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Tuesday, June 9, 2009

See JavaChick Freak Out...

The first thing we do when we get home from work every day is open the window for the cats. They have a cat door that leads to an enclosed area where they can enjoy the great outdoors, safe and sound.

Today was no different. We opened the window and went about our business - which in my case was changing into workout clothes and doing my Boot Camp workout. Then I went up to the kitchen to get supper going. Once things were in the oven, I decided to go out and check on things in the yard. I always try to remember to grab my camera when I am heading out because I never know what I might see.

Today I saw this:

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This would be an open gate. The gate leading into the safe, secure cat enclosure...

And no, I did not have the presence of mind to snap a photo of the open gate at that point, I took the picture later.

I immediately went to check things out. I found George relaxing amongst the tulips, but no Fred.

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I was really not sure what to do, and I stood there for a few minutes in the yard pondering the situation. I was pretty sure Fred would have headed up the hill, and that he would come back. If I left the gate open, he would eventually come back and come in the house. But if I left the gate open, George might decide to go for a wander and then I'd have to worry about two missing cats.

I decided to close the gate and walk up the hill. I was on the lookout, but saw no sign of Fred as I was walking up. I stood there a while, turning in a circle, hoping Fred would come running out of the woods...

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I was thinking I was going to have to go back to the house and deal with supper, which was cooking in the oven, and then come back out. I knew that if I hung around outside long enough Fred would show up.

And then I spy...

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It's my baby!

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When he saw me coming he ran down to this spot of asphalt on the hill (leftover from construction I assume, as there is no other reason for it to be there) and had a nice roll in the dirt with some belly scratches from yours truly. Happy kitty...The little rascal!

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As for the open gate, the landscapers had been by during the day to mow the lawn, which I had not realized. But even if I had known that, they are usually very good about closing the gate behind them so I probably would not have thought to check. I guess they forgot today - could easily happen - but it gave me more excitement than I wanted today.

I know it may not seem like a big deal to some people. Plenty of cats roam free, and my two have pulled the Houdini trick a few times and they always come home...But every time it happens I can't help but worry that this will be the time that they don't...

So after Fred had his roll in the dirt, I carried his 17-pound-self home and brought him in the house. And shared my chicken with him. Because that's what I do.

10 comments:

the Bag Lady said...

I don't blame you in the least for freaking out! It would be different if your cats were accustomed to fending for themselves out in the wide, wide world.
I hope you mention it to the landscaping company..... maybe they have a new employee and didn't tell him to ensure the gate was shut.

The Merry said...

Yikes! I'm glad it all ended well, but I can imagine what was going through your head while you searched. That kind of thrill, nobody needs.

Smart kitty to stay close to home and his servants :)

Miz said...

I LOVE THE LAST TWO SENTENCES.

Id totally have had a heatpalpatation as well and then showered my cat (ok bullmastiff up in herre) with ANYTHING I had/he wanteed :)

JavaChick said...

So glad you are all pet people who understand! I was fixing to work myself up into a nice panic, but fortunately I found my baby before I got too worked up!

Unknown said...

so glad you found Fred - i'm not sure what i would do if i came home to find my backyard gate open... i love when the roll on their backs like that, makes me smile every time! :)

Rayna said...

I would have definitely been freaking out. My bf gives me crap but my cats are my babies!

One time I came home and the carbon monoxide detector was going off ( someone... left the oven on ALL day) I freaked and ran out the house looking for my cats (who were scared from the alarm and desperately hiding, they're both big babies) and pulling everything out of everywhere. By the time I found them both (alive and just fine) it looked like someone had robbed the place. ha ha.

I don't know WHAT I'd do if they got outside. We live in the city... eeek.

Sagan said...

Eek I would have freaked out too! That's scary. So glad that he's safe and sound.

JavaChick said...

Yes, it gave me a scare for sure. And today when I came home the first thing I did was check to make sure the gate was closed!

Lynn said...

I would feel the same way about my cats. Actually I probably would of freaked out a bit more ;) They're definitely my babies!

Glad you found him!!!

~Laura said...

Holy cow!!! What a scare. Being an animal person I know that heart sinking feeling...
I am so glad you found him and all is well.
Have a great weekend.