A happy ending. March 24, 2009
Posted by ourfriendben in pets, wit and wisdom.Tags: cats, Linus, pets
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Silence Dogood here. After a two-day absence that seemed to go on forever, our big, lovable, but chronically clueless cat Linus is home and safe. Thanks to all of you who sent kind thoughts and prayers our way.
Linus had bolted out the deck door on Saturday night when I opened it to let our golden retriever, Molly, out for a pre-bedtime bathroom break. It wasn’t the first time he’d escaped, but this was definitely the longest. By tonight, I’d about reached the end of my nine lives. Things had gotten so bad that I had poor OFB riding the roads with a body bag this morning.
Then tonight, just as I was serving supper, I saw that flash of white bib out on the deck. Rushing out into the frigid night air in my tee-shirt, I coaxed and called until, after what he apparently considered a sufficient amount of begging and grovelling, Linus allowed himself to be caught and carted back inside.
What’s he doing now? Lying peacefully washing his paws. What am I doing? Drinking chamomile tea and trying to get my heartbeat back to normal. Sometimes I wish we didn’t love them quite so much!
‘Til next time,
Silence
Thank goodness. I checked back several times today for an update. Thanks for letting us know.
Thanks, Debbi! I appreciate it. I was really about on my last nerve when I saw the little face out there in the dark.
It’s Kipling who said:
THE POWER OF THE DOG
There is sorrow enough in the natural way From men and women to fill our day; But when we are certain of sorrow in store, Why do we always arrange for more? Brothers and sisters, I bid you beware Of giving your heart to a dog to tear.
Buy a pup and your money will buy Love unflinching that cannot lie– Perfect passion and worship fed By a kick in the ribs or a pat on the head. Nevertheless it is hardly fair To risk your heart for a dog to tear.
When the fourteen years which Nature permits Are closing in asthma, or tumour, or fits, And the vet’s unspoken prescription runs To lethal chambers or loaded guns, Then you will find–it’s your own affair But . . . you’ve given your heart to a dog to tear.
When the body that lived at your single will When the whimper of welcome is stilled (how still!) When the spirit that answered your every mood Is gone wherever it goes–for good, You will discover how much you care, And will give your heart to a dog to tear!
We’ve sorrow enough in the natural way, When it comes to burying Christian clay. Our loves are not given, but only lent, At compound interest of cent per cent. Though it is not always the case, I believe, That the longer we’ve kept ‘em, the more do we grieve: For, when debts are payable, right or wrong, A short-time loan is as bad as a long So why in Heaven (before we are there!) Should we give our hearts to a dog to tear?
I read that poem about 20 years ago and still think of it occasionally. I am so, so glad that Linus came home, Silence. Makes you value him even more, doesn’t it?
Thanks, Becca, and thanks for sharing the wonderful poem! I hadn’t seen it before, but it certainly says it all!
I missed that your sweet kitty, I mean naughty kitty, bolted. ….and happy for you that Linus is ok! I watch the doors and any and all guests are reminded again and again to not let the cat out… We love them dearly. gail
Yikes, you’re up late, Gail! Thanks for checking in. I’m also so happy our Linoose is back. I’m not sure who’s tireder after his big adventure, Linus or me!
I’m glad to hear that Linus is back. I had a dog that was an escape artist. He gave us so many hours of worry. He usually only left for a few hours to half a day. He was a smart dog though. I knew he could find his way back, but after one incident with a car, I could never lose that intense worry when he was gone.
Thanks, Daphne! Smart helps. Some of my worry is because Linus’s IQ is so, well, Linus-like. But you’re too right about cars: the dumbest car’s still deadly to the smartest pet. Glad your dog made it through!
I’m so glad he made it back safely. What a horrible couple of days you must have had! I was thinking of you all and wondering about your birds this weekend while reading Bruce Barcott’s The Last Flight of the Scarlet Macaw.
Thanks, Curmudgeon! It was pretty bad. I finally got some sleep last night and am feeling more human now. And luckily, Linoose is just fine!
Whew, that was close! I kept wondering, and shooting positive thoughts your way. Thanks for letting us know. Now I can relax, too.
Thank you, Barbee’, dear. Linus and I appreciate the kind thoughts! He’s sprawled out on the bed as I write with not a care in the world. Not a clue what he put us through!
SO glad this worked out. I’d missed this post, but kept wondering, so paged back through and found the good news. Excellent.
–Kate
Thanks, Kate! What a relief!