Two Cats: One Lost, One Found

To the Editor:

Two weeks ago, my beloved cat Rascal vanished in thin air.

He had been with me for over eight years, after I found him on the side of the road, a minuscule kitten with his eyes still closed. He grew into a large cat, an affectionate, intelligent, and adventurous companion who accompanied me on walks in the woods and waited at the window for my return from work, faithfully watching the driveway.

After looking for him everywhere, last week I placed an ad in The Newtown Bee with a picture and description, hoping that he had not become dinner for the coyotes, but rather that someone saw him around and would call me.

Last Saturday, February 26, I received a call from a young woman, an employee of the Inn at Newtown, alerting me that she and other coworkers had seen my cat in the parking lot, that he was very friendly, but looked lost and hungry.

I immediately went to the restaurant, but the cat was no longer to be found, so I spoke with the manager and other workers there who assured me that if they saw that cat again, they would keep him in the office and call me no matter what the time was.

The call came at 10:30 pm on the same night.

I rushed out of the house so quickly that I realized only later that I was still wearing my slippers. When I walked into the restaurant’s office, the entire staff was assembled in the room, with grins on their faces, the chef in his whites, busboys with their aprons on, waitresses in uniform, everyone looking forward to witness the happy reunion.

Unfortunately, that cat was not my Rascal, although very similar.

In fact it was a young and skinny female kitten, badly in need of a good home.

Soon as I walked into that room, a man placed the kitten in my arm with a great smile, everyone so sure that it was my cat. I just did not have the heart to leave this cat behind, feeling that I had somehow spoiled these kind people’s expectations of a happy ending.

Also, a cat does not belong, hungry and abandoned, in the busy parking lot of a restaurant.

Even though the staff at the Inn were quite sad at the turn of events, they were relieved that I took the kitten with me to give her a home.

With the help of the Spay and Neuter Society of Newtown, I have already arranged for all her necessary shots and spaying. I named her Blanca.

However, I already have a number of cats and a large dog at home, all of them ganging up against the newcomer.

My hope is that, after reading the story of one cat lost and another found, perhaps someone would wish to adopt this little tiger kitten, who is playful and pretty, and wants to be loved. I also would like to thank the entire staff at the Inn at Newtown for their kindness and warm hearts.

Not only do they offer good food and hospitality there, but they also employ truly nice people.

To adopt Blanca, please call me at 426-3612 or the Animal Center at 203-313-4814 or email info@theanimalcenter.org.

Christina Kennedy

Mt Nebo Road, Newtown                                         February 28, 2005