Boots-o-rama
I woke this morning at 4:00 to the furious growls and barks of my pit bull, Bruno. His thrashing against our metal gate grew move violent, then he bolted through the dog door and began growling and barking at the front door. I knew there must have been something going on, so I peered through the shutters to see the slinky form of a coyote, ears erect, he stretched across the lawn.
Then, I saw some commotion across the street. Another, larger coyote was framed in the vee of our two palm trees; his silhouette illuminated by a landscape light was black against the light stucco of the house across the street.
The image was captivating. I could tell he was eating something that looked like a large rabbit. I went for my camera to take some photos of this National-Geographic-in-Suburbia moment. But, my camera flashed against the window and all I took were two reflections of my own knuckles before the batter died and the camera refused to snap.
Meanwhile, my dogs were whimpering and whining at the beasts outside. And since I was vertical, the mews from the feline side of the family grew more and more insistent.
I realized then, that the yowling for treats wasn’t the usual stereo of both cats. Bocce was doing enough begging for both of them. But Bootsie wasn’t there.
I looked all over and whistled for my Bootsie. She’d been trained to run toward me as soon she hears the William Tell Overture. And she’ never missed a treat since she was born in my closet in a box full of purses and shoes. That was 15 years ago. Poor Bootsie will probably not be coming back. I’m broken hearted. I think I witnessed my own kitty being devoured and the images keep flashing in my mind.
At daylight, there was no trace of her, not even her collar. I don’t think coyotes would eat her collar, but it’s now 12 hours later and temperatures reached over 110 today. Bootsie hasn’t come home.
She’s slept at the foot of my bed every night. I’m so sad that she will probably not be there, purring gently against my legs. But, I do find some comfort in thinking that she probably went quickly, and she had 15 years of leisure and love. She was the best.
It’s going to be a long time before I stop hoping against hope that she comes home.
Julie said,
September 4, 2010 at 7:05 pm
Oh, Maria, I am so, so sorry. Sadly, I can relate. I don’t know if you recall a couple years back when our MoJo disappeared one night without a trace. We had several coyotes lurking around our house then, but we never imagined that our sweet, innocent cat could fall victim to one of them. We’re not entirely certain that was his fate, and we never gave up hope that he would return, but eventually we just had to accept the reality of the situation. We remembered the good times. MoJo spent 9 glorious years with us, and he was at least 2 when he found us. We loved him and nurtured him and gave him a wonderful life. That’s what you hold onto. *BIG HUGS* I’m here to talk if you need to.
mariadeangelis said,
September 12, 2010 at 10:18 pm
Thank you, Spooly for you kind thoughts. I remember you telling me about Mojo and how she had disappeared. That is very sad. Thanks so much for the hug, I’m taking it, right now. Can you feel it? ~Mwah!
Margaret said,
September 4, 2010 at 7:30 pm
I’m going to think good thoughts about Bootsie. Perhaps she’s just on the prowl. Maybe Bootsie is getting a little booty.
I refuse to think the worst. Positivity, baby!
*hugs Maria hard*
mariadeangelis said,
September 12, 2010 at 10:19 pm
Awww, Mags! Thanks so much for this hug and for all you do! Yes, maybe Bootsie is in kitty heaven, playing with a big ball of yarn! ~Mwah!
Lori said,
September 4, 2010 at 11:13 pm
OMG! I hope that wasn’t your beloved kitty being munched on by the coyote! I hope she comes back to you. I’d be devastated if something happened to my dog, Mickey. He’ll be 15 next month. I know how it is to get attached to a beloved pet since puppy/kittenhood. I’ll keep my fingers crossed that Bootsie comes home. Maybe the coyote scared her off and she’s chillin’ out somewhere. Big hugs to you.
mariadeangelis said,
September 12, 2010 at 10:23 pm
Lori! Thanks for your kind wishes, but alas, Bootsie is gone
. The only thing I can say is I’m not worried about her. She had a long life of love and kitty treats. I will miss her. Thanks for your kind words of friendship!
Love,
Maria
Lorraine Nelson said,
September 5, 2010 at 4:28 am
So sad that Bootsie disappeared. Both my cats disappeared last summer within a week of each other. Neither one came back. We have lots of coyotes here as well as a hawk and an eagle. I know how hard it is to lose a pet but hang in there. Hugs, Maria. Thinking of you.
mariadeangelis said,
September 12, 2010 at 10:19 pm
Hi Lorraine! Thanks so much for the kind thought and your sympathies. I feel your hug!
MichellekCanada said,
September 5, 2010 at 5:35 pm
Oh Maria I am so sorry. *HUGS HARD!*
mariadeangelis said,
September 12, 2010 at 10:20 pm
Yay, a Canadian hug! ( the third one in this blog alone. I feel so cozy, eh.) Thanks! I needed it!
christine said,
September 5, 2010 at 11:36 pm
I’m so sorry Maria ((hugs)).
I’m thinking of Bootise and sending good thought to you.
mariadeangelis said,
September 12, 2010 at 10:24 pm
Hey Chants, you know what would cheer me up? If you flashed me. Just a little, though.
Thanks for the hugs!
christine said,
September 17, 2010 at 10:21 pm
I’m here for you.
*lifts shirt a little*