Actually the day had been planned for weeks. Ana was going to do some work at her
job for a few hours on Saturday morning – work that had to be done when the
offices were not up and running, as it involved telephones. After that, we were going to watch our
favorite PBS mysteries and knit all day, fix dinner, eat it, and then watch and
knit some more. Pretty straightforward, right? Well suddenly there was a family picnic with the Hawaiian
Guppies, and I hadn’t seen them in ages, so of course, we had to go to
that. So the new plan was to get
up early, feed the Furry Ones, fix my salad for the picnic, fetch Ana, go to
the picnic, and then come home and proceed with the original plan. I fed The Furries, and while Tobias was
lingering over his breakfast, as he is wont to do, I took Margaret for her
walkies. Margaret and I just
coming back in when a grey flash leapt over Margaret, between my legs, and
through the door. And was gone! My darling kitten! The one who in the past has shown no
interest in going outside. I looked for him but he was hiding somewhere, or
worse yet, exploring.
The other
few times he has escaped, he has quickly realized his error, and has appeared
mewing piteously at the back door in fairly short order. But not this time. He was gone ALL DAY! I was frantic. Ana and I prayed to St Anthony, St.
Jude, St. Francis and St. Gertrude, patroness of cats. (We also did practical things like walk
about calling him, but praying seemed actually more practical in the
circumstances.) Becca and her
friend Tina prayed to All of the Above, and to God Himself, of course. Nothing. Finally Ana texted our friend Mia who is a very efficacious
prayer. She said she would pray
for the safe return of Tobias as her Mass intention at the 5:30 Mass. Sure enough, at about 5:45, guess who strolled in,
casual and assured as Maurice Chevalier, but with hair a little ruffled and
collar gone, a la Marlon Brando. He accepted a few
joyful hugs, and then said, “I think it’s dinner time, ladies.” Ana and I quickly accommodated him. What a wonderful fellow he is. Now, of course, top vigilance at every
door opening is once again in order.
And lest I forget the most
important thing of all - Thanks,
Mia! You are amazing!
5 comments:
TOBIAS!!!! How could you???!!!
I am so glad he returned, that he knew his way home. Frosty is an accomplished escape artist, if anyone even goes near a door, much yelling of "Watch the dog!" ensues.
Joanna...Have you ever read any of the books by Roger A. Caras? I am reading the "Cats of Thistle Hill. A Mostly Peaceable Kingdom."
I think you would enjoy the stories.
He is the head of SPCA and he and his family have a farm where they
take care of many animals. Each animal has its own personality.
If you haven't read it let me know and I'll save it for you.
Tobias Houdini Ryan, Adventure Cat.
I'm glad Tobias returned to hearth and home safely. He has a bit of an adventurous gleam in his eyes though. Don't you wish you knew what he was doing out there all day!
Post a Comment