The lawn people were here the other day. They mowed, trimmed bushes and repaired the (almost impossible to open) back gate. Now it will be much easier to take the trash out! Marmalade and I went outside after they left. She was hanging out by the newly repaired gate when, suddenly she disappeared. I went over and observed a small space between the gate and the wall. Amazingly, she had managed to get through it! Just as I was about to panic; she came sauntering through the small space and into the yard. I quickly blocked the space. A few minutes later I noticed she was loitering by another area of the fence. Then; you guessed it; she departed through a hole in the fence! I ran (as quickly as one can run with a bad right knee and bone spurs in the left foot) to get my keys and opened the side gate. She was just lying in the dirt next to the hole in the fence. I told her to get back in her yard NOW!!! She reluctantly got up and walked through the gate with me. I then placed a board in front of the hole.
Apparently the yard guys removed all of my “escape prevention systems” and neglected to put them back when they finished working. Anyway, the next morning, knowing the backyard was one again escape proof, I let Marms out. A few minutes later I went out also. She was lying in the garden and I was sitting in a chair pondering why my carrots have not yet started growing. After a short time I noticed two things simultaneously. Marmalade was nowhere to be seen and the board over the hole was flat on the ground!! It probably had blown over in the windstorm the night before. Again I ran for my keys and out the gate. This time I couldn't see her anywhere. I looked everywhere-up/down the street, front yard, neighbor’s yard, checked backyard again…no Marmalade. I went out the gate again. I was just about to call my boss when I saw her. I think she knew she was in big trouble because she immediately ran through the hole and into the backyard. I then put large cement block in front of the hole. There will be no more escapes!!
September 2, 2009 at 7:28 PM
When Neil was young (less than a year because it was before I got Ravi) he disappeared for about two hours. I have always let him out for periods since he loves the outdoors so much, but this was the first time he was gone for some time. I went around the nearby townhouses calling his name, and was frantic. Finally he just showed up, looking unconcerned. Now he has the cat door and although I know that he knows his way around to the front, I try not to think about it. He is still here eleven years later, so it's working okay. But I understand your concern for Marms. I love my furry guys.
September 2, 2009 at 7:54 PM
I'm glas your boss didn't have to come look for your cat.
September 2, 2009 at 8:17 PM
Danny, what are you doing? You're supposed to be asleep! Mary Lee, sorry for the scare for you. and that cat better had learned her lesson. Yikes, glad you are as observant as you are. Wait til the kids hear about this.
September 3, 2009 at 7:22 AM
Kitty Callie has never set her princess paws upon DIRT! She hacks only on the finest of carpets...*: ( And, is VERY picky about what she will nibble on. She couldn't possible leave us alone even for a moment as she is the guardian or all schedules and gives us the "look" if we vary from the appointed schedule in the least!