Ripley got outside and was lost for about an hour

[jazzcat]

What a heart attack! We forgot that we had left the garage door up a few inches to vent the heat from the car engines and let Ripley go out to his "room" (the garage) tonight. Richard went out to close up everything in the garage when he realized he had let Ripley out there and he was missing. Some how that big boned cat had flattened himself out enough to squeeze under the garage door. We called for him and looked all around the house but couldn't find him. Finally Richard gave up and headed to bed but I said I'd keep looking so he turned on all the flood lights and porch light for me. I looked and called (I'm sure my neighbors are thrilled since it was almost midnight) but couldn't find him. As I was heading back into the garage I turned around and said "goodnight Rip" and I saw two glowing eyes at the end of the house behind the holly bush hedge. He was petrified and it took some coaxing but he finally ran for the garage.

He was drooling like crazy but I think it was from his panic and the heat. He's a little dirty but seems okay. I hope he didn't eat any thing bad or pick up fleas. I'll be keeping an eye on the old man. That was a big adventure for a 15 year old kitty geezer. On top of that the coyotes were out howling a little bit ago. I'm so glad Ripley wasn't a midnight snack!

Oh, and by the way, I'm suffering from severe guilt. Just today I was complaining to someone that we couldn't go on vacation because of all the cats and especially Ripley because of his stress, kidney failure and potty issues.

A picture of the escape artist.

[kt_luvs_kitties]

Oh Lori, THANK GOD he is back inside and safe! I cant imagine the panic you were feeling. It hurts just to read it....

Dont feel guilty, it wasnt anyones fault. And whats better is that he is no worse for the wear!

NOW RIPLEY... DONT do that to your meowmie, I know it LOOKED like a good idea, but I am sure you soon realized how scary it could be all alone!

Please give the old guy a squeeze from me!

[krazyaboutkatz]

Lori, I'm sorry to hear that this happened but I'm so glad that you were able to find hime again and get him inside where it's safe. Hopefully he's learned his lesson and won't try this again. Hearing coyotes howling so close to you sure is scary.

[RICHARD]

At least you are clothed and had your shoes on.

O.K. Ripster, Behave.

No more guilt trips.

P.S. Why are everyone else's adventures so "calm"?

[kt_luvs_kitties]

Because "US" women know better than ever walking out the door fully clothed AND with shoes on

We dont wanna Squash a Slug, or have a neighbor see us "indecent"

[Medusa]

Whew! Close call! Don't feel guilty at all. We need vacations to keep us sane. People first. It wasn't karma at all; it was an accidental overlook. Glad Ripley's ok, the little Houdini.

[Killearn Kitties]

Oh Ripley! Do you not think that you put your mum through enough?!
Naughty boy squeeeeeeezing under the door like that!

[Barbara]

One of the problems is that these indoor kitties really don't feel safe when tehy are outside so they easily panic.
Good that our grand ole catman Ripley is back safe and sound

[jenluckenbach]

POOR RIPLEY! He was probably as terrified as you were!! I'm glad it was only for about an hour and not days or weeks.

[Randi]

Oh Ripley, I'm sure you enjoyed your little outing, but please, don't scare your mommy like that.

Lori, I'm so glad Ripley was just around the house and came in when you called. I don't want to think what could have happened with Coyotes out there.

[Pawla]

I'm glad Ripley is safe. I can't imagine the panic you felt when you realized he was missing. I'm sure glad this incident turned out well.

[catmandu]

Wow! That Was Fast Work By The Pet Angel Search And Rescue Squad And You Can Bet The Porch Angels Are Giving Ripley A Stern Lecture About Running Away From A Great Home And Scaring You So Much.

[jennielynn1970]

It's amazing the smallest spaces the biggest of cats can get into!

I'm glad that Ripley was safe and sound. Hope the drooling was just him being anxious and nothing more. How is the old boy doing tonight?? He just wanted to keep you on your toes, and let you know the old ones can still compete with the youngins'!

[jazzcat]

The old man is doing well. No bad side effects from his little adventure except a bit of attitude. No surprise about that, he cops and attitude over everything.

[Tubby & Peanut's Mom]

Whew! What a scare! I can only imagine your panic and relief once he was back inside.

Ripley, please be nice to your meowmy. She loves and worries about you so much, even if you do try her patience now and then.