fell between the cushions, and now I can’t find it. Without it, I’m completely stuck. Can you send IT to retrieve it or advice on how to make the cursor move without a mouse?”
Naturally, the technician blinked, re-read the ticket to confirm the details, and chuckled. After composing themselves, they responded with the technical equivalent of “Have you tried turning it off and on again?” but adapted to the peculiar situation. They suggested using keyboard shortcuts and the trackpad on the laptop as temporary solutions while carefully feeling between the couch cushions. They even recommended calling in a search and rescue team if the mouse proved elusive.
The user replied with gratitude and a photo of the couch with one cushion askew and the cat sitting triumphantly on the other side—like the ultimate treasure protector. A few emails later, it turned out the mouse was found, wedged behind the couch frame, slightly chewed but still functional.
The incident became a legendary tale at the helpdesk, retold whenever someone complained about a lost USB cable or a jammed printer. Sometimes, technology support means thinking beyond the screen and remembering that hardware often ends up in strange places—especially when pets and couches are involved.