Another tale of my fur babies. Yesterday when I left for church, both Hershel and Maggie were in the house - Maggie on the back of the recliner and Hershel on the floor. When I returned three hours later, Hershel came running out to meet me, as usual. He “helped” me refill the bird feeders and then ran around the yard for a few minutes, and then back inside. Maggie wasn’t there, but that’s not unusual. I changed clothes, sat down to catch up on my email and Facebook. Hershel had gotten into the recliner with me and slept for a while. As time went on - hour by hour, I realized Maggie had not come back inside - still not all that unusual. After nearly four hours, I began to be concerned. It was getting close to sunset and she usually comes in mid afternoon. I had not seen any signs of her at all.
I train all my fur babies to respond to a clap - not a whistle or call. Clapping works best for me since I have frequent sore throats and hoarseness. I opened the door, clapped for Maggie, closed the door and waited for her to at least show up in the yard. After five minutes or so, I repeated that process because if she’s out prowling/hunting in the woods behind the house, it will take a few minutes for her to make her way home. As I was clapping, I scanned my yard, the edges of the woods, and my neighbors yard, knowing she comes from that direction often. Way off - the far edge of my neighbor’s yard - I spied this dark stationary patch that had hints of golden and white splotches. I clapped and called her name. Slight movement. One more solitary clap and the spot became a flash of color, running full speed and stretching out like a jaguar! Sure enough it was her.
She came inside, rubbed around my legs, and settled down. She hasn’t been out since then, but it soon got dark and it’s raining this morning. I’m not fooling myself that she was afraid or threatened, or won’t do it again. I think she just was enjoying this warm December weather and didn’t want to come inside. I was just amazed at her stillness, her speed, and her apparent happiness to see that I was home since she hadn’t checked in with me.
Pets are such a blessing from God. They make life happier; medical people tell us we are healthier when we have a pet; they depend on us for food and protection; and the companionship and unconditional love they give cannot be described accurately - only felt.
Until next time . . . .
