Dear Reader Column 04-21-09

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Dear Reader,

I finally caught Goldie!

Goldie is a feral male cat who's been showing up at my house every day for over a year now. The two of us have developed a relationship; well, maybe it's actually more of a ritual. Every morning Goldie sits outside on my lounge chair and waits for me to get out of bed. When he hears me shuffling around in the kitchen making coffee, then he comes and sits on my front porch. My feline buddy is expecting the usual: one can of turkey with gravy, one scoop of dry cat food and a fresh bowl of water to wash it all down.

In his own way, Goldie seems very happy to see me, yet he keeps his distance. I already take care of two other outdoor cats that a neighbor abandoned, so the plan has always been to catch Goldie, get him fixed and attend to his medical needs, too. My vet even offered to do the surgery for free, but every single time I've tried to catch Goldie, either the trap failed or Goldie was too smart to even venture in.

Trying to catch Goldie has been extremely frustrating. He's been comfortable enough to walk in my house, if his food was sitting just inside the door, but if I reached out to touch him he'd hiss and run. I've tried several heart-to-heart talks, explaining that I just want to help, and I honestly think he understands I'm not out to hurt him. Because every morning when I open the door and talk to Goldie his eyes say, 'I want you to pet me and love me,' but then he remembers that a family used to love him, and they abandoned him, so he's afraid of trusting again. At least that's my theory. My husband smiles when he hears me talking to Goldie, but who's smiling now--Goldie's out on the front porch captured in the cage and my husband is out there talking to him this very minute.

Yes, I finally caught Goldie, so I can take him to the vet. And when I bring him back home, I hope I can catch his heart.

* For cat lovers, yes there's a photo, go to:  http://www.emailbookclub.com/photo/goldie.html

Thanks for reading with me. It's so good to read with friends.

Suzanne Beecher
Suzanne@DearReader.com
http://www.DearReader.com

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Comments

[Peggy Haukap]

Dear Suzanne,

Goldie is a beautiful cat, and I'm so happy to know you're taking such good care of him. You see, my big, orange, male tabby, Jammie, disappeared from our yard (he's a country cat) about a month ago, and I miss him terribly. Your story gives me hope that someone might also take care of him, if he never manages to find his way home. Thank you for your kindness to animals AND for your book club!

Peggy Haukap

[Jan White]

Suzanne,

I'm touched by your concern over Goldie. It's so good to know that there are people who go the extra mile for abandoned animals. A couple years ago my cat, Bailey, who has always been an indoor cat got out and was gone for 10 days. It was cold and rainy & I worried myself sick about him. I wandered the neighborhood asking if anyone had seen him to no avail. Then one evening I heard a horrid meowing and there he was at my front door. I was so excited! He looked as clean and cared for as always so apparently someone took care of him and I am eternally grateful to that person.

I hope Goldie understands your help and thanks you by allowing you the opportunity to touch him.

Jan White

[anthony shy]

suzanne,
This is such a wonderful thing that you and Goldie are sharing. It really shows us that animals aren't as far away from us as some people think. Cats and dogs both are a gift from this world and they really give as much as we give them... keep enjoying eachother...its very healthy....
anthony