The Good, The Bad, and The Gussy
Thanks to all for the purrs and prayers for us Texans.
We’ve had one heck of a week!
The good for us was that we had power, water and no busted pipes!
Cat Mom was able to see some bluebirds for the first time in decades.
Cat Dad has a 4 wheel drive and was able to make trips
to the grocery stores for neighbors who needed supplies,
he was even able to track down some milk for the toddler next door.
The bad was that so many folks and animals suffered.
We had friends and coworkers with no power or water for days,
some with busted pipes that made their homes unliveable.
There was an internet outage at our house for a couple of days
until that service provider got power back.
And our feral Tom Gus was missing the first day of the freeze and storm.
We have a warmed shelter for him as well as food and water,
but he was missing.
On the second day, there was Gus at the door and
instead of putting a bowl of food out for him,
Cat Dad opened the door and invited him in
– and he came right in!
He did soft head bumps to Ozzie and a few others
then settled down to his dinner and fell asleep.
It is a risk bringing a feral Tom inside
but keep in mind that we’ve been
caretaking this old boy for almost 20 years.
We’ve tended his wounds, fed him meds and he does allow petting.
He has brought every wife of his as well as her kits
to our place for food and safety.
One time, we watched him help Miss Harriet carry her kittens
across the street and over the fence into our backyard.
He has also helped abandoned cats, male and female,
find food and safety in our backyard.
This Tom has a heart of gold, no doubt in my mind.
I know that he was building a clowder
and I felt so bad that we kept trapping and taking away his family.
So now he will retire inside with the beautiful clowder he created.
Has everything been calm and loving – Heck no!
There have been some whappy paws over territory and dominance,
but no blood has been drawn.
It will take time,
but we’re sure this old boy will settle in and be a part of the household.
Thanks again for sending the Power Of The Paw to Texas,
it sure made a difference to our family.
24 Comments
Eugenia
It’s good to know you and your family are safe. Also, you are a good person to take in Gus. I hope it works out that Gus can remain as part of the family. Take care and stay safe.
messymimi
Such a good ending to this story, or maybe a new beginning.
meowmeowmans
We’re so glad you guys are safe, and that you did not lose power or water, and did not have any busted pipes. Thank you so much for helping your neighbors in their time of need. That is so wonderful!
And we love that Gus is retiring inside with you now! He looks amazing for being 20 years old. Oh, and he looks happy, too. 🙂
Hugs!
Gidget Blue Sky
we r glad yoo r safe and warm and Gus iz in da houze
greg-in-washington
Glad to hear you are pretty lucky and have the necessities. Good old Gus–what a guy!
Leah
So glad to know y’all are okay, I have worried about everyone in Texas! How wonderful that Gus has now decided to live indoors!
Zoolatry
Wishing Gus the good life he so much deserves now … and safety to all others.
Brian Frum
We are glad you all were okay during the mess and we’re thrilled to see dear Gus so happy in retirement!
Athena and Marie
That’s really sad for those animals and humans affected. Glad you’re OK xx
Timmy Tomcat
We are all thinking of all of our friends in Texas. Gus you are a special fellow and we love you buddy
Melissa & Mudpie
Gus’s story brought tears to my eyes! I’m so glad to hear he’s made the move inside with such a wonderful family…yours!
Tom Fishworthy
We are so, so happy things beginning to turn around for you all there in Texas! Here in Maine, it’s the kind of stuff we dread every winter, but in climates where it hardly ever happens, it’s really tough and so many good folks like yourselves have come through and helped each other. Bravo!! Now…Gus..what a great little guy..20 years, wow, he’s been there all this time and knows how much you care. He’s inside now and his really good life is just beginning. I was a stray, so were the Toms before me and I know how lucky, truly lucky we’ve all been! Purrs!!!! ~ Tom, Bridget & Penny xoxo
The Swiss Cats
We’re so glad Gus trust you and was ready to come in ! Happy retirement with your wonderful family, Gus ! Purrs
Meezer'sMews&TerrieristicalWoofs
Gus, you are so special, you are now living the good life indeed, and we are happy for you.
Your (new) peeps sure were a blessing to your neighbors!
It is always heartwarming to read and know of those who are ready, willing and able to help others in need.
The Dash Kitten Crew
TOTALLY EPIC. WELCOME HOME GUS!! Enjoy your retirement inside!
The Florida Furkids
Welcome home Gus! Your story made us have (happy) leaky eyes.
The Florida Furkids
Lola The Rescued Cat
This just made our day, and brought happy tears to all of our eyes. Welcome home, Gus! You are a lucky guy.
Mary McNeil
Good for all of you – especially Gus !
Ellen Pilch
I am so happy for Gus. You are such kind people. XO
A ShutterBug Explores
So glad you are okay ~ so sad what is happening in Texas ~ had no idea you lived in Texas ~ be safe, be well and glad Gus is safe and cozy and hope he will stay in ~ What a loving family you have ~ thank you for being you ~ Xox
Living moment by moment,
A ShutterBug Explores,
aka (A Creative Harbor)
BellaDharma an LadyMew
HUURAH HURRAH!!!
Catscue Meowmy an PawPaw yore THE bestest peepell efurr!!
Wellcome inndoorss Gus you hansum man cat you!
Iss hee reelly like 20 yeerss old??? Hee lookss as young as mee…..
Wee seen so much devvystation inn Texas an purrayed fore peepell there….wee did not know youss’ are there….butt wee due now an wee keep purrayin.
Take care an pleese stay safe OKay???
***purrss*** BellaDharma an <3 LadyMew
Marv, Jo Jo, Kozmo, Cinnamon & Barb
We are happy to see there is a silver lining to your horrible weather. Gus knows where he is safe and cared for and makes sure that his people are too! He is a handsome looking boy for an old Tom! And kudos to helping out your neighbors! I know I sure appreciate mine! You guys are AWESOME! We hope you have a marvellously Happy Day!
Valentine
I bet Gus is relieved that you opened your door to him so he doesn’t have to be out in the freezing cold any longer. Now he can get good night sleeps and not have to worry so much. Thanks for being such kind humans.
Caren
oh my I didn’t realize you are in Texas! thank goodness your pipes didn’t burst! I play SongPop with a guy from Texas and he said his pipes burst under his house, they had no power for 3 days. He said he used his fireplace for heat. Thank goodness you are all safe!