One of my answered prayers that I'm still giving thanks for concerns our cat, Xena.

A few months ago, she took the opportunity to slip out of the house one night when, shadow that she is, she could do so unnoticed. She was gone four days.

We couldn't sense her anywhere and were tremendously upset by the thought that coyotes or other animals might kill her - or that she might be cowering somewhere, hungry and afraid.

We prayed, and we got friends to pray. We alerted the humane society and the pet control people. In addition, I began visualizing her return. Sometimes I'd see her walk through the open door; other times I'd see her walking up the driveway.

On the fourth day, I was sitting here at my desk, updating my "Where's my cat??" thread on a forum I frequent, when a movement (outside) caught my eye. (As a backyard birder, ALL movements outside catch my eye, from birds on the ground, to birds in the evergreen tree or hedge.)

It took me a minute to realize it was Xena, crossing the drive in front of Deb's van. "XENA!" I shrieked like a madwoman - loudly enough that she stopped and turned, looking at the window. Deb dashed outside, but Xena had already scooted under the front step.

After a bit of calming and cooing, Xena sauntered through the door, back where she belonged at last. We were overjoyed to have our sweet furbaby home again.

Even though it was a while ago, I still find myself giving her a bit of a squeeze now and then, thanking her for returning home.

By the way, that visualizing the homecoming technique is one I've recommended to several other friends who've had pets go missing or get out of the house. So far, it has been effective every time!

_________________
Never say never.