Easy come. Easy go.

It was really cold here last night. I was tired, and felt the chill, so I decided to climb into bed early.

Before I did, the cat decided he wanted to go out. I let him out the back door. I didn't think he would stay long as it was already freezing out there. So I waited a bit and went back to see if he was at the door waiting to come in.

He wasn't anywhere to be found. So I went to bed. It was just after 9 o'clock. About 11:15 I woke up. I got out of bed and went to the back door and poked my head out looking for him. He still hadn't come back. I checked the front door to see if maybe he was waiting there, but he wasn't. I sat here at the computer for about 20 minutes, then checked both doors again. He still hadn't returned.

So I went back to bed. I figured he had either gone back to where ever he had come from, or had found shelter somewhere else.

When I woke again at 4 o'clock, I decided to get up. I had a CE course to attend today and I was afraid I might oversleep. After I started the coffee brewing, I opened the backdoor and called for the cat. He still hadn't returned. It was well below freezing.

I looked for him and called him several times over the next few hours before I had to leave for my class.

At noon, I skipped out on the free lunch and came home. He still wasn't around. So I left to return for the afternoon session. It ended around 3:30 and I drove home. When I got inside, I looked out back and there he was, lying in the yard. I went out and called him. He looked at me and meowed, then pawed at something.

It appeared to be a mouse that he was playing with. I went back in and settled in. After a while I heard him meowing at the door, so I let him in. As he ran toward the food bowl, I noticed that he had a tag attached to the little blue collar he wears.

I picked him up and looked at it. It was a red heart-shaped tag  engraved with the name Arthur and a phone number. I looked the number up on Google and it returned a name and address.

So now I know where Tonks Arthur lives. He belongs to someone on the street behind my house, about 5 houses up the block.

I recognized the name as someone I was acquainted with many years ago. Back in my high school days. So I know he has a good home and a good human to love him.

I know I shouldn't let him become too comfortable here. That I should not let him in. Not encourage him.

But it is difficult to imagine that. As I type this, he is sitting in my lap, pawing at the keyboard and batting at the cordless mouse.

And I have tears streaming down my cheeks.

I'm going to send Arthur home and then I am going to bed.

Comments

[Chris]

You're a good guy Allan. Maybe a good guy who needs a cat of his own. Have a great night.

[Smitty]

You sound heartbroken. I'm sorry. But I know that "Arthur" will be back tomorrow.. And you will enjoy the time you spend together. Give him an extra treat! Meow!

[Margaret]

Just like we have numerous friends, maybe Arthur craves more than one human. What's the harm, Allan?

[edieraye]

Oh sweetie! You are breaking my heart. I am sending you a great big hug.

[LittleMike]

And I was so hoping I could convince you to let me bring him home. I hope he comes around while we are there. I really want experience around a Siamese (for allergenic reasons), and was hoping he could help me.

[Alison]

I like Margaret's comment.

And I love you.

[Stuart]

Dood!

So sorry that he's not yours to keep... He looked like such a cool cat! (maybe you should adopt... the shelters are filled!)

[celia]

I think Margaret has a good point. We can all use all the friends we can get-- human or cat.

He looks so sweet.

[zip]

I believe he knows you need him. Maybe he needs you, too. Cats just love who they love and aren't afraid to show it. I hope you continue to allow him in when he wants in.

You know, Allan, it can't hurt to contact his person and offer catsitting services when he or she needs them. Or a permanent home if he ever needs one. Or ask from whence he came. One door closes... you know the drill.

[Jay]

Geez...this is like a soap! Anyway,he'll be back.And now you won't feel guilty for leaving from time to time.You are cool for the thought of taking him in.Take care of those 'other' matters.My 2 pennies.
Jay