Do You Always Feel Like There's Something Undone, I keep wondering what else I can do Options

[5catsmom]

In the midst of all the excitement of graduation, unfortunately one of my in-laws accidentally left a door open and our Shadow cat got out. It's odd, because she's usually not the door bolter, that would be Bear, and he's easy to find, he hangs around. The only way I even know Shadow isn't in the house is that my neighbor saw her - we've recently had her (the cat,not the neighbor) shaved except for her tail, face and legs.

That was 6 days ago, and nothing yet, although we've searched, filed reports, visited shelters, asked neighbors. I'm calling the Post Office tomorrow to see if it's legal to put a flyer in all our neighbors' mailboxes, and maybe get some tips that way.

Is it always like this? I've lost pets before to death, and received incredible support here, but this is different somehow. The not knowing, the constant ache in my heart, the non-stop distraction - how do I do it? Does anyone have any words of advice? I'm not sleeping, not eating real well, I'm nauseaus and irritable and always feeling like I'm passing a chance by (maybe we should have gone down that street instead of this one). I know my family and friends are concerned and praying for me that Shadow comes home, and I know I have to have faith. I'm trying, I really am. If anyone can share any wisdom on how they persevered through this I would really appreciate it. Sometimes I feel like a glass that's about to shatter, and that's scary. Thanks - Barb

[5catsmom]

Well, no, actually, Shadow isn't back yet, but as each day comes around I have renewed hope that a new day will bring her back. My friends, and most of my family, keep me going, and kind words from them can bring tears to my eyes, and I thank you so much. Many people have told me they feel she's close by, so I'm concentrating my leafleting and neighbor-knocking to this area.

I'm hoping that Shadow has been taken in temporarily. I say temporarily because quite frankly, while Shadow is a pretty cat, and has such a character, she's not really a lapcat, and one of her charms - to us, anyway - is that she hasn't got the usual charm people expect in most cats. We expect she'll be either put back out or escape again if she's been taken in by someone. Meanwhile, we'll just soldier on, and do what we can.

Thank you all, for your support and the strength you offer. It does help, more than you can know. I have good days and bad, good times and bad, but the words from my support system, including you all here at LS, is invaluable. Bless you all - Barb