Cat missing for 18 months returns to owner
Published: April 5, 2006
When the carrier door popped open and Allie Sue bolted out, Pat Belcher feared she’d never see her cat again. Almost two years and at least one miracle later, Belcher’s fears were ended.
Allie Sue was found in 2001 by Belcher’s grandson after she wandered up to Belcher’s east Denison home. The coal black cat, though small in size, carried a big heart.
“In 2002, Allie had two babies on Easter Sunday,” said Belcher. “She was the best little mother. One of the kittens continued to nurse her up until he was her size. She just wouldn’t wean him.”
Being an outdoor-indoor cat, Allie Sue was given regular shots at a veterinarian’s office in Durant, Okla. It was one of these trips to the vet’s office that ended in Allie’s escape.
“We were coming out of the vet’s office. My grandson was carrying the carrier with Allie and I was carrying Eddy (the family’s schnauzer and Allie’s best buddy). The door to Allie’s cage somehow came unlatched and she jumped out. We looked and looked and put ads in the newspaper, but no one had seen Allie,” said Belcher. “I figured she was dead … and her baby nearly grieved himself to death. He cried and cried and cried.”
That was in the fall of 2004.
Two weeks ago, Belcher’s phone rang. On the other end was the friendly voice of a woman named Tera, asking if Belcher had lost a cat named Allie. According to the Good Samaritan, Allie had been living in a creek behind a Durant restaurant and club near the vet’s office. Eventually, the woman, who worked at the restaurant, and her co-workers coaxed the little, black cat to them by feeding her. Thanks to Allie’s rabies tag, they were able to contact the veterinarian who identified Allie’s owner.
“When Tera called, I was excited. I couldn’t believe it. It was a miracle,” said Belcher. “All I could say was ‘Oh, thank you, Lord! It’s a wonder some wild animal hadn’t gotten her.”
Back home, safe and sound, Allie now has no desire to see the outside world. Her attitude towards her human friends has changed as well.
“Allie’s more affectionate now and she won’t go out,” said Belcher. “And my husband, who has never wanted a cat in the house, hasn’t said a word about her staying inside. After what she went through, she deserves it.”
Though Eddy had gotten somewhat used to being the only four-legged kid, it wasn’t long before he and Allie renewed their playful friendship, Belcher said. Allie’s adult son, however, hasn’t yet forgiven his mother for her long absence.
“Allie is a survivor,” said Belcher, holding the prodigal cat close. “She’s a tough little girl!”
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