I'm heartbroken to report that the Big Black Kid "took a hike"
and went on an unauthorized Hunting Trip - and hasn't returned.

Yesterday, just after lunch and the Kat Test, I let the
Three Amigos out for an Outie. Lil Bowser went out on the
front porch tether line; C & S romped down by the pond.
In ten minutes all were back on the porch, lookin for treats.

Holding BigKid, I opened the door for C & S to charge in;
Bowzie had "hung up" his tether on the steps and couldn't
reach the door. NUTZ!

I slipped out and un-snarled Bowz and opened the door.
BigHead jammed his head out and caught his shoulder on the
door and jam. *BACK UP*! - He pushed harder.

OK - Stay there - I unsnapped Bowz and reached for the
ring on BigKid's collar - which had rotated up behind his head.
I pushed him back and opened the door enough to find the
collar ring and ALMOST had him *snapped* when his eagle
eyes *spotted* The Kritter near the light pole bush.

It was over in an instant - he *launched* and *charged* -
tearing my grip loose on the collar and almost knocking me
over. By the time I turned around - he was almost at the light
pole on a bounding dead run. He cleared the road in two bounds.

He *lost* his target on other side of the road, but dashed back
and forth on the clear strip at a dead run, staring into the woods.
I *SCREAMED* at him as I ran towards the road ...
but he was into the woods before I got half way to the road.

Long story short - Cinder ( his "better buddie") and I spent HOURS
in the woods and driving around the block last night - calling.
"The Woods" are almost a forrest, with dense brambly undergrowth,
covering several square miles; over a mile deep, and stretching
a mile in both directions from the house. It's half "Public Hunting
Grounds" (State Land) and half owned by the Church of God;
the Church "Camp & Retreat" cleared area is a half mile east of
the house. Just dense woods across from the house
wher BigKid went in.

I brought his bed up from the 'Partment and put it on the porch.
Last night I put his bowl out with some Krunch - the Krunchies *vanished*
sometime between 3 AM and 6:30 AM - but the bed wasn't touched.
I don't think HE came back -
I think / hope he would have <BARKED> to come in.
(He didn't wear the ZAPP! collar when he was UPstairs
with the Gang.) The Krunch prolly went to some lil kritter.

It's been 24 hours since I've seen / heard him.

Please, God, Take Care of the BigKid.
He's a Good Kid ~
Help him find a Loving, FurrEver, Home.

/s/ Phred