Found

Is there a more incredible word in the English language than “found”? It has so many shades and colors of inspiration for the human soul. It is a beginning as well as an ending. Hope and love.

In order to be Found, you must first be missed – you must be loved dearly enough for someone to be searching for you.

Once Found, you can make it home...

THESE KITTIES WERE MISSING
THEY WERE ALL REUNITED WITH THEIR FAMILIES
DON'T GIVE UP

Dear Jenne,

It's funny this life. Meeting you changed everything. Thank you sooooo much for your kind heart which is right up there with your expertise. For the first time in eight days I am able to relax, exhale and relax. Eight days may not seem like a lot of days compared to some of the stories I've read on your website, but they were filled for me with a kind of terror of the mind that I wish on no one. Our story: I traveled by car for four days from Washington state with my cats, 7 yr old Max E., and 4 year old Marie here to San Antonio, Texas to begin a six months writing residency courtesy of Sandra Cisneros and Macondo Writers Workshop. We arrived on Friday, the 15th of March near 6 p.m. We were road weary and bleary eyed. It was a very hard trip what with sweat-producing mountains, hairpin turns, hellish 24 wheelers, wind sweeping the car like it was so much dust, Max E's discontent displaying itself in a non relenting operatic wail born of frustration and annoyance. It sounded as though he'd swallowed every insult the world had thrown and was scraping them, one by one, from his marrow, from his soul. It pained me to hear him, this mournful howl. His distressed dirge. Four straight days. And then there was Marie. Except to take her from the car to go into motels for the evening, she spent the ride under my car seat. There were two soft sided carriers, but they both worked free of them while I tried to, with one hand force them back in and the other steer the car. We arrive finally. They inspect our quarters. Find them adequate, (they're quite nice, but you know cats) drink more water than they've ever drunk in the Pacific Northwest (they are dehydrated from the ride and the 95 degree heat of San Antonio)and settle in for the night. Because there is an Open House the next day to celebrate the opening of Macondo House, the place I'll be living for my writing residency, I make arrangements to have the kitties stay at a friend's house. By the time I get there, (it's about four blocks away) Marie has worked her way out of her carrier and bolts when I open the door. I find her crouched under brush across the street, take her in my arms and head for the car only to find it's locked itself and as I try to get the automatic door opener to employ she struggles and writhes. Seeing a house painter across the street looking at us I ask him to open the door for us, but he just stands there saying nothing, not moving. Marie wiggles out of my arms and runs through the open door of an apartment building. This time I find her at the back of the building on a post. I gently cradle her and talk to her softly as we go toward the car. I've got my finger on the car opener trying to keep it unlocked for easy access. Max E, the usual escape artist, is at rest in his carrier unaware of the drama unfolding outside of the car. As Marie and I approach the car, the painter from across the street comes toward us saying "Sorry, no English." He keeps heading toward us, speaking and Marie grows increasing agitated as I tense up telling the fellow to please stop, please do not come closer, she's afraid. He doesn't understand me and keeps coming, speaking Spanish. I curse myself for not following through on the lessons I learned in 9th grade from Sister Paz at St. Charles Academy Girls School in Lake Charles , Louisiana . I try to hold him at bay, unlock the car and keep Marie from bolting. She digs her claws so deep into my arm it feels as though she has touched my bone. It is a stunning pain that doesn't identify itself until a few seconds later. I cannot do this. I release her and that bolt was the last I saw of her until last night, 8 days later.

When learning of Marie's plight, Sandra and her partner, Ray, went immediately into "finding Marie" mode. Fliers (bilingual, I might add ) were made and posted with numbers and a $100 reward (a very illuminating picture of her profile included) in the neighborhood. I missed the Open House and the reading of my work I was to give. Another reading has been scheduled for July 4th, so please do put it on your calendar, dear Jenne. We call to her, walk the neighborhood. No luck. After dinner, Sandra and I go back out with more flyers, food and water. We are in the King William section of San Antonio and I have to tell you I've not seen more well cared for cats in a neighborhood in my life. Every 7th house has food and water on the porch. Sandra stressed that Marie was somewhere near where she went missing. Over and over she said that as I suggested we broaden our search. We see many cats, meet many neighbors, but still no Marie. Day 2, a Sunday, I'm up and out at morning's first light. I'm on Sandra's yellow PeeWee Herman bike. I head over to Adams and Stieren, corner from which she disappeared and see a cat that looks a lot like her behind a hurricane fence...we do a stare off because I'm not sure. I need to see the identifying certainty of a patch of square black on her hind leg. But the cat disappears before I can determine such. I ride around and talk to neighbors. I see the owner of that house and speak with her, give her a flyer and ask permission to come onto her property to look more closely. This is Marita and her kindness extends to letting me put food, water, kitty litter and toys in her basement when I find there is a crawl space near where I think I've seen Marie. Later, Sandra and I leaflet the neighbors' houses and continue to talk to folks on the street about the missing Marie. I do an internet search and find that one way to find Marie involves an animal trap. I go to the Humane Society, rent one for $15 for 10 days with a refundable $75 deposit. Marita lets me put it in the place I think I've seen Marie. "Maybe you'll catch that raccoon that's around here." she laughs. Raccoon? I want to say. I tell her if I do I'll take it to a park down the way. I hope though that I won't have to. I realize I'll have to stay with the traps when I set them because there are sooooo many cats in the area I'm liable to catch cats not my own. That happens. On day 3 another neighbor tells me about animal communicators on yahoo. I contact them and the best advice anyone gave me was to contact petfinders.com. It was through them that I found you, Jenne, www.catprofiler.com and I want to tell the world about you and your work. First, it was a galaxy past amazing that you would be here in San Antonio when I'm in San Antonio with a cat in peril...or so I think. The nightmarish thoughts ended the moment I connected with you. But that wasn't until day 7! A week without Marie felt as though I was going deeper and deeper into a sinkhole. All the while though, the folks of this neighborhood showed me so many kindnesses and offered what they could in the way of comfort, advice, catnip and sightings. And best of all access to their properties. I took Max E., in his carrier at the suggestion of someone on the net. I set his carrier atop my wheeled luggage and we meandered (euphemism cuz that carrier was a hard one and very heavy and unwieldy on top of my luggage). I even set Max E atop my car and waited. All hours of the day and night I traipsed through yards with a flashlight, calling out my lil girl's name: "Marie, Marie, sweet, sweet Marie." Sandra said I reminded her of La LLorona: I www.la llorona .com/. With my own plaintive wail, tears and sorrow soaking each word, no wonder. Except for the fact that Sandra had to leave town and I was on my own in the search, Days 4, 5 and 6 were full of the same: up early, walk the neighborhood, look under houses, shine light in the cracks and crevices, talk to folks, keep up the good spirit, beat back the creeping depression. There was exactly no writing getting done. None. Except for leads and suggestions. But no fiction or recipes for the cookbook. I was stalled. I called you Jenne, in the morning of March 22, and when you returned my call I was on the corner of Adams and Stieren freeing a cat not my own. You talked to me, asked me questions that only the cat profiler would and gave advice to me based on those facts. The depression that had landed full on me on Friday was beginning to lift. You told me the cat was near where she'd last been seen. You bolstered that claim with facts. No, she'd not been eaten by raccoons or attacked or hit by a car. She was hiding and the tools you gave me, the support you threw my way, the tenderness of tone and feeling washed over me like a balm. I would find Marie. You were certain. And now I had come back to certainty. When we hung up, I had my marching orders and a list of supplies. On my way to get them you rang me again and offered to come to help me because of my out of town status. Like I told you then, I fell completely and without hesitation to my knees. Jenne, thank you so much. That was (excuse me...Marie is calling in her high pitched, soft as cotton voice. . . it is so good to hear her, I am crying)...okay, that was extraordinarily kind and selfless. I am glad for all the cats out there that this career found you. Thank you for walking me through the paces. Thank you. You were right. The day after meeting you, the second day of following your recommendations, (actually I found her at 10, but since I had forgotten to follow one of your crucial components of catching, I didn't hold her in my arms til 1:00 a.m.) Marie is here in my abode, back with Max E., back with me. Love and Love and Love and following your instructions brought my baby home.

Love,

Rosalind Bell

* * * * *

Fancy

In November 2007 my indoor cat Fancy got out of my back door and did not come home. I found Jenne, cat profiler, online and contacted her to see if she could help. She helped me figure out my cat's personality, which then helped me figure out what type of area she was most likely to be hiding in. Jenne assured me that only-indoors cats never go very far, and that gave me faith to keep looking. She also told me a lot about the behaviors of cats that I was totally unaware of, like how their instinct tells them to keep hiding even if they hear you call for them, and how often they are too scared to come home.

One thing she said was that cats often hide in places that seem to resemble areas of their indoor home. I have a very loud box fan in my bedroom that Fancy is used to being around, and three days later I found her very scared, but safe, hiding in a fenced-in area beside three loud air units, which sounded a lot like my box fan. I could not believe I found her, but Jenne was right and her tips and advice were things I would have never known on my own. I know without her help Fancy would not be home right now! I recommend her for anyone who needs to find his or her cat because I know with her help, the cat will be found and get home safely!

* * * * *

Grunty Pig

Hi, my name is Grunty Pig, and I was a naughty boy.  Last Sunday, at about 7 AM on August 28,2005, I slipped out from my mommy and daddy's house (David and Caroline Laubheimer), and went for a stroll.  It looked like great fun to climb over the gate, and go for a walk.  Suddenly, however, it wasn't so much fun, as I got panicky, and didn't know where to go.  I looked around, and was worried and frightened, as I didn't know where I was--so I walked off.

During this time, my mommy and daddy were in a total panic.  They looked for me for hours, but I was hiding, since I was sooooo scared of the world.  They went to the humane society and got two traps, but did not know what to do with them.

When I did not come back that day, they were sooo upset, they looked online and found a link to the website catprofiler.com.   Since they were overwhelmed by sadness and fear, they called this nice lady named Jenne, and asked for advice.  At any rate, Jenne talked to them right away, and made an appointment to have me "profiled," so that they could know where I went ( I don't know why they would want to "profile me--I am just a cat, and not a bank robber). 

At any rate, nice lady Jenne talked to mommy and daddy for 3 1/2 hours, asking all sorts of questions about me.  She really "got to know" the real Grunty, and how I would act.  See, I am a cat, and I can't tell them my reasons, so they needed to know.  Well, to make a long story short, Jenne told them how to use humane traps, how to bait them with yummy stuff, and where to put them so as to catch me.

I didn't make it easy for mommy and daddy.  I was gone for a few days, and finally, on the third day of my "vacation,"  both mommy and daddy saw me across the street from my house, in a neighbor's back yard.  After the conversation with Jenne, they had a pretty good idea where to look, as she told the that I had found a new territory, and the only way to catch me was to place those nasty looking traps in the correct places.  She spent another hour or so talking to them, and gave them some more ideas about trapping and yummy things to make me want to come home.

I still didn't make it easy for them.  I played cat and mouse ( David and Caroline were the mice, obviously), and was seen again on my own front porch by mommy 4 days later, at 12:30 AM.  Mommy sat on the porch in her nightgown, after I ran away, and she had some darn good tuna fish, but I was still scared, so I didn't come back quite yet.

Mommy and Dad would not give up--they kept e-mailing Jenne with more questions.  She responded immediately, and gave them more ideas to focus the search for bad boy Grunty.  She suggested ways to bait the traps, and avoid those nasty ants that get all over food ( water in a Tupperware container creating a nice moat made it easy to put the food dish in the trap so the ants left me a good meal).

Okay, I was getting bummed out from being outside.  Mommy and Dad were sooooo ticked off, and boo hoo eyed.  So, after being AWOL for 7 days, I saw this nice tasty food snack hidden inside this wire thing, all covered up.  I was soooooo hungry, I went inside the wire thing, and then--SNAP---it got me caught.  Wasn't so bad, as the food sure was good after 7 days on the road.  Next thing ya know, mommy picked up the trap, and brought me home, a week later, and very hungry.  I was a wee bit thinner, but just fine!!

So, if you get lost, I would recommend that you call this nice lady, Jenne Mundy, and talk to her immediately.  Don't wait, as it is awful scary out there, and I really didn't like being away from my house and my parents.  Now, I am soooo glad to be home and safe, and it is all because of Jenne--the catprofiler.com lady.  So, call her right away, if someone like me gets lost---okay??

With much love and affection, Grunty Pig--owner of David and Caroline Laubheimer

* * * * *

Ippy

A week ago on Tuesday, you gave me some sound and extensive advice on finding a cat - I was in Hot Springs, Arkansas, having evacuated from Rita, and believed the cat was in the house.  Here's the update:  I tore the house apart.  I had a friend bring some dogs that looked for the cat and found nothing.  My husband flew into town and repeated my house-search, with no luck.  After dropping him off at the airport on Wednesday, I decided to search outside and made a door-to-door flier.  Handed it to the next door neighbor, who said he'd seen the cat on his front porch steps on Sunday and it bolted under a shed in my in-law's back yard.  So I got a humane trap and set it up in the shed for the night.  Thursday, there was no cat.  I revised the flier and left it at every house within 2 - 3 blocks of our house.  As I was walking back, a man stopped me and said he'd just spotted the cat under his shed.  I didn't see it (she burrowed under it when we came near), but set the humane trap up there -- complete with food and clothes that smelled of me over the top.  At 5:00 AM Friday, she wasn't there.  I went out at 8:30 AM to get the trap and return it to its owner, as I was headed back to Houston, and she WAS there.  Happy ending!

So we wonder if there was any purpose to all of this (we are guessing that my mother in law, who has Alzheimer's, let her out).  In the middle of the night, while searching, my husband and I found a strong gas smell in the utility room.  We had a plumber come by the next day, who fixed a pipe leading to the hot water heater, and said that it was only a matter of time before the house caught on fire.

All this is to say thanks for the time you sent giving me advice and calming me down.  

Sincerely,
Faith Vilas

P.S.  After looking at your web site (a friend had given me your telephone # over the phone last week), I realize that you need to know about our found kitty:  Her name is Ippy (from Iapetus, a black/white moon of the planet Saturn), and she is a little thing, formerly feral.  At the behest of friends, I trapped her 10.5 years ago near a motel.  We have slowly tamed her so that she is now our beloved housecat, although our house is her universe.  She is terrified of the unusual or unknown, which is one reason I was so worried
about her.  If I find a picture I can scan of her, I will send it.

I have a very soft spot for torties, and enjoyed your story.  Also, I have lost and found cats 5 times (twice for 1 cat) before Ippy.  (We have seven.)

* * * * *

Murray

July 8th was ending just like any other night, with a late walk for the pugs and a quick roll in the grass for my two cats.  My cats have always gone out for a few minutes to nibble the grass and play for a few minutes, but have always beaten the dogs and me back up the fire escape to my second floor apartment.  July 8th started out the same, except this particular night a neighbor in the apartment building next to mine decided to shoot off his remaining fireworks.  One cat ran up the fire escape and one ran across the alley away from the noise.  I called for Murray several times over the next two hours then decided to let him be and figured he would come home when he relaxed.  I had no idea what was coming.

The next day was Friday, I called for Murray while I walked the dogs around the block, but he was nowhere to be found.  I went on to work confident that he would be waiting on my porch when I got home.  By Sunday I was getting frantic, I had no idea what to do, Murray had never been much of an outside cat and I live near a very busy intersection so I began to fear the worst.

The guilt was overwhelming, I cried myself to sleep every night for a week, I took off work to search all the local animal shelters.  My friends and I rode our bikes a mile in ever y direction calling for him and posting "missing posters".  I searched the internet for any help I could find.  After about 10 days I found Jenne and called her.  Jenne kept me sane and gave me guidance on what to do next but most importantly she told me to not give up and not get discouraged, that Murray wasn't far off and I would get him back. As the Weeks went by and I continued to search the local animal shelters, ride my bike up and down alleys calling for Murray and searching neighborhood garages.  My neighbors all knew me as the girl with the two pugs and the missing cat.

I put food out on my fire escape/porch every night for him and several times I would find the bowl empty in the morning.  I spent many hours watching out my dining room window waiting for him, hoping to just see him.  One night after watching for 4 hours I got lucky.  Murray walked right up to his bowl and started eating.  I ran out my front door down two flights of steps around my building to the side yard and stood at the bottom of the steps and softly called him.  I saw his little face look out under the rail and next thing I knew I saw him flying off the porch, thru the air twenty feet above my head.   He came down with a thud and was off like a black streak.  He was so quick I wasn't even sure which direction he ran.  I sat in the grass and cried.  I couldn't believe my cat that was practically my kid had been afraid of me.  I was beginning to to believe what all my friends were saying, that he wanted to be outside, that he was wild and not going to come home.  I wanted to call Jenne, but realized it was 2 in the morning, so I called my mom instead.  The next day I called Jenne to vent my frustration and to have some positive reinforcement that everyone else was wrong, that there was another explanation other than that my cat hated me and was enjoying his freedom.  Once again, I was assured that we would get Murray back and that he didn't hate me and then I was told to get some sleep and think about getting a closed circuit night vision camera...by the way, great idea!  I was able to record all night and watch the tape in the morning, with the fast forward option I was able to watch the whole nights activity in about 30 minutes.  Unfortunately I never caught Murray on the tape, which was discouraging because I had apparently been feeding a flock of black birds and three squirrels...

My life had turned into going to work, and searching for Murray , everything was secondary, my friends all thought I was nuts and needed to move on with my life.  I even had a guy in my neighborhood tell me there was a dead cat on the main road, he went with me to see if it was Murray , ends up there was no dead cat, he just wanted to be a "nice guy" and ask for my phone number.  I had a worker at the local shelter yell at me when I inquired if a kitten that I had seen on my weekly tour was available for adoption.  She told me that maybe I should find the cat that I had let get loose before I went and got another one. I had people calling about cats they had seen, but none of them were Murray . 

On August 12th I decided to go out with some coworkers after work.  It was the first time I had been out of my apartment except to go to work in 5 weeks.  Around 11pm I got a phone call from one of my neighbors.  I answer the phone and heard "Steph, its Julie, my dog Sammy just chased a black cat up a tree across the street from your building".  I told her to sit tight under that tree and I would get there as fast as I could.  I parked my car, kicked off my heels in the street hugged Julie and scaled the tree praying out loud that this ordeal was finally going to be over.  I got about 15 feet up in the tree and saw my baby sitting on a limb softly meowing.  He let me scoop him up and I talked to him and told him how much I loved him and how glad I was to see him.  Julie was below me now with a blanket and a pet taxi.  The plan was, that I would get a little further down the tree then drop him to her.  I was about 10 feet up when Murray got very scared and dug his fangs into my left wrist.  I tried to pull away and he clamped down again.  I was bleeding but didn't care, I had my cat in my arms and nothing was going to make me let go until I knew we had him secured.  I moved down the tree a few more feet, and dropped him right into Julies blanket, she shoved the blanket and all into the taxi and shut the door.  I couldn't believe it; I sat in the tree crying and bleeding.  Another neighbor heard all the yelling and came out to see what was going on.  After he helped me out of the tree we assessed my wounds and decided I needed to go to the hospital.  My boyfriend was already on his way to my house, and upon his arrival I was escorted to the ER.  I was bandaged up and sent home with what would be 6 little scar reminders of Murray and my "adventure". 

Today, several weeks later, Murray has put on a pound (he had dropped from 9 to 6 pounds) and is being the most loving little man ever!  When he was gone I was worried and scared for him, now that he is home I realize just how much he is a part of my life.  He sits on the edge of my bathtub while I get ready in the mornings, he massages my feet with his head while I watch TV; where ever I am in my apartment he follows.

I have learned so much from this experience, I have put collars and tags on all my pets and microchips are being implanted on the next vet visit.  I will never complain about cat hair or cleaning the litter box ever again!  I am so thankful that Jenne, my neighbor Julie, and my boyfriend never gave up looking with me, and that they were all so encouraging and sympathetic to my sometimes insane rantings.  Murray , Onyx the pugs and I are eternally grateful!

Stephanie

* * * * *

Spooky

OMG OMG OMG....You'll never ever believe what happened. I got off the computer, picked up my flashlight, started walking towards the screen porch, and in walks Spooky! He's dirty and soaking wet but he's home!!!! I can't thank you enough!!!!!!!!!!

Spooky is great, he's enjoying our screened in porch with the screens fixed now!!! He does still try to nudge open the screens but they won't budge. He got out a few more times but just a quick dash down the front stairs and we caught him. We watch him like a hawk now!! I don't think he minds much. He still spends most of his time on the bed and couch, relaxing in comfort!!!

You definitely have my permission to use excerpts from our emails. That was a scary night for me and I'm so glad you were there to help, with all your useful advice and stories. I can't imagine what I would have done had he not come home!!!

I hope all is well with your "babies". I know you'll do a great job helping out others...just the other day [I] thought of you! I will never forget how much you helped me!

Tricia

* * * * *

Patches

Jenne,

Two weeks to the day it's been and Josh walked outside this morning because we had left the gate open and the dog had run out and THERE SHE WAS!!!!!! I was still in bed and he dropped her on my stomach and I couldn't believe I was awake! She seems to be no worse for the wear, other than a small rubbed spot on her nose. She had a little dirt and leaves on the top of her coat but was very clean so we think she was in the woods?? And she of course stuck her nose right in her food bowl as soon as we stopped loving on her. I still can't believe she's upstairs right now laying on her couch looking out the window...

Thank you so much for all your help and support. I really would have had absolutely no hope left if you hadn't given me the ideas you did that helped me to feel like I was doing something to find her...

Sincerely,
Courtney, Josh and Patches, REUNITED!

* * * * * *

Sara

Hi again Jenne,

As you know, our beautiful cat "Sara" ran away on Aug. 14, 2004. Since we live close to a large wooded area, we knew she had gone into it. Searching there only further depressed us because of how large and dense it is with brush.

It was difficult to deal with the despair and depression over losing her, but we turned to the Internet for information about how to go about getting her back. We also prayed.

All the sites we visited said basically the same things about lost cat behavior, based on it's indoors personality. To read that a cat goes into hiding and protective mode by not responding to their owner's voice or shaking of a treat can was helpful. And also, learning that they typically hide very close to home gave us hope.

However, the days were going by quickly and heavy rain was predicted.

When we came across your site, we were further encouraged since you offered your phone number to call and talk. Upon calling, we reached your answering machine and left a short message about our need to talk with you about our missing pet. You returned our call just a couple of hours later. You listened and told us that based on our efforts to retrieve "Sara", we were doing everything right. But, you did offering an interesting piece of information that was very encouraging.

You said that missing cats get tired of eating bugs and what ever they can find at about the 11th to 14th day that they're gone. You said they go into "BS" mode - a state of mind that motivates them to start looking for more substantial food, since they simply tire of being hungry.

"Sara" was gone for 8 days when we spoke and we held onto that 11 to 14 day "venture for food BS mode" for hope.

We cut a piece of plywood for the bottom of the humane trap we had been using and experimented with baiting it. We also draped a towel over it and covered that with plastic to shield from the rain and hopefully provide a dark, dry "hidey-hole" for her comfort.

On the 11th night of her disappearance, our anticipation grew.

The next morning, the trap door was closed, indicating something was in there. As I approached it, I expected to see a raccoon, squirrel, or feral cat. I slowly pulled the towel and plastic up to reveal a cat that closely resembled "Sara". She looked up at me in a rather calm manner, as I carefully looked at her to determine if it really was her.

I quickly carried the trap to our home where Susan and I looked her over together and determined it was her - thinner and bonier than when we last saw her. We opened the trap door, she immediately ran into the bedroom and under our bed - her favorite place to hide in our home. It really was her and the elation of our family being completed again because of her return was overwhelming in a most delicious way.

Our sense of appreciation for her and each other has been elevated to a higher level because of this ordeal that turned out so well.

We want to thank you, Jenne, so much for being so gracious with your time to help us through this most trying ordeal. And also for being so very sensitive and empathetic to our situation and wanting to know when "Sara" was ever found. You are truly a rare person in today's society where indifference is usually the normal way to live and relate to others.

Gratefully,

Michael and Susan

* * * * *

Buzz Lightyear

KIM'S INDOOR-ONLY CAT "BUZZ" FOUND AFTER 45 DAYS, MISSING SINCE APRIL 1, 2003.

Buzz had been hiding in his own neighborhood and ON HIS OWN STREET.

"BUZZ IS HOME!!" FOUND MAY 16, 2003

Tonight just before dark I went to set my traps. I placed one at the home of the neighbor where Buzz was spotted last Saturday morning (3rd house on left of this street) and one in the yard where the strays are fed (1st house on the left of this street). I was talking with the lady who feeds the strays when the lady who lives in the middle house (2nd house on the left of this street) called her to say she saw Buzz go in the back yard of the house across the street from both of them. She knew I was still there as I had talked to her just minutes before while she was out working in her yard. I grabbed a can of kitty treats that I had with my stash of supplies and walked to the house where this lady saw Buzz. I looked around and finally spotted him sitting under an evergreen tree in the backyard. He carefully watched me shaking the can of treats and let me get rather close before running to the house next door. I lost sight of him momentarily as it was a little hilly here. When we finally spotted each other again he started meowing and meowing and meowing!! At that moment, I was 100% sure this all black cat was indeed the ever so elusive Buzz who had been missing for 46 days now! We were probably 50 feet away from each other and I was afraid to approach him further for fear he'd run into a wooded area behind this house. I started tossing cats treats to him and then started scattering them closer to me also. He started eating them right away. He was starving! I sat on the ground and continued tossing and scattering the cat treats. He got close enough to me that I could touch him! I picked him up once but he pulled away from me. I threw out more treats. Finally I couldn't stand it any longer and just decided to grab him the best I could and not let go. The lady who feeds the strays went and got her cat carrier while I took Buzz into the garage of the lady who lives next door to her. We shut the garage door. He started purring right away!!!! I'll never forget that purring! He hasn't stopped yet either!

I got Buzz safely in the cat carrier and went to disable the traps. I hope to never have to see one again! Can you believe I actually caught a squirrel in one earlier today? I left one of the traps set at the house of the lady who feeds the strays baited all day today and just kept checking it. He ignored the stuff nearby for raccoons and possums that I would have thought he'd prefer.

I walked in the door with Buzz just before 9pm. My husband looked at the carrier and said, “What is that?” I said, “What do you think!” He was so shocked! The kids were excited also. I opened the carrier in the mudroom with the door closed and only myself in there. I didn't want all of the excitement to stress him out! He went straight for the food and water. Since the return of Buzz he has gone back and forth between us and his food. He also hasn't stopped meowing. He has tried to sleep several times but can't seem to relax or sit still. It seems as though the moment he falls asleep something wakes him up.

Buzz and Cosmo have a lot of making up to do. Right now Cosmo is hiding on top of my kitchen cabinets. They have gotten into it some and my husband remarked that it appears Buzz has picked up something while out on the street. I hope they become best buddies again. Probably with time this will get better.

Buzz is in good shape considering his ordeal. He looks about half his size. He has places in his coat that are thinner. Other than that though he looks great! I am taking him to the vet first thing tomorrow morning just to be sure. Buzz survived 46 days during which it snowed, rained, hail, 50+ mph winds, tornado watches, and several thunderstorms! The temps ranged as low as 15-20 degrees and on warmer days it was in the 80s. Nighttimes averaged in the low to mid 30s.

OUR BUZZ IS HOME !!!!! I can't thank you enough. Without your help it would have never been possible. Thank you so, so very much.

It is late here and I'm going to try to sleep. I'll check back tomorrow. Hope you can make sense out of my ramblings. The important part:Buzz is home!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I still can't believe. I could not have done it without your support, encouragement, and advice. THANK YOU!!!

Kim

* * * * *

Kit & Kat's feral kitten

WE GOT HER! [We] used the droptrap on saturday night (we started at midnight and trapped her at 4 am!). She's reunited with her brother and we'll have her checked by the vet just in case, but she seems fine.

[We're] mailing the camera back. Thanks so much!

Kit

* * * * *

Simba

Subj: Simba was Trapped Last night.
Date: 9/19/2004 3:23:10 PM Eastern Daylight Time
From: "Rick and Beth"
Hi Jenne, I've tried calling you a couple of times today and will call you again either today or tomorrow. I wanted to thank-you for your help in finding our Simba. After I talked with you on Friday, I went to work, and came home at 4:00 in the morning and started to look and call for my cat in my backyard and neighbors backyard. I was outside quite awhile, and there was nothing. Then Sat. afternoon, I went to find a humane trap, they are not easy to find around here, but I tried a feed/garden family run supply that the local pet supplier named but told me they wouldn't have traps. So I stopped in anyways, and the owner showed me two types of traps, and had quite a bit of experience trapping strays - so he really gave good instructions on the trap. We set the trap well hidden underneath our deck and put in our kitty buffet: Tuna, 3 kinds of dry food. He never eats anything other than Fancy Feast and Iams, so I wasn't sure what to try first. I do have quite a few cans of Salmon and Mackerel now, that could go to some good use. I took the Tuna oil and spread it around my deck and made trails from the neighboring yards to our deck. I again went out last night after dark, when it was quite and tried calling him. I thought I heard what sounded to be like claws coming down a tree or wooden fence, right in the next door neighbor's yard. So I went and got my husband and we searched the yard up and down looking in trees, under the deck and in shrubs and bushes. We did not see or hear anything. I was still very upset by then. So at 11:00 p.m. we checked out trap before we went to bed, and of course it was untouched. I went to bed, and couldn't sleep so I decided to get up and spend some time outdoors at 1:00 a.m. I went outside, and started to call him, and I heard these huge meows, under the deck. The meows sounded like Simba, but I wasn't sure. I checked the trap and it was our Simba, who started to continuously meow, as I brought the locked trap inside the house. I woke everyone up in the house, and we released Simba together. Simba had lost quite a bit of weight, and was very dehydrated, in only 4 nights outside. He was ecstatic to see us, he started eating and drinking right away. He tried to clean himself for several hours last night, but his mouth was dry and you could here it smack. He slept on us, as usual finally, but seemed like he was having nightmares all night. He is quite tired today, and has already begged to go back outside - which we won't let him. I can't tell you how happy our family is, my two boys are like different people. My husband is very happy, and initially skeptical about the trapping. You have saved a part of our family, and I wish I could really express how much that means to us. I gave out your name to another couple that posted for a lost cat at the feed store where I rented the cage. I hope he calls you. I'm still concerned about prevention at this point and would like some advice. I will be taking Simba to the Vet's tomorrow, and having him microchipped. I'm very grateful that he was not microchipped now, as that would have given me a false sense of security, and I may never have surfed the web looking for bloodhounds when I ran across the missing pet site and found your name. Now I realize the limitations of microchips and collars and tags. I did read about the remote locater collar and the GPS system that is supposed to be developed soon. As of today, my cat still wants to go outside, so I realize that he could run out and hide again. What do you recommend ??? Thank-you again. I will call you. We are so very happy with our cat now home in the house.

Beth

* * * * *

Simon

Jenne,

 

Simon came home last night.  Thank the Lord.  I went outside again when my neighborhood got quiet and softly called.  This went on for about 1 hour.  I went inside very discouraged and crying.  The next thing you know my boyfriend was running into our room with Simon in his arms.

I cried harder of course but it was wonderful to hold him again.  He ate a whole can of food, some dry and drank about a gallon of water.

I just wanted to tell you how much I appreciate your advice and will remember about you heaven forbid this ever happens again.  I will also tell my clients about you.  Thank you also for not telling me I was overreacting or crazy, that meant a lot.  I am a licensed vet tech and just wanted to let you know if you needed anything or any medical advice regarding one of your animals I would be happy to help or ask one of my vet's. 

Thanks again,

Kathryn

* * * * *

Chauncey

Jenne,

I want to let you know that Chauncey is home safe and sound.  I got him back on Monday night. I went to the park in our subdivision around 9pm to chain the trap down. The boy next door I brought along spotted him near the water drainage area where the gentleman that called said he was.  He ran down to the hole, which was about 30-40 inches around built on the side wall of the park near the street. He stayed on the outside, I sent my neighbor to the car to get the trap to entice him with food.  I called his name, he cried. I crawled slowly toward him over a period of time, he moved forward.  I told my neighbor to stay by the car.  When Chauncey got in arms reach I grabbed him, he struggled a tiny bit. He was purring away.  He ate right when he got home. He lost a little weight and was dirty, but no injuries.  He got a bath the next day and his collar went on
right away.  When I let him out to go to the bathroom, he ran over to the gate to our backyard, I told him not to get any ideas.

He is happy to be home and we are even happier.
He traveled almost three blocks. I was surprised he went that far. I had big signs (realtor signs) I had bought from a sign shop that I wrote on throughout the subdivision. Thank God for that man, he said he saw him there last week as well, he saw my sign and called.  Chauncey he said was laying on the sidewalk at 5am practically next to the sign that was in the ground.  What senses of humor they have. 

Thank you very much for your help, you calmed my nerves, gave me great information. 

I want to help others with this information as well.  With my Siamese I lost a few years ago, I may have found her knowing what I know now. I felt sadness that night too wondering what happened to her and how I let her down and myself down.  Thank God for Chauncey's return, so many people were praying for him, prayers were certainly answered.

Thank you again,
Lynn

* * * * *

Tux

He's back !!!!!!

After 23 days in the wild, Tux came home this morning at 7:25 am!  Just strolled into the carport and yowled until Toni opened the door and scooped him up.

He is skinny.....all his bones are showing.  His coat has lost all its glossiness and is very dull.  There are brown patches where he's been exposed to lots of sunlight.  His eyes are clear, there aren't any signs of injury or scabs, and he's eating like a horse.

Mattie keeps hissing at him because he smells so foreign.  Right now he's sound asleep on my bed, in his usual place, after consuming a couple cans of cat food, and a can of chicken. He's purring away, and clearly happy to back with his family.

Thanks for keeping him alive and safe in your thoughts.  I know that it helped bring him home.  I can't remember the last time I was this deliriously overjoyed!!!  I have my baby back...

Love,

Julie

* * * * *

Subject: I found another cat!
Date: Thu, 24 Jun 2004 03:24:20
From: <Jenne4772@aol.com>

I found another cat! A lady who called me last week (who got my number from Kat's gorgeous site) had a cat escape from a carrier at the vet. She was positive that she would never see her again. I didn't do a full profile -- but I told her exactly what to do, and tonight she called -- she has her cat in her arms! WOO HOO!!!! What an enormous GIFT that is! Every time it happens -- that feeling never gets old; it's like I've witnessed a miracle – and it lingers in the air with tastes, smells, and sounds from places of paradise.

(Okay, that was cheesy.)

LAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAA!!!!!!!!

Subject: I found another cat!
Date: 6/23/2004 10:53:46 PM Central Daylight Time
From: Echele

Gimme a "J"! Gimme an "E"! Gimme an "N"! Another! Gimme an "E"!

GO Jenne, go Jenne.... Go! Go! Go!

You go girl!!!!!!!

I know what you mean about how it feels... We absorb so much pain; it is a well deserved triumph to feel somehow like we've contributed to bringing a baby home. I'm really happy for you -- especially after the hard-working day you've had. These kinds of things should erase any doubts that you might have about what you are doing. (I'm not sure that you have any at all, but I know you are carrying a great burden about how to go about certain aspects.)

Sleep well, and dream about purring torties in diamonds...

Echele

Dashing Man

During the time I was hunting Katka with more traps than Steve Erwin laid out when he went after Agro, I got to know about 20 different cats (and one extremely well-behaved possum) quite well. These cats would enter my traps, dine on great slabs of the tastiest boneless fish, drink from paper cups of water, and settle down on a cushioned towel (humane traps have extremely uncomfortable wire bottoms). The traps were draped with several towels and sometimes a garbage bag or two to ward off the worst winter San Antonio had ever seen. Even the most feral of them didn't seem to hold a grudge -- in fact, I began having problems with several Repeat Offenders.

There was one in particular who stood out. I had gotten used to seeing his body slinking around. He was very dashing, and he was hard to miss. His position was at the top of the totem pole in the stray and feral cat colony. I trapped him three times.

One night I left my apartment and saw him waiting patiently on the landing. He had decided to get the choicest fish by lying in wait at the source. I had explained to the strays many times that I didn't want to know them.

No matter how handsome this intelligent and tenacious kitty was, I didn't want to get involved with him, either.

He did not see my point of view -- or if he did, he chose to completely ignore it.

DASHING MAN (March 2003)

My first task was to find out where he came from: if he was a lost pet, I had to find his owner and return him. I knew this was not a feral cat. A cat who followed me willingly must have known humans sometime in his past. But now he was so frightened and skittish that he ran at any unexpected noise. This picture (above) is his first, and after I took it he dashed off and wouldn't come back until I hid the camera.

I sent this photo to the city shelters and the Humane Society. No one even gave it a second glance. I found him a red collar with a tag on it bearing the question "Does anyone own this nice kitty?" and my number. No one called. I interviewed all my neighbors, and I found that he had been a fixture lounging in the parking lots for over two winters.

I knew then that if he had ever been owned, he had been lost or left, and his owners had long since stopped looking for him.

Meanwhile, he had become more enthusiastic about being in my life: imagine facing this every time you come home:

And it didn't take long until I came home to this:

From: "Jenne"
Date: Wednesday, March 19, 2003 9:59 am

I have another small problem -- one of the strays has decided to adopt me. He keeps showing up on my doorstep when it's feeding time for the buffet. What am I going to do?

Reply: From: "Kat Albrecht"

GUESS!!! (suckerrrrrrr)

kat & dogs

DASHING, KEPT MAN (June 2004)

After 9 years of scrounging a living in parking lots, one very dashing kitty finally found his retirement plan: and he made it home.

May 25, 2003

"...I am feeling very used on the home front -- this evening when I went out to feed Dashing, I saw THREE kitties out there. Some stray is recruiting, and I am SO not happy about it. Tilda and Katka stand in front of the door and just stare as if they can see right through it. They're furious with me.

Well, I'm tired of it! Enough is enough! I have too many cats already, and they're taking advantage of me! I'll bet they're off snickering about me in the kitty locker room. Not anymore! It's going to be jenne, tough and in control, no more wussy chick handing out kitty chow right and left! I'm going to show them who the boss around here really is!

Wait, I think I hear Dashing calling me. He probably wants a midnight snack. Back in a second..."

Jenne Mundy