@msolga,
I've had the worst 18 hours of my life!
Just managing Doodle has been tough enough but somehow while carrying him out for a leak and shuffling cats around the screen door didn't latch and both cats got out. Sam the ragdoll just jumped on the back deck and waited to be told to come in (he used to be allowed in the backyard under supervision but started taking liberties and hasn't been allowed out for four years). Archie the Maine Coon however just disappeared. He's never been out in his short two years of beautiful life. Every dog he knows loves him, as does every human. I'm running madly up and down the street, in a monsoon, calling his name, shaking his cat food tin, whisking my dolphin everready around, knocking on doors putting signs up, stressing completely (Mrs Hinge loves him and is in Thursday Island this week for work - so doesn't know, in fact I didn't tell her when she called because I don't think she could function for the worry - even though there's bugger all she could do from up there). I couldn't sleep last night, up at first light sticking more notices in letter boxes and hunting the neighbourhood bailing up the early walkers with flyers
For the sixth time I carried Doodle out for a wee at around 11 (he still hasn't emptied!) And sat with hoping he'd be inspired to cock the bad leg, calling archie's name. I though I could hear Sam crying from the study window, next to the front steps, but then I noticed that big ginger head peeping out from under the stairs, so I have to get Doodle back inside ASAP with out jerking his leg, then go back and coax archie out from under the stairs. He's fine, has a bit of foliage in his fur but was dry and unfussed, nearly killed him in joy.
So now my biggest worry is again doodle's lack of urination, and trying to get a days work done (remotely, thanks boss) while absolutely exhausted.
I'm still shaking with the stress - he's such a beautifully natured cat and I could see him wandering off with anyone, or any dog. He has no car sense, he's never even been in the yard. I can't believe how lucky I am that he's back unscarred.
Not relishing telling Mrs Hinge the whole story but I will, so thankful that that story has a happy ending.
Back to work.
