Leo - Day Three (and a half)

I never thought my heart could be so heavy - and I never thought I could be this numb - numb enough to have picked up another dead cat in the road this morning - on Pennsylvania and Fourth - and not feel much emotion.  I laid the poor, red colored, emaciated body - which I wrapped in a soft towel - in some bushes, so that it would not be hit over and over.  What ever scumbag did this and drove off will be judged for it in the end.  I have no doubt.

Before I get to Leo, Fern, the female kitty I 'rescued' Sunday morning from Ferndale and Webster, and brought to the barn in Caledonia who then escaped from the cage I placed her in to get acclimated for a week in along with another female, Sally from Second Street, has been found.  I was sick over this the entire day of Sunday, and this kind man Denny called me and e-mailed me saying that she was safe and sound.  I don't think they will place her back in the cage, thinking that she will now stick around as she knows where the food is.  I wish I could convince him to keep her safe in the cage for now, but I can't control that situation.  I have to have faith.



LEO (left)


Faith is not with me as I deal with the Leo saga.  I feel overwhelming guilt for giving him away on Saturday.  Not knowing how frightened he would be.  I went to this kind man's home last night after work to see if I could coax Leo out of the fiberglass heating duct that he was last spotted in, but to no avail.  "Mike" called a family friend who is in the heating/cooling business, and he kindly came over and they spent the next hour or so downstairs in the basement while I waited patiently for any word outside.  It was like my child was stuck in a well, or in a mine.  I prayed over and over.  Finally, theyh came out to tell me that he had gotten into the part that they hoped he wouldn't, Mike thought he had sealed it off so that he couldn't get further into it, but he was there, alive - and seen - but he wouldn't come out.  They unscrewed the heat registers to a room which would be his only exit, and I set a trap, left there, and here it is, 12 hours later, and still no word.  He hasn't had a bite to eat since Saturday morning when I fed him just before he left.  I am just heartsick.  If anyone knows anyone in that business, and would be willing to come over and try to figure out how to get Leo out, and do it pro bono - I would be forever grateful.  In the meantime, please say a prayer for Leo.

On another sad note, Penny - the pregnant cat my mother took in earlier this summer - who delivered three babies, two that died, and Katie, survived, is gone.  My mother let her out with her collar and bell in the morning - Penny always stayed right there at the house - and never returned.  The neighbors heard an awful noise around that time out back.  Penny has been like clockwork coming home, and its now two days.  She is gone.  My mother is convinced.

Laura is out again trying to get Neck Wound Kitty - Nicky - and I did not see little Red this morning - with his injured paw.  I was ready to get him, but no sign.

And to get all the cards out on table, I am going to be making an appointment to have Cinnamon put to sleep today.  She has stopped eating the little she was, and is now vomiting up what she does.  She is nothing but skin covered bones, and she is suffering.  My little girl (who really is a boy).  I've loved her for 16 years now - her brother Sugar will be waiting for her. 

I apologize for all this sadness.  This blog is sort of a personal diary, and this is sort of cathartic for me.  I find it hard to discuss my sorrow with others, so I write it out..  Thanks for reading!