1.04.2012

a HORRIBLE experience

Cats and kittens, you will not believe what happened yesterday, I almost lost Kip and Ben!  

At 3:00 I had an appointment at our vet for Kip.  He has been having some ongoing trouble with diarrhea and I was taking him in for a recheck.  I took Ben also because he's been looking a little thin lately and I wanted to have him weighed.  It was the coldest day of the year so far, so I packed them into the big carrier (which has held three cats in the past) and covered it with a blanket to keep the wind off them while walking to and from the car.   

the carrier in question
 The vet visit went fine, Ben’s weight is okay and Kip has a probiotic and some new food which will hopefully help him “firm up”.  Our vet is on a busy main street, but I usually park on a residential side street then walk around the corner to the clinic. On the way back to the car the carrier broke!!!!  It just fell open!!! I was left holding the handle as the bottom fell onto the ground!!!  I placed the top half of the carrier back on the bottom, thankfully Ben stayed in the broken carrier sort of cowering at the back but Kip trotted off down somebody’s driveway.  I was very lucky that a man had just pulled up to his house and saw what happened.  He said "go after the black one" and he stayed on the sidewalk and tried to reassemble my carrier with Ben in it.  I managed to dive onto Kip at the bottom of the driveway and was walking back to the car with him when a truck roared up the street and he freaked, wriggling out of my arms, running away again.  At this point the kind stranger helped me put the still broken but slightly put back together carrier containing Ben in the car then I ran down the same very long driveway a second time to find Kip.  


I saw him go into a back garden and I followed him in. I called him and I heard him meow but I couldn't see where he went.  This house had a large deck in the yard, the bottom of which was covered with lattice, I thought he had crawled under the lattice and wondered how I would ever get him out.  I was peering through the lattice calling his name and I heard him meow back to me again but I couldn’t tell from what direction.  Just when I was thinking I would have to slither on my belly through a small opening in the lattice in order to search under the deck I finally figured out where his meows were coming from.  I found him hunkered down under the open framework stairs that led down to a basement door beside the deck.  He was hiding among a pile of leaves, I spoke to him and told him everything would be okay then I pulled him out from under the stairs.  He was shaking in my arms.  Still wriggling, I managed to get him into the Mini on the floor of the front passenger seat and we all went home.  Back in our driveway still inside the car I had to try to repair the carrier, get Kip into the carrier then get both Ben and Kip into the house.  I was able to put it back together and we got inside safely.  I really shudder to think what could have happened if Kip hadn't answered my calls (the really odd thing is that usually Kip is a silent meower; he opens his mouth but nothing comes out).  Not only was it frigid cold yesterday, but by the time I got home it was about 4:30, almost dark, if I hadn’t found Kip when I did it would have been impossible to see him at night.

Ben and Kip both safe at home
Robert came home early because I had called him in a panic while I was looking for Kip; he arrived shortly after I did.  When I saw him I bawled my eyes out...I guess relief is very strong emotion.  I think I was running on full adrenalin and when he got to the house I knew I could crash.  It was a truly awful experience, I thank god, the universe, my lucky stars and whatever other power I can think of that they are both okay!!!

PS – Robert fixed the carrier and attached locking ties to all the hinges and joins so it can NEVER fall open again.


PPS - after dinner Robert and I went back to the house to give our good samaritan a bottle of wine and a little thank you note.

57 comments:

Sparkle said...

I am SO relieved that Ben and Kip made it home all right after that ordeal! I can only imagine how frantic you must have been! I'm just glad that is over and behind you all now.

Andrea and the Celestial Kitties said...

Oh my gosh, I would have totally flipped out! Bawling when the crisis is over is a perfectly natural reaction and one I would have had for hours. I am so so glad you got him back and both of them home safe! Give them extra hugs because my heart is racing just hearing about your ordeal!

Milo and Alfie Marshall said...

The mom speaks:

I held my breath the wole time I read this. I can't imagine who scary that must have been ~ and I'm so relieved you had a happy ening. The man was truly a good samaritan to help and support you ~ the outcome could have been different without him.
The locking ties are a good idea. I often used to worry about the top of the carrier box coming apart from base ~ so I purchased a carrier that was moulded as one piece with just an opening door. I may even put a tie on the dorr after your experience though.
Hope you feel calmer now. xxxxxxxx

Mickey's Musings said...

WOW!!!! That WAS a scary experience!!! I can just imagine the feeling in your stomach when that carrier broke :o I am so happy nothing happened and I would have bawled my eyes out too!!!!!
What a nice thank you for the stranger.
Whew!!!!!!!!

Tama-Chan, Benny, Vidock, Violette, Ollie, Heloise, Momo, Ryu said...

That was an awful experience indeed and the kind stranger was a real hero! Glad you're all safe. Might be an idea to contact the manufacturer of the carrier and give them a piece of your mind!

HH and The Boys said...

So glad to hear that it all turned out okay.. What an ordeal for you... Put your feet up today and just enjoy the felines....

pawhugs, Max

Angel Simba said...

Mom's heart is racing just reading about it, Cat. We are so so glad it all worked out OK. SO good that Kip let you catch him. Note to selves: check connections on all carriers!!

The Meezers or Billy said...

we are very happy that Ben and Kip are alright. Scary indeed! {{HUGS}} to you and many thanks and purrrss for the kind stranger

Hannah and Lucy said...

How scary for you Cat and we are so relieved that you found Kip. The man was a real samaritan - not too many about like him these days. My Lucy is a silent meower too - I think we ought to take them both to voice projection classes!!
Luv Hannah and Lucy xx xx + Sue

Fuzzy Tales said...

OMC! OMC! I would have freaked out...if not then, definitely after. OMC, we're all so glad Kip (and Ben) is safe. Holy crow, what a frightening ordeal for you both.

I'm sure your good Samaritan will appreciate the bottle of wine, but frankly, I'd have needed a few glasses for myself...or a few shots of whiskey.

I'm taking Derry in tomorrow for a dental check-up (he probably needs another cleaning) and will inspect the carrier first!

Marg said...

Oh Cat, I had tears in my eyes just reading this. I bet you almost has a heart attack. Thank heavens for that nice man that stayed with Ben. It just goes to show that there are nice people in the world. I bet those two boys had a good sleep. We are so glad that you have them both home and safe. Yikes. Sure glad that Kip meowed. A couple of mine here don't meow.

Random Felines said...

Geez - I freaked out just reading that - can't imagine being there. THANK HEAVEN for nice people that stop to help!!! I am so glad everyone is OK.....

Cory said...

OMC!!!! How scary!!!! I too held my breath as mom read this to us...so happy Ben and Kip are safe at home.

Mom and dad almost never carry our carriers by the handle...they carry it holding the bottom because they are afraid the handles aren't sturdy enough...and face it...some of my brothers are HUGE so that's a lot of weight on a little handle.

Purrrrs to your mom and dad for taking a bottle of wine to your good samaritan.

Hope Kip is feeling better soon.

Anonymous said...

Pretty scary - glad it worked out well.

I'm not sure how nervous Kip is by nature, but maybe some more exposure to outside without being dropped might make him less likely to run when you are holding him.

A pillowcase is good for carrying a cat without him getting away - maybe one in the car for emergencies like this.

Alex aus dem Gwundergarten said...

Oh, dear! That must have been a great shock for all of you! I'm so happy to read the good end. What a nice man, that he immediately helped you.
Give Kip and Ben a good cuddle from me.
Take care
Alex

PS: Yes, Noah has got some freckles on his little nose :o).

Rene said...

OMG, how scary! Thank God for that helpful man! I am so glad both cats are safe. What a close call.

Fr. Tom Fish said...

Talk about heart-stopping! We're so happy everything turned out okay, but in process, it can be one of the most frightening things to see the unexpected running off of a kitty in a strange and dangerous place. Thank God you had a good samaritan there to help you. I don't even want to think of what might have happened otherwise.

Give Ben & Kip extra hugs for us. I'm sure they were scared, too.

Hope you can relax now and we thank the angels for looking after you all.

Tom, mom Julie & Mittens

Brian's Home Blog said...

Oh how very horrible but we are so thankful it all worked out. Hooray for such good kitties and that wonderful stranger!

CCL Wendy said...

O noes! It's every kitty-mama's worst nightmare!

I'm so happy that it all worked out well in the end, but no wonder you were upset. At least you kept it together long enough to recapture little Kip.

I have worried about the same sort of thing. We were taking Dylan to the vet and had him on a collar and leash (he doesn't tolerate the carrier). He frantically escaped, too, and ran trailing the leash behind him. We didn't see him for two whole days after that and I was worried we'd lost him for good. At least this happened outside the front of our own house, and he returned eventually (sans leash and collar) to the back door.

So, anyway, I know whereof you speak. I'm glad that Robert was able to reinforce the carrier handle so you won't have to go through this again.

The Monkeys said...

Oh, our Mom is just shuddering to think of how terrible that experience must have been!! We are SO happy that both Kip and Ben are home and safe (and that the vet trip went well) and we send purrs to your Mom for that terrible experience!!

My Mind's Eye said...

Cat oh my word I was shaking as I read your post. My cat carrier failing is my biggest nightmare.
The only way I can get Madi in hers is to take the top off then screw it back on.

Bless your heart I don't know how in the world you held it together not once but twice rescuing Kip.
And bless his heart for replying to your calls!!
Thank goodness been stayed put and oh what a wonderful Man to stay there to help you like that. FYI Robert is indeed a KEEPER and so thoughtful to take a thank you the kind man who was your guardian angel.
Oh my gosh that was a horrible horrible experience.
Big hugs to you,
Madi and Mom

Connie - Tails from the Foster Kittens said...

I am so glad you started the story with the almost lost them... so I knew it would turn out OK.

I worked at a vet's office for a short while, and we had a couple of kitties escape via one means or another. one made it into the woods on the other side of the road and was never seen again. Broke my heart to think about it, and broke my heart more to hear the owners would stop by frequently and look for him.

A very good reminder for all of us of what could happen.

Unknown said...

What a awful thing to has happen to yous and Ben and Kip! Me is so happy that it turned out well and that there was a good samaritan for yous!
We sends yous soothing purrs.
Kisses
Nellie

Samantha & Mom said...

Oh my goodness!! What a horrible thing to happen! We are so glad Ben is okay and that you found kip!!
Lots of hugs to you all!!
Your TX furiends,

Oh Ben!! I will be right over to comfort you!!
Love & Hugs,
Clemmie

Avalon's Garden and Mewsings of Garden Cottage Cats said...

Angel here;
Oh Dear, How Awful and Scarey for All of you..... My heart was in my throat just reading this, Thank God Ben froze and stayed put and there was a kind stranger there to help you .... I surely would have been beside myself..... Poor Kip. We are sooooo Glad that this had a good ending and Everyone is Safely home.
I think I would have needed 2 bottles of wine; 1 for me and 1 for the Kind stranger.....::phew::
Yes, Soft Soothing Purrz are in order for All ~ xo xo xo
Hugs ~
Angel

LP said...

WTF!!??? Where was that carrier made Cat?! I would definitely write the company.That is a serious infraction.I hate to think what might have happened if your good samaritan hadn't been in place!I'm sorry you had to experienc that.Truly horrible.I'm glad the boys are home safe and sound :)

Sophie and the critters xoxo

meowmeowmans said...

Oh Cat, that is SO scary! I'm glad that you were able to catch Kip and Ben, and that those nice people were so quick to help you out.

Hugs and purrs from all of us!

Jans Funny Farm said...

that would be a terrifying experience. So glad both kitties (and you) got home safely. That was a nice man who helped you.

I have a fear of those things coming apart.

Miss Kitty said...

WOW!

I could not believe what I was reading. I am just so very glad that they are all back home where it is warm and recovering from their ordeal.

Wishing you all the best for 2012.

Warmest regards,
Ms K and dad

E. Smith said...

I'm so relieved everything worked out!!!

Admiral Hestorb said...

THAT is indeed a NIGHTMARE! A horrible nightmare and may that never ever happen again. I feel for you..and for the cats as well. Thank God it turned out well and thenk God for that good Samaritain. You were kind and wonderful to thank him like that. Hugs to you. I think I'd have had cardiac arrest!

Mom C

Vanillabeanseed said...

Our mom said she couldnt imagine what you went through. She often has dreams where we are loose outside and shes trying to get us, its not a good feeling in a dream, let alone in REAL life like you went through. - Sage n Fizz

Memories of Eric and Flynn said...

OMC!!! That has to be the worst nightmare. Mum's heart sank when she was reading it. we are glad you were able to catch them with no harm coming to them. Thank goodness for the good samaritan.

ANGEL ABBYGRACE said...

We could feel your fear from the entire experience and we are soooooo happy that it did indeed have a happy ending. OH my how awful for all of you. You did have a little angel watching over you helping keep Kip tuned into you.

purrs
>^,,^<
♥Abby♥Boo♥Ping♥Jinx♥Grace♥

Anonymous said...

OMC! The gods were surely watching over you all. So glad Ben kept his cool and that Kip knew to call to you. Blessings to the kind stranger.

Hugs and purrs,

Lizzie & 3 kitties

Cat and DOG Chat With Caren said...

my heart was pounding as I was reading this and I could just feel your terror! OMGGG!!

i don't know how you maintained your composure so well...I cannot think of anything scarier!!!

Thank goodness for that kind man and how kind of you to bring him wine!

Thank goodness Ben and Kip are ok!

((((hugs))))

Clooney said...

Wow, that is one scary experience. Thank God someone was able to help you with Ben and that you were able to find and get Kip with his meow and that you all are okay.

The Island Cats said...

OMC! That must have been such a terrible feeling! We're so glad that Ben stayed in the carrier and that you were able to find Kip. And how nice that the man helped you! Our mom says she would have been hysterical too! She's always afraid the carrier might come apart too and she's always checking the latches to make sure it's secure. Now she thinks she's gonna put ties on it like Robert did to yours.

Quill and Greyson said...

Holy Cod what a horror story!

Oui Oui said...

OMG, we were so scared reading your story. Our hearts were in our throats! Thank Cod, it had a good ending! We were so worried. What a horrid experience for you and the kitties! Thankfully everything is ok.

Cara n Crew said...

you know, that is one of my worst nightmares since my crew are such fraidy cats, literally! I'm so relieved you were able to find Kip and the nice gentleman was there to help! I think I'm going to add a couple of bungees to my carriers to be safe. Whew! so, so, so, SO glad everything was ok for Ben and Kip!

~Cara

The Adventures of Scarlett and Melly said...

Oh my gosh, that must have been terrifying!! I am so glad that everything turned out ok, and thank goodness for that good samaritan!

MTVA said...

Oh how scarey! What a blessed relief that you all got home safe. I like the idea above about bungee cords, I will start using them now, just in case! Big hugs to everyone, and special purrs for the nice man that helped you.

Annuk said...

OMG that was scary, what a nightmare! I'm so glad that everything turned out for the best!!!!!!!!!
And that man who helped you was an angel! In the end... it was a New Year miracle! :)
Hugs to you and your kitties,
Anna

Catherine said...

Oh my goodness! What a scare! I'm glad everything turned out ok. Keep safe kitties!
xo Catherine

Mickey's Musings said...

Purrs Tillie and Georgia,
Tiger,Treasure and JJ
Mom says "Thank You for the B'Day wishes"

Jacqueline said...

We are so relieved everything turned out ok, Cat; I know what your babies mean to you and I'm just so grateful you are all safe and home together...Take care and give those sweeties extra hugs and kisses from all of us!...J, Calle, Halle, Sukki, MC, DC

Cheyenne -Millie said...

That is really scary! I am glad it turned out ok.

KC and the Giggleman Kitties said...

What an experience that must have been.
So many "what ifs", glad none of the bad things happened.
And thanks to your good samaritan, it ended well.
Hug both of those boys and get some rest.
That is every cat owner's worst nightmare.
Love & Purrs,
Mom ML & KC

Daisy said...

OMC, what a skerry thing to happen! I am so relieved that both furbabies are home safe and sound.

Old Kitty said...

Hello! Me and my cat Charlie just came over from the CB and read about your awful - absolutely heart-stopping - experience!

We are so glad for good samaritans and for your quick thinking and action in going after Kip - twice!! We're glad that gorgeous Kip and Ben are now safe and home!

You all deserve extra treats and hugs! Take care
x

Sweet Purrfections said...

How scary. We have a new carrier because mom took one back that the door kept coming loose. We're so glad everyone is okay now.

Truffle and Brulee

Alasandra, The Cats and Dogs said...

Thank Cat for the good Samaritan and we are so happy everyone got home safely. Mommy had that happen to her once with Charybdis but thankfully she was still @ home when it happened. She had to take Scylla & Charybdis to the vet she had Charybdis is the small carrier that zipped to take to the vet and was putting Scylla into the larger carrier when Charybdis unzipped her carrier and escaped. Thank Cat we were at home. Mommy won't use carriers that zip anymore because of that.

John Bellen said...

Thank goodness everything turned out all right. It's a reminder to everyone to make certain of the carriers, leashes, collars and everything else that seems annoying at times - especially to the animals - but keeps them safe nonetheless.

Anonymous said...

OMC!!! YOU POOR THING! I would've been a complete wreck too! So glad it had a happy ending!!! xo

Meadow said...

Holy Cats! I cannot imagine how scared everyone was at that moment. Glad it all worked out!!

Anonymous said...

That's a verry skerry story and we are glad that everyone is OK! Scott says he fears that happening too, especially when he has two carriers.