The cat

Ad placed, out for the night

The best solution is to find Goose a good long term home. I know there is one but I think finding it is going to be more difficult than I thought.

Last night a put an ad on Craigslist. If you're not familiar with it, Craigslist is an online free ad site that's been around for a long time. I've used it in the past for furniture and computers and had good results.

The first ad posted said, "Free to good home" under the pet classification. It was quickly banned for violating Craigslist's terms. The objection is that free pets can be taken by brokers who sell them for research or other nefarious uses. If you use the term 're-home' and ask a nominal fee then it's OK. I did that and it was accepted. No interest yet.

Yesterday Goose spent the afternoon and evening indoors with me. I thought it best to start separating ourselves and wanted her to stay out for the night. I fixed a bowl and put it outside. She just stood at the threshold, looked around and walked back in. "I think I'll just stay inside, thanks."

I didn't like doing it but I picked her up, went outside and closed the door. A feral cat that has been around lately came by, they don't fight but aren't friendly either. Twice now I've seen them get face to face, check each other out for a few seconds then other cat hisses. Goose doesn't react and the feral cat backs off - some kind of conversation but I don't speak Spanish cat. Maybe there's a Babbel for that.

Of course the other cat wanted Goose's food so I stayed out, love the warm nights, and Goose ate in peace. Goose never finishes a bowl so I'm sure the feral cat ate later. Goose stayed out all night.

This morning she was at the door, came in while I fixed her bowl and ran to the door as carried it out. Goose was perfectly happy to go back outside.

If she's happy with this arrangement we can keep it up as long as it lasts.

My fear is that one of these times Goose won't be there and I'll never know what happened.