My Gus Is Missing

My Gus has been missing for three weeks now and I'm losing hope of ever seeing him again.

Gus entered my life about a year ago as a stray kitten that hung around our house. He's a grey tabby and white cat with a white spot in the middle of his back, very similar to a grey and white cat I had as a child. I felt an instant bond with him. Partially because of his resemblence to my childhood cat, but also because I was in the midst of my grief for having to put my beloved 14-year-old golden retriever to sleep--she caught a respiratory infection that grew worse despite the best veterinary care. So Gus gave me something to focus and help me through my grief. It took a month or so before Gus trusted us enough to touch him, but once we gained his trust, he was a loyal and much loved family pet.

We have 9 other cats (all spayed and neutered) ranging in age from 2 to 12 (a lot of strays find their way to our house), but I had a special bond with Gus. It seems that everytime I have this type of bond with a cat, they leave my life too soon. I even told Gus that my love for him may end up being his downfall. I just wasn't expecting it to happen this soon.

Gus was an indoor/outdoor cat and I'm well aware that my heartache over his disappearance is the price I pay for allowing him his outdoor freedom. Even though he was an indoor/outdoor cat, once he adopted us, he never ventured away from our property. He never even ventured across the street. He never missed his meals and always slept indoors at night. I let him out the morning of July 11 and that was the last we saw of him.

We've put up posters throughout the neighborhood, at the local veterinary offices, and at local pet supply stores. We've knocked on doors and handed flyers to neighbors, put ads in the local papers, visited the local animal shelters, and still no Gus, not even a sighting. We've walked around the neighborhood at different times of the day calling his name.

Every morning after my shower, Gus would greet me at the bathroom door to cuddle and play. The mornings are probably the most difficult for me because that was our special time together.

I miss Gus terribly and the grief is overwhelming. Just a year ago, I was grieving for Comet, my golden retriever. Now I'm grieving for Gus.

For everyone else whose beloved pet is missing, I feel your pain and I hope you're reunited with you're missing loved one soon.

Cathy