Gus is home!!! Absolutely FILTHY, starving and visibly shaken up, but otherwise ok! My best friend from college had the day off and without my asking her to decided to go looking for him. She lived with me when we first found him, so she was almost as upset as me when he was gone. She found him hiding under my neighbors grill and held him in her car until I could get home from work. Longest 10 minute drive EVER! We think he must have come home and then found a hiding spot when he didn't see me. I'll never be able to thank her enough. He is a mess, but he seems ok. I checked him for ticks and I don't think he's got any. I'll be running him over to the vet tonight just to make sure he's ok, but I think he's fine. Just a little scared. I didn't know whether to hug him or kick his dumb butt but eventually decided on the hugging. Sadie was so happy to see him she didn't even eat anything. Gus on the other hand, wanted to eat everything. Sadie just couldn't stop kissing him and jumping around. Maggie was a little more standoffish. Not sure what that's about, but I'm sure she'll come around. Maybe he smells different or something. She could be mad at him I guess.
He's getting a bath tonight too, so I'll make sure and take before and after pics. You won't believe the difference! He's so dirty, I almost didn't recognize him. Had to check for his scar from his surgery just to be sure. His belly is normally all white, but it looks grayish brown with all the mud. But it's definitely him. I'm SO relieved. I didn't know what I was going to do without him. Thank you all for your prayers. It really worked. I am so grateful that he's home safe and sound. This was a good lesson for me that even indoor kitties need collars with ID. Maggie's got hers and Gus is getting his tonight.
I'm so happy I'm shaking! My boy is home! That was the longest 40 hours I have ever spent!
