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This starts the story of Boots...

On a cold afternoon in December, while feeding at one of our feral colonies in the Lake Norman area, I noticed a "newcomer".  Knowing all of the cats in this stabilized, maintained colony, I immediately knew he was not one of our regulars.  And besides, unlike the ferals this guy was friendly and approachable.  In fact, I picked him up and held him like a baby.  Oh boy I thought, 'this is going to be one of the coldest nights of the season so far and this is someone's pet, perhaps not used to being outside.  What to do?  Think, Think!  Where can we put him?'  I headed home without the cat, the wind howling and the temperatures dropping all the while saying to myself, "we really, really need more foster families."  As a last resort I called a fellow rescuer, Jan, who is already up to her ears in kitties.  Before I could tell her the whole story she said, "bring him over." 

  The next morning I returned to the colony and took Boots for a visit to the vet because we couldn't let him be around our other foster cats until he had been tested for feline leukemia and feline aids (FIV). The blood was drawn and we waited the 10 minutes for the results of the tests.  In my years of rescue work, no matter how many times I've "waited", the wait never seems any shorter, nor the anxiety any less.  Finally he was pronounced negative (How sweet the sound!) and was rabies vaccinated.  Then one of my all time favorite vet-techs, Chris, walked in to say hi and to ask if we had "scanned" this kitty.  I looked at the cat, thin but with a face reflecting perseverance and said, "well no.  We didn't."  Chris went to retrieve a scanner and surprise!  He had a micro-chip. One little problem.  We couldn't read the micro-chip number as his was an Avid chip and this office implanted only Home-again chips. 

Not to worry!  Officer Kenny Russell of Cornelius Animal Services to the rescue.  I called and learned that he had a universal scanner and that although he was headed in the opposite direction he would turn around and meet us at North Mecklenburg Animal Hospital.  Officer Russell scanned the cat who had waited patiently.  We had a number! 

Next I contacted Avid via their toll-free number and was disappointed to learn that no person's name was attached to the number.  "You've got to be kidding," I said. I thought a minute and then persistence getting the better of me I asked if she could tell me who had implanted the chip.  "Oh yes," she said, "that would be the Pinellas County Animal Shelter".  At this point I was also given a "lot" number.  Now I'm feeling empowered.  At the Pinellas Shelter, I was put in touch with a nice lady, Sandy, who after patiently listening to my spiel said, "why yes, we do have that particular cat registered here.  He was neutered and adopted at about nine weeks of age on June 7, 2002.  'Oh, this is unbelievable,' I'm thinking, 'we are going to be able to reunite this cat with his family!'  I'm feeling jubilant!  

I called the number provided to me only to learn that there was no one at this number who knew the people I was looking for. Hmmm - Now what do I do?  So I called nationwide directory assistance and asked for a listing for this family anywhere in Florida.  None available.  I again called the Pinellas Shelter to see if they could provide any other additional information.  They gave me the veterinarian's name that was listed on the original adoption paperwork and I called them next and was told the family had not been in since 2002.  We also determined that the cat we were in possession of was probably named Boots.  Okay at least I know the poor kitty's name now.  Let's go see if he responds.  Yep!  We've got Boots.  

What next?  Well I figured, I found him in North Carolina so I'll try NC directory assistance.  I was offered three possibilities.  The first number I tried, I asked if this was Mr. Smith.  He said yes.  Then I asked, "Mr. Smith of Tampa/St. Petersburg, Florida"?  And hesitantly came the reply, yes.  "Well sir", I said, "I believe I may have your cat".  Silence followed then,  "You have got to be kidding"!  Turns out I had the owner. He went on to explain that he and his family in their move from Florida to Camp Le Juene. NC, had stopped in the Betties Ford Rd., Mt. Holly-Huntersville Rd. area to visit family while their quarters were being readied at Camp Le Juene. The cat was put outdoors where he promptly and understandably proceeded to lose his way, as there was nothing familiar around.  This was in July of 2004.  The owner informed me his wife might want the cat back.  She called me that night genuinely concerned about Boot's welfare. Our conversation ended with her agreeing to call me the next morning after making arrangements with her mother-in-law who would collect Boots and transport him to the halfway point where she would then pick him up.

 The next two mornings came and went with no phone call and then on New Year's Eve I finally got a phone call from Mr. Smith saying his wife was afraid to call me because they could not take Boots back.  You see they had already replaced him with a new kitten for their daughter at Christmas and they couldn't have any more animals on base. This is pretty much where the story ends with me promising to find a good home for Boots.  

 Well, Boots has adapted to life indoors and seems to be quite content.  He now appreciates giving his boots a rest in his new home with a family that cares for him.  It can be said that Boots is one lucky cat!!