Our beloved monster cat, Scout, is missing.
We think he went out the backdoor while Paul was working in the backyard yesterday afternoon. Unless the weather isn’t agreeable, Paul always works with the backdoor open. Scout tends to hang around the door, but has never ventured like this before. It’s not his style (he’s a bit of a ‘fraidy cat). There have been dozens of times since last night where either Paul or I thought it strange that Scout wasn’t under foot — but neither of us compared notes and put it all together that he was missing until this morning. It’s strange, but not uncommon, that he isn’t sleeping with us at night (maybe he’s with Will?) It’s strange, but not uncommon, that he isn’t begging for food at the crack of dawn (maybe he’s asleep under the Christmas tree?) But when Paul sat in his chair this morning with the kids and Scout didn’t show up to lay on his lap, we realized something was very very wrong.
He has never been outside for any extended time. After several days of temperatures in reaching 80 degrees, last night turned cold and rainy.
We are completely distraught. We’ve canvased the neighborhood a dozen times. We’ve flyered houses and cars. We’ve crawled under houses. We’ve called and whistled. We’ve got food outside.
The kids don’t really understand what is wrong, just that Scout isn’t here (“hey, Mommy, I miss Scout!”), and the fact that they can simply play is both a testament to their innocence and the most annoying thing in the world. I’m trying to keep myself in check and not direct my worry and frustration into anger at the kids. Don’t they realize that Mommy and Daddy’s hearts are breaking??
Please help us wish our first baby back home.
————-
UPDATE: 1:52pm. Paul found him! On his fourth trip under our neighbor’s house, crawling through fiberglass insulation and petrified cat poop, Paul discovered a small tunnel/path leading to the attached shed on the back of her house… the shed where the water heater is located. Scout was there, freaked out, and ran away from Paul. Interestingly, when Paul first looked under her house, he swore he saw something dart around and kept coming back to that area to look. Apparently, fourth time is the charm. Paul emerged much dirtier than the cat, who was instantly placed in the tub and washed liberally with Will’s shampoo (much to Will’s delight).
We are making him tags and getting a collar right away. One that he can’t pry off. The little shit.
Julie | 21-Dec-08 at 1:52 pm | Permalink
So glad Scout is back safe and sound! Lots of love to you all. xoxo j
alejna | 21-Dec-08 at 2:12 pm | Permalink
I’m glad I didn’t read this to after the update was posted! I only had a minute or so of worry on your kitty’s behalf.
That last picture is funny. Poor soggy beastie.
Stacy Owings | 21-Dec-08 at 2:39 pm | Permalink
Whew, so glad I read this post after the update was posted. It was breaking my heart! Our first children are Zeus the fabulously gay bassett hound and Athena the Vera Bradley eating labrador retriever. I love love love my dogs and I am so paranoid they are going to get out of the fence during the day, and Zeus tries to run away from home every time the front door is cracked open. I know your holiday is going to be so much merrier now!!
Stacy
Meagan | 21-Dec-08 at 3:39 pm | Permalink
Very glad he’s home. Our cats are indoor cats and I shudder to think how lost they’d be if they ended up outside.
lisa paul | 21-Dec-08 at 6:33 pm | Permalink
what a relief! We had a terrier who disappeared under the deck chasing a raccoon. Got himself so scared he couldn’t come out. A dozen ripped up deckboards later, he was rescued.
jenny | 22-Dec-08 at 9:07 am | Permalink
oh, my. i love your last line – isn’t that how it always ends when your beloved pets make you frantic and then turn up ok?
you might want to consider getting scout chipped, instead of (or along with) tagged. most vets & shelters have microchip readers these days.
Tina A | 22-Dec-08 at 2:29 pm | Permalink
I’m happy to hear that you found your Scout! We lost our puppy back in July (we think the landlord took him) and it still breaks my heart!
kitty | 22-Dec-08 at 5:23 pm | Permalink
Persistence pays off. I’d have never thought to look in the same place four times.
Glad the cat’s back.
Kimberly | 22-Dec-08 at 9:05 pm | Permalink
I’m so glad Scout is safe; I hate stories of lost kitties. Our fluffy gray scaredy-cat got out of the house four years ago, and we canvassed, and posted fliers, and called until our throats were sore. Nothing. Two days later, who should show up, hungry and tired, in our back yard? Our own dear, dear little shit… who, as I type this, is nudging my arm with her hard little head, demanding some petting.
Painted Maypole | 22-Dec-08 at 11:16 pm | Permalink
oh… so glad you found him. cats are like family… I know
(and keep him inside… I beg you…)