I've been putting off posting about this, but I'm afraid I have some sad news about George. George has been MIA for almost 24 hours. We're not giving up yet, but we are afraid a predator might have nabbed him. With the weather so warm and nice, he's been impossible to get inside at night. On the other hand, he's also been very cautious and he's stayed right up next to the house when he's out. Because he's been so cautious, we haven't been forcing the issue.
He was around all last evening, but when we went inside at nightfall, he refused to come inside. We called him when we went to bed, and still no George. Generally, he comes in sometime around midnight (he has a kitty door). But last night, he didn't come in. We've looked all over the property for him, calling him, and checking the trees. We've opened every closet, storage area, garage, greenhouse, pump house, pole barn, trailer, every possible door we could think of just in case he's trapped somewhere. Mike has ridden down in the woods on the ATV, and he's ridden around to the back of our closest neighbor's property. Nothing. No George. Not a whisker. No remains.
George's health has been failing for months, and we've been preparing ourselves to lose him. We've talked about whether, if, and when to put him down. I say this to acknowledge that we've been saying our good-byes to George for a while now. His skin looks bad. He seems uncomfortable and itchy much of the time. His fur has lost its luster, and his eyes have seemed dull. Still, we didn't expect to lose him this way, and it saddens me to think of such an awful end to his life. He's been a great cat, a good companion and friend. We've had many cats, and George has been one of the smartest and most personable among them.
We haven't given up hope that he might still turn up. Stranger things have happened with our cats. As the day drags on with no sign of him, however, it's getting hard to deny that the worst may have happened. I will, of course, post immediately if he turns up.
39 comments:
:(
I hope he turns up.
I hope he turns up so you know. My dad's one cat who was only 2 dissapeared and it still pains him. We had a cat Stormy who disappeared off and on at the end(she was about 17) until we realized she had gone blind and a little death and kept her in. George may have preferred to go off and crawl under a favorite bush. Our cat Boots did that. Ill keep you in y prayers because I know how hard it is. My cat Kalli just meowed at the picture of George on the computer and tapped it with her paw. She is praying too.
I hope he turns up so you know. My dad's one cat who was only 2 dissapeared and it still pains him. We had a cat Stormy who disappeared off and on at the end(she was about 17) until we realized she had gone blind and a little death and kept her in. George may have preferred to go off and crawl under a favorite bush. Our cat Boots did that. Ill keep you in y prayers because I know how hard it is. My cat Kalli just meowed at the picture of George on the computer and tapped it with her paw. She is praying too.
Poor George. I hope you are found.
I am so sorry, I hope he comes home soon. I remember last year during after a real bad snow storm, I had workers in the house and they let my Louie out (he is a indoors cat). I looked and looked and since I live in a rowhouse, I asked my neighbors. He turned up 3 weeks later, found by a neighbors grandson under the house. Keep the faith that George will come home.
Oh Barbara, I'm so sorry to hear about George. I'll pray that he returns to you. If his time was near, he may have gone off to be alone. I hope that you get some answers. Praying for you and for George. I had an orange George many years ago!
Oh poor George!!! I pray that if he is still with us he will find his way home and put your minds at rest. If he is not, then he is in a better place and you will see him again someday. I pray for your comfort and peace my friend!
My Smokey was gone for more than 48 hours the 2nd time we let him go out at our new house. I thought he was gone, also. We live on a very busy county road. But he turned up, and like George, is impossible to keep in when it is warm enough out. I pray he turns up!
My heart breaks with you. I know what it's like to have a cat disappear on you...
I had a cat disappear and never knew what happened to him, I know how hard it is. Maybe George knew it was his time and went somewhere to die by himself? If something scared him at night, he could be hiding and afraid to come out. Not knowing can be the hardest.
Debbie
Oh Barbara, I'm so sorry. I hope and pray he returns to you. But like others have noted, it's not unusual for a cat to prefer to be by himself if it's his time. I really hope that's not the case and that you have the opportunity to hug him again. :)
Oh, no. :( I would be frantic with worry and dread. I'm so sorry, Barbara. I sure hope he does mosey back home. {{{}}}
I am praying for George and for you. Whatever is best for him is what I hope for. It's hard to say goodbye, especially if you don't know for sure. Keep your chin up.
Oh Barbara, so sad! If he didn't feel well and knew his time has come, perhaps he has found his place where he wants to be alone... Cats are like that... I do hope he returns to you, the worst is not to know what has happened to him. I had a cat more than 20 years ago that suddenly disappeared... I'm still thinking of him and what happened to him... Now we have a cat and two dogs. Our cat is almost blind now and the vet says there's nothing to do... Breaks my heart...
I'm sorry to read that, but don't loose your faith, maybe someone took him, or he's somewhere trying to survive, I know how are you feeling, but they're strong and smart animals, think that way, I'll be praying you can find him soon, hope all works well for all of you
Oh how awful for you. I hope you find him soon.
Why is it that a cat I have never met, will never meet and only know through your blog has come to mean so much to me. I am so sorry that he is missing and I am truly hoping that he turns up so that you are able to say goodbye on your terms to this wonderful cat.
Keep your spirits up and I am praying that there is a new post soon to say he has sauntered into the kitchen and is wondering what all the fuss is when all he wants is his dinner!
Hugs.
I hope George turns up. You guys have been great cat parents and given him all the love and best care he could possibly have. I'm sure he knows he is loved.
Big Quilty Hug.
SewCalGal
www.sewcalgal.blogspot.com
I hope George shows up soon
I'm so sorry Barbara. I'm praying that George returns to you. Charlie insists on going outside during the day, but we always bring him in at night. One night we searched all over and finally gave up, but couldn't sleep well. He finally came to the bedroom deck door at 5:30 A.M., and we were so glad to see him! We found out later that he can get into the barn, and that's probably where he was, so now when we can't find him, we look there. We've had Tabby for six years, and she's now eleven years old. I think she's going through menopause or something, because she never had a desire to go outside until a couple of weeks ago. So strange. She has to come in at night, too. We don't have a cat door because we would have racoons, skunks, bobcats, mice, etc., etc. in the house if we did. Cats can really hide well. I keep telling Ray I think Charlie can teleport himself, because he will be nowhere to be found, and magically the next minute is right in front of you. Please, George, return home. Sharon - ssauser@dishmail.net
Well well, that's a sad event no matter how old or sick the animal. May he have a safe trip across Rainbow Bridge and let your good memories sustain you.
Then again, he may turn up again for another rub behind the ears. My heart goes out to you, Barb and Mike.
Hoping that you find him soon.
Nothing beats kitty love! I hope your little guy is safe and shows up. I live in th country and have lost cats too. It's heartbreaking. Hugs to you both.
Nothing beats kitty love! I hope your little guy is safe and shows up. I live in th country and have lost cats too. It's heartbreaking. Hugs to you both.
I'm so sorry for your sadness, and I hope that it turns to happiness, because George shows up and meows to be let in....this tugs on my heart. I know when Moses doesn't show up when he is supposed to, I get so worried about the coyotes and such.
I have my fingers crossed and I'm praying he is OK.
Hugs.
Sorry to hear about George. I sometimes wonder if they just go away on their own when they realize the end is near.
I am so sorry to hear that George is missing. I am hoping that he turns up. It is so hard to lose a pet.
Oh no! I am so sorry for you. :( I feel like I've gotten to know George through your blogs, and am feeling quite upset myself, so I can only imagine what you must be going through. Keeping you all in my prayers.
Oh I sure hope George comes home safe and sound. I just lost my Ginger girl, and I know how it just hurts so. I will pray for his safe return.
Oh Barbara, I'm so sorry that George is missing. I only know him from your posts, but I feel like I do know him. I can't imagine how crazy I would be if one of my pets were lost. I pray that he shows up and for you to be at peace if he doesn't. Some old cats prefer to go out on their own at the end. My Dad's cat is also missing - for a week now. One of his others was missing for 3 days, then returned. Hang in there.
Please come home, George. Hugs.
Lamento ,lamento Barbara.Mis cariños para usted y para George donde quiera que este.
Oh no! I am really really hoping for your sake that he's just gone walkabout and will turn up, right as rain very soon.
I don't even know what to say, I've been kind of expecting a post like this, but not like this. My heart is breaking for all of you. I'm going to go cuddle with my babies.
I love you George and hope you are safe! Hugs to you Barbara and Mike, and snuggles to Gracie.
A cat who lived with us for over 10 years, towards the end, she would disappear often in the dead of winter returning after weeks at a time. We worried the first couple of times. Then we figured she had a second family. She always came back done the worse for wear. Cats are not owned. They have their own plans.
I just read the sad news about George. My heart breaks for you and can only imagine the sadness you are feeling. Reading about George's antics have always made me smile.
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