Baby is a Survivor... and now part Feral Cat

Last night I let the dogs out for a potty break and Baby ran off, she usually comes right back or goes next door where she can easily be found, but not this time. I think she may have been scared off by our neighbors illegal (but beautiful) firework display. Me, Nate, Jen and Lex stayed out combing the neighborhood until midnight looking for her, I can't even describe the feeling of dread I had all night long, checking the porch at every little sound hoping she had returned. Luckily Liv had fallen asleep before she ran off but it was heartbreaking to see Lex go to bed in tears.

We were back out searching at 4am, Nate in the car and me and Jen on foot. I came back at 7 to find Liv awake and delivered the news. Initially she took it in stride but a few minutes later was in tears and sick to her stomach with worry. I don't know what felt worse, seeing my kids so upset or feeling so scared that I would never see that sweet little furry face again. Liv insisted on going out with Nate when he got back to look again and I decided I was going to hit all the gas stations, grocery stores and Vets in the area and post flyer's of our lost Baby. As Jen and I got ready to leave, we were both just sure she was gone for good, Nate called to say that he and Liv had found her!

She was about 3 miles away in a neighborhood that I have never walked her through, I don't know if she would have ever found her way home. She was muddy, wet and shaking in the front yard of a house. Nate said he had to open and close his eyes a few times because he couldn't believe he was really seeing her. Liv must have been the good luck charm we needed! I have never been so relieved. She immediately got a bath and wrapped in a blanket to get warm.

Who knows what she did all night... chasing squirrels, birds and bunny's, or maybe running from groundhogs,coons and foxes.... we are just glad she is home!