Published Mar 25, 2021 by Rick Cundiff
If you’re a regular reader of this blog – hi to both of you – you know my home is run by two small dogs and three cats. Our little menagerie is loud, inconvenient, expensive and troublesome. But my lovely bride and I wouldn’t have it any other way.
All of the little fuzzballs are rescues, and the three cats are indoors only. They know zilch about the world outside their little air conditioned, servant-provided (us) catered bubble. And life is good.
That all changed one night last week. We had the windows open for a little fresh air. Apparently, there was a weak spot in one of the screens. Without our knowledge, two of the three cats pushed it loose from the frame and slipped out.
When I got out of bed the following morning, I went to feed the cats as I normally do. One showed up. Not a good sign.
OK, let’s look through the house, opening closet doors, calling for them, all the usual things. No response.
I wasn’t panicked until I heard mewing outside the back door. I opened it, and sure enough, there was Noodles, the youngest kitty. She hadn’t gone far, and decided it was time for breakfast. Smart girl.
That left Spot the Wonder Cat. A sleek, black, mini-panther type, he was more worldly. He’d been an outdoor cat, free to roam before we adopted him a few years ago. We clipped his wings (and a couple of other things), and he’s been inside ever since.
I quickly stepped outside, called his name, shook the dry food container. I looked up and down the back yard.
No Spot.
Now it was time to panic. So we did. We went to the neighbors. We left food and water out. Still no sign of the cat.
We feared the worst. We have lots of hawks in the neighborhood, and we’ve seen evidence of what they do to small creatures.
It was a long, hard day. We were trying hard not to give in to our fears.
I took the (leashed) dogs out for their backyard duties around 12:30 a.m. I quietly called Spot’s name.
“Mew,” came the response.
Suddenly, out from under the hedge, there he was. He looked none the worse for wear as I hurriedly whisked him back into the house.
He seemed happy to be home, but didn’t feel like talking about his adventures. Can’t say that I blame him.
So, a happy ending. But you can bet that window won’t be open until the screen is patched.
In other words, a patch in time saves nine (lives).
Of course, if you need custom embroidered, woven, or PVC patches, that’s a different story. Call or email us if you need help with those. Tell ‘em Spot sent you.
