Over the past year

One thing has been a constant:  The tomcat has followed Bella around.  Tonight, my husband said that he saw the tomcat prowling around the school.

Makes me wonder if Bella is over that way?  It is not the direction she had been in before, but then she is not at her usual haunts--she is off the beaten track.

In the morning, I will go to town in that direction and see if she is wondering around over there.

This is a long shot and probably just my imagination, but it is all I have.

I did put up some photos in Mt. Vernon on my way to work, so we  will see what happens.

Just did some reading most lost cats are within a 5 house radius.  I have yet to go south and east.

**Be safe Bella.  I love and miss you.**

Was out looking for Bella tonight.

I didn't see or hear her.  I didn't expect to, but I just won't know if I don't try.

I was talking to my friend, Linda, last night about Bella.  I hadn't put lost signs in Mt. Vernon or on Craigslist for my area and that's because I don't think she is 8 miles away.  However, I will add her photo at the grocery store and post office closest to this little town.  I always have the very tiny hope that someone will see the photo and be from my area.  I am not sure about Craigslist though.  I am not a fan of that site.

I hadn't mentioned Bella was missing to my hubby for the reason that he simply doesn't care.  My daughter has the same thoughts, though I did mention it to her and got the "she's done this before."  Or, "Someone probably took her in."  Same old crap I always hear, so thought I would save myself the from having to hear it, as it gets old.  However, I was asked where I was tonight and what cat was missing.  They didn't believe she has been gone that long, but who cares what they believe.  I know what is true and do not rely on them for support.

Sweet Bella -- come home and be safe.  May St. Francis stay with you while we are apart.

Outdoor cats

I am against having an outdoor cat, even though I have 4 (5 with Bella) that I take care of.  They all have names and a place to call home.

I don't like having them outdoors though for all the dangers that are out there.  Dogs, hawks, owls--PEOPLE!  If I had it my way, the cats would be indoors.  Finding them a home is no easy task because people that want animals have them.  I really dislike the line:  Well, you already have an outdoor cat....and what does THAT mean exactly?  That I need more? 

Right now, I am wondering why Bella is missing?  Did someone think she was lost and took her in?  Did they find her annoying and kill her?  Did an owl get her?  What about a coyote?  Someone may have run her over.  It's endless to me.

I should be outside looking for her now.  I should be.  Where do I go?  While the town is small, it's very big at the same time.  Big when you are looking for a 10 pound cat that could be stuck in a shed or in a house.

When and if I ever get to the point of not looking for her, I will think of myself as a bad pet owner.  I will feel that I didn't do enough or try hard enough.  So I have to keep looking until I know one way or the other.

I keep hoping she will just come home.
I hope that I will see her waiting for me on the porch.

I have to keep that hope alive otherwise I have given up and I don't want to get to that place.

St. Francis--please help Bella find her way home.
Amen.

Sobering

If you want a moment that will make you stop and think about life and death--take a walk through your local animal shelter.

You will see cats, dogs, kittens and puppies all begging for a home.  It is so heartbreaking, words cannot describe.

I was there last week looking for Bella and again today.  I saw mom cats and newborn kittens--families of kittens that are 10 or 12 weeks old.  Cats with collars.  Quiet ones.  Cats that meow for attention.  Put their paw out to touch you.  Then there are the ones who are scared and sit in the back of the cage--knowing the death that is coming.

It's a fact shelters are over crowded.  The shelter I was at today has overflow, which means that some of the cats will be destroyed to make room.

I saw some of the cats from last week, however when I go back next week--most won't be there, which to me is very sad.  How did those cats/kittens get there?  Did some owner surrender them?  Did some cat hater call the pound to come and take these cats?  The world is a hard and cruel place.  Humans made it that way.

If you think you want to have a pet in your family--be sure.  Think about it and realize that there are bills that come with animals.  VET bills and then you need food.  Make sure you have the time in the day to spend with your animal.  Don't leave it alone and then decide it wasn't for you.  If you do that then you are the worlds biggest LOSER!

Shelters need sponsors for the animals--take the time to sponsor an animal.  Give the cat or dog a chance.

**Keep safe Bella and may St. Francis bring you home.**

My life goes on

While I say that, I find myself thinking about Bella.

--Where is she?
--Is she okay?
--Is she alive?

I can say with honesty, my cat has vanished.  I feel horrible and very much at fault.  Had I not allowed the Mom Cat to have her kittens here, Bella would be here and not lost somewhere.

Before the kittens of 8 last year, I was the owner of 4 cats.  Three indoor and 1 outdoor and life was good.  However, someone had to move and leave their cat.  They just had to for whatever reason.  Do people not realize what they do to others when they make decisions like that?  Did I want the addition of 9 cats?  NO!

I was lucky to have found homes for the majority with the help of a neighbor, but we shouldn't have had to.  It was not necessary had that family taken some responsibility, but no, they were rednecks, slackers whatever you want to call them.  Abusers too.  Who leaves a family member behind?  Losers.

I pray for my lost kitty every night.
I pray she is alive and if not, that she didn't suffer.
Mostly though, I pray she will find her way home to me.

I miss her with all my heart.

Dear God, protect and bless all beings that breathe, keep all evil from them, and let them sleep in peace. Amen.

--Albert Schweitzer

Day 10--still no Bella.

Out of habit, I call Bella every morning and every night.  It makes me feel sad not seeing her run home from the neighbors house.  She loves our neighbors barn and spent many days inspecting it.

Writing about Bella missing is very difficult, but I don't have any friends that are truly willing to listen.  I'm sure they will say they are sorry or hope she will come home soon.  Sometimes I feel like those are just words to make them feel better and not so much for the situation.

However, I shall be vigilant in watching for Bella.

I did find this prayer for lost pets.  St. Francis has helped me and I hope he guides Bella to her home.


Father
We ask you to help us find ________,
our dear pet who is now lost.
We know that you
placed animals on the earth
for many reasons,
including companionship for man.
We therefore ask you
to help us find our lost companion,
and pray that You will keep him (her) safe
and protect him (her) from harm until he (she) is found.
We join our prayers with St. Francis,
St. Anthony of Padua, and all the saints,
and pray in the name of Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen
David Bennett

My introduction and my cat Bella.

My name is Robin and I am a cat person.  As long as I can remember, I have been a cat person.  I have all sort of cat books, calendars and figurines.  I also own a few cats.

I decided to write about my cats and my time spent with them.  My hope is that if you have happened across this blog, then you are a cat person too.

I have chosen my cat Bella first as she is currently gone from my life.  She has left as quietly as she came into it and I do miss her.

Bella is almost 3 years old and is a very pretty black cat.  I know, I have heard this before.  Black cats are just that--black.  To me, every cat is special--even the solid colored ones and especially if they happen to be my own cats.

I remember when I first saw Bella.  A neighbors cat used to come over to my house and sit with me.  This went on and off for almost a year.  One day, along with the neighbors cat, whom I named Petunia, was  Bella.

The little black cat just sat there, watching us.  I called to Bella, who was then not named, but she just stared at us and left.  I thought that was the end of it, but Bella came back the next day and the next.  Always following Petunia over to my house.

Everyday, Bella became braver and would venture closer.  I'd like to think it was because of my calling her, however I do believe she was just hungry.  One day while giving Petunia some cat food, I left a bowl out for Bella.  She ate it when I went in the house and then disappeared as always.

I was able to catch Bella and get her to the vet to be checked out and spayed.  For the next 2 years, Bella stayed at my house.  We even built a cat house for her as shelter.  Everything was good until another black cat came  around.  Same markings as Bella only this one was going to have a litter of kittens and is half siamese.  From the beginning, those two did not get along.  Mom Cat is aggressive towards other cats and she always terrorized Bella by keeping her away from the yard.

I cannot say for certain if Mom Cat is the reason why Bella is gone.  For all I know, Bella could come back at any time, however with every passing day, that does not seem at all likely.  I have been around the neighborhood looking and watching for a glimpse of her running in someone's yard--but she has vanished.  I have talked to neighbors and while they know of the little black cat, they have not seen her recently.

It's my hope that someone has her safe inside their home and giving her all the love and safety she deserves.

However, it is my greater hope that one day I will write about Bella coming home to me.

Gone But Not Forgotten:

 I went out for a walk

It was so lovely in the sun.

Chasing the leaves, I was having
so much fun.

Jumping and climbing I could have done
it all day.

When I stopped to rest, I realised I had lost my way.

I love and miss you and want you to know,
it was nothing you have done.

I just got carried away with playing in the sun.

Please try not to worry too much about me.

I can look after myself, and in a way I am free.

Although I'll never stop looking for a way home,
we will never be apart.

I will always feel your love for me, deep within my heart.

It may be all we have for now, but it's enough for me.

Cause you'll never know when I'll walk through your door
and expect you to have my tea.

 Original Poem by Kerri Marsh of Rainbow Creations. Copyright. ©